Search

Developing new anticancer agents can be useful, with the ability to diagnose and treat cancer worldwide. Previously, we focused on examining the effects of nonoxidovanadium(IV) complexes on insulin mimetic and cytotoxicity activity. In this study, in addition to the cytotoxic activity, we evaluated their bioimaging properties. This study investigates the synthesis of four stable nonoxido V IV complexes [V IV (L 1-4 ) 2 ] ( 1 - 4 ) using aroylhydrazone ligands (H 2 L 1-4 ) and their full characterization in solid state and the solution phase stability using various physicochemical techniques. The biomolecular (DNA/HSA) interaction of the complexes was evaluated by using conventional methods. The in vitro cytotoxicity of 1 - 4 was studied against A549 and LN-229 cancer cell lines and found that drug 2 displayed the highest activity among the four. Since 1 - 4 are fluorescently active, live cell imaging was used to evaluate their cellular localization activity. Complexes specifically target the lysosome and damage lysosome integrity by producing an excessive amount (9.7-fold) of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to the control, which may cause cell apoptosis. Overall, this study indicates that 2 has the greatest potential for the development of multifunctional theranostic agents that combine imaging capabilities and anticancer properties of nonoxidovanadium(IV)-based metallodrugs.

The trinuclear high-spin iron(III) complex [Fe 3 Cl 3 (saltag Br )(py) 6 ]ClO 4 {H 5 saltag Br = 1,2,3-tris[(5-bromo-salicylidene)amino]guanidine} was synthesized and characterized by several experimental and theoretical methods. The iron(III) complex exhibits molecular 3-fold symmetry imposed by the rigid ligand backbone and crystallizes in trigonal space group P 3̅ with the complex cation lying on a crystallographic C 3 axis. The high-spin states ( S = 5 / 2 ) of the individual iron(III) ions were determined by Mößbauer spectroscopy and confirmed by CASSCF/CASPT2 ab initio calculations. Magnetic measurements show an antiferromagnetic exchange between the iron(III) ions leading to a geometrically spin-frustrated ground state. This was complemented by high-field magnetization experiments up to 60 T, which confirm the isotropic nature of the magnetic exchange and negligible single-ion anisotropy for the iron(III) ions. Muon-spin relaxation experiments were performed and further prove the isotropic nature of the coupled spin ground state and the presence of isolated paramagnetic molecular systems with negligible intermolecular interactions down to 20 mK. Broken-symmetry density functional theory calculations are consistent with the antiferromagnetic exchange between the iron(III) ions within the presented trinuclear high-spin iron(III) complex. Ab initio calculations further support the absence of appreciable magnetic anisotropy ( D = 0.086, and E = 0.010 cm -1 ) and the absence of significant contributions from antisymmetric exchange, as the two Kramers doublets are virtually degenerate ( ΔE = 0.005 cm -1 ). Therefore, this trinuclear high-spin iron(III) complex should be an ideal candidate for further investigations of spin-electric effects arising exclusively from the spin chirality of a geometrically frustrated S = 1 / 2 spin ground state of the molecular system.

Metal-organic ligands with mixed chalcogenides are potential compounds for the preparation of mixed anionic metal chalcogenide alloys. However, only a few of such ligands are known, and their complexes are not well explored. We have prepared homo- and hetero-dichalcogenoimidodiphosphinate [(EE'P i Pr 2 NH)] (E, E' = Se, Se; S, S; S, Se) complexes of manganese and copper through metathetical reactions. The X-ray single crystal structure of [Mn{(SeP i Pr 2 ) 2 N} 2 ] 1 revealed a triclinic crystal system, with a MnSe 4 core unit, whereas the crystal structure determination of [Mn{(SP i Pr 2 )(SeP i Pr 2 )N} 2 ] 2 indicated a triclinic crystal system with a Mn(S/Se) 2 unit. Both metal centers are tetrahedral, with two deprotonated bidentate ligands forming the coordination sphere. The free ligand was found to exhibit a gauche configuration in the solid state. The energies of the various rotamers of dithio-analogue were studied by DFT calculations. The decomposition behavior of complexes with homo- and heterochalcogenides was investigated, and the complexes were employed as single-source precursors to generate manganese and copper chalcogenides through solvent-less melt reactions between 500 and 550 °C. The deposited powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction ( p -XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental mapping. MnS, MnSe 2 , and MnSSe phases were obtained from the decomposition of respective manganese complexes. In contrast, the decomposition of copper-based complexes yielded Cu 2- x Se and the sulfur-doped Cu 3 Se 2 phase from seleno- and mixed thio/seleno-complexes of Cu, respectively. The morphology ranged from random sheet-like structures to agglomerated platelets, while the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed the crystalline nature of the materials. Depending on the nature of the complex and the temperature, different amounts of phosphorus were present as an impurity in the synthesized products.

Dinuclear heteroleptic alkaline-earth-metal complexes are interesting synthetic targets because the close proximity of two metals allows for cooperative effects. However, these complexes are also prone to undergoing Schlenk-type rearrangements, affording less-active homoleptic complexes. Here we present the metalation of bis(β-diketimine) ligands possessing flexible bridging groups, i.e., 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene, and trans -1,2-cyclohexylene, using calcium and magnesium precursors. Four mononuclear homoleptic calcium complexes were obtained, highlighting the pronounced tendency of calcium to undergo Schlenk-like redistributions. In the case of magnesium, however, the bridging group plays a crucial role, yielding seven dinuclear heteroleptic complexes but also one mononuclear and one dinuclear homoleptic complexes. In addition, a trinuclear mixed heteroleptic-homoleptic magnesium complex, which is a rare example of an intermediate of the Schlenk equilibrium, was isolated.

