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[EN] Enzymatic browning is one of the main problems faced by the food industry due to the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) provoking an undesirable color change in the presence of oxygen. Here, we report the evaluation of 10 different azamacrocyclic compounds with diverse morphologies as potential inhibitors against the activity of PPO, both in model and real systems. An initial screening of 10 ligands shows that all azamacrocyclic compounds inhibit to some extent the enzymatic browning, but the molecular structure plays a crucial role on the power of inhibition. Kinetic studies of the most active ligand (L2) reveal a S-parabolic I-parabolic noncompetitive inhibition mechanism and a remarkable inhibition at micromolar concentration (IC50 = 10 mu M). Furthermore, L2 action has been proven on apple juice to significantly reduce the enzymatic browning., Financial support by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (project RTI2018-100910-B-C44), Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (projects CTQ2016-78499-C6-1-R, Unidad de Excelencia MDM 2015-0038 and CTQ2017-90852-REDC), and Generalitat Valenciana (Project PROMETEOII2015-002) is gratefully acknowledged.

Leishmaniasis is one of the world's most neglected diseases with a worldwide prevalence of 12 million people. There are no effective human vaccines for its prevention, and outdated drugs hamper treatment. Therefore, research aimed at developing new therapeutic tools to fight leishmaniasis remains a crucial goal today. With this purpose in mind, here, we present 10 new compounds made up by linking alkylated ethylenediamine units to pyridine or quinoline heterocycles with promising in vitro and in vivo efficacy against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania donovani, and Leishmania braziliensis species. Three compounds (2, 4, and 5) showed a selectivity index much higher in the amastigote form than the reference drug glucantime. These three derivatives affected the parasite infectivity rates; the result was lower parasite infectivity rates than glucantime tested at an IC25 dose. In addition, these derivatives were substantially more active against the three Leishmania species tested than glucantime. The mechanism of action of these compounds has been studied, showing alterations in glucose catabolism and leading to greater levels of iron superoxide dismutase inhibition. These molecules could be potential candidates for leishmaniasis chemotherapy due to their effectiveness and their ready synthesis.

Three new [1 + 1] macrocycles formed by the reaction of 1H-3,5-bis(chloromethyl)pyrazole with the tosylated amines 1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane (L1), 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (L2) and 1,5,10,14-tetraazatetradecane (L3) are described. Potentiometric studies and HR-ESI-Mass spectrometry show the formation of dimeric binuclear Cu2+ complexes whose organization depends on the type of hydrocarbon chains connecting the amine groups. Furthermore, trinuclear or/and tetranuclear complexes are formed depending also on the length of the polyaminic bridge and on the sequence of the hydrocarbon chains. The crystal structures of the [2 + 2] [Cu2(H(H−1L2))2](ClO4)4·4H2O (1) and [Cu2(H−1L2)2](ClO4)2 (2) complexes show in both of them two macrocycles self-assembled by the metal ions which interconnect their pyrazolate fragments that behave as bis(monodentate) ligands. While in 1 one central amine of each macrocycle binds to the axial position of a distorted square-pyramid and the other ones remain protonated, in 2 all the amine groups are involved in the coordination giving rise to a strongly distorted octahedral geometry. Paramagnetic 1H NMR measurements support that these structures also form in solution. Interestingly, tetranuclear complexes [Cu4(H−1L4)2(OH)2.08](ClO4)2.92Br0.54Cl0.46 (3) and [Pd2.39Cu1.61(H−1L4)2(OH)2](ClO4)2Cl1.33Br0.67·2.87H2O (4) have been isolated for the macrocycle containing the 1,5,9,13-tetraamine chain (L4). 3 has two binucleating units, one of them formed by the pyrazolate moieties and their neighbouring secondary amines and the other by the two central amines of both macrocycles. This latter Cu2+ coordination site is completed by two hydroxide anions as bridging ligands. 4 was obtained from a solution prepared to achieve full formation of the dimeric cage [Cu2(H−1(HL4))2]4+ by addition of K2PdCl4. The Pd2+ ion due to its softer acidic characteristics displaces the Cu2+ ions from the pyrazolate site. UV-vis spectroscopy suggests that the exchange is completed at room temperature after one hour.

Here we present the preparation and characterization of new biocompatible materials for drug encapsulation. These new gels are based on positively charged [1+1] 1H-pyrazole-based azamacrocycles which minimise the electrostatic repulsions between the negatively charged GMP molecules. Rheological measurements confirm the electroneutral hydrogel structure as the most stable for all the GMP-polyamine systems. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was employed to investigate the kinetics of the hydrogel formation and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was used to obtain information about the hydrogel morphology, which exhibited a non-homogeneous structure with a high degree of cross-linking. It is possible to introduce isoniazid, which is the most employed antibiotic for tuberculosis treatment, into the hydrogels without disrupting the hydrogel structure at appropriate concentrations for oral administration.

Ordered polyiodide networks have recently gathered considerable attention as electronic materials, a topic historically dominated by metals. Could we incorporate metal cations into polyiodide frameworks in a controlled manner to simultaneously boost electronic properties and robustness of these materials? Herein we present a first principles study featuring three analogous polyazacyclophanes (L, L-Me, L-Me3), differing only in the extent of N-methylation. We demonstrate (potentiometry, ITC) how they all form the same CuL2+ (L = L, L-Me, L-Me3) complex as prevalent species in solution, so that a level playing field exists where only N-methylation distinguishes them. Then we use them as countercations for polyiodide growth. XRD analysis of the resulting crystals clearly shows that methylation is a valuable tool to gradually shift directional control of subtending pairing preferences from H-bond to I⋯I interactions: this affects global packing and actively incorporates metal centres into polyiodide chains, setting the scene for further developments.

