Superoxide sensor based on cytochrome c immobilized on mixed-thiol SAM with a new calibration method

Cytochrome c was immobilized on a mixed-thiol (mercaptoundecanoic acid/mercaptoundecanol) modified gold electrode (MUA:MU/cyt c electrode). Characterization of the cyt c electrode showed a quasi-reversible, electrochemical redox behavior with a formal potential of −13±5 mV (versus Ag/AgCl) for the surface adsorbed protein and 3±5 mV for covalently immobilized cyt c. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants were determined to be about 70 and 40 s⁻¹ for both states of the protein, respectively. They were found to be significantly higher than those of pure MUA-modified cyt c electrodes (MUA/cyt c electrodes). The interaction of superoxide radicals (O₂⁻) with the (MUA:MU)/cyt c electrode was characterized and used for an amperometric O₂⁻ detection. The influence of H₂O₂ and uric acid on the sensor signal was investigated. The sensitivity of the (MUA:MU)/cyt c electrode to O₂⁻ was significantly improved compared with that of the MUA/cyt c electrode. Based on a kinetic model for the superoxide detection system, a new calibration method was established. This simple and fast method used the spontaneous dismutation of KO₂ and was compared with the enzymatic superoxide generation system using xanthine oxidase.     

Voltammetry of immobilized cytochrome c on novel binary self-assembled monolayers of thioctic acid and thioctic amide modified gold electrodes

Horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c) was adsorbed on the binary self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of thioctic acid (T-COOH) and thioctic amide (T-NH₂) at gold electrodes via electrostatic interaction. The cyt c adsorbed on the modified gold electrode exhibited well-defined reversible electrochemical behavior in 10 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.0). The surface concentration (Γ) of electroactive species, cyt c, on the binary SAMs was higher than that in single-component SAMs of T-COOH, and reached a maximum value of 9.2 × 10⁻¹² mol cm⁻² when the ratio of T-COOH to T-NH₂ in adsorption solution was of 3:2, and the formal potential (E^0′=(E_pa+E_pc)/2) of cyt c was −0.032 V (vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl)) in a 10 mM PBS. The interaction between cyt c and the binary SAMs made the E^0′ shift negatively when compared with that of cyt c in solution (+0.258 V vs. NHE, i.e., +0.058 V vs. Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl)). The fractional coverage of bound cyt c was a 0.64 theoretical monolayer. The standard electron transfer rate constant of cyt c immobilized on the binary SAMs was also higher than that on single-component SAMs of T-COOH, and the maximum value of 15.8 ± 0.6 s⁻¹ was obtained when the ratio of T-COOH to T-NH₂ in adsorption solution was at 3:2. The results suggest that the electrode modified with the binary SAMs functions better than the electrode modified with single-component SAMs of T-COOH.     

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of cytochrome c immobilized on gold nanoparticles-chitosan-carbon nanotubes-modified electrode

A robust and effective nanohybrid film based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs)/chitosan (Chit)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was prepared by a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. Cytochrome c (Cyt c) was successfully immobilized on the nanohybrid film modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode by cyclic voltammetry. The direct electron transfer between Cyt c and the modified electrode was investigated in detail. Cyt c shows a couple of quasi-reversible and well-defined cyclic voltammetry peaks with a formal potential (E^0′) of −0.16 V (versus Ag/AgCl) in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The Cyt c/GNPs/Chit/MWNTs modified GC electrode gives an improved electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The sensitivity is 92.21 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and the calculated apparent Michaelis-Menten constant () is 0.791 mM, indicating a high-catalytic activity of Cyt c. The catalysis currents increase linearly to the H₂O₂ concentration in a wide range of 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 5.1 × 10⁻⁴ M with a correlation coefficient 0.999. The detection limit is 9.0 × 10⁻⁷ M (at the ratio of signal to noise, S/N = 3). Moreover, the modified electrode displays rapid response (5 s) to H₂O₂, and possesses good stability and reproducibility.     