The synthesis of 3,4-ethylene-bridged 1,1,2,5-tetrasubstituted biguanides is reported, which are accessible by three alternative routes. Exemplary molecular structures of the ligand and an observed side product have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction analysis. Mono- and dinuclear complexes of the biguanide in both its neutral and monoanionic forms were obtained, including examples of aluminum, copper, magnesium, potassium, tin, and zinc, indicating a versatile coordination behavior, as evidenced by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

The reaction of [(Me 3 Si) 2 N-Ae{μ-N(SiMe 3 ) 2 }] 2 with 2,2,5,5-tetramethyltetrahydrofuran in pentane yields the mononuclear complexes [(Me 4 thf)Ae{N(SiMe 3 ) 2 } 2 ] (Ae = Mg (1), Ca (2), Sr (3), and Ba (4)) with three-coordinate alkaline-earth metal centers. With increasing radius of the alkaline-earth metal atoms, the N-Ae-N bond angles decrease. These ether adducts significantly enhance the solubility of the bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of the alkaline-earth metals in hydrocarbon solvents. Contrary to the magnesium derivative 1, the heavier congeners dissociate into mononuclear [Ae{N(SiMe 3 ) 2 } 2 ] and free Me 4 THF without formation of sparingly soluble dinuclear [(Me 3 Si) 2 N-Ae{μ-N(SiMe 3 ) 2 }] 2 .

The new tritopic triaminoguanidine-based ligand 1,2,3-tris[(pyridine-2-ylmethylidene)amino]guanidine (H 2 pytag) was synthesized. The reaction of a mixture of cobalt(II) chloride and cobalt(II) perchlorate with the ligand H 2 pytag in pyridine solution leads to the formation of the trinuclear cobalt(II) complex [Co 3 (pytag)(py) 6 Cl 3 ]ClO 4 . Three octahedrally coordinated high-spin cobalt(II) ions are linked through the bridging triaminoguanidine backbone of the ligand leading to an almost equilateral triangular arrangement. The magnetic properties of the complex were investigated by magnetic measurements, variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, and density functional theory as well as ab initio calculations. A rather strong antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the cobalt(II) centers of ca. -12 cm -1 is determined together with a strong local anisotropy. The single-ion anisotropy of all three cobalt(II) centers is found to be easy-plane, which coincides with the tritopic ligand plane. MCD measurements and theoretical investigations demonstrate the presence of rhombic distortion of the local Co surrounding.

The effect of the nature of the dithiolato ligand on the physical and electrochemical properties of synthetic H-cluster mimics of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase is still of significant concern. In this report we describe the cyclization of various alkanedithiols to afford cyclic disulfide, tetrasulfide, and hexasulfide compounds. The latter compounds were used as proligands for the synthesis of a series of [FeFe]-hydrogenase H-cluster mimics having the general formulas [Fe 2 (CO) 6 {μ-S(CH 2 ) n S}] (n = 4-8), [Fe 2 (CO) 6 {μ-S(CH 2 ) n S}] 2 (n = 6-8), and [Fe 2 (CO) 6 {(μ-S(CH 2 ) n S) 2 }] (n = 6-8). The resulting complexes were characterized by 1 H and 13 C{ 1 H} NMR and IR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis as well as X-ray analysis. The purpose of this research was to study the influence of the systematic increase of n from 2 to 7 on the redox potentials of the models and the catalytic ability in the presence of acetic acid (AcOH) by applying cyclic voltammetry.

The addition of 18-crown-6 ether (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) to tetranuclear [(thf)K(OPAryl 2 )] 4 and [(thf) 4 Ca(OPAryl 2 ) 2 ] yields the corresponding mononuclear complexes [(18C6)K(OPAryl 2 )] [Aryl = Ph (1a), Mes (1b)] and [(18C6)Ca(OPAryl 2 ) 2 ] [Aryl = Ph (2a), Mes (2b)]. The metathesis reaction of [(thf)K(OPAryl 2 )] 4 with CaI 2 yields the calciate [K 2 Ca(thf) x {OPMes 2 } 4 ]. The addition of dimesitylphosphane oxide and crystallization from a hexane solution gives [K 2 Ca{OPMes 2 } 4 {Mes 2 P(O)H}] (3). The complexes [(thf)K(OPMes 2 )] 4 , [(thf) 4 Ca(OPMes 2 ) 2 ], 1b, 2b, and the calciate 3 are tested as catalysts in the hydrophosphorylation of isopropylisocyanate with dimesitylphosphane oxide, quantitatively yielding N-isopropyl(dimesitylphosphoryl)formamide. The potassium complexes are more efficient catalysts than the calcium congeners, and coordination of 18-crown-6 decelerates the catalytic conversion.

A series of novel cyclometalated Ru II complexes were investigated featuring the tridentate dqp ligand platform (dqp is 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine), in order to utilize the octahedral coordination mode around the Ru center to modulate the electrochemical and photophysical properties. The heteroleptic complexes feature C 1 symmetry due to symmetry breaking by the peripheral five- or six-membered carbanionic chelate (phenyl, naphthyl, or anthracenyl units). The chelation mode is controlled by the steric effects and C-H activation selectivity of the ligand, which prompted the development of a general synthesis protocol. The optimized conditions to achieve high overall yields (55-75%) involve NaHCO 3 as the base and an simplified purification protocol: i.e., facile chromatographic separation using commercially available amino-functionalized silica applying nonaqueous salt-free conditions to omit the necessity of counterion exchange. The structural, photophysical, and electrochemical properties were studied in depth, and the results were corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy revealed red-shifted absorption (up to 750 nm) and weak IR emission (800-1000 nm) combined with prolonged emission lifetimes (up to 20 ns) in comparison to classical tpy-based (tpy is 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine) complexes. An enhanced stability was observed by blocking the reactive positions of the carbanionic ligand framework, while the reactive positions may be exploited for further functionalization.