Anion-π interactions are emerging as exotic features with potential applications in chemistry. In the last years, their relevance in living systems has been outlined, and so far there is no concluding significant evidence recognized about the participation of anion-π interactions in water because anion-π sensors contain large aromatic hydrophobic surfaces with limited solubility. By transforming a neutral heterocycle (for example quinoline) into its corresponding salt (quinolinium), we have been able to overcome these solubility issues, and new cationic water-soluble fluorophores have been prepared. Herein, we used N-alkylated heterocycles as π-acidic surfaces to shed light on the nature of anion-π in water by the direct measurement of the fluorescence and UV/Vis spectra in combination with DFT and X-ray analyses.

A scorpionate Zn2+ complex, constituted by a macrocyclic pyridinophane core attached to a pendant arm containing a fluorescent pyridyl-oxadiazole-phenyl unit (PyPD), has been shown to selectively recognize chloride anions, giving rise to changes in fluorescence emission that are clearly visible under a 365 nm UV lamp. This recognition event has been studied by means of absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy, and it involves the intramolecular displacement of the PyPD unit by chloride anions. Moreover, since the chromophore is not removed from the system after the recognition event, the fluorescence can readily be restored by elimination of the bound chloride anion.

Three new [1 + 1] macrocycles formed by the reaction of 1H-3,5-bis(chloromethyl)pyrazole with the tosylated amines 1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane (L1), 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (L2) and 1,5,10,14-tetraazatetradecane (L3) are described. Potentiometric studies and HR-ESI-Mass spectrometry show the formation of dimeric binuclear Cu

Enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables can produce undesirable colour changes and adversely affect the taste, flavour, and nutritional value. This fact poses a challenge to the food industry to apply appropriate inhibitors to control enzymatic browning to maintain food quality. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the effect of small mazamacrocyclic compounds modified with a hydroxypyridinone similar to kojic acid on enzymatic browning, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in apple juice. The results showed how these compounds interact with the tyrosinase enzyme in a complex interaction inhibiting its activity. The hydroxypyridinone attached to the macrocycle (I1) was crucial to induce the greatest inhibition, being the most powerful inhibitor. The kinetic studies of I1 reveal mixed-type inhibition over tyrosinase with an IC50 of 0.30 mM, which was much higher than the calculated IC50 for I2 and I3. Furthermore, I1 at a concentration of 2.25 mM, significantly reduced the enzymatic browning in fresh apple juice by more than 50% after 1 h under stirring. Also, it completely stops the decrease in the total phenolic content and delays loss of antioxidant capacity during the first 30 min.

Two polytopic aza-scorpiand-like ligands, 6-[7-(diaminoethyl)-3,7-diazaheptyl]-3,6,9-triaza-1-(2,6-pyridina)cyclodecaphane (L1) and 6-[6′-[3,6,9-triaza-1-(2,6-pyridina)cyclodecaphan-6-yl]-3-azahexyl]-3,6,9-triaza-1-(2,6-pyridina)cyclodecaphane (L2), have been synthesized. The acid–base behavior and Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+/Zn2+ mixed coordination have been analyzed by potentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The resolution of the crystal structures of [Cu2L2Cl2](ClO4)2·1.67H2O (1), [Cu2HL2Br2](ClO4)3·1.5H2O (2), and [CuZnL2Cl2](ClO4)2·1.64H2O (3) shows, in agreement with the solution data, the formation of homobinuclear Cu2+/Cu2+ and heterobinuclear Cu2+/Zn2+ complexes. The metal ions are coordinated within the two macrocyclic cavities of the ligand with the involvement of a secondary amino group of the bridge in the case of 1 and 3. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirms the 1:1 Cu2+/Zn2+ stoichiometry of 3. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the Cu2+/Cu2+ and Cu2+/Zn2+ co...

Polyiodide chemistry is among the first historically reported examples of supramolecular forces at work. To date, owing to the increasingly recognized role of halogen bonding and the incorporation of iodine-based components in several devices, it remains an active field of theoretical and applied research. Herein we re-examine azacyclophanes as a class of ligands for the stabilization of iodine-dense three-dimensional networks, showing how we devised novel possible strategies starting from literature material. The new set of azacyclophane ligands affords novel crystal structures possessing intriguing properties, which develop on a double layer. At a macroscopic level, the obtained networks possess a very high iodine packing density (less than 2 times more diluted than crystalline I2): a simple parameter, IN, is also introduced to quickly measure and compare iodine packing density in different crystals. On the microscopic level, the present study provides evidence about the ability of one of the ligands to act as a three-dimensional supramolecular mold for the template synthesis of the rarely observed heptaiodide (I7&minus, ) anion. Therefore, we believe our approach and strategy might be relevant for crystal engineering purposes.

