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Tris(pyrazolyl)methane (tpm), 2,2,2-tris(pyrazolyl)ethanol (tpmOH) and its esterification derivatives with ibuprofen and flurbiprofen (tpmIBU and tpmFLU) were used as ligands to obtain complexes of the type [Fe(tpmX)2]Cl2 (1–4). The tpmIBU and tpmFLU ligands and corresponding complexes 3 and 4 were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of tpmIBU was elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1–4 were also assessed for their behaviour in aqueous media (solubility in D2O, octanol/water partition coefficient, stability in physiological-like conditions). The antiproliferative activity of ligands and complexes was determined on A2780, A2780cis and A549 cancer cell lines and the non-cancerous HEK 293T and BJ cell lines. The ligands and complexes were investigated for their ability to inhibit COX-2 (cyclooxygenase) and HNE (4-hydroxynonenal) enzymes. Complexes 3 and 4 exhibited cytotoxicity that may be attributed predominantly to their bioactive fragments, while DNA binding and enhancement of ROS production do not appear to play any significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), the choice of the metal precursor plays a key role because of the influence that it can exert on the crystallization kinetics. The present work explores the use of metal-carbamato complexes for the synthesis of benchmark MOFs, namely HKUST-1 and UiO-66. Cu2(O2CNEt2)4·2NHEt2 and Zr(O2CNEt2)4, prepared using straightforward CO2 fixation reactions starting from the corresponding metal chlorides and diethylamine, were employed as metal precursors for MOF formation. The synthesis conditions, including the solvent, temperature, and ligand protonation degree, were systematically investigated, revealing metal carbamates as highly reactive precursors due to their prompt release of CO2 and amine upon reaction with protic species, i.e., the polycarboxylic linkers. This property of metal carbamates allowed us to identify room temperature protocols to achieve MOFs with comparable properties to those obtained using traditional metal precursors. Subsequent optimization of the reaction conditions led to the design of a one-pot synthetic strategy for HKUST-1, starting directly from copper(II) chloride and diethylamine under a CO2 atmosphere. The MOFs were characterized using various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption analysis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and CHN elemental analysis, and compared to reference samples prepared according to literature procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new synthetic strategy for obtaining mixed-valence triiron complexes where the metal centers are bridged by a novel, highly functionalized hydrocarbyl ligand. The alkynyl–vinyliminium complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(X–C≡CH)CHCNMe2}]CF3SO3 (X = 4-C6H4, [2a1]CF3SO3; X = (CH2)3, [2a2]CF3SO3) were synthesized in almost quantitative yields from the aminocarbyne precursor [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ-CNMe2}]CF3SO3, [1a]CF3SO3, and the di-alkynes HC≡C–X–C≡CH. Then, the ferracycle [Fe(Cp)(CO){C(NMe2)CH＝C(4-C6H4C≡CH)C(O)}], 4a1, was produced in 47% yield from the cleavage of [2a1]CF3SO3 promoted by pyrrolidine. Subsequent reactions of the acetonitrile adducts [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO)(NCMe){μ-CNMe(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, [1aACN]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [1bACN]CF3SO3) ([FeIFeI]) with 4a1 ([FeII]) at room temperature resulted in the formation of [FeIFeIFeII] complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(X–C＝CHC(NMe2)＝FeCp(CO)C＝O)CHCNMe(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Me, [5a1]CF3SO3; R = Xyl, [5b1]CF3SO3) in yields ranging from 56% to 64%. The new products were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of [2a2]CF3SO3 and 4a1 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical studies on [5a1]+ have revealed that reduction and oxidation events occur almost independently at the [FeIFeI] and [FeII] units, respectively. This observation underscores a minimal electronic interaction between the two fragments within the triiron complex. Accordingly, DFT studies pointed out that the HOMO and LUMO orbitals are predominantly localized in the two distinct compartments of [5a1]+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel diiron vinyliminium complexes, [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(R3)＝CHC＝NMe(R2)}]CF3SO3 (2a–f; R2 = 4-C6H4OMe, Cy or Me; R3 = Cy, CH2Cy or 4-C6H4OMe; Cy = cyclohexyl, Cp = η5-C5H5), were synthesized by alkyne insertion reaction from the corresponding diiron aminocarbyne precursors, and isolated in 53–98% yields. The reactions of selected vinyliminium complexes with N2CHCO2Et and MeONa, followed by N-methylation, afforded the new hydrazone-vinyliminium [Fe2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(R3)C(NMeN＝CHCO2Et)CN(R1)(R2)}]X (4a–c; R1 = Me or CH2Ph; R2 = Cy, CH2Ph or Me; R3 = 4-C6H4OMe or Ph; X = NO3 or CF3SO3), in 53–67% yields. Compounds 2a–f and 4a–c were fully characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of 2a–c were ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Moreover, D2O solubility, Log Pow coefficients and the fraction of each complex preserved in aqueous media after 72 hours at 37 °C were determined by 1H NMR and UV-Vis methods. The antiproliferative activity of 2a–f and 4a–c was measured on the mouse colon