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Electrochemical studies carried out in conjunction with 31P NMR spectroscopy on the palladium(II)/palladium(0) halogeno complexes of the tetraphosphine 1,1′,2,2′-tetrakis(diphenylphosphino)-4,4′-di -tert-butylferrocene, termed Fc(P 4) tBu, are reported. Fc(P 4) tBu was chosen with regard to its good performances in pallado-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, which resulted in catalytic turnover numbers (TONs) up to 1 000 000 [ Organometallics2003, 22,4490–4499]. The complexes [PdX 2{Fc(P) 4tBu}] (X = Cl, Br, I) are described with their X-ray molecular characterization in the solid state and multinuclear NMR in solution. The electrochemical behavior of Fc(P 4) tBu and [PdX 2{Fc(P) 4tBu}] complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrolysis: a formulation of the corresponding electro-generated Pd 0species formed is proposed on the basis of their NMR characterization. The oxidative addition reaction of phenyl iodide on these zerovalent palladium/ferrocenyltetraphosphine complexes was also studied by combining electrochemistry and 31P NMR. The Pd(II) species that result from phenyl iodide oxidative addition are described, and their rate of formation under standard conditions is given; the halogeno phenyl products obtained are identified and characterized. These results are discussed in light of the knowledge existing for more classical systems combining Pd(II) halides or zerovalent palladium with nmonodentate tertiary phosphines ( n= 2–4). In this respect, the system using Fc(P 4) tBu is relevant since its four triarylphosphine groups (Ph 2PCp) are formally similar to a 4-fold excess of the triarylphosphine triphenylphosphine ( PPh 3) as ligand. However, the phosphorus atoms of the tetraphosphine ligand present a mutual spatial proximity that is absent in monophosphines, due to their implantation on the ferrocene platform. Therefore, the possible effects of multidentarity are discussed. Finally, the importance of palladium anionic species is confirmed in this study, and the rate value of Ph−I oxidative addition (130 ± 10 ms) on Pd(0) confirmed both the good reactivity and the enhanced stability provided to palladium species by the ferrocenyltetraphosphine ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first experimental study of the low-temperature kinetics of the gas-phase reaction between NH 2 and NO has been performed. A pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence technique was used to create and monitor the temporal decay of NH 2 in the presence of NO. Measurements were carried out over the temperature range of 24-106 K, with the low temperatures achieved using a pulsed Laval nozzle expansion. The negative temperature dependence of the reaction rate coefficient observed at higher temperatures in the literature continues at these lower temperatures, with the rate coefficient reaching 3.5 × 10 -10 cm 3 molecule -1 s -1 at T = 26 K. Ab initio calculations of the potential energy surface were combined with rate theory calculations using the MESMER software package in order to calculate and predict rate coefficients and branching ratios over a wide range of temperatures, which are largely consistent with experimentally determined literature values. These theoretical calculations indicate that at the low temperatures investigated for this reaction, only one product channel producing N 2 + H 2 O is important. The rate coefficients determined in this study were used in a gas-phase astrochemical model. Models were run over a range of physical conditions appropriate for cold to warm molecular clouds (10 to 30 K; 10 4 to 10 6 cm -3 ), resulting in only minor changes (<1%) to the abundances of NH 2 and NO at steady state. Hence, despite the observed increase in the rate at low temperatures, this mechanism is not a dominant loss mechanism for either NH 2 or NO under dark cloud conditions.

The synthesis and characterization of zinc(II) meso -pyridin-2-ylthio-porphyrins are presented in this manuscript. The (electro)chemical oxidation of [5-(pyridin-2-ylthio)-10,20-bis( p -tolyl)-15-phenylporphyrinato] zinc(II) or [5,15-bis(pyridin-2-ylthio)-10,20-bis( p -tolyl)porphyrinato] zinc(II) leads to the formation of one or two C-N bond(s) by intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the peripheral thiopyridinyl fragment(s) on the neighboring β-pyrrolic position(s) (C-N fusion reaction). In addition, the chemical oxidation of [5-(pyridin-2-ylthio)-10,20-bis( p -tolyl)porphyrinato] zinc(II), i.e. , bearing one free meso position, mainly affords the meso , meso -dimer. Further stepwise electrochemical oxidation selectively produces the mono and bis C-N fused meso , meso -dimer. The resulting pyridinium derivatives exhibit important changes in their physicochemical properties (NMR, UV-vis, CV) as compared to their initial unfused precursors. Also, the X-ray crystallographic structures of three unfused monomers, one unfused meso , meso -dimer, and two C-N fused monomers are presented.

An alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling of Katritzky alkylpyridinium salts and organoboranes, formed in situ via hydroboration of alkenes, has been developed. This method utilizes the abundance of both alkyl amine precursors and alkenes to form C(sp 3 )-C(sp 3 ) bonds. This strategy is also effective with alkynes, enabling a C(sp 3 )-C(sp 2 ) cross-coupling. Under these mild conditions, a broad range of functional groups, including protic groups, is tolerated. As seen with previous alkylpyridinium cross-couplings, mechanistic studies support an alkyl radical intermediate.

Aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction of the nitro group of meso-nitroporphyrins with azide and various amines was achieved and represents an alternative procedure to C-N coupling reactions usually needed to obtain such meso-N-substituted porphyrins in good yields.

Oxidative addition (OA) of organic halides to palladium(0) species is a fundamental reaction step which initiates the C-C bond formation catalytic processes typical of Pd(0)/Pd(II) chemistry. The use of structurally congested polyphosphane ligands in palladium-catalyzed C-C bond formation has generated very high turnover numbers (TONs) in topical reactions such as Heck, Suzuki, Sonogashira couplings, and direct sp(2)C-H functionalization. Herein, the OA of aryl bromides to Pd(0) complexes stabilized by ferrocenylpolyphosphane ligands L1 (tetraphosphane), L2 (triphosphane), and L3 (diphosphane) is considered. The investigation of kinetic constants for the addition of Ph-Br to Pd(0) intermediates (generated by electrochemical reduction of Pd(II) complexes coordinated by L1-L3) is reported. Thus, in the OA of halides to the Pd(0) complex coordinated by L1 the series of rate constants kapp is found (mol(-1) L s(-1)): kapp(Ph-Br) = 0.48 > kapp(ClCH2-Cl) = 0.25 ≫ kapp(p-MeC6H4-Br) = 0.08 ≈ kapp(o-MeC6H4-Br) = 0.07 ≫ kapp(Ph-Cl). Kinetic measurements clarify the influence that the presence of four, three, or two phosphorus atoms in the coordination sphere of Pd has on OA. The presence of supplementary phosphorus atoms in L1 and L2 unambiguously stabilizes Pd(0) species and thus slows down the OA of Ph-Br to Pd(0) of about 2 orders of magnitude compared to the diphosphane L3. The electrosynthesis of the complexes resulting from the OA of organic halides to [Pd(0)/L] is easily performed and show the concurrent OA to Pd(0) of the sp(3)C-Cl bond of dichloromethane solvent. The resulting unstable Pd/alkyl complex is characterized by NMR and single crystal X-ray structure. We additionally observed the perfect stereoselectivity of the OA reactions which is induced by the tetraphosphane ligand L1. Altogether, a clearer picture of the general effects of congested polydentate ligands on the OA of organic halides to Pd(0) is given.

In vitro testing is a common first step in assessing combustion-generated and engineered nanoparticle-related health hazards. Commercially available viability assays are frequently used to compare the toxicity of different particle types and to generate dose-response data. Nanoparticles, well-known for having large surface areas and chemically active surfaces, may interfere with viability assays, producing a false assessment of toxicity and making it difficult to compare toxicity data. The objective of this study is to measure the extent of particle interference in two common viability assays, the MTT reduction and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Diesel particles, activated carbon, flame soot, oxidized flame soot, and titanium dioxide particles are assessed for interactions with the MTT and LDH assay under cell-free conditions. Diesel particles, at concentrations as low as 0.05 μg/mL, reduce MTT. Other particle types reduce MTT only at a concentration of 50 μg/mL and higher. The activated carbon, soot, and oxidized soot particles bind LDH to varying extents, reducing the concentration measured in the LDH assay. The interfering effects of the particles explain in part the different toxicities measured in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o). We conclude that valid particle toxicity assessments can only be assured after first performing controls to verify that the particles under investigation do not interfere with a specific assay at the expected concentrations.