The synthesis, acid-base behavior and Pb2+ coordination chemistry of the new aza-scorpiand like ligand 5-[2-(N-2-fluorenyl)ethylamino]-2,5,8-triaza[9]-2,6-pyridinophane (L1) have been studied by potentiometry, NMR and spectrofluorimetric titrations, and the results are compared with those obtained for the related compounds L2, lacking the fluorenyl group, and L3, the macrocycle lacking the pendant arm. The crystal structures obtained for complexes [PbL1][PbL1Cl](NO3)Cl2·4H2O (1) and [PbL3](ClO4)2 (2) reveal that the metal ion is located over the plane defined by the nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic core due to its inability to accommodate the large Pb2+ ion in the macrocyclic cavity. For L1, the secondary amino group of the pendant arm is implicated in the coordination of the metal ion, although the stereoactive lone pair of Pb2+ prevents the closed conformation associated with the coordination of metal ions in aza-scorpiand derivatives. The kinetics of the acid-promoted dissociation of the ligand from the Pb2+ complexes with the three ligands have been studied using stopped-flow with simultaneous absorbance and fluorescence detection. The results indicate that in spite of their similarity, the dissociation of the metal ion occurs with very different rates in the three complexes. During the course of the kinetic studies evidence was obtained for the occurrence of a photochemical process that leads to ligand degradation with the unexpected elimination of one CH2CH2 fragment from the macrocyclic core.

An unprecedentedly reactive iron species (2) has been generated by reaction of excess peracetic acid with a mononuclear iron complex [FeII(CF3SO3)2(PyNMe3)] (1) at cryogenic temperatures, and characterized spectroscopically. Compound 2 is kinetically competent for breaking strong C-H bonds of alkanes (BDE ≈ 100 kcal·mol-1) through a hydrogen-atom transfer mechanism, and the transformations proceed with stereoretention and regioselectively, responding to bond strength, as well as to steric and polar effects. Bimolecular reaction rates are at least an order of magnitude faster than those of the most reactive synthetic high-valent nonheme oxoiron species described to date. EPR studies in tandem with kinetic analysis show that the 490 nm chromophore of 2 is associated with two S = 1/2 species in rapid equilibrium. The minor component 2a (∼5% iron) has g-values at 2.20, 2.19, and 1.99 characteristic of a low-spin iron(III) center, and it is assigned as [FeIII(OOAc)(PyNMe3)]2+, also by comparison with the EPR parameters of the structurally characterized hydroxamate analogue [FeIII(tBuCON(H)O)(PyNMe3)]2+ (4). The major component 2b (∼40% iron, g-values = 2.07, 2.01, 1.95) has unusual EPR parameters, and it is proposed to be [FeV(O)(OAc)(PyNMe3)]2+, where the O-O bond in 2a has been broken. Consistent with this assignment, 2b undergoes exchange of its acetate ligand with CD3CO2D and very rapidly reacts with olefins to produce the corresponding cis-1,2-hydroxoacetate product. Therefore, this work constitutes the first example where a synthetic nonheme iron species responsible for stereospecific and site selective C-H hydroxylation is spectroscopically trapped, and its catalytic reactivity against C-H bonds can be directly interrogated by kinetic methods. The accumulated evidence indicates that 2 consists mainly of an extraordinarily reactive [FeV(O)(OAc)(PyNMe3)]2+ (2b) species capable of hydroxylating unactivated alkyl C-H bonds with stereoretention in a rapid and site-selective manner, and that exists in fast equilibrium with its [FeIII(OOAc)(PyNMe3)]2+ precursor Financial support for this work was provided by the European Commission (2011-CIG-303522 to A.C. and ERC-2009-StG-239910 to M.C.), the Spanish Ministry of Science (CTQ2012-37420-C02-01/BQU to M.C., CTQ2012-37821-C02-02 to M.G.B., CTQ2013-43012-P to A.C., and CSD2010-00065 to M.C., M.G.B., and E.G.E) and Generalitat de Catalunya (ICREA Academia Award to M.C.). The Spanish Ministry of Science is acknowledged for a Juan de la Cierva contract to B.V. (JCI-2011-09302) and for a Ramón y Cajal contract to A.C. (RYC-2011-08683). We are thankful for the financial support from INNPLANTA project INP-2011-0059-PCT-420000-ACT1 to Dr. Xavi Ribas

We describe the use of two series of aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole receptors bearing two and four electronically tunable phenyl groups, respectively, in their meso-positions as model systems for the quantification of CH-π interactions in solution. The "four-wall" and the "two-wall" receptors formed thermodynamically stable 1:1 complexes in acetonitrile solution with both trimethylamine N-oxide and trimethylphosphine P-oxide as guests. The complexes were mainly stabilized by the formation of four convergent hydrogen bonds between the oxygen atom of the guests and the pyrrole NHs of the host. In general, the N-oxide produced thermodynamically more stable hydrogen bonding interactions than the P-oxide. Upon guest binding, the receptors adopted the cone conformation and the methyl groups of the included guests engaged in CH-π interactions with the aromatic walls. We show that the modification of the electronic properties of the aromatic surfaces, in any of the receptor series, did not have a significant impact in the measured binding affinities for a given guest. However, the larger binding affinities determined for the "four-wall" receptors in comparison to the "two-wall" counterparts supported the importance of CH-π interactions on guest complexation. The strength of the CH-π interactions present in the inclusion complexes was quantified employing the octamethyl calix[4]pyrrole as reference. We determined an average magnitude of ~1 kcal·mol(-1) for each CH-π interaction. The CH-π interactions featured a reduced electrostatic nature and thus dispersion forces were assigned as main contributors of their strength.

The role played by metal complexes as receptors of different substrates is discussed. For this purpose, several relevant examples of the work performed by different research groups have been briefly discussed. The metal complexes have been organized attending to the molecular topology of the ligands employed. The article ends with the description of metallocages in which at least one of the metal ions constituting the cage framework binds the guest through coordinative bonds.

