Metal complexes of 2-acetylpyridine N(4)-dihexyl- and N(4)-dicyclohexylthiosemicarbazones

Summary 2-Acetylpyridine N(4)-dihexyl- and N(4)-dicyclohexylthiosemicarbazone, HAc4DHex and HAc4DCHex, respectively, and Fe^III, Co^II, Co^III, Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II complexes have been prepared and characterized by molar conductivities, magnetic susceptibilities and spectroscopic techniques. For many of the complexes, loss of the N(2)H hydrogen occurs, and the ligands coordinate to the metal centres as NNS monoanionic, tridentate ligands, e.g., [M(NNS)X] (M = Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, NNS = Ac4DHex or Ac4DCHex and X = Cl or Br), [Fe(NNS)₂]ClO₄, [Co(NNS)₂]BF₄, [Cu(NNS)NO₃] and [Zn(NNS)OAc]. Zn^II ion is also chelated by neutral ligands in [Zn(HNNS)X₂] (X = Cl, Br). In addition, [Ni(Ac4DHex)-(HAc4DHex)]X (X = BF₄, ClO₄) and [Ni(HAc4DCHex)₂]-(BF₄)₂ are reported where the neutral thiosemicarbazone is coordinated via the pyridyl nitrogen, azomethine nitrogen and thione sulfur. Crystal structure determinations of HAc4DCHex and [Cu(Ac4DHex)Br] show the former to contain the bifurcated hydrogen bonded form and the latter to be planar with no significant interaction between neighbouring centres.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of 3d-metal complexes of pyridine-4-carboxaldehyde thionicotinoyl hydrazone

Summary Pyridine-4-carboxaldehyde thionicotinoyl hydrazone (4-PTNH) forms 1:1 adducts with metal(II) halides and 1:2 complexes (metal to ligand) with metal(II) thiocyanates. Magnetic and spectral studies indicate polymeric octahedral geometry for M(4-PTNH)X₂ (M=Co^II or Cu^II, X=Cl; M=Ni^II, X=Cl, Br or I), five coordinate geometry for Co(4-PTNH)X₂ (X=Br or I) and octahederal geometry for [M(4-PTNH)₂(NCS)₂] (M=Co^II or Ni^II). I.r. spectral studies show that 4-PTNH acts as a neutral bidentate ligand in all the complexes, the bonding sites being the thione sulphur and azomethine nitrogen.     

Coordination compounds derived from transition metal salts and bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane

Summary The preparation of transition metal complexes containing the sterically hindered ligand, bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (LL) is described. Compounds of formula M(LL)X₂ (M = Co^II, Ni^II or Zn^II and X = Cl^– or Br^–) or M(LL)₂X₂ (M = Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II or Cd^II and X = ClO ₄ ^– ; M = Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II or Zn^II and X = NO ₃ ^– ; M = Ni^II or Cu^II and X = Cl^– or Br^–) have been isolated. In addition, an apparently trimeric Cu₃(LL)₄Cl₆ · EtOH compound is reported. For Ni(LL)Cl₂ a five-coordinated chloro-bridged dimer is found. The perchlorato compounds, M(LL)₂(ClO₄)₂, appear to have one bidentate ClO ₄ ^– and one ionic ClO ₄ ^– group. The M(LL)₂ species appears to occur either in octahedral geometry, leaving twocis-positions free, or in a tetrahedral geometry without space for other ligands, and probably also in a five-coordinate geometry with one free ligand position.Structural conclusions are drawn from i.r., far-i.r. and ligand-field spectra, x-ray powder patterns, magnetic susceptibility data, e.s.r. spectra and conductivity data.     