We demonstrate the utility of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the basis of a stand-alone, inexpensive, and sensitive mercury monitor. Gold nanoparticles absorb visible light due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and the absorbance changes when mercury combines with the gold nanoparticles. The sensitivity of the peak absorbance is proportional to the surface-area-to-volume ratio. We chose 5 nm spheres because they have the largest surface-area-to-volume ratio while still having a peak absorption in the visible range. The adsorption of 15 atoms of Hg causes a 1 nm shift in the LSPR wavelength of these particles. Assembled into a film using the Langmuir-Blodgett method, the AuNP LSPR can be tracked with a simple UV-vis spectrometer. The rate of shift in the peak absorbance is linear with mercury concentrations from 1 to 825 μg(Hg)/m(air)(3). Increasing the flow velocity (and mass transfer rate) increases the peak shift rate making this system a viable method for direct ambient mercury vapor measurements. Regeneration of the sensing films, done by heating to 160 °C, allows for repeatable measurements on the same film.

We report that the p-xylylenediammonium ion (11) acts as a template in the cucurbit[n]uril forming reaction that biases the reaction toward the production of methylene bridged glycoluril hexamer (6C) and bis-nor-seco-CB[10]. Hexamer 6C is readily available on the gram scale by a one step synthetic procedure that avoids chromatography. Hexamer 6C undergoes macrocylization with (substituted) phthalaldehydes 12, 14, 15, and 18-in 9 M H(2)SO(4) or concd HCl at room temperature to deliver monofunctionalized CB[6] derivatives 13, 16, 17, and 19-that are poised for further functionalization reactions. The kinetics of the macrocyclization reaction between hexamer and formaldehyde or phthalaldehyde depends on the presence and identity of ammonium ions as templates. p-Xylylenediammonium ion (11) which barely fits inside CB[6] sized cavities acts as a negative template which slows down transformation of 6C and paraformaldehyde into CB[6]. In contrast, 11 and hexanediammonium ion (20) act as a positive template that promotes the macrocyclization reaction between 6C and 12 to deliver (±)-21 as a key intermediate along the mechanistic pathway to CB[6] derivatives. Naphthalene-CB[6] derivative 19 which contains both fluorophore and ureidyl C═O metal-ion (e.g., Eu(3+)) binding sites forms the basis for a fluorescence turn-on assay for suitable ammonium ions (e.g., hexanediammonium ion and histamine).

The fragmentation reaction of bis-nor-seco-CB[10] with 3,5-dimethylphenol (3) delivers methylene bridged glycoluril pentamer 5 in 81% yield. The host-guest recognition properties of the previously known tetramer 4 and those of pentamer 5 and hexamer 6 toward cationic guests in water are used to delineate some important features of the binding of acyclic CB[n]-type receptors., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

The reduction rates of horse heart ferricytochrome c by amalgamated zinc or by electrolysis at fixed potential on a mercury pool as the cathode have been measured in a buffered solution at pH 7.5 by absorption spectrophotometry. In both cases, the reaction was strongly accelerated by the presence of the optically active complexes Lambda-[Cr(III)((S,S)-promp)H(2)O](+) (H(2)promp = N,N'-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]-bis[(S)-proline]), Delta-[Cr(III)((R,R)-alamp)H(2)O](+) (H(2)alamp = N,N'-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]-bis[(R)-alanine]) and Lambda-[Cr(III)((S,S)-alamp)(H(2)O)(2)](+). These were shown to undergo reversible one-electron reduction to the corresponding labile chromium(II) species by cyclic voltammetry (CV), although the diaquo Lambda-[Cr(III)((S,S)-alamp)(H(2)O)(2)](+) compound behaved differently than the two others. The cyclic voltammogram evidenced a strong catalytic reduction wave below -1.1 V/SHE overlapping with the Cr(3+)/Cr(2+) couple, which has been attributed to the catalytic reduction of hydroxonium ions to molecular hydrogen. Although stable in the second time range as demonstrated by CV, the chromium(II) complexes exist in solution only as short-lived species in the absence of protein and are rapidly reoxidized to the initial trivalent state, thus preventing their isolation even under anaerobic conditions. However, their lifetime was found to be long enough to catalyze the reduction of the ferric heme moiety of cytochrome c according to an electron-transfer-mediated reaction. Both chemical and electrochemical processes were found to follow zero-order kinetics. It could therefore be safely concluded that the rate-determining step is associated to the electron transfer from transient chromium(II) complexes to the protein and not to the in situ generation of the metallic reducing agent.

