Synthesis and Characterization of Sterically Encumbered Derivatives of Aluminum Hydrides and Halides: Assessment of Steric Properties of Bulky Terphenyl Ligands

The synthesis and characterization of several sterically encumbered monoterphenyl derivatives of aluminum halides and aluminum hydrides are described. These compounds are [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (1), (Mes = 2,4,6-Me(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (2), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (3), 2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (4), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(3)LiOEt(2)](n)() (5), [2,6-Mes(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)](2) (6), TriphAlBr(2)OEt(2) (7), (Triph = 2,4,6-Ph(3)C(6)H(2)-), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(3)LiOEt(2)](2) (8) (Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2)-), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)OEt(2) (9), [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlH(2)](2) (10), 2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)AlCl(2)OEt(2) (11), and the partially hydrolyzed derivative [2,6-Trip(2)C(6)H(3)Al(Cl)(0.68)(H)(0.32)(&mgr;-OH)](2).2C(6)H(6) (12). The structures of 2, 3a, 4, 6, 7, 9a, 10a, 10b, 11, and 12 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structures of 3a, 9a, 10a, and 10b, are related to 3, 9, and 10, respectively, by partial occupation of chloride or hydride by hydroxide. The compounds were also characterized by (1)H, (13)C, (7)Li, and (27)Al NMR and IR spectroscopy. The major conclusions from the experimental data are that a single ortho terphenyl substituent of the kind reported here are not as effective as the ligand Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-t-Bu(3)C(6)H(2)-) in preventing further coordination and/or aggregation involving the aluminum centers. In effect, one terphenyl ligand is not as successful as a Mes substituent in masking the metal through agostic and/or steric effects.     

Preparation of benzyne complexes of group 10 metals by intramolecular suzuki coupling of ortho-metalated phenylboronic esters: molecular structure of the first benzyne-palladium(0) complex

A series of nickel(II) and palladium(II) aryl complexes substituted in the ortho position of the aromatic ring by a (pinacolato)boronic ester group, [MBr[o-C(6)H(4)B(pin)]L(2)] (M = Ni, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (2a), 2PCy(3) (2b), 2PEt(3) (2c), dcpe (2d), dppe (2e), and dppb (2f); M = Pd, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (3a), 2PCy(3) (3b), and dcpe (3d)), has been prepared. Many of these complexes react readily with KO(t)Bu to form the corresponding benzyne complexes [M(eta(2)-C(6)H(4))L(2)] (M = Ni, L(2) = 2PPh(3) (4a), 2PCy(3) (4b), 2PEt(3) (4c), dcpe (4d); M = Pd, L(2) = 2PCy(3) (5b)). This reaction can be regarded as an intramolecular version of a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, the driving force for which may be the steric interaction between the boronic ester group and the phosphine ligands present in the precursors 2 and 3. Complex 3d also reacts with KO(t)Bu, but in this case disproportionation of the initially formed eta(2)-C(6)H(4) complex (5d) leads to a 1:1 mixture of a novel dinuclear palladium(I) complex, [(dcpe)Pd(mu(2)-C(6)H(4))Pd(dcpe)] (6), and a 2,2'-biphenyldiyl complex, [Pd(2,2'-C(6)H(4)C(6)H(4))(dcpe)] (7d). Complexes 2a, 3b, 3d, 4b, 5b, 6, and 7d have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction; complex 5b is the first example of an isolated benzyne-palladium(0) species.     

A repertoire of pyridinium-phenyl-methyl cross-talk through a cascade of intramolecular electrostatic interactions

Direct intramolecular cation-pi interaction between phenyl and pyridinium moieties in 1a(+) has been experimentally evidenced through pH-dependent (1)H NMR titration. The basicity of the pyridinyl group (pK(a) 2.9) in 1a can be measured both from the pH-dependent chemical shifts of the pyridinyl protons as well as from the protons of the neighboring phenyl and methyl groups as a result of electrostatic interaction between the phenyl and the pyridinium ion in 1a(+) at the ground state. The net result of this nearest neighbor electrostatic interaction is that the pyridinium moiety in 1a becomes more basic (pK(a) 2.92) compared to that in the standard 2a (pK(a) 2.56) as a consequence of edge-to-face cation (pyridinium)-pi (phenyl) interaction, giving a free energy of stabilization (DeltaDeltaG(o)pKa) of -2.1 kJ mol(-1). The fact that the pH-dependent downfield shifts of the phenyl and methyl protons give the pK(a) of the pyridine moiety of 1a also suggests that the nearest neighbor cation (pyridinium)-pi (phenyl) interaction also steers the CH (methyl)-pi (phenyl) interaction in tandem. This means that the whole pyridine-phenyl-methyl system in 1a(+) is electronically coupled at the ground state, cross-modulating the physicochemical property of the next neighbor by using the electrostatics as the engine, and the origin of this electrostatics is a far away point in the molecule-the pyridinyl-nitrogen. The relative chemical shift changes and the pK(a) differences show that the cation (pyridinium)-pi (phenyl) interaction is indeed more stable (DeltaDeltaG(o)pKa = -2.1 kJ mol(-1)) than that of the CH (methyl)-pi (phenyl) interaction (DeltaDeltaG(o)pKa = -0.8 kJ mol(-1)). Since the pK(a) of the pyridine moiety in 1a is also obtained through the pH-dependent shifts of both phenyl and methyl protons, it suggests that the net electrostatic mediated charge transfer from the phenyl to the pyridinium and its effect on the CH (methyl)-pi (phenyl) interaction corresponds to DeltaG(o)pKa of the pyridinium ion (approximately 17.5 kJ mol(-1)), which means that the aromatic characters of the phenyl and the pyridinium rings in 1a(+) have been cross-modulated owing to the edge-to-face interaction proportional to this DeltaG(o)pKa change.     