N,N′-Bis(aryl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide complexes of ruthenium: Synthesis,structure and redox properties

Reaction of five N,N′-bis(aryl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamides (H₂L-R, where H₂ denotes the two acidic protons and R (R = OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl and NO₂) the para substituent in the aryl fragment) with [Ru(trpy)Cl₃](trpy = 2,2′,2″-terpyridine) in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt₃) affords a group of complexes of the type [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)], each of which contains an amide ligand coordinated to the metal center as a dianionic tridentate N,N,N-donor along with a terpyridine ligand. Structure of the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-Cl)] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the Ru(II) complexes are diamagnetic, and show characteristic ¹H NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)] complexes shows a Ru(II)–Ru(III) oxidation within 0.16–0.33 V versus SCE. An oxidation of the coordinated amide ligand is also observed within 0.94–1.33 V versus SCE and a reduction of coordinated terpyridine ligand within −1.10 to −1.15 V versus SCE. Constant potential coulometric oxidation of the [Ru^II(trpy)(L-R)] complexes produces the corresponding [Ru^III(trpy)(L-R)]⁺ complexes, which have been isolated as the perchlorate salts. Structure of the [Ru^III(trpy)(L-CH₃)]ClO₄ complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography. All the Ru(III) complexes are one-electron paramagnetic, and show anisotropic ESR spectra at 77 K and intense LMCT transitions in the visible region. A weak ligand-field band has also been shown by all the [Ru^III(trpy)(L-R)]ClO₄ complexes near 1600 nm.     

Kinetics and mechanistic studies of the interaction of thiosulfate with cis-diaqua-bis[1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole]ruthenium(II) complexes

The nucleophilic substitution reaction of S₂O₃²⁻ with [Ru(HaaiR′)₂(OH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1) [HaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazole] and [Ru(ClaaiR′)₂(OH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) [ClaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(chlorophenylazo)imidazole] [where R′ = Me(a), Et(b) or Bz(c)] in acetonitrile–water (50% v/v) medium to yield Na₂[Ru(HaaiR′)₂(S₂O₃)₂] (3a, 3b or 3c) and Na₂[Ru(ClaaiR′)₂(S₂O₃)₂] (4a, 4b or 4c) has been studied. The products were characterized by microanalytical data and spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, NMR and mass spectroscopy). The reaction proceeds in two consecutive steps (A → B → C); each step follows first order kinetics with respect to each complex and S₂O₃²⁻, and the first step second order rate constant (k′₂) is greater than the second step one (k″₂). An increase in the π-acidity of the ligand increases the rate. Thermodynamic parameters, the standard enthalpy of activation (Δ^‡H⁰) and the standard entropy of activation (Δ^‡S⁰), have been calculated for both steps using the Eyring equation from variable temperature kinetic studies. The low Δ^‡H⁰ and large negative Δ^‡S⁰ values indicate an associative mode of activation for both aqua ligand substitution processes.     

Electrocatalytic sensor devices: (I) cyclopentadienylnickel(II) thiolato Schiff base monolayer self-assembled on gold

The fabrication of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of a cyclopentadienylnickel(II) thiolato Schiff base compound, [Ni(SC₆H₄NC(H)C₆H₄OCH₂CH₂SMe)(η⁵-C₅H₅)]₂ on a gold electrode is described. Effective electronic communication between the Ni(II) centres and the gold surface was established by electrochemically cycling the Schiff base-doped Au electrode in 0.1 M NaOH from −200 mV to +600 mV. The SAM-modified electrode exhibited quasi-reversible electrochemistry. The integrity of this electrocatalytic SAM, with respect to its ability to block and electro-catalyse certain Faradaic processes, was interrogated using cyclic voltammetric experiments. The formal potential, E°′, varied with pH to give a slope of about −30 mV pH⁻¹. The surface concentration, G, of the nickel redox centres was found to be 1.548×10⁻¹¹ mol cm⁻². By electrostatically doping the SAM using an applied potential of +700 mV versus Ag/AgCl, in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), it was fine-tuned for amperometric determination of H₂O₂. The electrocatalytic-type biosensor displayed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the limit of detection was found to be 6.25 mM.     

A fluorescence turn-on method for real-time monitoring of protease activity based on the electron transfer between a fluorophore labeled oligonucleotide and cytochrome c

A new continuous fluorescence turn-on assay for protease activity and inhibitor screening has been developed. A fluorophore labeled single stranded DNA (FAM-DNA) and cytochrome c (cyt c) were employed. The fluorescence of the FAM-DNA was efficiently quenched when binding to cyt c, through the electron transfer between the FAM fluorophore and the heme cofactor of cyt c. In the presence of a protease, such as trypsin, cyt c was digested into small peptide fragments. The FAM-DNA was released, which resulted in the recovery of the FAM fluorescence. The rate of the cyt c digestion could be reduced via the addition of an inhibitor. As a result, reduced degree of the fluorescence recovery was obtained. The limit of detection of our assay is 1 nM trypsin and the IC₅₀ values are 3.23 μg mL⁻¹ and 0.303 μg mL⁻¹ for the inhibitor from egg white and the inhibitor from soybean, respectively. Our method could be used for the sensing of protease activity for various biochemical applications, and for the screening of protease inhibitors as drugs for the treatment of various related diseases.     

