Rhodium(I) carbonyl complexes of tetradentate chalcogen functionalized phosphines, [P(X)(CH2CH2P(X)Ph2)3] {X = O, S, Se}: Synthesis, reactivity and catalytic carbonylation reaction

The reaction of [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ with 0.5 mol equivalent of the ligands [P^′(X)(CH₂-CH₂P(X)Ph₂)₃](P^′P₃X₄) {where X = O(a), S(b) and Se(c)} affords tetranuclear complexes of the type [Rh₄(CO)₈Cl₄(P^′P₃X₄)] (1a-1c). The complexes 1a-1c have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the ligands b and c are structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1a-1c undergo oxidative addition (OA) reactions with CH₃I to generate Rh(III) oxidised products. Kinetic data for the reaction of 1a and 1b with excess CH₃I indicate a pseudo first order reaction. The catalytic activity of 1a-1c for the carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid and its ester show a higher Turn Over Frequency (TOF = 1349-1748 h⁻¹) compared to the well-known species [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ (TOF = 1000 h⁻¹) under the similar experimental conditions. However, 1b and 1c exhibit lower TOF than 1a, which may be due to the desulfurization and deselinization of the ligands in the respective complexes under the reaction conditions.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich Rh, Ir complexes containing mono-thiolate-ortho-carborane ligand

Two binuclear complexes [Cp^∗M(Cl)Carb^S]₂ (Cp^∗ = η⁵-C₅Me₅, M = Rh (1a), Carb^S = SC₂(H)B₁₀H₁₀, Ir (1b)) were synthesized by the reaction of LiCarb^S with the dimeric metal complexes [Cp^∗MCl(μ-Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir). Four mononuclear complexes Cp^∗M(Cl)(L)Carb^S (L = BuⁿPPh₂, M = Rh (2a), Ir (2b); L = PPh₃, M = Rh (4a), Ir (4b)) were synthesized by reactions of 1a or 1b with L (L = BuⁿPPh₂ (2); PPh₃ (4)) in moderate yields, respectively. Complexes 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b were obtained by treatment of 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b with AgPF₆ in high yields, respectively. All of these compounds were fully characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis, and the crystal structures of 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b were also confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Their structures showed 3a, 3b and 5a, 5b could be expected as good candidates for heterolytic dihydrogen activation. Preliminary experiments on the dihydrogen activation driven by these half-sandwich Rh, Ir complexes were done under mild conditions.     

Synthesis and structure of {{amino(triorganosilyl)carbene}pentacarbonyltungsten(0)} complexes and attempted synthesis of {[2-bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl-3-triorganosilyl-2H-azaphosphirene-κP]pentacarbonyltungsten(0)}

First examples of tungsten aminocarbene complexes [(OC₅)W{C(SiR¹_nR²_3-n)NH₂}] 2a-d (R¹ = Ph, R² = Me) were synthesized via ammonolysis of the corresponding methoxycarbene complexes 1a-d. They were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, MS, IR, UV/Vis and elemental analysis, and in the case of the C-triphenylsilyl derivative 2a by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The reaction of P-chloro alkylidenephosphane 3 with complexes 2a-d, meant to give 2H-azaphosphirene complexes, was monitored by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy to reveal the formation of the products 4-7, which were presumably formed via decomposition of the transient complexes 10a-d.     

Synthesis and characterization of phosphorous-bridged bisphenoxy titanium complexes and their application to ethylene polymerization

Phosphorous-bridged bisphenoxy titanium complexes were synthesized and their ethylene polymerization behavior was investigated. Bis[3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-phenoxy](phenyl)phosphine tetrahydrofuran titanium dichloride (4a) was obtained by treatment of 3 equiv of n-BuLi with bis[3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl](phenyl)phosphine hydrochloride salt (3a) followed by TiCl₄(THF)₂ in THF. THF-free complexes 5a-5d were synthesized more conveniently by the direct reaction of MOM-protected ligands (2a-2d) with TiCl₄ in toluene. X-ray analysis of 4a revealed that the ligand is bonded to the octahedral titanium (IV) center in a facial fashion and two chlorine atoms possess cis-geometry. Complexes 4a and 5a-5d were utilized as catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerization. Complex 5c gave high molecular weight polyethylene (M_w = 1,170,000, M_w/M_n = 2.0) upon activation with Al(ⁱBu)₃/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] (TB). Ethylene polymerization activity of 5d activated with Al(ⁱBu)₃/TB reached 49.0 × 10⁶ g mol (cat) ⁻¹ h⁻¹.     