Syntheses and structures of heterometallic clusters by the reaction of o-carboranyl cobaltadichalcogenolato complexes

Metalladichalcogenolate cluster complexes [Cp'Co{E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))}]{Co2(CO)5} [Cp' = eta5-C5H5, E = S(3a), E = Se(3b); Cp' = eta5-C5(CH3)5, E = S(4a), E = Se(4b)], {CpCo[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)Mo(CO)2] [E = S(5a), Se(5b)], Cp*Co(micro2-CO)Mo(CO)(py)2[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))] [E = S(6a), Se(6b)], Cp*Co[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]Mo(CO)2[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))] [E = S(7a), Se(7b)], (Cp'Co[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]W(CO)2 [E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))] [Cp' = eta5-C5H5, E = S(8a), E = Se(8b); Cp' = eta5-C5(CH3)5, E = S(9a), E = Se(9b)], {CpCo[E(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))]}(2)Ni [E = S(10a), Se(10b)] and 3,4-(PhCN(4)S)-3,1,2-[PhCN(4)SCo(Cp)S(2)]-3,1,2-CoC(2)B(9)H(8) 12 were synthesized by the reaction of [Cp'CoE(2)C(2)(B(10)H(10))] [Cp' = eta5-C5H5, E = S(1a), E = Se(1b); Cp' = eta5-C5(CH3)5, E = S(2a), E = Se(2b)] with Co2(CO)8, M(CO)3(py)3 (M = Mo, W), Ni(COD)2, [Rh(COD)Cl]2, and LiSCN4Ph respectively. Their spectrum analyses and crystal structures were investigated. In this series of multinuclear complexes, 3a,b and 4a,b contain a closed Co3 triangular geometry, while in complexes 5a-7b three different structures were obtained, the tungsten-cobalt mixed-metal complexes have only the binuclear structure, and the nickel-cobalt complexes were obtained in the trinuclear form. A novel structure was found in metallacarborane complex 12, with a B-S bond formed at the B(7) site. The molecular structures of 4a, 5a, 6a, 7b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 12 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and characterization of model compounds of the lysine tyrosyl quinone cofactor of lysyl oxidase

4-n-Butylamino-5-ethyl-1,2-benzoquinone (1(ox)) has been synthesized as a model compound for the LTQ (lysine tyrosyl quinone) cofactor of lysyl oxidase (LOX). At pH 7, 1(ox) has a lambda(max) at 504 nm and exists as a neutral o-quinone in contrast to a TPQ (2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone) model compound, 4, which is a resonance-stabilized monoanion. Despite these structural differences 1(ox) and 4 have the same redox potential (ca. -180 mV vs SCE). The structure of the phenylhydrazine adduct of 1(ox) (2) is reported, and 2D NMR spectroscopy has been used to show that the position of nucleophilic addition is at C(1). UV-vis spectroscopic pH titration of phenylhydrazine adducts of 1(ox) and 4, 2, and 11, respectively, reveals a similar red shift in lambda(max) at alkaline pH with the same pK(a) (approximately 11.8). In contrast, the red shift in lambda(max) at acidic pH conditions yields different pK(a) values (2.12 for 2 vs -0.28 for 11), providing a means to distinguish LTQ from TPQ. Reactions between in situ generated 4-ethyl-1,2-benzoquinone and primary amines give a mixture of products, indicating that the protein environment must play an essential role in LTQ biogenesis by directing the nucleophilic addition of the epsilon-amino group of a lysine residue to the C(4) position of a putative dopaquinone intermediate. Characterization of a 1,6-adduct between an o-quinone and butylamine (3-n-butylamino-5-ethyl-1,2-benzoquinone, 13) confirms the assignment of LTQ as a 1,4-addition product.     