Oligothiophene-2-yl-vinyl bridged mono- and binuclear ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine complexes: Synthesis, photophysics, electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence

A series of mono- and binuclear ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine complexes tethered to oligothienylenevinylenes have been synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and TOF-MS spectrometry. Photophysics, electrochemistry and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) properties of these complexes are investigated. The electronic absorption spectra of the mononuclear ruthenium complexes show a significant red shift both at MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) and π-π^∗ transitions of oligothienylenevinylenes with increase in the number of thiophenyl-2-yl-vinyl unit. For the binuclear complexes these two absorption bands are overlapped. All the metal complexes have very weak emission compared to that of the reference complex Ru(bpy)²⁺₃. The first reduction potentials of all mononuclear ruthenium complexes are less negative than that of Ru(bpy)²⁺₃, due to the moderate electron-withdrawing effect of oligothienylenevinylenes. For binuclear ruthenium complexes, only one Ru(II/III) oxidation peak (E_1/2 = 0.96 V vs. Ag/Ag⁺) was observed, suggesting a weak interaction between two metal centers. Three successive reduction processes of bipyridine ligands are similar among all ruthenium complexes except for RuTRu, which has a very sharp peak owing to the accumulation of neutral product on the electrode surface. All these ruthenium complexes exhibited different ECL property in CH₃CN solution without any additional reductant or oxidant. For three mononuclear ruthenium complexes, the ECL intensity strengthens with increase in the number of thiophene-2-yl-vinyl unit. However, the ECL efficiency dramatically decreased in the binuclear ruthenium complexes. The ECL efficiencies of all the reported complexes do not exceed that of Ru(bpy)²⁺₃, where the ECL efficiency decreases in the order of RuTRu > Ru3T > Ru2T > RuT > Ru2TRu (RuT,bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-(4-methyl-4′-(2-thienylethenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium dihexafluorophosphate; Ru2T, bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-(4-methyl-4′-{(E)-2-[5-((E)-2-thienylethenyl)-thienylethenyl]}-2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium dihexafluorophosphate; Ru3T, bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-(4-methyl-4′-{(E)-2-{(E)-2-[5-((E)-2-thienylethenyl)-thienylethenyl]}}-2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium dihexafluorophosphate; RuTRu, bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium-bis-[2-((E)-4′-methyl-2, 2′-bipyridinyl-4)-ethenyl]-thienyl-bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium tetrahexafluorophosphate; Ru2TRu, bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium-(E)-1,2-bis-{2-[2-((E)-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridinyl-4)-ethenyl]-thienyl}-ethenyl-bis-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium tetrahexafluorophosphate).     

Synthesis,molecular and supramolecular structure,spectroscopy and electrochemistry of a dialkoxo-bridged diuranyl(VI) compound

The synthesis, molecular and supramolecular structure, spectroscopy and electrochemistry of a dialkoxo-bridged diuranyl(VI) compound [(UO₂)₂(L)₂(dimethylformamide)₂] (1) derived from the Schiff base ligand H₂L, obtained on condensation of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde with 2-aminoethanol, have been described. The compound has been characterized by IR, UV–Vis, NMR and mass spectra, as well as by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/n space group with the following unit cell parameters a = 10.5713(2) Å, b = 11.9895(2) Å, c = 12.9372(2) Å, β = 102.773(3)° and Z = 2. The structure of 1 reveals that it is a dialkoxo-bridged dinuclear compound of uranium(VI) containing two deprotonated ligands, [L]²⁻, two dimethylformamide (dmf) molecules and two UO₂²⁺ centers. The coordination geometry around the uranium(VI) center is distorted pentagonal bipyramidal; two uranyl oxygens occupy the axial positions, while the basal pentagonal plane is defined by a phenoxo oxygen, two bridging alkoxo oxygens, one imine nitrogen, and one dmf oxygen. Three C–H?O type hydrogen bonds involving one uranyl oxygen, two dmf hydrogens and the imine hydrogen link the dinuclear units into a two-dimensional network. The ESI-MS spectrum of 1 in dimethylsulfoxide exhibits two peaks at m/z = 464.17 and 927.26, which are assignable to [(UO₂)₂L₂H]⁺ (60%) and [(UO₂)₂LH]⁺ (100%) cations, respectively. Cyclic voltammetric measurements of 1 reveal that the uranium(VI) center is reduced quasireversibly at E_1/2 = −1112 mV with ΔE_P = 97 mV.     