To identify the mechanism through which nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI; Fe0(s)) damages cells, a series of experiments were conducted in which nZVI in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was exposed to oxygen in the presence and absence of human bronchial epithelial cells. When nZVI is added to PBS, a burst of oxidants is produced as Fe0 and ferrous iron (Fe[II]) are converted to ferric iron (Fe[II]). Cytotoxicity and internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells exposed to nZVI is equivalent to the response observed when cells are exposed to the same concentration of dissolved Fe(II). Experiments conducted in the absence of cells indicate that the oxidant produced during Fe(II) oxidation reacts with methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide, but not with compounds such as tert-butanol and benzoate that react exclusively with hydroxyl radical. The role of reactive oxidants produced during Fe(II) oxidation in cytotoxicity and internal ROS production is further supported by experiments in which cell damage was limited by the addition of ligands that prevented Fe(II) oxidation and by the absence of cell damage when the nanoparticles were oxidized prior to exposure. The behavior of the oxidant produced by nZVI is consistent with an oxidant such as the ferryl ion, rather than hydroxyl radical.

An open fire was assembled with firebricks to simulate the household fire pit used in rural China, and 15 different coals from this area were burned to measure the gaseous and particulate emissions. Particle size distribution was studied with a microorifice uniform-deposit impactor (MOUDI). Over 90% of the particulate mass was attributed to sub-micrometer particles. The carbon balance method was used to calculate the emission factors. Emission factors for four pollutants (particulate matter, CO2, total hydrocarbons, and NOx) were 2-4 times higherfor bituminous coals than for anthracites. In past inventories of carbonaceous emissions used for climate modeling, these two types of coal were not treated separately. The dramatic emission factor difference between the two types of coal warrants attention in the future development of emission inventories.

A new aspect of reactivity of the cluster [Pd3(dppm)3(micro3-CO)]n+, ([Pd3]n+, n = 2, 1, 0) with the low-valent metal-metal-bonded Pd2(dppm)2Cl2 dimer (Pd2Cl2) was observed using electrochemical techniques. The direct reaction between [Pd3]2+ and Pd2Cl2 in THF at room temperature leads to the known [Pd3(dppm)3(micro3-CO)(Cl)]+ ([Pd3(Cl)]+) adduct and the monocationic species Pd2(dppm)2Cl+ (very likely as Pd2(dppm)2(Cl)(THF)+, [Pd2Cl]+) as unambiguously demonstrated by UV-vis and 31P NMR spectroscopy. In this case, [Pd3]2+ acts as a strong Lewis acid toward the labile Cl- ion, which weakly dissociates from Pd2Cl2 (i.e., dissociative mechanism). Host-guest interactions between [Pd3]2+ and Pd2Cl2 seem unlikely on the basis of computer modeling because of the strong screening of the Pd-Cl fragment by the Ph-dppm groups in Pd2Cl2. The electrogenerated clusters [Pd3]+ and [Pd3]0 also react with Pd2Cl2 to unexpectedly form the same oxidized adduct, [Pd3(Cl)]+, despite the known very low affinity of [Pd3]+ and [Pd3]0 toward Cl- ions. The reduced biproduct in this case is the highly reactive zerovalent species "Pd2(dppm)2" or "Pd(dppm)" as demonstrated by quenching with CDCl3 (forming the well-known complex Pd(dppm)Cl2) or in presence of dppm (forming the known Pd2(dppm)3 d10-d10 dimer). To bring these halide-electron exchange reactions to completion for [Pd3]+ and [Pd3]0, 0.5 and 1.0 equiv of Pd2Cl2 are necessary, respectively, accounting perfectly for the number of exchanged electrons. The presence of a partial dissociation of Pd2Cl2 into the Cl- ion and the monocation [Pd2Cl]+, which is easier to reduce than Pd2Cl2, is suggested to explain the overall electrochemical results. It is possible to regulate the nature of the species formed from Pd2Cl2 by changing the state of charge of the title cluster.