The preparation of the hydrophosphorylation catalysts succeeds via the metalation of dimesitylphosphane oxide and diphenylphosphane sulfide with potassium hydride in ethereal solvents such as tetrahydropyran (THP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) yielding the tetramers [(thp)K(OPMes 2 )] 4 (1a) and [(thf) 3 {K(OPMes 2 )} 4 ] (1b) as well as [(thp)KSPPh 2 ] ∞ (2) with a strand-like structure in the crystalline state. In ethereal solution these complexes very slowly degrade into KPAr 2 and KE 2 PAr 2 (E = O, S). The catalytic conversion of iPr-N═C═E' (E' = O, S) and of R-N═C═N-R (R = iPr, cHex) to the addition products Ar2P(E)-C(=E')-NHR (Ar = Ph, Mes; E = O, S; E' = O, S, NR) was studied in the presence of catalytic amounts of Ar 2 PEK (Ar = Ph, Mes; E = O, S). Steric hindrance prevents the addition of dimesitylphosphane oxide to N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide, whereas diphenylphosphane oxide and sulfide smoothly add to iPr-N═C═N-iPr yielding Ph 2 P(E)-C(═N-iPr)-NHiPr (E = O, S).

Bis-tridentate Ru(II) complexes based on the dqp scaffold (dqp is 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine) with multiple aryl substituents were explored to tailor the absorption and emission properties. A synthetic methodology was developed for the facile synthesis and purification of homo- and heteroleptic bis-tridentate Ru complexes. The effect of the aryl substituents in the para positions of the pyridine and quinoline subunits was detailed by X-ray crystallography, steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and computational methods. The attachment of the aryl groups results in enhanced molar extinction coefficients with the largest effect in the pyridine position, whereas the quinoline substituent leads to red-shifted emission tailing into the NIR region (up to 800 nm). Notably, the excited state lifetimes remain in the microsecond time scale even in the presence of O2, whereas the emission quantum yields are slightly increased with respect to the parental complex [Ru(dqp)2](2+). The peripheral functional groups (Br, Me, OMe) have only a minor impact on the optical properties and are attractive to utilize such complexes as functional building blocks.

The hydroamination of diphenylbutadiyne with 1 equiv of the secondary amines HNRR' (R/R' = Ph/Ph, Ph/Me, and pTol/Me) in the presence of catalytic amounts of the tetrakis(amino)calciate K2[Ca{N(H)Dipp}4] (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) yields the corresponding 1-(diorganylamino)-1,4-diphenylbut-1-ene-3-ynes as a mixture of E/Z isomers. These tertiary alkenylamines react with diphenylphosphane to form RR'N-C(Ph)═CH-CH═C(Ph)-PPh2 [R/R' = Ph/Ph (1), Ph/Me (2), and pTol/Me (3)] in the presence of catalytic amounts of [(THF)4Ca(PPh2)2] or of the same calciate K2[Ca{N(H)Dipp}4]. Whereas the hydroamination is regio- (amino group in 1-position) but not stereoselective (formation of E and Z isomers), this second hydrofunctionalization step is regio- (phosphanyl group in 4-position) and stereoselective (only E isomers are formed), finally leading to mixtures of (E,E)- and (Z,E)-1-(diorganylamino)-1,4-diphenyl-4-(diphenylphosphanyl)buta-1,3-dienes.

The synthesis and magnetic properties of cobalt(II) complexes with sterically demanding Schiff-base ligands are reported. The compounds [Co(L(Br))2] (1) and [Co(L(Ph))2]·CH2Cl2 (2·CH2Cl2) are obtained by the reaction of cobalt(II) acetate with the ligands HL(Br) and HL(Ph) in a dichloromethane/methanol mixture. 1 and 2 crystallize in the space groups P21212 and P1̅, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies revealed mononuclear constitution of both complexes. For 1, relatively short intermolecular Co-Co distances of 569 pm are observed. In compound 2, a hydrogen-bonded dichloromethane molecule is present, leading to a solvent aggregate with remarkable thermal stability for which desolvation is taking place between 150 and 210 °C. Magnetic measurements were performed to determine the zero-field-splitting (ZFS) parameter D for both complexes. Frequency-dependent susceptibility measurements revealed slow magnetic relaxation behavior with spin-reversal barriers of 36 cm(-1) for 1 and 43 cm(-1) for 2 at an applied external field of 400 Oe. This observation is related to an increasing distortion of the pseudotetrahedral coordination geometry for complex 2. These distortions can be decomposed in two major contributions. One is the elongation effect described by the parameter ϵT, which is the ratio of the averaged obtuse and acute bond angles. The other effect is related to a twisting distortion of the chelate coordination planes at the cobalt center. A comparison with literature examples reveals that the elongation effect seems to govern the overall magnetic behavior in pseudotetrahedral complexes with two bidentate chelate ligands. Ab initio calculations for complexes 1 and 2 using the CASPT2 method show strong splitting of the excited (4)T2 term, which explains the observed strong ZFS. Spin-orbit calculations with the RASSI-SO method confirm the single-molecule-magnet behavior because only small transversal elements are found for the lowest Kramers doublet for both complexes.