Coordinating properties of C2-symmetric chiral bis(oxazolinylpyridinyl)dioxolane ligands

Metal complexes of general formula M(L)X₂ and M(L)X₃ [L = (4S,5S)-2,2-dimethyl-4,5-bis{6-[(4,5-dihydro-4-(S)-(1-methylethyl)oxazol-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl]}-1,3-dioxolane] were obtained by reacting, respectively, Co^II, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II nitrate salts and the Rh^III chloride salt, with a chiral C₂-symmetric bis(oxazolinylpyridinyl)dioxolane (L) ligand, in MeOH/CHCl₃ solution. A single crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on [Ni(L)(OH₂)₂](NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O and the molecular structure of L was also determined. In the free ligand the two symmetric arms are essentially planar and oriented nearly perpendicular to the dioxolane average plane. In the Ni complex one seven-membered and two five-membered chelation rings are formed. The metal atom also lies on the C₂ axis, and two symmetry-related water molecules complete the octahedral coordination environment. Both compounds crystallize in chiral space groups; the ligand crystallizes in orthorhombic system, space group C 2 2 2₁, Z = 4; the nickel complex crystallizes in tetragonal system, space group P 4₃ 2₁ 2, Z = 4.     

Beiträge zur Komplexchemie der Phosphine und Phosphinoxide. XXIII. Schwermetallkomplexe des Tetramethyl-biphosphins

On the coordination chemistry of phosphines and phosphinoxides. XXIII. Heavy metal complexes of tetramethyl-biphosphine The reactions of tetramethyl-biphosphine with salts of 3d elements including Cd and Hg, too, in THF, benzene, acetonitrile and alcohols, respectively, results in forming complexes of differing compositions: (MⁿX_n)₂{(CH₃)₂P? P(CH₃}₂)₃? Mⁿ = Ti^III, V^III, Cr^III, Fe^II, Ni^II, Cu^I; MX₂{(CH₃)₂P? P(CH₃)₂}₂? M = Co^II, Ni^II, Hg^II; MX₂ · (CH₃)₂P? P(CH₃)₂? M = Fe^II, Ni^II, Zn, Cd, Hg^II; X = Cl, Br, J. The partly intensively coloured complexes have low solubilities; this item complicates the performing of structure determining methods. Partial informations about the structures of the complexes are to be gained by magnetic and spectrophotometric measurements and X-ray investigations. The tendency of (CH₃)₂P? P(CH₃)₂ to form complexes with transition metals differs from that of other biphosphines. Splitting of the P? P bond due to metal salts does not occur. (CH₃)₂P? P(CH₃)₂ acts as a monodentate or bidentate ligand, like other members of the R₂P? PR₂ series do too. The forming of ligand bridges seems to be favoured in comparison to the chelate function.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Characterization of Two Oxamido‐bridged NiIICuIINiII Heteronuclear Complexes

Two new trinuclear complexes [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₁)₂(C₂H₅OH)₂]· (ClO₄)₂·2(CH₃OH) ( 1 ) and [Cu^II(Ni^IIX₂)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂· 0.75(H₂O) ( 2 ) (X₁ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐9‐methyl‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐7,11‐diene. X₂ = dianion of 5,6;13,14‐dibenzo‐9,10‐cyclohexano‐7,12‐bis(ethoxycarboxyl)‐2,3‐dioxo‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca7,11‐diene.) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis, elemental analysis, IR, UV and EPR spectroscopies. The complexes consist of Ni^IICu^IINi^II heteronuclear cationic entities. The central Cu^II atom of 1 lies in an octahedral coordination environment, while that of 2 resides in a square‐pyramidal coordination sphere. The adjacent trinuclear units of 1 are linked together through π‐π stacking interactions resulting in a 1D supramolecular chain, whereas the π‐π stacking interactions between the contiguous units of 2 lead to a 2D structure. The EPR spectra of the two complexes show a signal of an axially elongated octahedral Cu^II system in 1 and an axially elongated square‐pyramidal Cu^II system in 2 , respectively. The hyperfine splitting of the Cu^II atoms (I^Cu = 3/2) has also been observed in the EPR spectra.     