The synthesis, acid-base behavior, and Cu(2+) coordination chemistry of a new ligand (L1) consisting of an azamacrocyclic core appended with a lateral chain containing a 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4(1H)-pyridinone group have been studied by potentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. UV-vis and NMR studies showed that phenolate group was protonated at the highest pH values [log K = 9.72(1)]. Potentiometric studies point out the formation of Cu(2+) complexes of 1:2, 2:2, 4:3, 1:1, and 2:1 Cu(2+)/L1 stoichiometries. UV-vis analysis and electrochemical studies evidence the implication of the pyridinone moieties in the metal coordination of the 1:2 Cu(2+)/L1 complexes. L1 shows a stronger chelating ability than the reference chelating ligand deferiprone. While L1 shows no cytotoxicity in HeLa and ARPE-19 human cell lines (3.1-25.0 μg/mL), it has significant antioxidant activity, as denoted by TEAC assays at physiological pH. The addition of Cu(2+) diminishes the antioxidant activity because of its coordination to the pyridinone moiety phenolic group.

Rearrangements and their control are a hot topic in supramolecular chemistry due to the possibilities that these phenomena open in the design of synthetic receptors and molecular machines. Macrocycle aza-scorpiands constitute an interesting system that can reorganize their spatial structure depending on pH variations or the presence of metal cations. In this study, the relative stabilities of these conformations were predicted computationally by semi-empirical and density functional theory approximations, and the reorganization from closed to open conformations was simulated by using the Monte Carlo multiple minimum method Financial support by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Projects CONSOLIDER INGENIO CSD-2010-00065 and CTQ2013-48917-C3-1-P), Generalitat Valenciana (Project PROMETEOII2015-002) is gratefully acknowledged. Emili Besalú acknowledges the Generalitat de Catalunya (Departament d'Innovació, Universitats i Empresa) for the financial support given to the QTMEM (Química Teòrica i Modelatge i Enginyeria Molecular) research group of the University of Girona (code 2014-SGR-1202)

The crystal structure of a binuclear Mn(III) complex of a scorpiand-like ligand (L) displays an unsupported single oxo bridging ligand with a Mn(III)-O-Mn(III) angle of 174.7°. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two metal centers. DFT calculations have been carried out to understand the magnetic behavior and to analyze the nature of the observed Jahn-Teller distortion. Paramagnetic (1)H NMR has been applied to rationalize the formation and magnetic features of the complexes formed in solution.

The synthesis of two new ligands constituted of a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine moiety linked to the 2,6 positions of a pyridine spacer through methylene groups in which the hanging arm is further functionalized with a 2-pycolyl (L1) or 3-pycolyl (L2) group is presented. The protonation of L1 and L2 and formation of Cu(2+) complexes have been studied using potentiometric, NMR, X-ray, and kinetic experiments. The results provide new information about the relevance of molecular movements in the chemistry of this kind of so-called scorpiand ligand. The comparison between these two ligands that only differ in the position of the substituent at the arm reveals important differences in both thermodynamic and kinetic properties. The Cu(2+) complex with L1 is several orders of magnitude more stable than that with L2, surely because in the latter case the pyridine nitrogen at the pendant arm is unable to coordinate to the metal ion with the ligand acting as hexadentate, a possibility that occurs in the case of [CuL1](2+), as demonstrated by its crystal structure. Significant differences are also found between both ligands in the kinetic studies of complex formation and decomposition. For L1, those processes occur in a single kinetic step, whereas for L2 they occur with the formation of a detectable reaction intermediate whose structure corresponds to that resulting from the movement typical of scorpiands. Another interesting conclusion derived from kinetic studies on complex formation is that the reactive form of the ligand is H(3)L(3+) for L1 and H(2)L(2+) for L2. DFT calculations are also reported, and they allow a rationalization of the kinetic results relative to the reactive forms of the ligands in the process of complex formation. In addition, they provide a full picture of the mechanistic pathway leading to the formation of the first Cu-N bond, including outer-sphere complexation, water dissociation, and reorganization of the outer-sphere complex.

The synthesis, protonation, and Cu(2+) coordination chemistry of a tripodal heptaamine ligand (L(1)) functionalized with 2-pyridine fragments at the ends of its three branches are reported. L(1) presents six relatively high protonation constants followed by much more reduced constant that as indicated by the UV-vis and NMR data, occur on the pyridine fragments. p[H]-metric, ESI/MS(+), EPR and UV-vis data show that L(1) is able to form mono-, di-, and trinuclear Cu(2+) complexes. Slippage movements and molecular reorganizations have been observed to occur as a function of p[H] in the 1:1 Cu(2+) complexes. The kinetic studies showed that the complex formation is fast and proceeds through a dissociative Eigen-Wilkins mechanism. The decomposition of CuL(1) upon addition of acid excess occurs with two separate kinetic steps; the rate constant for the fast process does not vary with respect to the H(+) concentration whereas a linear dependence on H(+) is observed for the slow step.