[Mn(CO)5Br] reacts with cysteamine and 4-amino-thiophenyl with a ratio of 2:3 in refluxing tetrahydrofuran to the complexes of the type [{(OC)3Mn}2(μ-SCH2CH2NH3)3]Br2 (1, CORM-EDE1) and [{(OC)3Mn}2(μ-SC6H4-4-NH3)3]Br2 (2, CORM-EDE2). Compound 2 precipitates during refluxing of the tetrahydrofuran solution as a yellow solid whereas 1 forms a red oil that slowly solidifies. Recrystallization of 2 from water yields the HBr-free complex [{(OC)3Mn}2(μ-S-C6H4-4-NH2)2(μ-SC6H4-4-NH3)] (3). The n-propylthiolate ligand (which is isoelectronic to the bridging thiolate of 1) leads to the formation of the di- and tetranuclear complexes [(OC)4Mn(μ-S-nPr)2]2 and [(OC)3Mn(μ-S-nPr)]4. CORM-EDE1 possesses ideal properties to administer carbon monoxide to biological and medicinal tissues upon irradiation (photoCORM). Isolated crystalline CORM-EDE1 can be handled at ambient and aerobic conditions. This complex is nontoxic, highly soluble in water, and indefinitely stable therein in the absence of air and phosphate buffer. CORM-EDE1 is stable as frozen stock in aqueous solution without any limitations, and these stock solutions maintain their CO release properties. The reducing dithionite does not interact with CORM-EDE1, and therefore, the myoglobin assay represents a valuable tool to study the release kinetics of this photoCORM. After CO liberation, the formation of MnHPO4 in aqueous buffer solution can be verified.

Metalation of bis(3-thiophen-2-ylpyrazol-1-yl)phenylmethane [2, which is accessible from the reaction of bis(3-thien-2-ylpyrazol-1-yl)methanone (1) with triphosgene] with [(thf)2Ca{N(SiMe3)2}2] in tetrahydrofuran and subsequent crystallization from a mixture of toluene and 1,2-dimethoxyethane yield [(dme)Ca{C(Pz(th))2Ph}{N(SiMe3)2}] (3). The α,α-bis(3-thiophen-2-ylpyrazol-1-yl)benzyl ligand exhibits a κ(2)N,κC-coordination mode with a Ca-C σ-bond length of 262.8(2) pm. The crystalline compound is stable if air and moisture is strictly excluded; however, in solution; this calcium complex slowly degrades.

Trispyrazolylmethanides commonly act as strong tridentate bases toward metal ions. This expected coordination behavior has been observed for tris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazolyl)methane (1a), which yields the alkaline-earth-metal bis[tris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazolyl)methanides] of magnesium (1b), calcium (1c), strontium (1d), and barium (1e) via deprotonation of 1a with dibutylmagnesium and [Ae{N(SiMe3)2}2] (Ae = Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, respectively). Barium complex 1e degrades during recrystallization that was attempted from aromatic hydrocarbons and ethers. In these scorpionate complexes, the metal ions are embedded in distorted octahedral coordination spheres. Contrarily, tris(3-thienylpyrazolyl)methane (2a) exhibits a strikingly different reactivity. Dibutylmagnesium is unable to deprotonate 2a, whereas [Ae{N(SiMe3)2}2] (Ae = Ca, Sr, and Ba) smoothly metalates 2a. However, the primary alkaline-earth-metal bis[tris(3-thienylpyrazolyl)methanides] of Ca (2c), Sr (2d), and Ba (2e) represent intermediates and degrade under the formation of the alkaline-earth-metal bis(3-thienylpyrazolates) of calcium (3c), strontium (3d), and barium (3e) and the elimination of tetrakis(3-thienylpyrazolyl)ethene (4). To isolate crystalline compounds, 3-thienylpyrazole has been metalated, and the corresponding derivatives [(HPz(Tp))4Mg(Pz(Tp))2] (3b), dinuclear [(tmeda)Ca(Pz(Tp))2]2 (3c), mononuclear [(pmdeta)Sr(Pz(Tp))2] (3d), and [(hmteta)Ba(Pz(Tp))2] (3e) have been structurally characterized. Regardless of the applied stoichiometry, magnesiation of thienylpyrazole 3a with dibutylmagnesium yields [(HPz(Tp))4Mg(Pz(Tp))2] (3b), which is stabilized in the solid state by intramolecular N-H···N···H-N hydrogen bridges. The degradation of [Ae{C(Pz(R))3}2] (R = Ph and Tp) has been studied by quantum chemical methods, the results of which propose an intermediate complex of the nature [{(Pz(R))2C}2Ca{Pz(R)}2]; thereafter, the singlet carbenes ([:C(Pz(R))2]) dimerize in the vicinity of the alkaline earth metal to tetrapyrazolylethene, which is liberated from the coordination sphere as a result of it being a very poor ligand for an s-block metal ion.