Carbonyl complexes of manganese, rhenium and molybdenum with 2-pyridylimino acid ligands

[MBr(CO)₃{κ²(N,O)-pyca}] [M = Mn(1a), Re(1b), pyca = pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde] and [MoCl(η³-C₃H₄Me-2)(CO)₂{κ²(N,O)-pyca}] (1c) react with aminoacid β-alanine to give the corresponding iminopyridine complexes 2a-2c. The same method affords the iminopyridine derivatives from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (3a-3c) and 3-aminobenzoic acid (4a-4c). For complexes 2a-2c, 3a, 3c and 4a, the solid state structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography, revealing interesting differences in their hydrogen-bonding patterns in solid state.     

Effect of ortho-substituents on the stereochemistry of 2-(o-substituted phenyl)-1H-imidazoline-palladium complexes

Palladium complexes composed of [Pd(Ln)₂Cl₂] (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6), [L5a]₂[PdCl₄] and [Pd(L5b)₂], where L1 = 4,5-dihydro-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole (=2-phenyl-1H-imidazoline), L2 = 2-(o-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L3 = 2-(o-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L4 = 2-(o-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-imidazoline, L5a = 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazolinium, L5b = 2-(1H-imidazolin-2-yl)phenolate, and L6 = 2-(o-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazole, were synthesized. Molecular structures of the isolated palladium complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The effect of ortho-substituents on the phenyl ring on trans-chlorine geometry was noted for complexes [Pd(L1)₂Cl₂] 1a and 1b, [Pd(L2)₂Cl₂] 2 and [Pd(L6)₂Cl₂] 6, whereas cis-chlorine geometry was observed for [Pd(L3)₂Cl₂] 3 and [Pd(L4)₂Cl₂] 4. PdCl₂ reacts with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazoline in DMF to give [L5a]⁺ and [L5b]^- so that [L5a]₂[PdCl₄] 5a and [Pd(L5b)₂] 5b were obtained. In complex 5b, as an N,O-bidentate ligand, two ligands L5b coordinated with the central Pd(II) ion in the trans-form. The coordination of PdCl₂ with 2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-imidazolines in solution was investigated by NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, characterization, and cyclometalation studies of benzo[1,2-h: 5,4-h′]diquinolines with palladium and platinum

Benzo[1,2-h: 5,4-h′]diquinoline(1a) represents a new family of tridentate NCN pincer ligand. We report the synthesis of the parent ligand (1a) and its derivatives (1b R = Me, 1c R = t-Butyl, 1d R = Phenyl). The ligands were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, as well as mass spectral analysis, and X-ray structural determination. They readily undergo cyclometalation with LiPdCl₄, Pd(OAc)₂, and K₂PtCl₄ to form the cyclometalated Pd(NCN)Cl (2a-c, 3a), and Pt(NCN)Cl (4a) pincer complexes. These complexes have been characterized through NMR, and mass spectrometry. PdNCNCl (2a) structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 2a has shown to catalyze the Heck coupling reaction between bromobenzene and n-butylacyrlate in NMP at 140 °C, TON of 2506 were observed.     

Aluminum and zinc complexes supported by functionalized phenolate ligands: Synthesis, characterization and catalysis in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide

A series of aluminum and zinc complexes supported by functionalized phenolate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of 2-(3,5-R₂C₃N₂)C₆H₄NH₂ (R = Me, Ph) with salicylaldehyde or 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde afforded 2-((2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenylimino)methyl)phenol derivatives 2a-2d. Treatment of 2a-2d with an equiv. of AlR²₃ (R² = Me, Et) gave corresponding aluminum aryloxides 3a-3e, while reaction with an equiv. of ZnEt₂ afforded zinc aryloxides 4a-4d. Treatment of 2c with 0.5 equiv. of ZnEt₂ formed diphenolato zinc complex 5. All new compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes 3a, 4a and 5 were further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of complexes 3-5 toward the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone was studied. The zinc complexes (4a-4d) exhibited higher catalytic activity than the aluminum complexes (3a-3e). The diphenolato zinc complex 5 showed lower catalytic activity than the ethylzinc complexes 4a-4d. The aluminum complex (3b) is inactive to initiate the ROP of rac-lactide, while the zinc complex (4d) is active initiator for the ROP of rac-lactide, giving atactic polylactide.     

Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

Chiral β-diketonate ligands of ‘pseudo planar chiral’ topology: enantioselective synthesis and transition metal complexation

A practical enantioselective synthesis of chiral β-diketonate ligands 1a-1d, which are of ‘pseudo planar-chiral’ topology, is described. Additionally, the first chiral bis(diketonates) 2a-2c, ligands of C₂-symmetry that are isoelectronic with respect to related salen ligand systems, have been prepared. Protocols for the metallation of ligands 1a-1d, 2b and 2c are reported.     