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of two novel ligands, 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]metacyclophane (L1) and 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]paracyclophane (L2), is described. Potentiometric studies indicate that L1 and L2 form a variety of mononuclear complexes the stability constants of which reveal a change in the denticity of the ligand when moving from L1 to L2, a behaviour that can be qualitatively explained by the inability of the paracyclophanes to simultaneously use both benzylic nitrogen atoms for coordination to a single metal centre. In contrast, the formation of dinuclear hydroxylated complexes is more favoured for the paraL2 ligand. DFT calculations have been carried out to compare the geometries and relative energies of isomeric forms of the [CuL]2+ complexes of L1 and L2 in which the cyclophane acts either as tri- or tetradentate. The results indicate that the energy cost associated with a change in the coordination mode of the cyclophane from tri- to tetradentate is moderate for both ligands so that the actual coordination mode can be determined not only by the characteristics of the first coordination sphere but also by the specific interactions with additional nearby water molecules. The kinetics of the acid promoted decomposition of the mono- and dinuclear CuII complexes of both cyclophanes have also been studied. For both ligands, dinuclear complexes convert rapidly to mononuclear species upon addition of excess acid, the release of the first metal ion occurring within the mixing time of the stopped-flow instrument. Decomposition of the mononuclear [CuL2]2+ and [CuHL2]3+ species occurs with the same kinetics, thus showing that protonation of [CuL2]2+ occurs at an uncoordinated amine group. In contrast, the [CuL1]2+ and [CuHL1]3+ species show different decomposition kinetics indicating the existence of significant structural reorganisation upon protonation of the [CuL1]2+ species. The interaction of AMP with the protonated forms of the cyclophanes and the formation of mixed complexes in the systems Cu–L1-AMP, Cu–L2-AMP, and Cu–L3-AMP, where L3 is the related pyridinophane containing the same polyamine chain and 2,6-dimethylpyridine as a spacer, is also reported. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)

The o-B232, m-B232 and p-B232 cyclophanes result from attaching the terminal amine groups of 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (232) to the benzylic carbons of the corresponding o-, m- or p-xylanes. The cavity size of these cyclophanes changes moderately as a consequence of the substitution at the aromatic ring. The effects caused by these changes on the equilibrium constants for protonation and CuII complex formation of the cyclophanes are analyzed and compared with those of the noncyclic 232 polyamine. All three cyclophanes form mononuclear complexes, but only o-B232 is able to coordinate to CuII through the four amine groups simultaneously, whereas m-B232 and p-B232 can only use three nitrogen donors. The larger cavity and higher flexibility of the latter two cyclophanes allow them to form stable dinuclear CuII complexes. The kinetics of the acid-promoted dissociation of CuII from its mono- and dinuclear complexes has also been studied and the results indicate the existence of large differences in the kinetic properties for the complexes with these three closely related ligands. Whereas the mononuclear m-B232 and p-B232 complexes decompose with very similar kinetic behaviour to that of the Cu(232)2+ complex, the lability of the Cu–N bonds is largely reduced in the Cu(o-B232)2+ complex, and this leads to slower decomposition and even to a different rate law for this complex. The dinuclear complexes are not formed with o-B232, and very different decomposition kinetics is observed for the complexes formed by m-B232 and p-B232. In the case of m-B232, the two metal ions are situated very close to each other, which causes a rapid release of one of them upon reaction with acid. In contrast, the larger size of p-B232 allows it to accommodate two metal ions without important electrostatic or steric interactions so that they are released with statistically controlled kinetics.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

An aza-terpyridinophane receptor containing the polyamine 4,7,10,13-tetraazahexadecane-1,16-diamine linked through methylene groups to the 5,5″ positions of a terpyridine unit has been prepared and characterized (L). The acid-base behaviour, CuII speciation and ability to form ternary complexes (CuII-L-carbonate) have been explored by potentiometric titrations in 0.15 M NaClO4 and by UV/Vis and paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy. Comparisons are made with a previously reported terpyridinophane containing the polyamine 4,7,10-triazatridecane-1,13-diamine (L1). For this latter receptor, reductive coupling between indigo and carbon dioxide at indigo-modified electrodes produces carboxylated derivatives via a solid-state reaction under electrochemical activation.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

During the last years, research on coordination chemistry of platinum has aroused great interest due to their potential biological applications. Herein, we report the interaction of PtCI42- with different polyazacyclophanes containing a pyridine unit as aromatic spacer. Formation of complexes has been studied by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of the recorded spectra of D2O solutions containing L and PtCl42- in a 1:1 molar ratio at acidic pH shows the evolution with time of the 1H and 195Pt signals. Different crystal structures have been solved by X-ray diffraction analysis. At acidic pHs, the metal ion is coordinated by the central amino group of the macrocyclic cavity and three chloride or bromide atoms, in a square planar geometry. Formation of [Pt(H2L1)Br3]Br (1) and [Pt(H2L2)Br3]Br (2) reveals the rapid substitution of chloride ligands in PtCl42- by bromide ligands. However, as reveals the crystal structure obtained for [PtIVL3Br2](PtBr4)(H2O) (4), at slightly higher pH values, the metal ion is coordinated through all nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic cavity and an oxidation to Pt(IV) occurs.

The Mn2+ coordination chemistry of double scorpiand ligands in which two polyazacyclophane macrocycles have been connected by pyridine, phenanthroline and bipyridine spacers has been studied by potentiometry, paramagnetic NMR and electrochemistry. All ligands show high stability with Mn2+ and the complexes were formed in a wide pH range. DFT calculations support the structures and coordination geometries derived from the study. A remarkable antioxidant activity was evidenced for these systems by the McCord-Fridovich assay and in Escherichiacoli sodAsodB deficient bacterial cells. The three systems were tested as anti-inflammatory drugs in human macrophages measuring the accumulation of cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro-inflammatory effect. All complexes showed anti-inflammatory effect, being [Mn2L1]4+ the most efficient one.