CT26 and human glioblastoma U87 cancer cell lines, and on the retinal pigment epithelial RPE-1 non-cancerous cell line. Complexes 2a,d,e, which all bear R3 = Cy, stand out for their performance and their selectivity towards cancer cells. To give insight into the mechanism of action, the effect of 2a, 2d, 2e, 2f, 4b and 4c on the mitochondrial respiration was evaluated in CT26 cells (Seahorse Mito stress test), revealing a correlation between the effectiveness of the complexes and their influence on the mitochondrial metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison with RuII-arene compounds, the medicinal potential of homologous RuII-tpm compounds [tpm = tris(pyrazolyl)methane] is underexplored. Pyridine, 4-pyridinemethanol and four functionalized pyridines, synthesized from the esterification of 4-pyridinemethanol with bioactive carboxylic acids (i.e., ethacrynic acid, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen), react with the precursor [RuCl(κ3-tpm)(PPh3)2]Cl (1) to afford [RuCl(κ3-tpm)(PPh3)(L)]Cl (2–7, L = pyridine ligand), in 78–91% yields. All products were fully characterized by HR-ESI mass spectrometry, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and the solid-state structures of two of the complexes, i.e. where L = pyridine and 4-pyridinemethanol, were ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The {Ru-tpm-PPh3} assembly is stable in D2O and in biological medium (DMEM) at 37 °C, with a tendency to slowly dissociate the pyridine ligand. The antiproliferative activity of the complexes was assessed on the cancerous A2780 and A2780cisR cell lines, and the nontumoral HEK 293T cell line; moreover inhibition assays were carried out on the complexes towards COX-2 and GSTP1 enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimetallic complexes are suitable platforms for the assembly of small molecular units, and the reactivity of bridging alkenyl ligands has been widely investigated to model C–C bond forming processes. Here, we report the unusual coupling of an alkenyl ligand, bridging coordinated on a diruthenium scaffold, with a series of alkynes, revealing two possible outcomes. The diruthenium complex [Ru2Cp2(Cl)(CO)(μ-CO){μ–η1:η2-C(Ph)＝CH(Ph)}], 2, was prepared in two steps from [Ru2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ–η1:η2-C(Ph)＝CH(Ph)}]BF4, [1]BF4, in 69% yield. Then, the reaction of 2 with C2(CO2Me)2, promoted by AgCF3SO3 in dichloromethane, afforded in 51% yield the complex [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ–η3:η2-C(Ph)CH(Ph)C(CO2Me)C(CO2Me)}]CF3SO3, [3]CF3SO3, containing a ruthenacyclopentene-based hydrocarbyl ligand. On the other hand, 2 reacted with other alkynes and AgX salts to give the butadienyl complexes [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ–η3:η2-C(R)CH(R′)C(Ph)C(Ph)}]X (R = R′ = H, [4]BF4; R = R′ = Me, [5]CF3SO3; R = R′ = Ph, [6]CF3SO3; R = Ph, R′ = H, [7]CF3SO3), in 42–56% yields. All products were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, and by single crystal X-ray diffraction in the cases of 2, [3]CF3SO3 and [6]BF4. DFT calculations highlighted the higher stability of [4–7]+-like structures with respect to the corresponding [3]+-like isomers. It is presumable that [3]+-like isomers initially form as kinetic intermediates, then undergo H-migration which is disfavoured in the presence of carboxylato substituents on the alkyne. Such hypothesis was supported by the computational optimization of the transition states for H-migration in the cases of R = R′ = H and R = R′ = CO2Me. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrazones and their metal derivatives are very important compounds in medicinal chemistry due to their reported variety of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer action. Five hydrazone-pyrazolone ligands H2Ln (n = 1–5) were prepared and fully characterized and their tautomerism was investigated in the solid state and solution. Five zinc(II) complexes 1–5 of composition [Zn(HLn)2] (n = 1 and 2), [Zn(HLn)2(H2O)2] (n = 3 and 5) and [Zn(HL4)2]n were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 19F, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. In addition, the structures of two ligands and three complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The ligands H2L2 and H2L4 exist both in the NH,NH tautomeric form. Complexes 1 and 2 are mononuclear compounds, while complex 4 is a one-dimensional coordination compound. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out on proligands, their anions and all zinc complexes, confirming the experimental results, supporting IR and NMR assignments and giving proofs of the mononuclear diaqua structure of complexes 3 and 5. The antibacterial activity of the free ligands and the Zn(II) complexes was established against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and a strong efficiency has been found for Zn(II) complexes, particularly for the polynuclear 4 and the mononuclear diaqua complex 5, the latter containing a ligand with aliphatic and fluorinated substituents able to compromise the permeability of and disrupt the bacterial cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently reported a series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes with curcuminoid ligands showing excellent cytotoxic activities (particularly ionic derivatives containing PTA (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane). In the present study, new members of this family of compounds have been prepared with the objective to