Influence of multidentate N-donor ligands on highly electrophilic zinc initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of epoxides

A set of multidentate ligands have been synthesized and used to stabilize the putative highly electrophilic zinc species initiating ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and propylene oxide (PO). Reaction of the bidentate C₂-chiral bis(oxazoline) ligand (^R2,R3BOX: R₂ = (4S)-tBu, R₃ = H (a); R₂ = (4S)-Ph, R₃ = H (b); R₂ = (4R)-Ph, R₃ = (5S)-Ph (c)) with Zn(R₁)₂ (R₁ = Et (1), Me (2)) led to the heteroleptic three-coordinate complexes (^R2,R3BOX)ZnR₁, 1a-c and 2a, which were isolated in 92-96% yield. Next, two pyridinyl-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been designed and synthesized: the 1,3-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)imidazolinium salt (d) and the protected NHC adduct 2-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-1,3-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)imidazolidine (e). The reaction of ligands d and e with ZnEt₂ led directly to the formation of (NHC)ZnEt(Cl) 3d complex with ethane elimination and the adduct (NHC-C₆F₅(H))ZnEt₂4e, respectively, in high yield. In situ combinations of selected complexes 1a-c, 3d and 4e with B(C₆F₅)₃ (1 or 2 equivalents) give active systems for ROP, with high productivity (3.3-5.9 10⁶ g_polym. mol_Zn⁻¹ h⁻¹) and high molecular weight (M_n up to 132 10³ g mol⁻¹) for CHO polymerization. Although the in situ B(C₆F₅)₃-activated zinc species were not isolated, the sterically demanding BOX ligands (1c > 1b > 1a) and functionalized NHC ligands seem to enhance the stability of highly electrophilic zinc complexes over ligand redistribution, allowing a better control of the cationic ROP as reflected particularly for 3d and 4e complexes by their respective efficiency (42-88%).     

Synthesis and structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterization of benzo[c]quinolizinium and its 5-aza-, 6-aza, and 5,6-diaza analogues

Four heterocyclic salts 1a-d were prepared by Ca²⁺-assisted cyclization of fluoro derivatives 3, and investigated by spectroscopic (NMR and UV), electrochemical, and computational (DFT and MP2) methods. The mechanism for the formation of the cations was investigated at the DFT level of theory. 2-D NMR spectroscopy for 1[ClO₄] in DMSO­d₆ aided with DFT results permitted the assignment of ¹H and ¹³C NMR signals in cations 1. The molecular and crystal structures for 1a[ClO₄] [C₁₃H₁₀ClNO₄ triclinic, P−1, a=9.6517(12) Å, b=11.0470(13) Å, c=12.2373(15) Å, α=67.615(1)°, β=78.845(2)°, γ=87.559(2)°; V=1183.0(2) Å³, Z=4] and 1d[ClO₄] [C₁₂H₉ClN₂O₄ triclinic, P−1, a=5.9525(6) Å, b=8.3141(9) Å, c=12.2591(13) Å, α=73.487(1)°, β=83.814(1)°, γ=83.456(1)°; V=576.07(10) Å³, Z=2] were determined by X-ray crystallography and compared with results of DFT and MP2 calculations. Electrochemical analysis gave the reduction potential order (1b>1c∼1d>1a), which is consistent with computational results.     

Synthesis, characterization, and applications in Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions of amphiphilic cyclopalladated ferrocenylimines

A series of novel amphiphilic ferrocenylimines and their cyclopalladated complexes of general formula [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄CR₁NR₂)] (R₁=H, R₂=C₁₂H₂₅-n4a, R₁=H, R₂=C₁₆H₃₃-n4b, R₁=CH₃, R₂=C₁₂H₂₅-n4c, R₁=CH₃, R₂=C₁₆H₃₃-n4d), [PdCl{[(η⁵-C₅H₅)]Fe[(η⁵-C₅H₃)CR₁NR₂]}]₂ (5a-d), [PdCl{[(η⁵-C₅H₅)]Fe[(η⁵-C₅H₃)-CR₁NR₂]}(PPh₃)] (6a-d), were prepared and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ³¹P NMR, IR, HRMS, and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of 5c,d were determined by X-ray crystallography. These amphiphilic cyclopalladated complexes are thermally stable and insensitive to oxygen and moisture. The redox properties of 4a-d, 5a-d, 6a-d were also investigated using cyclic voltammetric technique. Compounds 5a-d, 6a-d displayed good activity in the Heck reaction of a variety of aryl halides with ethyl acrylate or styrene and the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid in bulk solution. They are also suitable for formation of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films.     