The synthesis of the open-chain and cyclic polyamines, 1,5,8,12,15,19-hexaazaheptadecane (L1) and 2,6,9,13,16,20-hexaaza[21]-(2,6)-pyridinophane (L2), are described. The protonation constants and interaction constants with Cu(II) have been determined by potentiometric measurements carried out at 298.1 K in 0.15 mol dm −3 NaClO 4 . The values obtained are discussed as a function of the open-chain or cyclic nature of the ligands and compared with analogous polyamines containing different sets of hydrocarbon chains between the nitrogen donors. Kinetic studies on the acid-promoted dissociation of the Cu(II) complexes indicate that the mono and binuclear complexes of L1 decompose with different kinetics, a behavior unprecedented for open-chain polyamines. In contrast, the dissociation of the first metal ion is accelerated in the binuclear complexes of L2 and so, all the mono and binuclear complexes of L2 decompose with the same kinetics. The voltammetric response of Cu(II)–L1 and Cu(II)–L2 complexes has been studied in order to correlate electrochemical and structural data.

The synthesis, characterization, Cu2+ coordination and interaction with AMP of three tripodal polyamines are reported. The polyamines are based on the structure of the tetraamine (tren) which has been enlarged with three propylamino functionalities (TAL), with a further anthrylmethyl fragment at one of its terminal primary nitrogens (ATAL) or with naphthylmethyl fragments at its three ends (N3TAL). The protonation constants of all three polyamines show that at pH 6, all six primary and secondary nitrogen atoms in the arms are protonated. The interaction with Cu2+ and AMP (adenosine-5′-monophosphate) has been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, ESI-MS spectroscopy and NMR techniques. pH-Metric, NMR and ESI/MS techniques indicate that TAL and ATAL form with AMP adducts of 1 : 1, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 AMP : L stoichiometries in water. This is one of the first examples for the formation of such complexes in aqueous solution. Formation of ternary complexes between TAL, ATAL, N3TAL, Cu2+ and AMP is observed. Paramagnetic NMR techniques have been used to obtain structural information on the binding mode of AMP to the Cu2+–TAL binuclear complexes.

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of the novel pyridine-functionalized ligand 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]-(2,6)pyridinophane (L1) is described. The compound behaves as a hexaprotic base in aqueous solution. NMR studies indicate a protonation pattern in which the sp2 pyridine nitrogen (N(py)) does not undergo a net protonation although it is involved in formation of hydrogen bonds. L1 forms mono and binuclear hydroxylated complexes. The crystal structure of [CuL1](ClO4)2 shows a square planar coordination for Cu2+ with the pyridine and the three central nitrogens of the chain forming the vertices of the square. The benzylic nitrogens could be occupying the axial positions of a strongly axially asymmetrically elongated octahedron. The kinetic data show that decomposition of the [Cu(HL1)]3+, [Cu(L1)]2+ and [Cu2(L1)(OH)]3+ complexes takes place in two steps the slower one being ascribed to the dissociation of the Cu–N(py) bond.

Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) coordination chemistry of a new member of the family of scorpiand-like macrocyclic ligands derived from tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) is reported. The new ligand (L1) contains in its pendant arm not only the amine group derived from tren but also a 6-indazole ring. Potentiometric studies allow the determination of four protonation constants. UV-vis and fluorescence data support that the last protonation step occurs on the indazole group. Equilibrium measurements in the presence of Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) reveal the formation of stable [ML1](2+), [MHL1](3+), and [ML1(OH)](+) complexes. Kinetic studies on the acid-promoted decomposition of the metal complexes were carried out using both absorbance and fluorescence detection. For Zn(2+), both types of detection led to the same results. The experiments suggest that [ZnL1](2+) protonates upon addition of an acid excess to form [ZnHL1](3+) within the mixing time of the stopped-flow instrument, which then decomposes with a first-order dependence on the acid concentration. The kinetic behavior is more complex in the case of Cu(2+). Both [CuL1](2+) and [CuHL1](3+) show similar absorption spectra and convert within the mixing time to a new intermediate species with a band at 750 nm, the process being reverted by addition of base. The intermediate then decomposes with a second-order dependence on the acid concentration. However, kinetic experiments with fluorescence detection showed the existence of an additional faster step. With the help of DFT calculations, an interpretation is proposed in which protonation of [CuL1](2+) to form [CuHL1](3+) would involve dissociation of the tren-based NH group in the pendant arm and coordination of a 2H-indazole group. Further protonation would lead to dissociation of coordinated indazole, which then will convert to the more stable 1H tautomer in a process signaled by fluorescence changes that would not be affecting to the d-d spectrum of the complex.

The interaction of the polyamines 4,7,10,13-tetraazahexadecane-1,16-diamine (L1) and 4,7,10-triazatridecane-1,13-diamine (L2) with H + , Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Co 2+ and the nucleotides ATP, ADP and AMP has been followed by NMR and potentiometric studies performed at 298.1 K in 0.15 mol dm −3 NaClO 4 . The influence of the different sequences of hydrocarbon chains and chelate rings present in the ligands on the values of the protonation constants, the stability of the metal ion complexes as well as in the co-ordination to nucleotides is analysed. The formation of mixed complexes has been investigated for the system Cu 2+ –L1–AMP.