investigate the effect of a long hydrophobic chain obtained by replacing the OH-groups, present in curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, with the palmitic acid ester. We report the synthesis of ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) p-cymene derivatives containing palmitic acid curcumin ester ligands ((1E,3Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-5-oxohepta-1,3,6-triene-1,7-diyl)bis(2-methoxy-4,1-phenylene)dipalmitate (p-curcH) and ((1E,3Z,6E)-3-hydroxy-5-oxohepta-1,3,6-triene-1,7-diyl)bis(4,1-phenylene)dipalmitate (p-bdcurcH). Complexes [M(II)(cym)(p-curc)/(p-bdcurc)(Cl)] 1–4 (M = Ru or Os) are neutral, whereas [M(II)(cym)(p-curc)/(p-bdcurc)(PTA)][SO3CF3] 5–8 are salts obtained when the chloride ligand is replaced by the PTA ligand. Stability studies performed on 1–8 in DMSO-PBS under physiological conditions (pH = 7.4) indicate that the complexes remain intact. The complexes exhibit potent and selective cytotoxic activity against an ovarian carcinoma cell line and its cisplatin-resistant form (A2780 and A2780cis), and non-cancerous human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. To define the structure–activity relationships (SAR), the compounds have been compared with other Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes with curcuminoid ligands previously reported. SAR data reveal that the bisdemethoxycurcumin complexes are generally more active and selective than analogous curcumin-containing complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room temperature reactions with internal alkynes, RC≡CR, of the μ-allenyl acetonitrile complex [Ru2Cp2(CO)2(NCMe){μ–η1:η2-C1H＝C2＝C3Me2}]BF4 (1-NCMe), freshly prepared from the tricarbonyl precursor [Ru2Cp2(CO)3{μ–η1:η2-C1H＝C2＝C3Me2}]BF4, 1, proceeded with alkyne insertion into ruthenium-allenyl bond and allenyl-CO coupling, affording compounds [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ–η2:η5-C(R)C(R)C1HC2(C3Me＝CH2)C(OH)}]BF4 (R = Ph, 2; R = CO2Me, 3; R = CO2Et, 4) in 83–94% yields. Deprotonation of 2–4 by triethylamine gave [Ru2Cp2(CO)2{μ–η2:η5-C(R)C(R)CHC(CMe＝CH2)C(O)}] (R = Ph, 5; R = CO2Me, 6; R = CO2Et, 7) in 75–88% yields, and 2–4 could be recovered upon HBF4·Et2O addition to 5–7. All the products, 2–7, were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The structure of 2 was ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction and investigated by DFT calculations, revealing a six-membered ruthenacycle with Shannon aromaticity index in line with related compounds. The formation of ruthenium-coordinated ruthenabenzenes from a preexistent diruthenium scaffold is a versatile but underdeveloped approach exploiting cooperative effects typical of a dimetallic core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of the dimeric complexes [RuX2(η6-p-cymene)]2 (X = Br, I, SCN) with L -proline (ProH) and trans-4-hydroxy- L -proline (HypH), in methanol in the presence of NaOH, afforded [RuX(κ2N,O-Pro)(η6-p-cymene)] (X = Br, 1b; I, 1c; SCN, 1d) and [RuX(κ2N,O-Hyp)(η6-p-cymene)] (X = Br, 2b; I, 2c; SCN, 2d), respectively. Alternatively, the one-pot, sequential addition of the appropriate α-amino carboxylate and X− salt to [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)]2 led to [RuX(κ2N,O-Pro)(η6-p-cymene)] (X = N3, 1e; NO2, 1f; CN 1g) and [Ru(N3)(κ2N,O-Hyp)(η6-p-cymene)] (2e). Complexes [Ru(κ3N,O,O′-O2CCH(NH2)(R)O)(η6-p-cymene)] (R = CH2, 3h; R = CHMe, 4h; R = CH2CH2, 5h) were prepared from the reaction of [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)]2 with the appropriate α-amino acid and NaOH in refluxing isopropanol. Treatment of the L -serine (SerH2) derivative [RuCl(κ2N,O-SerH)(η6-p-cymene)] (3a) with 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) in water at reflux produced [Ru(κ2N,O-Ser)(κP-PTA)(η6-p-cymene)]Cl ([3i]Cl). The products were isolated in good to excellent yields, and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The structures of 1f and 2b–e were ascertained by X-ray diffraction studies. The behaviour of the complexes in water and cell culture medium was investigated by multinuclear NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, revealing a considerable influence of the monodentate ligand on the aqueous chemistry. Complexes 1d–e, 2d–e, 3h, 4h and [3i]Cl, showing substantial inertness in aqueous media, were assessed for their cytotoxicity towards A2780 and A2780cisR cancer cell lines and the noncancerous HEK 293T cell line. A selection of compounds was also investigated for Ru uptake in A2780 cells and interactions with cytochrome c as a model protein. Combined, these studies provide insights into the previously debated role of the 'leaving' ligand on the biological activity of Ru(II) arene α-amino acid complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic potential of a large series of easily available metal carbamates (based on thirteen different non-precious metal elements) was explored for the first time in the coupling reaction between 2-aryl-aziridines and carbon dioxide, working under solventless and ambient conditions and using tetraalkylammonium halides as co-catalysts. The straightforward synthesis of novel [NbCl3(O2CNEt2)2], NbCl, and [NbBr3(O2CNEt2)2], NbBr, is reported. The niobium complex NbCl, in combination with NBu4I, emerged as the best catalyst of the overall series to convert aziridines with small N-alkyl substituents into the corresponding 5-aryl-oxazolidin-2-ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal post-synthetic modifications (PSMs) of Lanthanide Organic Frameworks (LOFs) {[Ln2(H2L)3(DMF)4]·2DMF}n (Ln = Gd, 1 and Eu, 2; H4L = 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid; DMF = dimethylformamide), carried out by treatment with (a) chloroform or (b) an imidazole solution in chloroform, yielded respectively isostructural {[Ln2(H2L)3(DMF)4]·CHCl3}n (Ln = Gd, 3; Eu, 4) or {[Ln2(H2L)3(Im)4][Ln2(H2L)3(Im)2(H2O)2]·6Im·2CHCl3}n (Ln = Gd, 5; Eu, 6). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 5 showed two different regularly alternating dimeric units in the LOF and two regularly alternating cavities with different guest molecules. All compounds revert to the parent LOF, 1 or 2, when treated with DMF at 90 °C for 8 h. Europium-LOFs (2, 4 and 6) showed a faint red emission that progressively gained intensity upon cooling from RT to liquid nitrogen temperature. This behaviour was exploited to develop a family of luminescent thermometers whose characteristics were affected by the structural and coordinative modifications induced by PSMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mononuclear Ru(II) complexes, i.e. [RuCl(κ3N-terpy)(κ2N-dpp)]PF6 ([1]PF6; terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine; dpp = 2,3-bis(2′-pyridyl-pyrazine) and [RuCl(κ3N-tpm)(κ2N-dpp)]Cl ([2]Cl; tpm = tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane), and one dinuclear complex, i.e. [Ru2Cl(κ3N-tpm)(μ-κ2N:κ2N-dpp)Ru(κ2N-bpy)2][PF6]3 ([3][PF6]3; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and their water oxidation catalytic properties have been investigated. A combined DFT and experimental (35Cl NMR and conductivity measurements) study aimed to elucidate the nature of [1]+ and [2]+ in aqueous solution has also been performed, indicating that one water molecule is allowed to enter the first coordination sphere of [2]+ in the ground state, replacing one tpm nitrogen. Conversely, in the case of [1]+, water coordination, assumed to be needed for the water oxidation process, presumably occurs following the oxidation of the metal. For all complexes, a catalytic wave has been detected in acetonitrile/water 1 : 1 (v/v) solution in the range 1.4–1.7 V vs. SCE. In all cases, water oxidation (investigated at pH < 8) takes place initially via a proton-coupled two-electron, two-proton process with the formation of an Ru(IV)＝O moiety, followed by one electron oxidation and water nucleophilic attack. The TON and TOF values (within the range of 16–33 and 1.3–2.2 h−1, respectively) of the complexes are higher than those of the benchmark [Ru(LLL)(LL)(OH2)]2+-type species (LLL and LL are tridentate and bidentate polypyridine ligands, respectively), which is [Ru(terpy)(bpm)(OH2)]2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triphenylacetic acid underwent unusual decarbonylation when allowed to react with a series of halides of group 4–6 metals in their highest oxidation state, in dichloromethane at ambient temperature. Thus, the reaction of CPh3COOH with MoCl5, in 1 : 1 molar ratio, afforded the trityl salt [CPh3][MoOCl4], 1, in 79% yield, while the 1 : 2 reaction of CPh3COOH with NbF5 afforded [CPh3][NbF6], 2, in 70% yield, NbOF3 being the metal co-product. CPh3COOH reacted with NbCl5, TiF4 and WOCl4 to give mixtures of compounds, however the cation [CPh3]+ was NMR identified in each case. [CPh3][NbCl6], 3, was isolated from NbCl5 and CPh3COCl, prior to being generated from CPh3COOH and PCl5. The reaction of CPh3COOH with TiCl4 was non-selective, and the salt [CPh3][Ti2Cl8(μ-κ2-O2CCPh3)], 4, was obtained in 18% yield. The decarbonylation reactions of CMePh2COCl and CMe2PhCOCl by means of NbCl5 led to the indanes 5a–b, which were isolated in 79–97% yields after hydrolysis of the mixtures and subsequent alumina filtration of the organic phases. The reactions of CH(Ph)2COOH with NbCl5 and WCl6 afforded NbCl4(OOCCHPh2), 6, and CHPh2COCl, respectively, as the prevalent species. CPh2(CH2CH2Br)COOH did not undergo CO release when allowed to interact with WCl6, instead selective intramolecular condensation to C(Ph)2C(=O)OCH2CH2, 7, occurred. MeC≡CCOOH underwent hydrochlorination by WCl6 to give MeC(Cl)=CHCOOH, 8, in 72% yield. All the products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the solid state structures of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 were elucidated by X-ray diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification of chemical processes according to the motto “faster, simpler, greener” is among the main concerns nowadays. One of the ways of intensification is the application of synergistic catalytic effects when the overall efficiency of a composite catalyst is much higher than the sum of the component activities. Here, we report on the preparation of synergistic catalytic materials by a simple and straightforward ball milling procedure. Oxidation of benzoin was selected as a model reaction to demonstrate the viability of the concept. For the V2O5–TiO2 (95 : 5) composite material, the synergistic effect is triggered by low power microwave irradiation with more than a tenfold jump in the catalytic activity in comparison to the activities of the individual components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unprecedented mode of reactivity of carboxylic acids. A series of tertiary carboxylic acids, containing at least one phenyl α-substituent, undergo loss of carbon monoxide at room temperature (295 K), by a one pot reaction with 0.5–1 molar equivalents of WCl6 in dichloromethane. A plausible mechanism for the Ph3CCO2H/WCl6 