Re-visiting of 5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]-quinolin-8-ol with tweaking of Sn-Ph groups: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and X-ray crystallography

Reactions of sodium 5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]quinolin-8-olates (LH, where the aryl group is an R-substituted phenyl ring such that for L¹H: R = H; L²H: R = 2′-CH₃; L³H: R = 3′-CH₃; L⁴H: R = 4′-CH₃; L⁵H: R = 4′-OCH₃ and L⁶H: R = 4′-OC₂H₅) with Ph₃SnCl in a 1:1 molar ratio yielded complexes of composition Ph₃SnL. The complexes have been characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, IR and ^119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopic techniques in combination with elemental analyses. The crystal structures of Ph₃SnL¹ · 0.5C₆H₆ (1), Ph₃SnL² (2), Ph₃SnL⁵ · C₆H₆ (5) and Ph₃SnL⁶ · 0.5C₆H₆ (6) were determined. The results of the X-ray studies indicated that the benzene solvated compounds 1, 5 and 6 are distorted square pyramid, with one of the phenyl C atoms in the apex while the ligand arrangement around central Sn atom in 2 is distorted trigonal-bipyramidal, with a phenyl C and the oxinato N atoms in axial positions.     

Nitrile ligands activation in dinuclear aminocarbyne complexes

The diiron complexes [Fe(Cp)(CO){μ-η²:η²-C[N(Me)(R)]NC(C₆H₃R′)CCH(Tol)}Fe(Cp)(CO)] (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 3a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 3b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 3c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 3d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 3e; R = Me, R′ = H, 3f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 3g) are obtained in good yields from the reaction of [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(p-NCC₆H₄R′)(Cp)₂]⁺ (R = Xyl, R′ = H, 2a; R = Xyl, R′ = Br, 2b; R = Xyl, R′ = OMe, 2c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO₂Me, 2d; R = Xyl, R′ = CF₃, 2e; R = Me, R′ = H, 2f; R = Me, R′ = CF₃, 2g) with TolCCLi. The formation of 3 involves addition of the acetylide at the coordinated nitrile and C-N coupling with the bridging aminocarbyne together with orthometallation of the p-substituted aromatic ring and breaking of the Fe-Fe bond. Complexes 3a-e which contain the N(Me)(Xyl) group exist in solution as mixtures of the E-trans and Z-trans isomers, whereas the compounds 3f,g, which posses an exocyclic NMe₂ group, exist only in the Z-cis form. The crystal structures of Z-trans-3b, E-trans-3c, Z-trans-3e and Z-cis-3g have been determined by X-ray diffraction experiments.     

A pH responsive electrochemical switch sensor based on Fe(notpH3) [notpH6 = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl-tris(methylene-phosphonic acid)

The electrochemistry of a macrocyclic metal complex Fe(notpH₃) [notpH₆ = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl-tris(methylene-phosphonic acid)] reveals that the protonation/deprotonation of the non-coordinated P-OH groups in Fe(notpH₃) affects its formal potential value (E⁰′) considerably. Plotting E⁰′ as function of solution pH gives a straight line with a slope of −585 mV pH⁻¹ in the pH range of 3.4-4.0, which is about ten times larger than the theoretical value of −58 mV pH⁻¹ for a reversible proton-coupled single-electron transfer at 20 °C. A sensitive pH responsive electrochemical switch sensor is thus developed based on Fe(notpH₃) which shows an “on/off” switching at pH ∼ 4.0.     