Synthesis of phthalide derivatives using nickel-catalyzed cyclization of o-haloesters with aldehydes

The reaction of o-bromobenzoate (1 b) with benzaldehyde (2 a) in the presence of [NiBr(2)(dppe)] (dppe=1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and zinc powder in THF (24 hours, reflux temperature), afforded 3-phenyl-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one (3 a) in an 86 % yield. Similarly, o-iodobenzoate reacts with 2 a to give 3 a, but in a lower yield (50 %). A series of substituted aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes (2 b, 4-MeC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 c, 4-MeOC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 d, 3-MeOC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 e, 2-MeOC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 f, 4-CNC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 g, 4-(Me)(3)CC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 h, 4-C(6)H(5)C(6)H(4)CHO; 2 i, 4-ClC(6)H(4)CHO; 2 j, 4-CF(3)C(6)H(4)CHO; 2 k, CH(3)(CH(2))(5)CHO; 2 l, CH(3)(CH(2))(2)CHO) also underwent cyclization with o-bromobenzoate (1 b) producing the corresponding phthalide derivatives in moderate to excellent yields and with high chemoselectivity. Like 1 b, methyl 2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzoate (1 c) reacts with tolualdehyde (2 b) to give the corresponding substituted phthalide 3 m in a 71 % yield. The methodology can be further applied to the synthesis of six-membered lactones. The reaction of methyl 2-(2-bromophenyl)acetate (1 d) with benzaldehyde under similar reaction conditions afforded six-membered lactone 3 o in a 68 % yield. A possible catalytic mechanism for this cyclization is also proposed.     

Rhenium oxo complexes of a chelating diyne ligand. Synthesis and study of the kinetics of protonation

A series of oxo complexes, Re(O)X(diyne) (X = I, Me, Et), have been prepared from 2,7-nonadiyne and Re(O)I(3)(PPh(3))(2). Addition of B(C(6)F(5))(3) to Re(O)I(2,7-nonadiyne) (5) results in coordination of the oxo ligand to the boron. The protonation of Re(O)(X)(2-butyne)(2) and Re(O)(X)(2,7-nonadiyne)(2) with a variety of acids has been examined. With 5 and HBF(4)/Et(2)O, the ultimate product was [Re(CH(3)CN)(3)(I)(2,7-nonadiyne)](2+) (7). The conversion of 5 to 7 changes the conformation of the diyne ligand from a "chair" to a "boat" and shifts its propargylic protons considerably downfield in the (1)H NMR. The kinetics of the protonation of Re(O)I(2,7-nonadiyne) (5) by CF(3)SO(3)H in CH(3)CN have been monitored by visible spectroscopy, in a stopped-flow apparatus, and by low temperature (1)H NMR. Two second-order rate constants, presumably successive protonations, were observed in the stopped-flow, k(1) = 11.9 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and k(2) = 3.8 M(-)(1) s(-)(1). Low temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy indicated that the resulting solution contained a mixture of two doubly protonated intermediates X and Y, each of which slowly formed the product 7 via an acid-independent process.     

2 + 3] cycloaddition of nitrones to platinum-bound organonitriles: effect of metal oxidation state and of nitrile substituent