Interactions of different hydrophilic (His, Asp, Glu,) and hydrophobic (Ala, Phe, Tyr, Trp) amino acids in water with a scorpiand aza-macrocycle (L1) containing a pyridine group in the ring and its derivative (L2) bearing a naphthalene group in the tail have been analysed by potentiometric and calorimetric measurements. Theoretical calculations corroborate that major attractive forces that hold the adduct together are hydrogen bonds and salt-bridges, even though other interactions such as π-stacking or NH(+)⋯π may contribute in the case of hydrophobic amino acids and L2. Calorimetric measurements indicate that the interactions between L1 and the different amino acids are principally driven by entropy, often associated with solvation/desolvation processes.

The activity of a family scorpiand-like azamacrocycles against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis was studied using promastigotes, axenic and intracellular amastigotes forms. All the compounds are more active and less toxic than meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime). Moreover, the data on infection rates and amastigotes showed that compounds P2Py, PN and P3Py are the most active against both species of Leishmania. On the other hand, studies on the inhibitory effect of these compounds on SOD enzymes showed that while the inhibition of the Fe-SOD enzyme of the promastigote forms of the parasites is remarkable, the inhibition of human CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD from Escherichia coli is negligible. The ultrastructural alterations observed in treated promastigote forms confirmed that the compounds having the highest activity were those causing the largest cell damage. The modifications observed by (1)H NMR, and the amounts of catabolites excreted by the parasites after treatment with the compounds, suggested that the catabolic mechanism could depend on the structure of the side chains linked to the aza-scorpiand macrocycles.

DNA interaction with scorpiand azamacrocycles has been achieved through modulation of their binding affinities. Studies performed with different experimental techniques provided evidence that pH or metal-driven molecular reorganizations of these ligands regulate their ability to interact with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) through an intercalative mode. Interestingly enough, metal-driven molecular reorganizations serve to increase or decrease the biological activities of these compounds significantly.

Mn(II) complexes of scorpiand-type azamacrocycles constituted by a tretrazapyridinophane core appended with an ethylamino tail including 2- or 4-quinoline functionalities show very appealing in vitro SOD activity. The observed behaviour is related to structural and electrochemical parameters.

The dinuclear Cu2+ and Zn2+ as well as the mixed Cu2+-Zn2+ complexes of a 5,5''-pentaazaterpyridinophane ligand (L) are able to incorporate imidazolate (Im-) as a bridging ligand. The crystal structure of [Cu(2)L(Im)(Br)(H2O)](CF(3)SO(3))(2).3H2O (1) shows one copper coordinated by the three pyridine nitrogens of the terpyridine unit, one nitrogen of the imidazolate bridge (Im-) and one bromide anion occupying the axial position of a distorted square pyramid. The second copper atom is coordinated by the remaining imidazolate nitrogen, the three secondary nitrogens at the centre of the polyamine bridge and one water molecule that occupies the axial position. Magnetic measurements have been performed in the 2.0-300.0 K temperature range. Experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model H = -JS(1)S(2) with J = -52.3 cm(-1) and g = 2.09. Potentiometric studies have provided details of the speciation and stability constants for the mixed Cu2+-L-HIm, Zn2+-L-HIm (HIm = imidazole) and Cu2+-Zn2+-L-HIm systems. The apparent stability constant obtained at pH = 9 for the addition of imidazole to the dinuclear Cu2+ complexes is one of the highest so far reported (log K = 7.5). UV-Vis spectroscopy and paramagnetic NMR data show that imidazole coordinates to the Cu2+ ions as a bridging imidazolate ligand from pH 5 to 10. Electrochemical reduction of the Cu2+-Zn2+-L complex occurs in two successive one-electron per copper ion quasi-reversible steps. The formal potential of the Cu2+-Zn2+-L/Cu+-Zn2+-L couple is close to that of SOD. The IC50 values measured at pH 7.8 by means of the nitro blue tetrazolium method show significant SOD activity for the dinuclear Cu2+ complexes (IC50 = 2.5 microM) and moderate activity for the Cu2+-Zn2+ mixed systems (IC50 = 30 microM).

Two aza scorpionand-like macrocycles (L2 and L3) have been prepared. L2 consists of a tren amine with two of its arms cyclizized with a 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine. In L3, the remaining pendant arm has been further functionalized with a fluorophoric naphthalene group. X-ray data on the compounds [H(L3)]ClO4.H2O (1) and [H3(L3)](H2PO4)3.H2O (2) as well as solution studies (pH-metry, UV-vis, and fluorescence data) show the movement of the pendant arm as a result of the protonation degree of the macrocycles and of the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. X-ray data on the complexes [Cu(L2)](ClO4)2]2.H2O (3) and [Cu(L3)](ClO4)2 (4) and solution studies on Cu2+ coordination show the implication of the nitrogen of the arm in the binding to the metal ion. Kinetic studies on the decomposition and formation of the Cu2+ complexes provide additional information about the pH-dependent molecular reorganizations. Moreover, the obtained information suggests that the kinetics of the tail on/off process is essentially independent of the lability of the metal center.