The cyclopalladation reaction of 2-phenylaniline revisited

2-Phenylaniline reacted with Pd(OAc)₂ in toluene at room temperature for 24 h in a one-to-one molar ratio and with the system PdCl₂, NaCl and NaOAc in a 1 (2-phenylaniline):1 (PdCl₂):2 (NaCl):1 (NaOAc) molar ratio in methanol at room temperature for one week to give the dinuclear cyclopalladated compounds (μ-X)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}]₂ [1a (X = OAc) and 1b (X = Cl)] in high yield. Moreover, the reaction between 2-phenylaniline and Pd(OAc)₂ in one-to-one molar ratio in acid acetic at 60 °C for 4 h, followed by a metathesis reaction with LiBr, allowed isolation of the dinuclear cyclopalladated compound (μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}]₂ (1c) in moderate yield. A parallel treatment, but using monodeuterated acetic acid (DOAc) as solvent in the cyclopalladation reaction, allowed isolation of a mixture of compounds 1c, 1c_d1 [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄](μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)-3-d-C₆H₃] and 1c_d2 (μ-Br)₂[Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)-3-d-C₆H₃}]₂ in moderate yield and with a deuterium content of ca. 60%. 1a and 1b reacted with pyridine and PPh₃ affording the mononuclear cyclopalladated compounds [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}(X)(L)] [2a (X = OAc, L = py), 2b (X = Cl, L = py), 3a (X = OAc, L = PPh₃) and 3b (X = Cl, L = PPh₃)] in a yield from moderate to high. Furthermore, 1a reacted with Na(acac) · H₂O to give the mononuclear cyclopalladated compound 4 [Pd{κ²-N2′,C1-2-(2′-NH₂C₆H₄)C₆H₄}(acac)] in moderate yield. ¹H NMR studies in CDCl₃ solution of 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 4 showed that 2a and 3a presented an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the acetato ligand and the amino group, and were involved in a dynamic equilibrium with water present in the CDCl₃ solvent; and that the enantiomeric molecules of 2b and 4 were in a fast exchange at room temperature, while they were in a slow exchange for 2a, 3a and 3b. The X-ray crystal structures of 3b and 4 were determined. 3b crystallized in the triclinic space group with a = 9.9170(10), b = 10.4750(10), c = 12.0890(10) Å, α = 98.610(10)°, β = 94.034(10)° and γ = 99.000(10)° and 4 in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with a = 11.5900(10), b = 11.2730(10), c = 12.2150(10) Å, α = 90°, β = 107.6560(10)° and γ = 90°.     

The (phosphino)tetraphenylborate ligand in ruthenium-arene chemistry

The synthesis of a series of anionic half-sandwich ruthenium-arene complexes [E][RuCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene){PR₂(p-Ph₃BC₆H₄)}] (E = Bu₄N⁺: R = Ph, 1a, ⁱPr, 1b or Cy, 1c; E = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium or PNP⁺: R = Ph, 1a′, ⁱPr, 1b′ or Cy, 1c′) are reported. X-ray crystallographic studies of 1a′ and 1b′ confirmed the three-legged piano-stool coordination geometry. In solution, complexes 1a-c and 1a′-c′ are proposed to form monomer-dimer equilibria as a result of chloride ligand dissociation. Complexes 1a-c and 1a′-c′ also form the formally neutral zwitterionic complexes [RuCl(L)(η⁶-p-cymene){PR₂(p-Ph₃BC₆H₄)}] (L = pyridine: R = Ph, 2a, ⁱPr, 2b or Cy, 2c; L = MeCN: R = Ph, 3a, ⁱPr, 3b or Cy, 3c) via chloride ligand abstraction using AgNO₃ or MeOTf.     

Os(CO)2(η-SC5H4N(O))(η-SC5H4N): structural evidence for the transformation of pyridine-2-thione N-oxide to pyridine-2-thiolate in osmium complexes

The reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with an excess of 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione and Me₃NO gives three mononuclear osmium complexes Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N(O))₂ (1), Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N(O))(η²-SC₅H₄N) (2), and Os(CO)₂(η²-SC₅H₄N)₂ (3). The results of single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that complex 1 contains two O,S-chelate pyridine-2-thione N-oxide (PyOS) ligands, whereas complex 2 contains one O,S-chelate PyOS and one N,S-chelate pyridine-2-thiolate group. The unique structure of 2 provides evidence of the pathway for this transformation. When this reaction was monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy the triosmium complexes Os₃(CO)₁₀(μ-H)(μ-η¹-S-C₅H₄N(O)) (4) and Os₃(CO)₉(μ-H)(μ-η¹:η²-SC₅H₄N(O)) (5) were identified as intermediates in the formation of the mononuclear final products 1-3. The proposed pathway is further supported by the observation of several dinuclear osmium intermediates by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In addition, the reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₂ with 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thione in the absence of Me₃NO at 90 °C generated mononuclear complex 2 as the major product along with smaller amounts of complexes 1 and 3. These results suggest that the N-oxide facilitates the decarbonylation reaction. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 26.9990(5) Å, b = 7.6230(7) Å, c = 14.2980(13) Å, β = 101.620(2)°, V = 2882.4(4) ų, Z = 8. Crystal data for 2: monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 5.7884(3) Å, b = 13.9667(7) Å, c = 17.2575(9) Å, β = 96.686(1)°, V = 1385.69(12) ų, Z = 4.     