The tetrahydrofuran adducts [(thf)(4)M(PPh(2))(2)] (M = Ca, Sr) are air sensitive and can easily be oxidized by chalcogens. Metalation of diphenylphosphane oxide, diphenylphosphinic acid, and diphenyldithiophosphinic acid as well as salt metathetical approaches of the potassium salts with MI(2) allow the synthesis of [(thf)(4)Ca(OPPh(2))(2)] (1), [(dmso)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(2)] (2), [(thf)(3)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))I](2) (3), [(thf)(3)Ca(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (4), [(thf)(2)Ca(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (5), [(thf)(3)Sr(S(2)PPh(2))(2)] (6), [(thf)(3)Sr(Se(2)PPh(2))(2)] (7), and [(thf)(2)Ca(O(2)PPh(2))(S(2)PPh(2))](2) (8), respectively. The diphenylphosphinite anion in 1 contains a phosphorus atom in a trigonal pyramidal environment and binds terminally via the oxygen atom to calcium. The diphenylphosphinate anions act as bridging ligands leading to polymeric structures of calcium bis(diphenylphosphinates). Therefore strong Lewis bases such as dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) are required to recrystallize this complex yielding chain-like 2. The chain structure can also be cut into smaller units by ligands which avoid bridging positions such as iodide and diphenyldithiophosphinate (3 and 8, respectively). In general, diphenyldithio- and -diselenophosphinate anions act as terminal ligands and allow the isolation of mononuclear complexes 4 to 7. In these molecules the alkaline earth metals show coordination numbers of six (5) and seven (4, 6, and 7).

A series of multifunctional (mercaptomethyl)silanes of the general formula type R(n)Si(CH(2)SH)(4-n) (n = 0-2; R = organyl) was synthesized, starting from the corresponding (chloromethyl)silanes. They were used as multidentate ligands for the conversion of dodecacarbonyltriiron, Fe(3)(CO)(12), into iron carbonyl complexes in which the deprotonated (mercaptomethyl)silanes act as μ-bridging ligands. These complexes can be regarded as models for the [FeFe] hydrogenase. They were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, S), NMR spectroscopic studies ((1)H, (13)C, (29)Si), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry to disclose a new mechanism for the formation of dihydrogen catalyzed by these compounds, whereby one sulfur atom was protonated in the catalytic cycle. The reaction of the tridentate ligand MeSi(CH(2)SH)(3) with Fe(3)(CO)(12) yielded a tetranuclear cluster compound. A detailed investigation by X-ray diffraction, electrochemical, Raman, Mössbauer, and susceptibility techniques indicates that for this compound initially [Fe(2){μ-MeSi(CH(2)S)(2)CH(2)SH}(CO)(6)] is formed. This dinuclear complex, however, is slowly transformed into the tetranuclear species [Fe(4){μ-MeSi(CH(2)S)(3)}(2)(CO)(8)].

Cyclometalated bis-tridentate ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating 2,6-diquinolin-8-ylpyridine ligands and exhibiting broad visible absorptions are described. A [Ru(N(wedge)N(wedge)N)(N(wedge)C(wedge)N)](+) complex based only on ligands with expanded bite angles has a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer excited-state lifetime of 16 ns, which is attributed to a strong ligand field and therefore reduced deactivation via metal-centered states.

Synthetic routes to meridional bistridentate ruthenium(II) complexes based on 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridyl (dqp) ligands have been investigated. Microwave-assisted synthesis at 200 degrees C allowed the high yield (49-87%) preparation of homoleptic meridional [Ru(dqp)(2)](2+)-based complexes containing inert functional groups. Applying this protocol for the synthesis of mer-[Ru(dqp)(2)](2+) (mer-1) but lowering the temperature to 180 degrees C and shorter reaction times revealed the formation of the facial isomers cis,fac-1 and trans,fac-1 (56% and 12% yields, respectively). The facial isomers were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. In a stepwise protocol, the reaction of Ru(dqp)Cl(3) or Ru(dqp)(L)Cl(2) (L = MeCN or DMSO) and a second equivalent dqp gave mer-1 in 12-26% yields and N(5)Cl-coordinated [Ru(dqp)(2)Cl](+) (28-46%). [Ru(dqp(2))Cl](+) was photochemically, or thermally in the presence of Ag(I), converted to mer-1. By using mer-[Ru(dqp)(MeCN)(3)] (2+), which was crystallographically characterized, a wide range of homo- and heteroleptic meridional [Ru(dqp)(2)](2+)-based complexes was synthesized in up to 77% yield. The synthetic utility of meridional [Ru(dqp)(2)](2+)-based complexes as building blocks was demonstrated by palladium-catalyzed homocoupling of mer-[Ru(dqp)(dqpPhBr)](2+) to form a dinuclear complex. The redox and photophysical properties of the meridional complexes are discussed.

Two new ligands, 1,4,7-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclodecane (L2) and 9-methyl-1,4,7-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclodecane (L3), have been synthesized by reaction of the free triazacycloalkanes with ethylene sulfide. Complexes of L2 with Ga(III), In(III), and Fe(III), as well as Ga(III) and In(III) complexes of L3, have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In all cases, the metal ions are coordinated in a trigonal-antiprismatic environment with varying degrees of distortion. L2 complexes are isostructural and exhibit the chair-Delta(lambda lambda)(delta delta delta) conformation, whereas GaL3 and InL3 adopt twist-boat-Delta(lambda lambda)(delta delta delta) and twist-boat-Delta(lambda lambda)(lambda delta delta) configurational isomers and their enantiomers, respectively. In addition, we report the crystal structure of the Fe(III) complex of the known ligand 1,4,7-tris(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TS-TACN, L1), which is isostructural to its Ga(III) and In(III) complexes. All aforementioned complexes are compared (including literature data of Ga(TS-TACN) and In(TS-TACN)), and the influence of ring size and backbone substitution on coordination geometries is discussed. Furthermore, the solution structures of Ga(III) and In(III) complexes of the new ligands have been investigated employing NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The latter revealed that for all compounds, the most stable structures are those where the six-membered chelate ring adopts chair conformation. NMR measurements confirmed this proposal for the L2 complexes. In contrast, the GaL3 complex is present as a mixture of chair and twist-boat isomers. This implies that for this complex, interconversion between both forms is occurring, which necessarily includes intermediate partial decoordination of the metal ion. InL3 occurs as a single species, but an unambiguous determination of its conformation was not possible.