reaction, leading to [CPh3][WOCl5] and Ph3CCl, is proposed on the basis of DFT calculations. The analogous reactions involving CEt(Ph)2CO2H, CMe(Ph)2CO2H and CMe2(Ph)CO2H selectively afforded stable hydrocarbons (alkene or indene, depending on the case), apparently resulting from the rearrangement of elusive tertiary carbocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (AcmH2) reacted with [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl(μ-Cl)]2 to afford [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl2(κN-AcmH2)], 1A, in near-quantitative yield. In methanol, 1A exists in equilibrium with 1B, being probably a coordination isomer, as established by VT 1H-EXSY NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations pointed to a higher stability of 1A with respect to 1B. [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl(κ2N,N′-AcmH)], 2, was obtained in 86% yield from [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl(μ-Cl)]2 and AcmH2 in the presence of NaOH. The reactions of 2 with AgNO3 (in water), pta/AgNO3 or pta/AgOTf/Et3N (in methanol) afforded the nitrate-coordinated complex [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(κO-NO3)(κ2N,N′-AcmH)], 3, the salt [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(κ2N,N′-AcmH)(κP-pta)]NO3, [4]NO3, and the zwitterion [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(κ2N,N′-Acm)(κP-pta)], 5, respectively, in high yields (pta = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1]decane). The reactions of 5 with Brønsted acids yielded the protonated-pta species [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(κ2N,N′-Acm)(κP-ptaH)]X [6]X (X = NO3, TsO). All compounds were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods, and the structures of 1A, 2 and 5 were elucidated by X-ray diffraction. The stability of the compounds was investigated in aqueous media and 2 and 5 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity towards human ovarian A2780 and A2780cisR cancer cells and non-tumorigenic HEK-293 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotopic divergent ligand N-oxide-4,4′-bipyridine (bipyMO) has been herein exploited for the preparation of hetero-bimetallic coordination polymers where Ln(hfac)3 and M(hfac)2 nodes regularly alternate (Hhfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione), bipyMO being able to selectively use its two potential coordination sites to discriminate the metal ions. The synthesis of three coordination polymers, [Ln(hfac)3M(hfac)2(bipyMO)2]n (Ln = Eu, M = Zn, 1; Ln = Eu, M = Cu, 2, Ln = Dy, M = Co, 3), was carried out by reacting the appropriate [M(hfac)2(bipyMO)]n and [Ln(hfac)3] precursors in toluene in the presence of a given stoichiometric amount of bipyMO. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and FTIR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies carried out on 2 showed that it was formed by chains containing the hexa-coordinated 3d metal (Cu(hfac)2[N]2) and the octa-coordinated lanthanide (Eu(hfac)3[O]2) nodes, where [N] and [O] stand for the donor atom of the bridging divergent ligand. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the three compounds and the comparison of their cell constant values allowed establishing that the derivatives were isotypic. Photoluminescence (PL) studies on microcrystalline sample powders evidenced a bright red emission for 1 with an absolute PL quantum yield of 0.24. The sensitized emission of Eu3+ can be excited in a wide wavelength range, from UV to visible, up to ≈450 nm. Conversely, europium emissions are not detectable in 2 due to the presence of Cu(hfac)2(bipyMO) moieties whose strong absorption overlaps Eu3+ transitions. Magnetic measurements conducted on 3 revealed the presence of a weak ferromagnetic interaction below 2.1 K. An ac susceptibility study highlighted a slow relaxation of the magnetization of 3 with an applied static magnetic field of 0.1 T, which could be equally fitted with a Orbach-direct or a Raman-direct mechanism. No relaxation dynamics was detected without the application of a static magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncommon examples of coordination compounds of high valent transition metals with α-diimines were obtained and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and/or DFT analysis. The 1 : 1 molar reactions of NbF5 with a selection of α-diimines afforded the ionic compounds [NbF4(DADR)2][NbF6] (DADR = DADDip, 1a; DADXyl, 1b; DADMes, 1c) in 80–90% yields. The addition of DADDip to NbOCl3 gave NbOCl3(DADDip), 7 (62% yield). [MBr4(DADDip)][MBr6] (M = Nb, 7a; M = Ta, 7b) were afforded in moderate yields from MBr5 and DADDip. The reactions of NbCl5 with DADDip and DADXyl proceeded with non-selective activation of the organic substrate affording complex mixtures of products, including the quinoxalinium salt [{2,6-C6H3(CHMe2)2}N(CH)2NCC(CHMe2)(CH)3C][NbCl6], 2, the Nb(iv) coordination complex NbCl4(DADDip), 3, the N-(monoprotonated) α-diimine salts [DADDip(H)][MCl6], 4a–b, and the iminomethyl-imidazolium [(2,6-C6H3Me2)NCHCHN(2,6-C6H3Me2)CCHN(2,6-C6H3Me2)][NbCl6], 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of neutral ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes, [(arene)Ru(QR)Cl] (arene = p-cymene or hexamethylbenzene), containing 4-acyl-5-pyrazolonate (QR) ligands with aromatic substituents in the acyl moiety (a phenyl in QPh and a 1-naphthyl in Qnaph) and related ionic complexes [(arene)Ru(QR)(PTA)][PF6] (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and