Reactivity studies of (η-arene)ruthenium dimeric complexes towards pyrazoles: isolation of amidines, bis pyrazoles and chloro bridged pyrazole complexes

The complex [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂1 reacts with pyrazole ligands (3a-g) in acetonitrile to afford the amidine derivatives of the type [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(L)(3,5-HRR′pz)](BF4)₂ (4a-f), where L = {HNC(Me)3,5-RR′pz}; R, R′ = H (4a); H, CH₃ (4b); C₆H₅ (4c); CH₃, C₆H₅ (4d) OCH₃ (4e); and OC₂H₅ (4f), respectively. The ligand L is generated in situ through the condensation of 3,5-HRR′pz with acetonitrile under the influence of [(η⁶-p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂. The complex [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂2 reacts with pyrazole ligands in acetonitrile to yield bis-pyrazole derivatives such as [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru (3,5-HRR′pz)₂Cl](BF₄) (5a-b), where R, R′ = H (5a); H, CH₃ (5b), as well as dimeric complexes of pyrazole substituted chloro bridged derivatives [{(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl) (3,5-HRR′pz)}₂](BF₄)₂ (5c-g), where R, R′ = CH₃ (5c); C₆H₅ (5d); CH₃, C₆H₅ (5e); OCH₃ (5f); and OC₂H₅ (5g), respectively. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR and FT-NMR spectroscopy as well as analytical data. The molecular structures¹ of representative complexes [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru{3(5)-Hmpz}₂Cl]⁺5b, [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)(3,5-Hdmpz)]₂²⁺5c and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl){3(5)Me,5(3)Ph-Hpz}]₂²⁺5e were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Syntheses and characterization of η-hexamethylbenzeneruthenium(II)-β-diketone complexes: their reactions with mono- and bidentate neutral ligands

The complex [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂1 react with sodium salts of β-diketonato ligands in methanol to afford the oxygen bonded neutral complexes of the type [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′-R¹COCHCOR²)Cl] {R¹, R² = CH₃ (2), CH₃, C₆H₅ (3), C₆H₅ (4), OCH₃ (5), OC₂H₅ (6)}. Complex 4 with AgBF₄ yields the γ-carbon bonded ruthenium dimeric complex 7. Complex 4 also reacts with tertiary phosphines and bridging ligands to yield complexes of the type [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′-C₆H₅COCHCOC₆H₅)(L)]⁺ (L = PPh₃ (8), PMe₂Ph (9)) and [{η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′-C₆H₅COCHCOC₆H₅)}₂(μ-L)] L = 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) (11), 1,4-dicyanobenzene (DCB) (12) and pyrazine (Pz) (13). Complexes 2-4 react with sodium azide to yield neutral complexes [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′-R¹COCHCOR²)N₃] {R¹, R² = CH₃ (10a), CH₃, C₆H₅ (10b), C₆H₅ (10c). All these complexes were characterized by FT-IR and FT-NMR spectroscopy as well as analytical data. The molecular structures of complexes [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′CH₃COCH-COC₆H₅)Cl] (3) and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(κ²-O,O′-C₆H₅COCHCOC₆H₅] (4) were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complex 3 crystallizes in the triclinic space group, [a = 7.9517(4), b = 9.0582(4) and c = 14.2373(8) Å, α = 88.442(3)°, β = 76.6.8(3)° and γ = 81.715(3)°. V = 987.17(9) ų, Z = 2]. Complex 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, P2₁/c [a = 7.5894(8), b = 20.708(2) and c = 29.208(3) Å,β = 92.059(3)° V = 4587.5(9) ų, Z = 8].     