The reaction of benzylpotassium with anhydrous calcium diiodide and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (Tmp-H) in a molar ratio of 2:1:2 in toluene in the presence of tetramethylethylenediamine yields colorless [(tmeda)Ca(Tmp)2] (1) with an average Ca-Namide bond length of 227.5 pm. The metathesis reaction of CaI2 with 2 equiv of KN(Ph)iPr in tetrahydrofuran (THF) gives [(thf)3Ca{N(Ph)iPr}2] (2) with a Ca-N distance of 234.9 pm. An excess of KN(Ph)R (R = Me, iPr) in the metathesis reaction with CaI2 leads to the formation of calciates of the type K2Ca[N(Ph)R]4 regardless of the applied stoichiometry. The THF-free compound [K2Ca{N(Ph)Me}4]infinity (3) forms a three-dimensional net structure, whereas the amides with the larger isopropyl group lead to the formation of molecular [{(thf)2K(mu-N(Ph)iPr)2}2Ca] (4). In both of these heterobimetallic compounds, the potassium atoms bind to the pi systems of the phenyl groups. Heterobimetallic calciates [K2Ca(NPh2)4(thf)3]infinity(5) with R = Ph crystallize with a chain structure. In all of these calciates, the tetra-coordinate calcium atoms are in distorted tetrahedral environments.

The sugar-modified Schiff base ligand benzyl 2-deoxy-2-salicylideneamino-alpha-D-glucopyranoside H 2L, prepared by condensation of salicylaldehyde and the monomeric chitosan analogue benzyl 2-deoxy-2-amino-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, reacts with copper(II) acetate to form a self-assembled, alkoxo-bridged tetranuclear homoleptic copper(II) complex [{Cu(L)}4] (4) with Cu4O4 heterocubane core. The chiral complex 4 crystallizes in the space group P2 12 12 1. The tetranuclear complex 4 is composed of two dinuclear {Cu(L)}2 entities linked by the four mu 3-bridging C-3 alkoxide oxygen atoms of the sugar backbone. The preorganization of the dimeric {Cu(L)}2 entities is enforced by strong hydrogen bonds between the phenolate oxygen atom and the C-4 hydroxy group of the two constituting chiral monomeric building blocks. Therefore the Cu4O4 core can be classified as a type I or 2 + 4 cubane. The chirality of the structure is confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) spectra, which reveal a significant dichroism associated with the copper centered transitions at around 600 nm. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate ferromagnetic exchange interactions in complex 4. Fitting of the experimental data with a two J model based on the 2 + 4 topology ( H = - J1(S1S3 + S2S4) - J2(S1 + S3)(S2 + S4)) leads to exchange coupling constants of J1 = 64 and J2 = 4 cm(-1). The observed ferromagnetic coupling can be attributed to the very small Cu-O-Cu bridging angles within the Cu2O2 core of the constituting dimeric entities, which are a result of the conformational requirements introduced by the sugar backbone. 4 is not only the first example of an alkoxo-bridged tetranuclear copper(II) complex with Cu4O4 core representing the 2 + 4 cubane class with ferromagnetic ground state but also a rare example for the class of molecules combining a ferromagnetic ground state with optical activity. The ferromagnetic S = 2 ground state of 4 is confirmed by magnetization measurements and ESR spectroscopy.

The reaction of diethylmagnesium with diphenylphosphane yields [(THF)Mg(Et)PPh 2] infinity ( 1; THF = tetrahydrofuran) with bridging PPh 2 ligands and average Mg-P bond lengths of 262.2 pm. The metalation reaction of MgEt 2 with HPPh 2 and H 2PPh with a 1:2 stoichiometry gives [(THF) 4Mg(PPh 2) 2] ( 2) and [(THF) 6Mg 4{P(H)Ph} 8] ( 3), respectively. Tetranuclear 3 contains three chemically different phenylphosphanide groups with characteristic P-H stretching frequencies at 2261, 2286, and 2310 cm (-1). The metathesis reaction of potassium phenylphosphanide with CaI 2 yields oligomeric (THF) 3Ca[P(H)Ph] 2 ( 4). A similar reaction with SrI 2 and BaI 2 gives polymeric [(THF) 2Sr{P(H)Ph} 2] infinity ( 5) and [(THF)Ba{P(H)Ph} 2] infinity ( 6), respectively, showing one stretching frequency at 2285 cm (-1). These compounds crystallize polymeric with bridging phenylphosphanide substituents. The addition of Et 2O to a mixture of KPPh 2 and Mg(PPh 2) 2 in THF initiates the crystallization of (Et 2O)K[(THF)Mg(PPh 2) 3] ( 7) with a strand structure and (Et 2O) x(THF) yK 2[Mg(PPh 2) 4] ( 8) with a layer structure depending on the stoichiometry. The crystals of 8 easily lose THF and Et 2O and, therefore, the content of these ethers varies. Recrystallization of 8 from hot 1,4-dioxane (diox) yields (diox) 2K 2[Mg(PPh 2) 4] ( 9) with a layer structure comparable to that of 8. The central structural units are eight-membered K 2Mg 2P 4 rings that are interconnected by P-K-P bridges. In a THF solution, the magnesiates 7- 9 dissociate into the homometallic derivatives KPPh 2 and Mg(PPh 2) 2, as can be seen from NMR experiments.