New complexes of iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) with 2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxalidene-2-aminophenol

Summary Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes of a new Schiff base, 2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxalidene-2-aminophenol (PTCAP), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and by u.v.-vis., i.r. and e.p.r. spectral observations. The studies indicate an octahedral structure for the complexes with the general formula [ML₂] (M = Co^II, Ni^II or Cu^II.; L = PTCAP) or [M′(OH)L₂] (M′ = Fe^III). The i.r. spectra suggest that the ligand acts as a tridentate (NNO) donor towards Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II, and, in the Fe^III complex, one of the two ligand molecules acts as a bidentate (NO) donor and the other as a tridentate donor. The M?ssbauer spectrum of the Fe^III complex suggests the presence of a spin equilibrium at room temperature. Cyclic voltammograms are also recorded for the Cu^II and Fe^III complexes.     

Isonitrosoacetylacetone dithiosemicarbazone complexes of some first row transition metals

Summary Complexes of the potentially tetradentate ligand isonitroso-acetylacetone dithiosemicarbazone (inbtH₂) of formulae [Ti(inbtH₂)Cl₂]Cl₂, [M(inbt)], where M = V^IV O, Mn^II, Ni^II or Zn^II, [M(inbtH₂)X₂], where M = Co^II and X = Cl, or M = Ni^II and X = Cl, Br or I, and [M(inbtH₂)Cl₂]Cl, where M = Cr^III or Fe^III, have been prepared and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. In all the compounds the metal is coordinated by the thiocarbonyl sulphur and imine nitrogen, as revealed by i.r. studies. The n.m.r. spectra of the complexes of Ni^II and Zn^II confirm coordination through nitrogen. Possible structures for the complexes are proposed. The Mössbauer spectrum of the Fe^III complex is discussed.     

On the nature of the chemical bond in heterobimetallic palladium(II) complexes with divalent 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> metals

The complex Pd(μ-OOCMe)₄Cu(OH₂) · 2Pd₃(μ-OOCMe)₆ was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the heterometallic moiety of this complex, the Pd^II and Cu^II atoms are at an extraordinary short distance (2.521(3) Å). DFT quantum-chemical calculations of the geometric and electronic structure of a series of heterobinuclear paddlewheel complexes Pd^IIM^II(μ-OOCMe)₄L (M = Zn^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Co^II, Fe^II; L = OH₂ and NCH) and their formate analogues Pd^IIM^II(μ-OOCH)₄L (M = Zn^II, Ni^II, Fe^II) showed that the extraordinary short Pd?M distance in all these complexes is caused only by the tightening effect of carboxylate bridges rather than by the metal-metal bond. The direct Pd-M interaction becomes possible only after removal of electrons from the antibonding orbitals and formation of oxidized complexes of the [Pd^III(μ-OOCMe)₄Ni^III]²⁺ type.     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Complexes of a tridentate ONS Schiff base. Synthesis and biological properties

Several new complexes of a tridentate ONS Schiff base derived from the condensation of S-benzyldithiocarbazate with salicylaldehyde have been characterised by elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements and by i.r. and electronic spectra. The Schiff base (HONSH) behaves as a dinegatively charged ligand coordinating through the thiolo sulphur, the azomethine nitrogen and the hydroxyl oxygen. It forms mono-ligand complexes: [M(ONS)X], [M=Ni^II, Cu^II, Cr^III, Sb^III, Zn^II, Zr^IV or U^VI with X = H₂O, Cl]. The ligand produced a bis-chelated complex of composition [Th(ONS)₂] with Th^IV. Square-planar structures are proposed for the Ni^II and Cu^II complexes. Antimicrobial tests indicate that the Schiff base and five of the metal complexes of Cu^II, Ni^II, U^VI, Zn^II and Sb^III are strongly active against bacteria. Ni^II and Sb^III complexes were the most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative), while the Cu^II complex proved to be best against Bacillus cereus (gram positive bacteria). Antifungal activities were also noted with the Schiff base and the U^VI complex. These compounds showed positive results against Candida albicans fungi, however, none of them were effective against Aspergillus ochraceous fungi. The Schiff base and its zinc and antimony complexes are strongly active against leukemic cells (CD₅₀ = 2.3–4.3 μg cm⁻³) while the copper, uranium and thorium complexes are moderately active (CD₅₀ = 6.9–9.5 μg cm⁻³). The nickel, zirconium and chromium complexes were found to be inactive. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis,characterization and antimicrobial studies on 13-membered-N6-macrocyclic transition metal complexes containing trimethoprim