Synthesis and binding properties of carboxylphenyl-modified calix[4]arenes and cytochrome c

Two novel carboxylphenyl-modified calix[4]arenes, tetrakis-carboxylphenylcalix[4]arene (TCPC) and 1,3-bis-carboxylphenylcalix[4]arene (BCPC), as well as a corresponding analogue for comparison, tetrakis-phenylcalix[4]arene (TPC), have been synthesized by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling of arylboronic acid and tetrabromocalix[4]arene as a key step. The binding properties of these calix[4]arene derivatives with bovine heart cytochrome c (cyt c) in dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding affinity in the order of TCPC > BCPC ? TPC reflects a clear dependence on the number of carboxyl ligating groups attached onto a receptor and suggests the electrostatic force may be the predominant factor driving the complexing process. The stable 1:1 complexes of TCPC and BCPC with cyt c were evidenced with the binding constants of 3.15 × 10⁶ and 5.85 × 10⁵ L mol⁻¹, respectively. Due to a large overlap between the emission spectrum of TCPC and the absorption spectrum of cyt c, and a short interaction distance (estimated to be 5.6 nm) between them, the fluorescence quenching of TCPC upon complexation with cyt c is attributed to an efficient energy transfer.     

Preparation and electrochemical properties of SAM of alkanethiols functionalized with 2-aza[3]ferrocenophane on gold electrode

Thiols functionalized with N-aryl[3]azaferrocenophane formulated as HS-(CH₂)_n-N(CH₂Cp)₂Fe (1: n = 6, 2: n = 8, 3: n = 10, 4: n = 12) and disulfide obtained by oxidation of 4 (5) were synthesized via three or four steps reactions starting from 1,1′-ferrocenedimethanol, 4-aminophenol, and α,ω-aklanedithiol. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of these thiols and disulfide on gold electrode were prepared by immersing the electrode in MeCN solutions of the compounds. Cyclic voltammograms of the SAM of 1 (n = 6) exhibited reversible redox of the Fe center at E_1/2 = 0.26 V (vs. Ag⁺/Ag) in the presence of Et₄NBF₄ in MeCN and at E_1/2 = 0.40 V (vs. AgCl/Ag) in the presence of NaClO₄ in H₂O. Addition of HClO₄ to the solutions shifted the redox peaks to higher potentials, E_1/2 = 0.51 V (vs. Ag⁺/Ag) in MeCN and E_1/2 = 0.48 V (vs. AgCl/Ag) in H₂O, respectively, which was ascribed to positive charge of tertiary ammonium group formed by protonation of the amino group of the azaferrocenophane. E_1/2 of SAM of 1 in H₂O solution varies depending on the anion contained in the electrolyte, NaClO₄ (0.40 V), NaBF₄ (0.46 V), Na₂SO₄ (0.53 V), and NaCl (0.55 V). Kinetic data of electron transfer between the Fe center and the gold surface of the SAM of 2-4 were obtained with variable scanning rate. Laviron’s analysis provided tunneling constant β, 0.05 Å⁻¹, suggesting that the structural changes in the SAMs on oxidation/reduction undergoes the insignificant change of the kinetic constants of the electron transfer depending on the range of the spacer length. In the acidic aqueous media, the kinetic parameters indicated that the imbalanced electron transfer between oxidized and reduced states of the Fe center was caused by the protonation of bridged amine group of azaferrocenophane.     

Hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on hemoglobin modified zirconia nanoparticles-grafted collagen matrix

A novel method for the immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) and preparation of reagentless biosensor was proposed using a biocompatible non-toxic zirconia enhanced grafted collagen tri-helix scaffold. The formed membrane was characterized with UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and electrochemical methods. The Hb immobilized in the matrix showed excellent direct electrochemistry with an electron transfer rate constant of 6.46 s⁻¹ and electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant for H₂O₂ was 0.026 mM, showing good affinity. Based on the direct electrochemistry, a new biosensor for H₂O₂ ranging from 0.8 to 132 μM was constructed. Owing to the porous structure and high enzyme loading of the matrix the biosensor exhibited low limit of detection of 0.12 μM at 3σ, fast response less than 5 s and high sensitivity of 45.6 mA M⁻¹ cm⁻². The biosensor exhibited acceptable stability and reproducibility. ZrO₂-grafted collagen provided a good matrix for protein immobilization and biosensing preparation. This method was useful for monitoring H₂O₂ in practical samples with the satisfactory results.