The synthesis of the terpyridinophane-type polyamine 2,6,9,12,16-pentaaza[17]-(5,5' ')-cyclo-(2,2':6',2' ')-terpyridinophane heptahydrobromide tetrahydrate (L.7HBr.4H2O) is described. L presents six protonation constants with values in the range 9.21-3.27 logarithmic units. L interacts with Cu2+ and Zn2+ forming in both cases, neutral, protonated, and hydroxylated mono- and binuclear complexes whose constants have been calculated by potentiometry in 0.15 M NaClO4 at 298.1 K. The crystal structures of the compounds [Cu(HL-carb)(H2O)](ClO4)3.2H2O (1) and [Cu2(H2L)(CO3)]2(ClO4)8.9H2O (2) have been solved by X-ray diffraction. In 1, the metal center presents square pyramidal geometry. The base of the pyramid is formed by the three nitrogen atoms of pyridine and one oxygen atom of a CO2 group which is forming a carbamate bond with the central nitrogen atom of the polyamine chain. The axial position is occupied by a water molecule. In 2, one Cu2+ is bound by the three pyridine nitrogens and the other one by the three central nitrogen atoms of the polyamine chain. The square planar coordination geometry is completed by a carbonate group taken up from the atmosphere that behaves as a bridging mu,mu'-ligand between the two centers. The pH-metric titrations on the ternary Cu2+-L-carbonate and Zn2+-L-carbonate systems show the extensive formation of adduct species which above pH 6 are formed quantitatively in solution. The stoichiometries of the main species formed in solution at pH = 6.8 agree with those found in the crystalline compounds. CO2 uptake by the Zn2+ and Cu2+ 1:1 complexes in aqueous solution has also been followed by recording the variations in the band at ca. 300 nm. The formation of the Zn2+ carbamate moiety has been evidenced by 13C NMR and ESI spectroscopy.

The affinities of polyamines consisting of ethylenediamine units equipped with either one or two terminal naphthyl-, anthryl-, or acridyl units towards PolyA.PolyU as an RNA model, and Poly(dA).Poly(dT) as a DNA model are screened by measuring the melting point changes (DeltaT(m)) of the double strands, and also partially by a fluorimetric binding assay using ethidium bromide. The larger aromatic moieties with long spacers between them allow bisintercalation; this leads to an increased preference for DNA in comparison to RNA, where ion pairing of the ammonium centers with the major RNA groove phosphates dominates. Allosteric affinity control by metalation is achieved e.g. with Cu(2+) ions, which induce conformational distortions within the chains. With anthryl- in contrast to naphthyl derivatives intercalation can be so strong that distortion of the ethylenediamine chain by metalation is not powerful enough. A particularly high concentration of positive charges is accessible with tripodal derivatives built up from ethylenediamine and propylenediamine units; in the absence of aryl parts, which interfere with the RNA groove preference, one observes the highest affinity difference known until today, reflected in a melting point ratio of DeltaT(m(RNA))/DeltaT(m(DNA)) = 40, whereas other synthetic ligands reach only a DeltaT(m(RNA))/DeltaT(m(DNA)) ratio of about 3.

L-Glutamate and L-aspartate selectivity is achieved by the action of two Cu2+ metal ions rightly disposed in a cyclophanetype macrocyclic framework; electrochemical sensing of glutamate has been achieved by adsorption of the copper complexes on graphite electrodes. Verdejo Viu, Begoña, Begona.Verdejo@uv.es ; Domenech Carbo, Antonio, Antonio.Domenech@uv.es ; Jimenez Garcia, Hermas Rafael, Hermas.Jimenez@uv.es ; Soriano Soto, Concepción, Concepcion.Soriano@uv.es ; Garcia-España Monsonis, Enrique, Enrique.Garcia-Es@uv.es

The synthesis, protonation and Cu(II) coordination features of the novel azacyclophane type receptors 2,6,10,13,17,21-hexaza[22]-(2,6)-pyridinophane (L2), 2,6,9,12,15,19-hexaza[20]-(2,6)-pyridinophane (L5) and 2,6,9,12,15,19-hexaza[20]metacyclophane (L6) are presented. The protonation and Cu(II) constants are analysed and compared with the previously reported open-chain polyamines 4,8,11,15-tetrazaoctadecane-1,18-diamine (L1) and 4,7,10,13-tetraazahexadecane-1,16-diamine (L4) and of the cyclophane 2,6,10,13,17,21-hexaaza[22]paracyclophane (L3). All the systems form mono- and dinuclear complexes whose stability and pH range of existence depend on the type of hydrocarbon chains and molecular topology. The effects of the cyclic or open-chain nature and of the presence of the pyridine rings on the protonation and formation of mono- and dinuclear complexes are discussed. Stopped-flow kinetic measurements on the acid-promoted decomposition of the Cu(II) complexes have been carried out for the different systems. With respect to the decomposition of the dinuclear complexes, because the size of the macrocycles forces both metal ions to be close to each other, the release of the first ion occurs within the mixing time of the stopped-flow except for the dinuclear complexes of L2. However, the most interesting kinetic result is the observation of different kinetics of decomposition for the different mononuclear complexes formed by a given ligand. This effect is especially evident for L3 and L6 and indicates a change in the coordination mode of the ligand for the different mononuclear species. Therefore the Cu(II) ion performs a slippage motion through the macrocyclic cavity driven by pH changes. The stopped-flow experiments are an excellent tool to detect these slippage processes that may be present for the complexes with other macrocycles.

The incorporation of four carboxylic acids or four amino groups to the upper rim of an aryl extended calix[4]pyrrole produces water-soluble receptors which are able to effectively bind aromatic N-oxides in water by a combination of hydrogen bonding, pi-pi, CH-pi, and hydrophobic interactions.

CO2 is fixed by a Cu2+ complex of a macrocyclic terpyridinophane ligand forming a carbamate group. Several features of the structure mimic the enzyme rubisco.