The ligated benzonitriles in the platinum(II) complex [PtCl2(PhCN)2] undergo metal-mediated [2 + 3] cycloaddition with nitrones -ON+(R3)=C(R1)(R2) [R1/R2/R3 = H/Ph/Me, H/p-MeC6H4/Me, H/Ph/CH2Ph] to give delta 4-1,2,4-oxadiazoline complexes, [PtCl2(N=C(Ph)O-N(R3)-C(R1)(R2))2] (2a, 4a, 6a), as a 1:1 mixture of two diastereoisomers, in 60-75% yields, while [PtCl2(MeCN)2] is inactive toward the addition. However, a strong activation of acetonitrile was reached by application of the platinum(IV) complex [PtCl4(MeCN)2] and both [PtCl4(RCN)2] (R = Me, Ph) react smoothly with various nitrones to give [PtCl4(N=C(R)O-N(R3)-C(R1)(R2))2] (1b-6b). The latter were reduced to the corresponding platinum(II) complexes [PtCl2(N=C(R)O-N(R3)-C(R1)(R2))2] (1a-6a) by treatment with PhCH2NHOH, while the reverse reaction, i.e. conversion of 1a-6a to 1b-6b, was achieved by chlorination with Cl2. The diastereoisomers of [PtCl2(N=C(R)O-N(R3)-C(R1)(R2))2] (1a-6a) exhibit different kinetic labilities, and liberation of the delta 4-1,2,4-oxadiazolines by substitution with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) in CDCl3 proceeds at different reaction rates to give free N=C(R)O-N(R3)-C(R1)(R2) and [PtCl2(dppe)] in almost quantitative NMR yield. All prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, FAB mass spectrometry, and IR and 1H, 13C(1H), and 195Pt (metal complexes) NMR spectroscopies; X-ray structure determination of the first (delta 4-1,2,4-oxadiazoline)Pt(II) complexes was performed for (S,S)/(R,R)-rac-[PtCl2(N=C(Me)O-N(Me)-C(H)Ph)2] (1a) (a = 9.3562(4), b = 9.8046(3), c = 13.1146(5) A; alpha = 76.155(2), beta = 83.421(2), gamma = 73.285(2) degrees; V = 1117.39(7) A3; triclinic, P1, Z = 2), (R,S)-meso-[PtCl2(N=C(Ph)O-N(Me)-C(H)Ph)2] (2a) (a = 8.9689(9), b = 9.1365(5), c = 10.1846(10) A; alpha = 64.328(6), beta = 72.532(4), gamma = 67.744(6) degrees; V = 686.82(11) A3; triclinic, P1, Z = 1), (S,S)/(R,R)-rac-[PtCl2(N=C(Me)O-N(Me)-C(H)(p-C6H4Me))2] (3a) (a = 11.6378(2), b = 19.0767(7), c = 11.5782(4) A; beta = 111.062(2) degrees; V = 2398.76(13) A3; monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4), and (S,S)/(R,R)-rac-[PtCl2(N=C(Me)O-N(CH2Ph)-C(H)Ph2] (5a) (a = 10.664(2), b = 10.879(2), c = 14.388(3) A; alpha = 73.11(3), beta = 78.30(3), gamma = 88.88(3) degrees; V = 1562.6(6) A3; triclinic, P1, Z = 2).     

A study of the kinetics of La3+-promoted methanolysis of S-aryl methylphosphonothioates: possible methodology for decontamination of EA 2192, the toxic byproduct of VX hydrolysis

The kinetics of the La3+-catalyzed methanolysis of a series of S-aryl methylphosphonothioates (4a-e, phenyl substituents = 3,5-dichloro, 4-chloro, 4-fluoro, 4-H, 4-methoxy) were studied at 25 °C with s(s)pH control. The reaction involves saturation binding of the anionic substrates to dimeric La3+/methoxide catalysts formulated as La2(3+)(-OCH3)x, where x = 2-5 depending on the solution s(s)pH. Cleavage of the La3+-bound methylphosphonothioates is fast, ranging from 5 × 10(-3) s(-1) to 5.5 × 10-(5) s(-1) for substrates 4a-e at a s(s)pH of 8.4 and 1.6 × 10(-1) s(-1) to 4 × 10(-3) s(-1) at a s(s)pH of 11.7. The rate accelerations for the methanolysis of substrates 4a-e, relative to their background methoxide-promoted reactions, average 7 × 10(10) and 1.5 × 10(9), respectively, at s(s)pH's of 8.4 and 11.7. The catalytic system is predicted to cleave EA 2192 (S-2(N,N-di-iso-propylaminoethyl)methylphosphonothioate), a toxic byproduct of the hydrolysis of VX, with a t1/2 between 4 and 8 min at a s(s)pH of 8.4, and 27 min at a s(s)pH of 11.7.     

A comparative study of the structures and reactivity of cyclometallated platinum compounds of N-benzylidenebenzylamines and cycloplatination of a primary amine

The reaction of cis-[PtCl(2)(dmso)2] with ligands 4-ClC(6)H(4)CHNCH(2)C(6)H(5) (1a) and 4-ClC(6)H(4)CHNCH(2)(4-ClC(6)H(4)) (1b) in the presence of sodium acetate and using either methanol or toluene as solvent produced the corresponding five-membered endo-metallacycles [PtCl{(4-ClC(6)H(3))CHNCH(2)C(6)H(5)}{SOMe(2)}] (2a) and [PtCl{(4-ClC(6)H(3))CHNCH(2)(4'-ClC(6)H(4))}{SOMe(2)}] (2b). An analogous reaction for ligands 2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3)CHNCH(2)C(6)H(5) (1c) and 2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3)CHNCH(2)(4-ClC(6)H(4)) (1d) produced five-membered exo-metallacycles [PtCl{(2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))CHNCH(2)C(6)H(4)}{SOMe(2)}] (2c) and [PtCl{(2,6-Cl(2)C(6)H(3))CHNCH(2)(4'-ClC(6)H(3))}{SOMe(2)}] (2d) when the reaction was carried out in methanol and seven-membered endo-platinacycles [PtCl{(MeC(6)H(3))ClC(6)H(3)CHNCH(2)C(6)H(4)}{SOMe(2)}] (3c) and [PtCl{(MeC(6)H(3))ClC(6)H(3)CHNCH(2)(4'-ClC(6)H(3))}{SOMe(2)}] (3d) when toluene was used as a solvent. The reaction of 2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)C(6)H(2)CHNCH(2)(4-ClC(6)H(4)) (1e) produced in both solvents an exo-platinacycle [PtCl{(2,4,6-(CH(3))(3)C(6)H(2))CHNCH(2)(4'-ClC(6)H(3))}{SO(CH(3))(2)}] (2e). Cyclometallation of 4-chlorobenzylamine was also achieved to produce compound [PtCl{(4-ClC(6)H(3))CH(2)NH(2)}{SOMe(2)}] (2g). The reactions of endo- and exo-metallacycles with phosphines evidenced the higher lability of the Pt-N bond in exo-metallacycles while a comparative analysis of the crystal structures points out a certain degree of aromaticity in the endo-metallacycle.     