Asymmetrical macrocyclic complexes of Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II have been synthesized by the template process using bis(benzil)ethylenediamine as precursor. Bis(benzil)ethylenediamine reacts with transition metal chlorides and trimethoprim in a 1:1:1 molar ratio in methanol to give several solid metal complexes of the general composition [M(L)X₂] (M = Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II and Zn^II, L = ligand and X = Cl^?). They were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Based on analytical, spectral and magnetic moments, all the complexes are identified as distorted octahedral structures. All the complexes are of the [M(L)X₂] type. The shifts of the ν(CN) (azomethine) stretches have been monitored. To find out the donor sites of the ligands, the activity data show that the metal complexes are more potent than the parent ligand. The [M(L)X₂] complexes showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity in vitro against both gram-positive and gram-negative human pathogenic bacterial isolates and the antimicrobial spectrum enhanced only with a combination of metal chlorides and trimethoprim complex. From the results it is imperative that the synthesized macrocyclic [M(L)X₂] complexes exhibit potent broad spectrum antibacterial activity.     

Complexes of 2-furaldehyde 4-phenyl semicarbazone

The synthesis of Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II and Cd^II complexes of 2-furfural 4-phenyl semicarbazone (FPSC) with stoichiometric formulae: [M(FPSC)₂X₂] (M = Co, Ni or Cu; X = Cl or Br), [CuCl₂(FPSC)] and [(CdCl₂)₂(FPSC)] has been obtained for the first time. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic measurements, i.r., far i.r. and electronic spectra. FPSC is deduced to act as a bidentate ligand in the Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes and as a tetradentate one in [(CdCl₂)₂(FPSC)].     

Supramolecular Functions Related to the Redox Activity of Transition Metals

Abstract

The combination of the properties of different subunits in a multicomponent system may give rise to a function which is defined supramolecular. The presence of transition metals in one or more subunits may induce inter-component processes related to their redox and electron transfer (eT) properties, which trigger the supramolecular function (SF). The following examples are considered: (1) a receptor for transition metals is covalently linked to a fluorescent fragment; following recognition, a metal-to-fluorophore eT process quenches the fluorescence. SF: fluorosensing. (2) an azacyclam macrocycle, hosting the Ni^II/Ni^III redox couple, is covalently linked to a photoactive fragment: the Ni^III state quenches the neighboring fluorophore through an eT mechanism, the Ni^II state does not. SF: redox switching of a fluorescent signal. (3) a Cu^II ion is coordinated by two 2,2′-bipyridine molecules, each bearing a cyclam subunit containing a nickel centre; when nickel is in the divalent state, an inorganic anion X^? (N₃ ^?,NCO^?,NCS^?) is bound to Cu^II; on oxidation, X^? moves to the Ni^III centre. SF: electrochemically triggered translocation of X^? from copper to nickel and vice versa.     

Studies on the stereochemistry of diphenyl diketone monothio-semicarbazone and its transition metal complexes

Summary The stereochemistry and complexation behaviour of diphenyl diketone monothiosemicarbazone (DKTS) with Cu^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cd^II, Zn^II, Pd^II, Pt^II, Ru^III, Rh^III and Ir^III have been investigated by means of chemical, magnetic and spectral (i.r., Raman, ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. and electronic) studies. The ligand forms complexes of the M(DKTS)₂ type with Ni^II, Cu^II and Co^II having a distorted octahedral geometry. The absence of a v(M—X) band in the i.r. spectra, coupled with their 1:1 electrolytic conductances, suggests that Ru^III, Rh^III and Ir^III form octahedral complexes of the [M(DKTS)₂]Cl type. A four-coordinate structure involving bridging halides is proposed for the Zn^II, Cd^II, Pd^II and Pt^II complexes, which have relatively low v(M—X) vibration modes.     