ESI mass spectrometry. The structures of five of these compounds were also determined by X-ray crystallography. DFT studies have been performed on all complexes and, in the case of two cationic [(arene)Ru(Qnaph)(PTA)][PF6], the existence of two conformers with a different relative orientation of the naphthyl group in the Qnaph ligand has been assessed, showing that they possess similar energies, in agreement with the experimentally observed NMR spectra in solution. The cytotoxicity of the 4-acyl-5-pyrazolonate proligands (HQR) and complexes was evaluated in vitro against human ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780 and A2780cisR) and non-tumorous human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. In general, each complex is about equally cytotoxic to all three cell lines and the PTA derivatives with the naphthyl-modified QR ligands are the most active of the series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidoperoxido–molybdenum(vi) complexes containing acylpyrazolonate ligands were obtained by reaction of [Mo(O)(O)2(H2O)n] with the corresponding acylpyrazolone compounds HQR. Complexes Ph4P[Mo(O)(O2)2(QR)] (R = neopentyl, 1; perfluoroethyl, 2; hexyl, 3; phenyl, 4; naphthyl, 5; methyl, 6; cyclohexyl, 7; ethylcyclopentyl, 8) were obtained if the reaction was carried out with one equivalent of HQR in the presence of Ph4PCl. Alternatively, neutral complexes [Mo(O)(O2)(QR)2] (R = neopentyl, 9; hexyl, 10; cyclohexyl, 11) were formed when two equivalents of HQR were used in the reaction. These complexes were isolated in good yields as yellow or yellow-orange crystalline solids and were spectroscopically (IR, 1H, 13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR), theoretically (DFT) and structurally characterised (X-ray for 1, 2, 9 and 10). Compounds 1 and 9 were selected to investigate their catalytic behaviour in epoxidation of selected alkenes and oxidation of selected sulphides, while 10 and 11 were tested as catalyst precursors in the deoxygenation of selected epoxide substrates to alkenes, using PPh3 as the oxygen-acceptor. Complexes Ph4P[Mo(O)(O2)2(QR)] were shown to be poor catalyst precursors in oxidation reactions, while the activity of [Mo(O)(O2)(QR)2] species is good in all the studied reactions and comparable to related oxidoperoxido–molybdenum(vi) complexes. Complex [Mo(O)2(QC6)2], 12, was obtained by treatment of 10 with one equivalent of PPh3, demonstrating that the first step in the epoxide deoxygenation mechanism was the oxygen atom transfer toward the phosphane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new complexes [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(κP-Ph2PR)] [R = 4-C6H4OSiMe2tBu, 1; R = 4-C6H4Br, 2; R = OC(=O)CHCl2, 3; R = OPh, 4; R = O(2-C6H4SiMe2tBu), 5] and [Ru(C2O4)(η6-p-cymene){κP-Ph2PO(2-C6H4(SiMe2tBu))}], 6, were obtained in 83–98% yield from Ru(ii) arene precursors by three different synthetic strategies. The unprecedented phosphine Ph2P(O(2-C6H4SiMe2tBu)) was synthesized in 86% yield from 2-C6H4Br(OSiMe2tBu) and Ph2PCl, via intramolecular oxygen to carbon 1,3 migration of the silyl group (retro-Brook rearrangement). All the complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods, and by single crystal X-ray diffraction in the cases of 3, 4, 5 and 6. Complexes 1–6 and the model compounds [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(κP-PPh3)] (Ru-PPh3) and [Ru(C2O4)(η6-p-cymene)(κP-PPh3)] (Ru-PPh3-O) underwent slow degradation in chloroform solutions upon air contact; the mixed valence complex [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(μ-Cl)3RuCl2(κP-PPh3)], 7, was isolated from a solution of Ru-PPh3 in CHCl3, and X-ray identified. The antiproliferative activity of 1–6 and Ru-PPh3, Ru-PPh3-O and [RuCl2(η6-p-cymene)(κP-PTA)] (RAPTA-C) was assessed towards the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, the ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Complexes 1, 2, 5 and 6 displayed IC50 values significantly lower than that of cisplatin, with 2 providing a more potent cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 and A2780 cancer cells compared to the noncancerous cell line (HSF). The stability of all complexes in DMSO/water solution was elucidated by NMR and conductivity measurements, and in particular 35Cl NMR spectroscopy was helpful to check the possible chloride dissociation. The stability studies suggest that the cytotoxic activity in vitro of the compounds is mainly ascribable to Ru(ii) species still bound to the phosphorus ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented, direct chemical oxidation of l-proline to pyrroline-2-carboxylate was achieved in water (pH 9–10) by means of NH4VO3/NH3 or V2O5/MOH (K = Na, K), and the anion was fully characterized as ammonium or alkaline metal salts. Quantitative yield and higher atom economy performance were achieved with the latter system, the alkaline salts being more stable than the ammonium one. Different mixed valence V(iv)/V(v) compounds precipitated from the reaction mixtures depending on the nature of the employed base. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed according to DFT calculations. The analogous reaction of trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline with NH4VO3/NH3 afforded pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid in 81% yield, while sarcosine underwent prevalent decomposition under similar experimental conditions. Instead, no reaction was observed with primary (glycine, l-alanine, l-phenylalanine) and tertiary α-amino acids (N,N-dimethyl-l-phenylalanine, N,N-dimethylglycine). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full potential of a high valent metal chloride as both a chlorinating and an oxidative agent was explored by allowing WCl6 to react with N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) α-diimines, in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. These α-diimines underwent unprecedented conversion to quinoxalinium cations via intramolecular C–N coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esterification of (4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylphosphine, coordinated to the [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl2] fragment, allows a series of bioactive carboxylic acids to be introduced directly into the organometallic molecule. Evaluation of the compounds on human ovarian cancer cells reveals synergistic enhancements in their antiproliferative activity relative to their bioactive organic and organometallic precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new form of WO2Cl2 was obtained by modification of a literature procedure. Both the newly prepared WO2Cl2 and the commercial yellow WO2Cl2 exhibited an orthorhombic structure (powder X-ray diffraction, P-XRD), and their air exposure at room temperature afforded light green and lemon yellow WO3·H2O (orthorhombic phase), respectively. These materials were characterized by P-XRD, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (S-TEM). The analyses revealed the nanocrystalline nature of light green WO3·H2O, and the prevalent amorphism of lemon yellow WO3·H2O. The reactions of grey WO2Cl2 with one and two equivalents of tetramethylurea (tmu), in CH2Cl2 at room temperature, led to the isolation of the trinuclear complex [WO2Cl2(tmu)]3, 1 (45% yield), and the mononuclear one WO2Cl2(tmu)2, 2 (64%), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods, single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1 : 1 molar reactions of niobium and tantalum pentahalides with the monodentate NHC ligand 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (Ipr), in toluene (or benzene) at ca. 80 °C, afforded the complexes NbX5(Ipr) (X = F, 2; Br, 3) and TaX5(Ipr) (X = F, 4; Cl, 5; Br, 6), in generally good yields. Complexes 2–6 represent uncommon cases of stable NHC adducts of metal halides with the metal in an oxidation state higher than +4, and also rare examples of Nb–NHC and Ta–NHC bonding systems. In particular, the X-ray molecular structure determined for 6 provides the unprecedented crystallographic characterization of a tantalum compound with a monodentate NHC ligand. DFT results indicate that the metal–carbon bond in 2–6 is a purely σ one. According to NMR studies (1H, 13C, 93Nb), the formation of 3, 5, 6, as well as the previously communicated NbCl5(Ipr), 1, proceeded with the intermediacy of [MX6]− salts, presumably due to steric reasons. On the other hand, the intermediate formation of MF6− in the pathways to 2 and 4 was not observed, according to 19F (and 93Nb in the case of 2) NMR. DFT calculations were carried out in order to shed light on structural and mechanistic aspects, and allowed to trace possible reaction routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several mono- or bis-alkynyl derivatives of general formula Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4X(C≡C–R), Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)2 or Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)(C≡C–R′) were obtained under Sonogashira type conditions. The new clusters have been characterized with microanalysis and using IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)2 (R = H, C6H4-4-n-C5H11) are presented and electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of some representative compounds are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of [(η6-cymene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]2 with acylpyrazolone ligands HQ′ (HQ′ in general; in detail, HQCH2Cl = 2-chloro-1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethanone), HQhex = 1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)heptan-1-one), HQnPe = 1-(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3,3-dimethylbutan-1-one)), in the presence of base, gave the corresponding [(η6-cymene)Ru(Q′)Cl] mononuclear complexes. They react with AgX (where X = O3SCF3 or BF4) in dry acetone affording cationic metalla-cycles [(η6-cymene)Ru(Q′)]4(X)4. The complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and the solid-state structures of mononuclear and tetranuclear complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The hapticity of the acylpyrazolone ligands to the Ru metal centre has also been established by 13C and 15N CPMAS NMR spectroscopy for the complexes where the lack of crystallinity prevented the elucidation of the crystal structure by SCXRD data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of half-sandwich cyclopentadienyl rhodium(iii) and iridium(iii) complexes of the type [Cp*M(curc/bdcurc)Cl] and [Cp*M(curc/bdcurc)(PTA)][SO3CF3], in which Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, curcH = curcumin and bdcurcH = bisdemethoxycurcumin as O^O-chelating ligands, and PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane, is described. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the complexes, i.e. [Cp*Rh(curc)(PTA)][SO3CF3] (5), [Cp*Rh(bdcurc)(PTA)][SO3CF3] (6) and [Cp*Ir(bdcurc)(PTA)][SO3CF3] (8), confirm the expected “piano-stool” geometry. With the exception of 5, the complexes are stable under pseudo-physiological conditions and are moderately cytotoxic to human ovarian carcinoma (A2780 and A2780cisR) cells and also to non-tumorigenic human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, but lack the cancer cell selectivity observed for related arene ruthenium(ii) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinct batches of orange (1a–e) and green crystals (2a–e) were isolated from the reactions of MoCl5 with tetrahydropyran (thp), respectively at room temperature (in CH2Cl2) and at ca. 80 °C (in ClCH2CH2Cl). Crystals 2a–e are isomorphous to 1a–e and the IR spectra are almost superimposable. 1a–e were identified by X-ray studies as cis-MoCl4(thp)2, in agreement with previous findings. Careful refinement of the X-ray data of 2a–e by modeling one position as disordered between chlorine (minor component) and oxygen (major component) led to the conclusion that 2a–e consisted of a mixture of cis-MoCl4(thp)2 and mer-MoOCl3(thp)2, the latter being largely prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity of MoCl5 with α-amino acids was investigated for the first time by choosing CH2Cl2 as the reaction medium. The interaction of MoCl5 with l-proline proceeded with Cl/O interchange and led to the formation of [NH2(CH2)3CHC(O)Cl][MoOCl4], 1, in 63% yield. The reactions of MoCl5 with l-phenylalanine, sarcosine, N,N-dimethylglycine and N,N-dimethyl-l-phenylalanine afforded the α-amino-acylchloride complexes MoOCl3[O=C(Cl)CH(R)N(R′)(R′′)] (R = CH2Ph, R′ = R′′ = H, 2a; R = R′ = H, R′′ = Me, 2b; R = H, R′ = R′′ = Me, 2c; R = CH2Ph, R′ = R′′ = Me, 2d), in ca. 70% yields. According to DFT studies, 2a,d are mononuclear Mo(v) octahedral complexes bearing a N,O-coordinated α-amino-acylchloride ligand. The presumed species formed during the first stages of the MoCl5/l-phenylalanine interaction were DFT-elucidated, thus the calculated Gibbs free energy profile for the multi-step reaction of MoCl5 with l-phenylalanine was traced. [NH3CH(CH2Ph)C(O)Cl][MoOCl4], 3, acting as an intermediate in the course of the formation of 2a, was isolated by combination of [NH3CH(CH2Ph)C(O)Cl][Cl] with MoOCl3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cl/O interchange took place when WCl6 was allowed to interact with a series of α-aminoacids. The α-ammonium-acylchloride salts [NH2(CH2)3CHC(O)Cl][WOCl5], 1a, and [MeNH2CH2C(O)Cl][WOCl5], 1b, were afforded in ca. 55% yields from the reactions of WCl6 with, respectively, l-proline and sarcosine in CH2Cl2. By using other reaction media (hexane or CHCl3), the α-amino-acylchloride complexes WOCl4[O=C(Cl)CH(CH2)3NH2], 5a, and WOCl4[O=C(Cl)CH(R)NHR′] (R = H, R′ = Me, 5b; R = R′ = H, 5c; R = Me, R′ = H, 5d) were isolated in moderate to good yields from WCl6 and, respectively, l-proline, sarcosine, glycine and l-alanine. The formation of 5a,b is basically the result of HCl release from the parent compounds 1a,b. 5a represents a key intermediate in the course of the reaction leading to (WOCl4)2[μ:κ2(O)-dkp], 2, dkp = (S,S)-octahydrodipyrrolo[1,2-a:1′,2′-d]pyrazine-5,10-dione. 2 was optimally prepared from WCl6/l-proline under high temperature conditions. Hydrolytic treatment of 2 afforded the l-proline-derived 2,5-diketopiperazine (dkp), which was finally isolated with an overall yield of 70%. 1a,b were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, thus providing very rare examples of crystallographically characterized acylchloride derivatives of α-aminoacids. DFT calculations were extensively carried out in order to shed light on structural and mechanistic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct interaction of MoCl5 with a series of carboxylic acids has been elucidated for the first time. The reactions proceed with release of hydrogen chloride and Cl/O interchange between the metal centre and one equivalent of organic substrate: this feature is unique in the context of the chemistry generally shown by transition metal halides with carboxylic acids. The dinuclear complexes [MoOCl2(¹-CX3CO2H)(µ-Cl)]2 (X = H, 1a; X = Cl, 1b) and Mo2O2Cl6(μ-CH3CO2H), 2a, were isolated as the prevalent metal products of the 1 : 2 molar reactions of MoCl5 with CH3COOH and CCl3COOH. Evidence for the formation of Mo2O2Cl6(μ-CCl3CO2H), 2b, was achieved by allowing MoCl5 to react with CCl3COOH in 2 : 3 ratio. Instead the reactions of MoCl5 with a three-fold molar excess of RCOOH afforded the mononuclear complexes MoOCl3(¹-RCO2H)2 (R = CH3, 3a; CCl3, 3b; CHCl2, 3c; CMe3, 3d) in 50-60% yields. The new compounds were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques, moreover the X-ray molecular structures were ascertained for 1a, 1b and 2a; 1a and 1b display single Mo-Mo bond. DFT calculations were carried out in order to shed light into structural aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several mono- or bis-alkynyl derivatives of general formula Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4X(C≡C–R), Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)2 or Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)(C≡C–R′) were obtained under Sonogashira type conditions. The new clusters have been characterized with microanalysis and using IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The crystal and molecular structures of Pt6(μ-PBut2)4(CO)4(C≡C–R)2 (R = H, C6H4-4-n-C5H11) are presented and electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of some representative compounds are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]