The macrocyclic ligand [13]aneN 4 ( L1, 1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclotridecane) was reacted with Zn(II) perchlorate and CO 2 in an alkaline methanol solution. It was found that, by means of subtle changes in reaction conditions, two types of complexes can be obtained: (a) the mu 3 carbonate complex 1, {[Zn( L1)] 3(mu 3-CO 3)}(ClO 4) 4, rhombohedral crystals, space group R3 c, with pentacoordinate zinc in a trigonal bipyramidal enviroment, and (b) an unprecedenced dimeric Zn(II) carbamate structure, 2, [Zn( L2)] 2(ClO 4) 2, monoclinic crystals, space group P2 1/ n. The ligand L2 (4-carboxyl-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclotridecane) is a carbamate derivative of L1, obtained by transformation of a hydrogen atom of one of the NH moieties into carbamate by means of CO 2 uptake. In compound 2, the distorted tetrahedral Zn(II) coordinates to the carbamate moiety in a monodentate manner. Most notably, carbamate formation can occur upon reaction of CO 2 with the [Zn L1] (2+) complex, which implicates that a Zn-N linkage is cleaved upon attack of CO 2. Since complexes of tetra-azamacrocycles and Zn(II) are routinely applied for enzyme model studies, this finding implies that the Zn-azamacrocycle moiety generally should no longer be considered to play always only an innocent role in reactions. Rather, its reactivity has to be taken into account in respective investigations. In the presence of water, 2 is transformed readily into carbonate 1. Both compounds have been additionally characterized by solid-state NMR and infrared spectroscopy. A thorough comparison of 1 with related azamacrocycle ligated zinc(II) carbonates as well as a discussion of plausible reaction paths for the formation of 2 are given. Furthermore, the infrared absorptions of the carbamate moiety have been assigned by calculating the vibrational modes of the carbamate complex using DFT methods and the vibrational spectroscopy calculation program package SNF.

Several preparative procedures for the synthesis of the THF complexes of the alkaline earth metal bis(phenylamides) of Mg (1), Ca (2), Sr (3), and Ba (4) are presented such as metalation of aniline with strontium and barium, metathesis reactions of MI2 with KN(H)Ph, and metalation of aniline with arylcalcium compounds or dialkylmagnesium. The THF content of these compounds is rather low and an increasing aggregation is observed with the size of the metal atom. Thus, tetrameric [(THF)2Ca{mu-N(H)Ph}2]4 (2) and polymeric [(THF)2Sr{mu-N(H)Ph}2]infinity and {[(THF)2Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2[(THF)Ba{mu-N(H)Ph}2]2}infinity show six-coordinate metal atoms with increasing interactions to the pi systems of the phenyl groups with increasing the radius of the alkaline earth metal atom.

Various preparative procedures are employed in order to synthesize alkaline earth metal bis(diphenylamides) such as (i) metalation of HNPh2 with the alkaline earth metal M, (ii) metalation of HNPh2 with MPh2, (iii) metathesis reaction of MI2 with KNPh2, (iv) metalation of HNPh2 with PhMI in THF, and (v) metathesis reaction of PhMI with KNPh2 followed by a dismutation reaction yielding MPh2 and M(NPh2)2. The magnesium compounds [(diox)MgPh2]infinity (1) and (thf)2Mg(NPh2)2 (2) show tetracoordinate metal atoms, whereas in (dme)2Ca(NPh2)2 (3), (thf)4Sr(NPh2)2 (4), and (thf)4Ba(NPh2)2 (5) the metals are 6-fold coordinated. Additional agostic interactions between an ipso-carbon of one of the phenyl groups of the amide ligand and the alkaline earth metal atom lead to unsymmetric coordination of the NPh2 anions with two strongly different M-N-C angles in 3-5.

The trinuclear copper(II) complexes ([CuL1)(mu-ac)Cu(mu-ac)CuL1) (1) and ([CuL2)(mu-ac)Cu(mu-ac)CuL2) (2) of the tridentate aminosaccharide-derived Schiff-base ligands H2L1 [6-N-(salicylidene)amino-6-deoxy-1,2,3-tri-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside] and H2L2 [6-N-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)amino-6-deoxy-1,2,3-tri-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside] were synthesized and structurally characterized. The trinuclear complex units can be described as two terminal copper-ligand moieties bridged by a central copper acetate moiety, with the Cu centers arranged in a triangular fashion. IR and UV/vis spectroscopic studies strongly indicate that the trinuclear structure is maintained in a methanolic solution. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of both complexes shows a moderate antiferromagnetic coupling and can be well interpreted by applying a symmetric Cua-Cub-Cua' model with linear spin topology. The fit of the magnetic data affords coupling constants J of -34 and -24 cm(-1) for 1 and 2, respectively [H = -J(SaSb + SbSa')]. For mu-alkoxo-mu-acetato-bridged copper(II) complexes with a large dihedral angle between the adjacent coordination planes, as found in 1 and 2, such an antiferromagnetic coupling is unusual. However, density functional theory calculations of 2 using BP86, B3LYP*, and B3LYP density functionals confirmed a symmetric doublet ground state.

A dealkylsilylation reaction of alumazene [2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3NAlMe]3 (1) with trimethylsilyl methylsulfonate in a 1:2 molar ratio in toluene afforded a supramolecular cyclic hexamer {Me[2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3NAl]3(O3SMe)2}6 (2) composed of six intact alumazene rings and possessing two types of bridging sulfonate groups. Changing the reagent molar ratio to 1:3 caused the third sulfonate to partially substitute the last alumazene methyl group in an eta2 fashion and introduced a disorder in the crystal lattice.