Revision of the second ionization energy of toluene

Charge stripping (CS) of the molecular ion of toluene, C(7)H(8) (+)-->C(7)H(8) (2+)+e, is often used as a reference for the determination of second ionization energies in energy-resolved CS experiments. For calibration of the kinetic energy scale, a value of IE(C(7)H(8) (+))=(15.7+/-0.2) eV derived from the appearance energy of the toluene dication upon electron ionization has been accepted generally. Triggered by some recent discrepancies between CS measurements on the one hand and different experimental methods as well as theoretical predictions on the other, we have reinvestigated the photon-induced double ionization of toluene using synchrotron radiation. These photoionization measurements yield phenomenological appearance energies of AE(C(7)H(8) (+))=(8.81+/-0.03) eV for the monocation and AE(C(7)H(8) (2+))=(23.81+/-0.06) eV for the dication. The former is in good agreement with a much more precise spectroscopic value, IE(C(7)H(8))=(8.8276+/-0.0006) eV. Explicit consideration of the Franck-Condon envelopes associated with photoionization to the dication in conjunction with the application of the Wannier law leads to an adiabatic ionization energy IE(a)(C(7)H(8) (+))=(14.8+/-0.1) eV, which is as much as 0.9 eV lower than the previous value derived from electron ionization. Because in many previous CS measurements the transition C(7)H(8) (+)-->C(7)H(8) (2+)+e was used as a reference, the energetics of several gaseous dications might need some readjustment.     

Reactions of meso-hydroxyhemes with carbon monoxide and reducing agents in search of the elusive species responsible for the g = 2.006 resonance of carbon monoxide-treated heme oxygenase. Isolation of diamagnetic iron(II) complexes of octaethyl-meso-hydroxyporphyrin

To examine possible models for the g = 2.006 resonance seen when the hydroxylated heme-heme oxygenase complex in the Fe(III) state is treated with CO, the reactivities of CO and reducing agents with (py)(2)Fe(III)(OEPO) and [Fe(III)(OEPO)](2) (OEPO is the trianion of octaethyl-meso-hydroxyporphyrin) have been examined. A pyridine solution of (py)(2)Fe(III)(OEPO) reacts in a matter of minutes with zinc amalgam (or with hydrazine) under an atmosphere of dioxygen-free dinitrogen to produce bright-red (py)(2)Fe(II)(OEPOH).2py.0.33H(2)O, which has been isolated in crystalline form. The (1)H NMR spectrum of (py)(2)Fe(II)(OEPOH) in a pyridine-d(5) solution is indicative of the presence of a diamagnetic compound, and no EPR resonance was observed for this compound. Treatment of a solution of (py)(2)Fe(II)(OEPOH) in pyridine-d(5) with carbon monoxide produces spectral changes after a 30 s exposure that are indicative of the formation of diamagnetic (OC)(py)Fe(II)(OEPOH). Treatment of a green pyridine solution of (py)(2)Fe(III)(OEPO) with carbon monoxide reveals a slow color change to deep red over a 16 h period. Although a resonance at g = 2.006 was observed in the EPR spectrum of the sample during the reaction, the isolated product is EPR silent. The spectroscopic features of the final solution are identical to those of a solution formed by treating (py)(2)Fe(II)(OEPOH) with carbon monoxide. Addition of hydrazine to solutions of (OC)(py)Fe(II)(OEPOH) produces red, diamagnetic (OC)(N(2)H(4))Fe(II)(OEPOH).py in crystalline form. The X-ray crystal structures of (py)(2)Fe(II)(OEPOH).2py.0.33H(2)O and (OC)(N(2)H(4))Fe(II)(OEPOH).py have been determined. Solutions of diamagnetic (OC)(N(2)H(4))Fe(II)(OEPOH).py and (OC)(py)Fe(II)(OEPOH) are extremely air sensitive and are immediately converted in a pyridine solution into paramagnetic (py)(2)Fe(III)(OEPO) in the presence of dioxygen.     