The heterodinuclear d(9)-d(9) title compound 1, whose crystal structure has been solved, reacts with dppm [bis(diphenylphosphino)methane] in the presence of NaBF4 to generate the salt [ClPd(mu-dppm)2Pt(eta(1)-dppm)][BF4] (2a), which contains a Pt-bound dangling dppm ligand. 2a has been characterized by 1H and 31P NMR, Fourier transform Raman [nu(Pd-Pt) = 138 cm(-1)], and UV-vis spectroscopy [lambda(max)(dsigma-dsigma*) = 366 nm]. In a similar manner, [ClPd(mu-dppm)2Pt(eta(1)-dppm=O)][BF4] (2b), ligated with a dangling phosphine oxide, has been prepared by the addition of dppm=O. The molecular structure of 2b has been established by an X-ray diffraction study. 2a reacts with 1 equiv of NaBH4 to form the platinum hydride complex [(eta(1)-dppm)Pd(mu-dppm)2Pt(H)][BF4] (3). Both 2a and 3 react with an excess of NaBH4 to provide the mixed-metal d(10)-d(10) compound [Pd(mu-dppm)3Pt] (4). The photophysical properties of 4 were studied by UV-vis spectroscopy [lambda(max)(dsigma-dsigma*) = 460 nm] and luminescence spectroscopy (lambda(emi) = 724 nm; tau(e) = 12 +/- 1 micros, 77 K). The protonation of 1 and 4 leads to [ClPd(mu-dppm)2(mu-H)PtCl]+ (5) and 3, respectively. Stoichiometric treatment of 1 with cyclohexyl or xylyl isocyanide yields [ClPd(mu-dppm)2Pt(CNC6H11)]Cl (6a) and [ClPd(mu-dppm)2Pt(CN-xylyl)]Cl (6b) ligated by terminal-bound CNR ligands. In contrast, treatment of 1 with the phosphonium salt [C[triple bond]NCH2PPh3]Cl affords the structurally characterized A-frame compound [ClPd(mu-dppm)2(mu-C=NCH2PPh3)PtCl]Cl (6c), spanned by a bridging isocyanide ligand. The electrochemical reduction of 2a at -1.2 V vs SCE, as well as the reduction of 5 in the presence of dppm, leads to a mixture of products 3 and 4. Further reduction of 3 at -1.7 V vs SCE generates 4 quantitatively. The reoxidation at 0 V of 4 in the presence of Cl- ions produces back complex 2a. The whole mechanism of the reduction of 1 has been established.

The photochemical interaction of 193 nm light with polystyrene nanospheres is used to produce particles with a controlled size and morphology. Laser fluences from 0 to 0.14 J/cm2 at 10 and 50 Hz photofragment nearly monodisperse 110 nm spherical polystyrene particles. The size distributions before and after irradiation are measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), and the morphology of the irradiated particles is examined with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that the irradiated particles have a smaller mean diameter ( approximately 25 nm) and a number concentration more than an order of magnitude higher than nonirradiated particles. The particles are formed by nucleation of gas-phase species produced by photolytic decomposition of nanospheres. A nondimensional parameter, the photon-to-atom ratio (PAR), is used to interpret the laser-particle interaction energetics.

The title cluster (Pd(3)(2+)) exhibits a pronounced affinity for Br(-) ions to form the very stable Pd(3)(Br)(+) adduct. Upon a 2-electron reduction, a dissociative process occurs generating Pd(3)(0) and eliminating Br(-) according to an ECE mechanism (electrochemical, chemical, electrochemical). At a lower temperature (i.e. -20 degrees C), both ECE and EEC processes operate. This cluster also activates the C-Br bond, and this work deals with the reactivity of Pd(3)(2+) with 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-5-thioxylopyranosyl bromide (Xyl-Br), both alpha- and beta-isomers. The observed inorganic product is Pd(3)(Br)(+) again, and it is formed according to an associative mechanism involving Pd(3)(2+).Xyl-Br host-guest assemblies. In an attempt to render the C-Br bond activation catalytic, these species are investigated under reduction conditions at two potentials (-0.9 and -1.25 V vs SCE). In the former case, the major product is Xyl-H, issued from a radical intermediate Xyl(*) abstracting an H atom from the solvent. Evidence for Xyl(*) is provided by the trapping with TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) and DMPO (5,5'-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxyde). In the second case, only one product is observed, 3,4-di-O-acetyl-5-thioxylal, which is issued from the Xyl(-)() intermediate anion.