The hydrolysis reaction of K(2)(MeZn)(2)(PSitBu(3))(2) in THF/toluene solution yields the [(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)](4-) anions independent of the applied stoichiometry. If the applied molar ratio resembles the composition of the anion, [(thf)K](2)[(eta(6)-toluene)K](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (1) crystallizes from a mixture of THF and toluene. In the case with less water, a phosphanediylzincate moiety is bonded to this anion, and [Zn(PSitBu(3))(2)K(4)(thf)(6)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (2) crystallizes. However, again the major product is 1. The same anion is also observed with larger and softer cations, and [(thf)(3)Cs(2)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (3) is obtained if the cesium zincate is used in this reaction. In all of these compounds, the anion is a slightly distorted Zn(6)O(2)P(4) double-heterocubane cage with a central Zn(2)O(2) ring having Zn-O bond lengths of approximately 207 pm.

After complexation with copper(II) ions, Schiff bases 1a-d may undergo an oxidative ring closure using atmospheric oxygen to give a number of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines 2, an imidazo[1,5-a]imidazole 3, and an imidazo[5,1-a]isochinoline 4. This ligand oxidation can be performed with catalytic amounts of copper ions in the reaction. A catalytic cycle for the copper-catalyzed oxidative heterocyclization will be presented together with isolated copper complexes of Schiff bases 1a,b and intermediates 5 and 8 that were found by X-ray structure analyses which confirm this reaction scheme.

2,3-Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,4-diazadienes RN=C(PPh2)-C(PPh2)=NR (1a, R = 4-tolyl; 1b, R = 4-tert-butylphenyl; 1c, R = mesityl) were used as novel ligands for transition metals. The metal complexes [(1c)Mo(CO)4] (2a), [(1c)[Mo(CO)4]2] (2b), [(1a)Cu(Cl)(PPh3)] (3), and [(1b)[(NiBr2(THF))]2] (4) were characterized by elemental analysis, MS, and 31P[1H], 1H, and 13C NMR spectra (except the paramagnetic complex 4). Additionally, the molecular structure of the complexes in the solid state was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 2a and 2b the chelating ligand coordinates via the N,P donor set, whereas in 3 the chelating ligand coordinates via the two P atoms. 4 contains a square-planar (P,P)NiBr2 moiety on the one side of the bridging ligand 1b. On the opposite side the 1,2-dimine unit bonds to another Ni center having octahedral geometry. The bulkier ligand 1c reacts to form the mononuclear compound 5. X-ray diffraction analysis of single crystals shows that 5 contains a quinoxaline derivative with a cyclohexa-1,3-diene ring in the peripheral position. Furthermore, it contains a bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethylene unit coordinating the NiBr2. This arrangement is the result of an intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition between the 1,2-diimine unit (as diheterodiene) and the benzene ring of the 4-tolyl-N substituent (as dieneophile). The same type of ring-closing reaction followed by a tautomerization reaction to form the mononuclear compound 6 occurred by dissolution of the binuclear complex 4 in methanol. This reaction can be used as a simple method for the synthesis of novel 1,2-bis(diarylphosphanyl)ethylenes containing a quinoxaline backbone.

The novel ferrocenyl ligand rac-1,6-diferrocenyl-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)-2,5-diazahexane (1, H(2)L) was synthesized from ferrocenylcarboxaldehyde and ethylenediamine followed by the reduction of the Schiff base with LiAlH(4) and subsequent N-alkylation with 1,2-propyleneoxide. The dianion of H(2)L reacted with [ReO(PPh(3))(2)Cl(3)], and the product was treated with NH(4)PF(6) to afford the complex [ReO(L-N(2)O(2))PPh(3)]PF(6) (2). Both the ferrocenyl ligand and the complex were characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. NMR investigations reveal two solvent-dependent isomers for the ferrocenyl ligand in solution of which the major form is the more ordered one. The cation of 2 displays a nonsymmetrically coordinated N(2)O(2) ligand.

The novel complexes M[O(R)PhCH{CH=N(tBu)}N(tBu)](2) [M = Zr, R = Me (4a), R = Ph (4b) and M = Hf, R = Me (5a), R = Ph (5b)] have been prepared in almost quantitative yield by reaction of (tBu-DAD)(2)Zr (1) and (tBu-DAD)(2)Hf (2) [tBu-DAD = (tBu)N=CHCH=N(tBu)] with 2 equiv of the ketones MeCOPh (3a) or PhCOPh (3b). The reaction proceeds via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the C=O bond across the M-N-C unit of the DAD complexes. The molecular structures of the complexes 4a and 5b have been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study (4a, triclinic, space group P&onemacr;; a = 10.395(2) Å, b = 10.865(2) Å, c = 16.842(3) Å, alpha = 93.80(3) degrees, beta = 99.84(3) degrees, gamma = 106.12(3) degrees, V = 1787.4(6) Å(3), Z = 2, R1 = 0.035 (wR2 = 0.101) for 6963 reflections with I > 2sigma(I); 5b, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 19.961(4) Å, b = 10.482(2) Å, c = 20.150(4) Å, beta = 91.30(1) degrees, V = 4215(1) Å(3), Z = 4, R1 = 0.036 (wR2 = 0.097) for 4650 reflections with I > 2sigma(I)). The metal atoms in 4a and 5b adopt a pseudooctahedral coordination sphere consisting of four nitrogen and two oxygen atoms. The distortion is a consequence of the [2.2.1] bicyclic structure of the newly formed tridentate ligands which are not able to span three regular octahedral positions.