2-Aminoacetophenone-2-thenoylhydrazone complexes of bivalent 3d metal ions

Summary 2-Aminoacetophenone-2-thenoylhydrazone, Haath, C₄H₃SC(O)NHN=C(Me)C₆H₄NH₂-o, forms complexes with metal(II) salts of empirical compositions [VO(Haath)₂SO₄], [M(Haath)₂Cl₂] [M=Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II or Zn^II] and [M(aath)₂] [M=V^IVO, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II or Zn^II] which have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic, e.s.r., i.r. and n.m.r. (¹H and¹³C) spectral studies. X-ray and electron diffraction patterns have been obtained in order to elucidate the structure of the Cu^II complexes. Photoacoustic spectra of powder Ni^II complexes have been recorded and interpreted in the light of u.v./vis. spectra.     

Coordination chemistry and biological activity of two tridentate ONS and NNS Schiff bases derived from S-benzyldithiocarbazate

Two tridentate Schiff bases having ONS and NNS donor sequences were prepared by condensing S-benzyldithiocarbazate (NH₂NHCSSCH₂Ph) (SBDTC) with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde and salicylaldehyde, respectively. Complexes of these ligands with Ni^II, Zn^II, Cr^III, Co^II, Cu^II, and Sn^II were studied and characterized by elemental analyses and various physico-chemical techniques. Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Sn^II complexes were four-coordinate while the Cr^III, Sr^III and Co^III complexes were six-coordinate. The ONS Schiff base was moderately active against leukemia, while its zinc, antimony and cobalt complexes were strongly active against leukemic cells with DC₅₀ = 0.35–5.00.     

Ambidenticity of a tridentate oxygen-nitrogen donor towards bivalent and trivalent transition metal ions

Summary N-salicylidene anthranilamide (H₂SAA) and its Cr^III, Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes were prepared and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic data. H₂SAA enolizes to give a dibasic ONO donor set in the divalent metal complexes. It also binds to the trivalent metal ions in a nonenolized form using a monobasic ONN donor set. Co^II is oxidized to Co^III during complexation. Octahedral geometries are proposed for Cr^III, Mn^II, Fe^III and Co^III complexes, while square planar geometries are suggested for the Ni^II and Cu^II complexes. Phenoxide bridging in the Cr^III and Fe^III complexes and enoxide bridging in the Ni^II and Cu^II complexes is proposed.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies on 3-isonicotinamidorhodanine complexes of some bivalent metal ions

Summary 3-Isonicotinamido-rhodanine (HINRd) reacts with metal ions to yield complexes of the types M(INRd)OH·nH₂O (where M=Co^II, Ni^II, Zn^II or Cd^II and n=1 or 2), Cu(HINRd)X·2H₂O (where X=Cl or Br), Pd(HINRd)Cl₂ and Cd(HINRd)X₂·H₂O (where X=Cl or Br), depending on the metal salt used and the reaction conditions. The metal complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivities, molecular weights, magnetic susceptibility, visible, and i.r. studies. The i.r. spectra show that HINRd binds in a bidentate or monodentate manner. The spectral and magnetic studies suggest a tetrahedral arrangement for Co^II, octahedral for Ni^II and square-planar for Pd^II. HINRd behaves as a reducing agent towards Cu^II chloride or bromide forming diamagnetic Cu^I complexes.     

Bioinspired Trispyrazolylborato Nickel(II) Flavonolate Complexes and Their Reactivity Toward Dioxygen

Aiming at structural and functional mimics of the active site of the Ni^II containing quercetin‐2,4‐dioxygenase Ni^II flavonolate complexes Tp*NiX [Tp* = hydrotris(3,5‐dimethyl)pyrazolylborate, X = 3‐hydroxy flavonolate (Fla), 3‐hydroxy thioflavonolate (SFla), 3‐hydroxy selenoflavonolate (SeFla)] were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray crystallography. The complex Tp*NiFla reacts with O₂ via dioxygenation of bound flavonolate to benzoic acid and salicylic acid as one should expect for a functional model of the enzyme. Modification of the carbonyl function of the flavonolate to the corresponding C=S and C=Se compounds retained dioxygenase like reactivity, but did not lead to an increase of reaction rate as had been anticipated due to a weaker interaction of S/Se with the central nickel atom.