The stoichiometric and catalytic activations of alkyl halides and acid chlorides by the unsatured Pd(3)(dppm)(3)(CO)(2+) cluster (Pd(3)(2+)) are investigated in detail. A series of alkyl halides (R-X; R = t-Bu, Et, Pr, Bu, allyl; X = Cl, Br, I) react slowly with Pd(3)(2+) to form the corresponding Pd(3)(X)(+) adduct and "R(+)". This activation can proceed much faster if it is electrochemically induced via the formation of the paramagnetic species Pd(3)(+). The latter is the first confidently identified paramagnetic Pd cluster. The kinetic constants extracted from the evolution of the UV-vis spectra for the thermal activation, as well as the amount of electricity to bring the activation to completion for the electrochemically induced reactions, correlate the relative C-X bond strength and the steric factors. The highly reactive "R(+)" species has been trapped using phenol to afford the corresponding ether. On the other hand, the acid chlorides react rapidly with Pd(3)(2+) where no induction is necessary. The analysis of the cyclic voltammograms (CV) establishes that a dissociative mechanism operates (RCOCl --> RCO(+) + Cl(-); R = t-Bu, Ph) prior to Cl(-) scavenging by the Pd(3)(2+) species. For the other acid chlorides (R = n-C(6)H(13), Me(2)CH, Et, Me, Pr), a second associative process (Pd(3)(2+) + RCOCl --> Pd(3)(2+.....)Cl(CO)(R)) is seen. Addition of Cu(NCMe)(4)(+) or Ag(+) leads to the abstraction of Cl(-) from Pd(3)(Cl)(+) to form Pd(3)(2+) and the insoluble MCl materials (M = Cu, Ag) allowing to regenerate the starting unsaturated cluster, where the precipitation of MX drives the reaction. By using a copper anode, the quasi-quantitative catalytic generation of the acylium ion ("RCO(+)") operates cleanly and rapidly. The trapping of "RCO(+)" with PF(6)(-) or BF(4)(-) leads to the corresponding acid fluorides and, with an alcohol (R'OH), to the corresponding ester catalytically, under mild conditions. Attempts were made to trap the key intermediates "Pd(3)(Cl)(+)...M(+)" (M(+) = Cu(+), Ag(+)), which was successfully performed for Pd(3)(ClAg)(2+), as characterized by (31)P NMR, IR, and FAB mass spectrometry. During the course of this investigation, the rare case of PF(6)(-) hydrolysis has been observed, where the product PF(2)O(2)(-) anion is observed in the complex Pd(3)(PF(2)O(2))(+), where the substrate is well-located inside the cavity formed by the dppm-Ph groups above the unsatured face of the Pd(3)(2+) center. This work shows that Pd(3)(2+) is a stronger Lewis acid in CH(2)Cl(2) and THF than AlCl(3), Ag(+), Cu(+), and Tl(+).

The dicationic palladium cluster Pd3(dppm)3(CO)2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) reacts with acid chlorides RCOCl (R = n-C6H13, t-Bu, Ph) to afford quantitatively the chloride adduct Pd3(dppm)3(CO)(Cl)+ and the acyl cation RCO+ as the organic counterpart. The dicationic reactive cluster can be reformed by electrolyzing the chloride complex with a copper anode leaving CuCl as a byproduct. The combination of these two reactions provides an electrocatalytic way to form the acylium from the acid chloride. Indeed, in CH2Cl2, 0.2 M NBu4PF6, or NBu4BF4, the electrolysis of the acid chloride in the presence of a catalytic amount of the cluster (1%) gives in good yields the acid fluoride RCOF, arising from the coupling of the acylium with a F(-) issued from the fluorinated supporting electrolyte. Alternatively, in CH2Cl2 or 0.2 M NBu4ClO4, by operating with an alcohol R'OH as the nucleophile, the electrolysis gives the ester RC(O)OR' as the only final product.