Analysis of the local structure of phosphorus-substituted LAMOX oxide ion conductors

The effect of partial substitution of molybdenum by phosphorus on the global and local structural arrangement of the fast oxide-ion conductor La(2)Mo(2)O(9) (LAMOX) has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction as well as (139)La and (31)P solid state NMR. The diffraction patterns show that La(2)Mo(2-y)P(y)O(9-y/2) forms a solid solution at low phosphorus concentrations, and that there is a structural phase transition upon increasing phosphorus concentration. This phase transition is also reflected in (139)La and (31)P NMR spectra. The possibility to excite (31)P multiple-quantum coherences of one of the (31)P NMR signals gives evidence of an accumulation of phosphorus atoms on neighbouring Mo-type sites already before formation of three-dimensional precipitates. On the basis of our X-ray and NMR results we propose a possible structural arrangement of the compound La(2)Mo(2-y)P(y)O(9-y/2) that explains the experimental observations by crystal twinning.     

Acid-catalysed rearrangements of steroid alkenes-III1. backbone rearrangement of de-a-steroid alkenes and preparation of an aromatic de-a-steroid.

Backbone rearrangement of 10a(methyl)-de-A-cholest-5-ene (3c), 6-ene (3d), 9-ene (3s) and 5(10)-ene (3b) affords products isomeric at C-20 and with the C-10 methyl group in the more stable equatorial position (6a. and 6b). 5-Methylene-10a(methyl)-de-A-cholestane (5) affords similar C-20 isomeric products with both the C-5 and C-10 methyls in the more stable equatorial positions (9a and 9b). The de-A-alkenes (3) provided a convenient starting point for preparation of de-A- cholesta-5,7,9-triene (7). Components (6a, 6b, 7, 9a and 9b) have been used to confirm the widespread occurrence of homologous series of de-A-steroids in marine shales with a mild thermal history.     

Synthesis and reactivity of silyl ruthenium complexes: the importance of trans effects in C-H activation,Si-C bond formation,and dehydrogenative coupling of silanes

A series of octahedral ruthenium silyl hydride complexes, cis-(PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiR(3))H (SiR(3) = SiMe(3), 1a; SiMe(2)CH(2)SiMe(3), 1b; SiEt(3), 1c; SiMe(2)H, 1d), has been synthesized by the reaction of hydrosilanes with (PMe(3))(3)Ru(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H (5), cis-(PMe(3))(4)RuMe(2) (6), or (PMe(3))(4)RuH(2) (9). Reaction with 6 proceeds via an intermediate product, cis-(PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiR(3))Me (SiR(3) = SiMe(3), 7a; SiMe(2)CH(2)SiMe(3), 7b). Alternatively, 1 and 7 have been synthesized via a fast hydrosilane exchange with another cis-(PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiR(3))H or cis-(PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiR(3))Me, which occurs at a rate approaching the NMR time scale. Compounds 1a, 1b, 1d, and 7a adopt octahedral geometries in solution and the solid state with mutually cis silyl and hydride (or silyl and methyl) ligands. The longest Ru-P distance within a complex is always trans to Si, reflecting the strong trans influence of silicon. The aptitude of phosphine dissociation in these complexes has been probed in reactions of 1a, 1c, and 7a with PMe(3)-d(9) and CO. The dissociation is regioselective in the position trans to a silyl ligand (trans effect of Si), and the rate approaches the NMR time scale. A slower secondary process introduces PMe(3)-d(9) and CO in the other octahedral positions, most likely via nondissociative isomerization. The trans effect and trans influence in 7a are so strong that an equilibrium concentration of dissociated phosphine is detectable (approximately 5%) in solution of pure 7a. Compounds 1a-c also react with dihydrogen via regioselective dissociation of phosphine from the site trans to Si, but the final product, fac-(PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))H(3) (SiR(3) = SiMe(3), 4a; SiMe(2)CH(2)SiMe(3), 4b; SiEt(3), 4c), features hydrides cis to Si. Alternatively, 4a-c have been synthesized by photolysis of (PMe(3))(4)RuH(2) in the presence of a hydrosilane or by exchange of fac-(PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))H(3) with another HSiR(3). The reverse manifold - HH elimination from 4a and trapping with PMe(3) or PMe(3)-d(9) - is also regioselective (1a-d(9)() is predominantly produced with PMe(3)-d(9) trans to Si), but is very unfavorable. At 70 degrees C, a slower but irreversible SiH elimination also occurs and furnishes (PMe(3))(4)RuH(2). The structure of 4a exhibits a tetrahedral P(3)Si environment around the metal with the three hydrides adjacent to silicon and capping the P(2)Si faces. Although strong Si...HRu interactions are not indicated in the structure or by IR, the HSi distances (2.13-2.23(5) A) suggest some degree of nonclassical SiH bonding in the H(3)SiR(3) fragment. Thermolysis of 1a in C(6)D(6) at 45-55 degrees C leads to an intermolecular CD activation of C(6)D(6). Extensive H/D exchange into the hydride, SiMe(3), and PMe(3) ligands is observed, followed by much slower formation of cis-(PMe(3))(4)Ru(D)(Ph-d(5)). In an even slower intramolecular CH activation process, (PMe(3))(3)Ru(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H (5) is also produced. The structure of intermediates, mechanisms, and aptitudes for PMe(3) dissociation and addition/elimination of H-H, Si-H, C-Si, and C-H bonds in these systems are discussed with a special emphasis on the trans effect and trans influence of silicon and ramifications for SiC coupling catalysis.     

Spectroscopic characterization of hydroxide and aqua complexes of Fe(II)-protoheme, structural models for the axial coordination of the atypical heme of membrane cytochrome b6f complexes

Electronic absorption and resonance Raman (RR) spectra are reported for hydroxide and aqua complexes of iron(II)-protoporphyrin IX (Fe(II)PP) respectively formed in alkaline and neutral aqueous solutions. These compounds with weak axial ligand(s) represent a biomimetic approach of the unusual coordination of the atypical heme c(i) of membrane cytochrome b6f complexes. Absorption spectra and spectrophotometric titrations show that Fe(II)PP in alkaline aqueous cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) binds one hydroxide ion, forming a five-coordinated high-spin (HS) complex. In alkaline aqueous ethanol, we confirm the formation of a dihydroxy complex of Fe(II)PP. In the RR spectra of Fe(II)PP dissolved in neutral aqueous CTABr, a mixture of a four-coordinated intermediate spin form with an HS monoaqua complex (Fe(II)PP(H2O)) was observed. The spectroscopic information obtained for Fe(II)PP(OH-), Fe(II)PP(H2O), and Fe(II)PP(OH-)2 was compared with that previously reported for the 2-methylimidazole and 2-methylimidazolate complexes of Fe(II)PP, representative of the most common axial ligation in HS heme proteins. This investigation reveals a very remarkable analogy in the spectral properties of, in one hand, the Fe(II)PP(H2O) and mono-2-methylimidazole complexes and, in the other hand, the Fe(II)PP(OH-) and mono-2-methylimidazolate complexes. The comparisons of the absorption and RR spectra of Fe(II)PP(OH-) and Fe(II)PP(OH-)2 clearly establish that both a redshift of the pi-pi electronic transitions and an upshift of the v8 RR frequency are spectral parameters indicative of porphyrin doming in HS ferrous complexes. Based upon isotopic substitutions (16OH-,16OD-, and 18OH-), stretching modes of the Fe-OH bond(s) of a ferrous porphyrin were assigned for the first time, i.e., at 435 cm(-1) for Fe(II)PP(OH-) (nu(Fe(II)-OH-)) and at 421 cm(-1) for Fe(II)PP(OH-)2 (nu(s)(Fe(II)-(OH-)2). The spectroscopic and redox properties of Fe(II)PP(H2O), Fe(II)PP(OH-), and heme c(i) were discussed and favor a water coordination for the heme c(i) iron.     

Mechanism of reaction of hydrogen peroxide with horseradish peroxidase: identification of intermediates in the catalytic cycle.

The mechanism of the reaction of horseradish peroxidase isoenzyme C (HRPC) with hydrogen peroxide to form the reactive enzyme intermediate compound I has been studied using electronic absorbance, rapid-scan stopped-flow, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies at both acid and basic pH. The roles of the active site residues His42 and Arg38 in controlling heterolytic cleavage of the H(2)O(2) oxygen-oxygen bond have been probed with site-directed mutant enzymes His42 --> Leu (H42L), Arg38 --> Leu (R38L), and Arg38 --> Gly (R38G). The biphasic reaction kinetics of H42L with H(2)O(2) suggested the presence of an intermediate species and, at acid pH, a reversible second step, probably due to a neutral enzyme-H(2)O(2) complex and the ferric-peroxoanion-containing compound 0. EPR also indicated the formation of a protein radical situated more than approximately 10 A from the heme iron. The stoichiometry of the reaction of the H42L/H(2)O(2) reaction product and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazolinesulfonic acid) (ABTS) was concentration dependent and fell from a value of 2 to 1 above 0.7 mM ABTS. These data can be explained if H(2)O(2) undergoes homolytic cleavage in H42L. The apparent rate of compound I formation by H42L, while low, was pH independent in contrast to wild-type HRPC where the rate falls at acid pH, indicating the involvement of an ionizable group with pK(a) approximately 4. In R38L and R38G, the apparent pK(a) was shifted to approximately 8 but there is no evidence that homolytic cleavage of H(2)O(2) occurs. These data suggest that His42 acts initially as a proton acceptor (base catalyst) and then as a donor (acid catalyst) at neutral pH and predict the observed slower rate and lower efficiency of heterolytic cleavage observed at acid pH. Arg38 is influential in lowering the pK(a) of His42 and additionally in aligning H(2)O(2) in the active site, but it does not play a direct role in proton transfer.     