The reduction mechanism of the title cluster has been investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry, and coulometry. The 2-electron reduction proceeds via two routes simultaneously. The first one involves two 1-electron reduction steps, followed by an iodide elimination to form the neutral Pd(3)(dppm)(3)(CO)(0) cluster (EEC mechanism). The second one is a 1-electron reduction process, followed by an iodide elimination, then by a second 1-electron step (ECE mechanism) to generate the same final product. Control over these two competitive mechanisms can be achieved by changing temperature, solvent polarity, iodide concentration, or sweep rate. The reoxidation of the Pd(3)(dppm)(3)(CO)(0) cluster in the presence of iodide proceeds via a pure ECE pathway. The overall results were interpreted with a six-member square scheme, and the cyclic and RDE voltammograms were simulated, in order to extract the reaction rate and equilibrium constants for iodide exchange for all three Pd(3)(dppm)(3)(CO)(I)(n)() (n = +1, 0, -1) adducts.

Two new reductive electrochemical (CO2 + H2O + 2e-; HCO2H + 2e-) and two new chemical methods (Al(CH3)3 + proton donor; NaO2CH) to prepare the title compound from Pd2(dppm)2Cl2 are reported. For the latter method, an intermediate species formulated as Pd2(dppm)4(O2CH)2(2+) is identified spectroscopically (1H NMR, 31P NMR, IR, and FAB-MS). Limited stability of the title compound in the presence of Cl- and Br- as counteranions is noticed and is due to sensitivity of the cluster toward nucleophilic attack of the halide ions. This result is corroborated by the rapid decomposition of these clusters in the presence of CN- to form the binuclear species Pd2(dppm)2(CN)4 and by the preparation of the stable salts [Pd4(dppm)4(H)2](X)2(X- = BF4-, PF6-, BPh4-). Upon a two-electron electrochemical reduction of this cluster to the neutral species (E1/2 = -1.42 V vs SCE in DMF) in the presence of 1 equiv of HCO2H, a highly reactive species formulated as [Pd4(dppm)4(H)3]+ is generated and characterized by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. Subsequent addition of H+ (via RCO2H; R = H, CH3, CF3, C6H5) under the same reducing conditions, induces the homogeneous catalysis of H2 evolution. The turnover number is found to be 134 in 2 h, with no evidence for catalyst decomposition. This same species also exhibits a one-electron oxidation process (E1/2 = -0.61 V vs SCE in DMF) that induces the catalytical decomposition of formate (HCO2- --> CO2 + 1/2H2 + 1e-). This double catalysis from the same cluster intermediate is unprecedented.

4-Nitrophenol 2-hydroxylation activity was previously shown to be mainly catalyzed by P450 2E1 in animal species and humans. As this chemical compound is widely used as an in vitro probe for P450 2E1, this study was carried out to test its catalytic specificity. First, experiments were carried out on liver microsomes and hepatocyte cultures of rat treated with different inducers. Liver microsomes from pyrazole- and dexamethasone-treated rats hydroxylated p-nitrophenol with a metabolic rate increased by 2.5- and 2.7-fold vs control. Dexamethasone treatment increased the hepatic content of P450 3A but not that of P450 2E1. Two specific inhibitors of P450 3A catalytic activities, namely, ketoconazole and troleandomycin (TAO), inhibited up to 50% of 4-nitrophenol hydroxylation in dexamethasone-treated rats but not in controls. Hepatocyte cultures from dexamethasone-treated rats transformed p-nitrophenol into 4-nitrocatechol 7.8 times more than controls. This catalytic activity was inhibited by TAO. Similarly, hepatocyte cultures from pyrazole-treated rats hydroxylated p-nitrophenol with a metabolic ratio increased by about 8-fold vs control. This reaction was inhibited by diethyl dithiocarbamate and dimethyl sulfoxide, both inhibitors of P450 2E1. Second, the capability of human P450s other than P450 2E1 to catalyze the formation of 4-nitrocatechol was examined in a panel of 13 human liver microsomes. Diethyl dithiocarbamate and ketoconazole reduced 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity by 77% (+/- 11) and 13% (+/- 16), respectively. Furthermore, the residual activity following diethyl dithiocarbamate inhibition was significantly correlated with seven P450 3A4 catalytic activities. Finally, the use of human cell lines genetically engineered for expression of human P450s demonstrated that P450 2E1 and 3A4 hydroxylated 4-nitrophenol with turnovers of 19.5 and 1.65 min-1, respectively. In conclusion, P450 3A may make a significant contribution to 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity in man and rat.