Solubilization of triglycerides in liquid crystals of nonionic surfactant

The solubilization of triglycerides [1,2,3-tributanoylglycerol (TBG) and 1,2,3-trihexanoylglycerol (THG)] in water/octa(oxyethylene) dodecyl ether (C(12)EO(8)) systems has been investigated. Oil-induced changes in the structure of liquid crystals in water/C(12)EO(8) system have been studied by optical observation and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. In the water/C(12)EO(8)/oil systems, solubilization of THG and TBG induces a transition between H(1) (hexagonal) and L(alpha) (lamellar) liquid crystals at high C(12)EO(8) concentrations, whereas at low surfactant concentrations a H(1)-I(1) (discontinuous micellar cubic phase) transition occurs. This anomalous behavior is attributed to the partitioning of solubilized oil in the micelles. At low surfactant concentrations THG is mainly solubilized into the hydrophobic cores of the surfactant micelles, indicating high swelling or low penetration tendency, resulting in a steep increase in the radius of the aggregates (r(H)), thereby inducing a rod-sphere transition. At high surfactant concentrations, THG is not mainly solubilized into the core but distributed between the palisade layer and the core of the aggregates. The TBG is considerably solubilized into the surfactant palisade layer, indicating a high penetration tendency, resulting in an increase in the effective cross-sectional area per surfactant molecule, a(s). The thermal stability of the I(1) phase increases with the solubilization of THG into the aggregate cores. The percentage deviation of the experimental interlayer spacings (P(d)) from complete swelling was also evaluated for different triglycerides in the H(1) and L(alpha) phases or different surfactant concentrations. It is found that the penetration tendency of triglycerides could be used as a tuning parameter for I(1) phase formation depending on the surfactant concentration and the molecular weight of the oil.     

Model study of CO inhibition of [NiFe]hydrogenase

We propose a modified mechanism for the inhibition of [NiFe]hydrogenase ([NiFe]H(2)ase) by CO. We present a model study, using a NiRu H(2)ase mimic, that demonstrates that (i) CO completely inhibits the catalytic cycle of the model compound, (ii) CO prefers to coordinate to the Ru(II) center rather than taking an axial position on the Ni(II) center, and (iii) CO is unable to displace a hydrido ligand from the NiRu center. We combine these studies with a reevaluation of previous studies to propose that, under normal circumstances, CO inhibits [NiFe]H(2)ase by complexing to the Fe(II) center.     

Extension of the self-consistent spectrophotometric basicity scale in acetonitrile to a full span of 28 pKa units: unification of different basicity scales

The earlier compiled self-consistent spectrophotometric basicity scale in acetonitrile (AN) was expanded to range from 3.8 to 32.0 pK(a) units, that is 28 orders of magnitude. Altogether 54 new relative basicity measurements (DeltapK(a) measurements) were carried out and 37 new compounds were introduced to the scale (it now includes altogether 89 bases). The relative basicity of any two bases in the scale can be obtained by combining at least two independent sets of measurements. Multiple overlapping measurements make the results more reliable. The overall consistency (as defined earlier) of the measurements is s = 0.03 pK(a) units. Thorough analysis of all of our experimental data (DeltapK(a) values of this and earlier works) and experimental pK(a) data in AN available in the literature (works from the groups of Coetzee and Padmanabhan, Kolthoff and Chantooni, Jr., the Schwesinger group, Bren' et al. and some others, altogether 19 papers) was carried out. On the basis of this analysis the anchor point of the scale-pyridine-was shifted upward by 0.20 pK(a) units thereby also revising the absolute pK(a) values of all the bases on the scale. This way very good agreement between our relative data and the absolute pK(a) values of the abovementioned authors was obtained. The revised basicity scale was interconnected with the earlier published self-consistent acidity scale by DeltapK(a) measurements between acids and bases. The rms deviation between the directly measured DeltapK(a) values and the absolute pK(a) values of the compounds was 0.10 pK(a) units.