Nickel and cationic palladium complexes bearing (imino)pyridyl alcohol ligands: Synthesis, characterization and vinyl polymerization of norbornene

A series of nickel and palladium complexes bearing (imino)pyridyl alcohol tridentate [N,N,O] ligands, 2-(ArNCMe)-6-{(HO)CR₂}C₅H₃N (L1-L4), were synthesized and sufficiently characterized by elemental and spectroscopic analysis along with X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray diffraction demonstrated that five-coordinated nickel halide complexes (1a-4a and 1b) and six-coordinated nickel acetate complex (1c) were prepared, and cationic palladium complexes (1d and 2d) formed with the [PdCl₄]²⁻ counterion. All these complexes displayed high catalytic activities up to 1.883 × 10⁷ g(PNB) mol⁻¹(cat) h⁻¹ (2d) for the vinyl polymerization of norbornene on treatment with excess methylaluminoxane (MAO), affording the vinyl-type PNBs with high molecular weights and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. The parameters of reaction conditions, the type of metals and steric effects of coordinative ligands had influences on the catalytic properties.     

Electrochemical, EPR and computational results on [Fe2Cp2(CO)2]-based complexes with a bridging hydrocarbyl ligand

The dimetallacyclopentenone complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η³−C_αHC_β(R)C(O)}] (R = CH₂OH, 1a; R = CMe₂OH, 1b; R = Ph, 1c) were prepared by photolytic reaction of [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₄] with alkyne according to the literature procedure. The X-ray and the electrochemical characterization of 1c are presented. The μ-allenyl compound [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²_α,β−C_αHC_βCMe₂][BF₄] ([2][BF₄]), obtained by reaction of 1b with HBF₄, underwent monoelectron reduction to give a radical species which was detected by EPR at room temperature. The EPR signal has been assigned to [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²_α,β-C_αHC_βCMe₂}], [2]^•. The molecular structures of [2]⁺ and [2]^• were optimized by DFT calculations. The unpaired electron in [2]^• is localized mainly at the metal centers and, coherently, [2]^• does not undergo carbon-carbon dimerization, by contrast with what previously observed for the μ-vinyl radical complex [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ−CO){μ−η¹:η²-CHCH(Ph)}]^•, [3]^•. Electron spin density distributions similar to the one of [2]^• were found for the μ-allenyl radical complexes [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂(μ-CO){μ-η¹:η²_α,β-C_αHC_βC(R¹)(R²)}]^• (R¹ = R² = H, [4]^•; R¹ = H, R² = Ph, [5]^•; R¹ = R² = Ph, [6]^•).     

Rhodium(I) complexes with κP coordinated ω-phosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone ligands and their reactions with sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and Ag[BF4]

Reactions of ω-diphenylphosphinofunctionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nSPh (n = 1, 1a; 2, 2a; 3, 3a), sulfoxides Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)Ph (n = 1, 1b; 2, 2b; 3, 3b) and sulfones Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)₂Ph (n = 1, 1c; 2, 2c; 3, 3c) with dinuclear chlorido bridged rhodium(I) complexes [(RhL₂)₂(μ-Cl)₂] (L₂ = cycloocta-1.5-diene, cod, 4; bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppe, 5) afforded mononuclear Rh(I) complexes of the type [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(cod)]¹ (n/x = 1/0, 6a; 1/1, 6b; 1/2, 6c; 2/0, 8a; 2/1, 8b; 2/2, 8c; 3/0, 10a; 3/1, 10b; 3/2, 10c) and [RhCl{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP}(dppe)] (n/x = 1/0, 7a; 1/1, 7b; 1/2, 7c; 2/0, 9a; 2/1, 9b; 2/2, 9c; 3/0, 11a; 3/1, 11b; 3/2, 11c) having the P^S(O)_x ligands κP coordinated. Addition of Ag[BF₄] to complexes 6-11 in CH₂Cl₂ led with precipitation of AgCl to cationic rhodium complexes of the type [Rh{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂][BF₄] having bound the P^S(O)_x ligands bidentately in a κP,κS (13a-18a, 15b-18b) or a κP,κO (13b, 14b, 13c-18c) coordination mode. Unexpectedly, the addition of Ag[BF₄] to 6a in THF afforded the trinuclear cationic rhodium(I) complex [Rh₃(μ-Cl)(μ-Ph₂PCH₂SPh-κP:κS)₄][BF₄]₂·4THF (12·4THF) with a four-membered Rh₃Cl ring as basic framework. Addition of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide to complexes 6-11 led to a selective deprotonation of the carbon atom neighbored to the S(O)_x group (α-C) yielding three different types of organorhodium complexes: a) Organorhodium intramolecular coordination compounds of the type [Rh{CH{S(O)_xPh}CH₂CH₂PPh₂-κC,κP}L₂] (22a-c, 23a-c), b) zwitterionic complexes [Rh{Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh-κP,κS/O}L₂] having κP,κS (21a, 21b) and κP,κO (20b/c, 21c) coordinated anionic [Ph₂PCHS(O)_xPh] ligands, and c) the dinuclear rhodium(I) complex [{Rh{μ-CH(SPh)PPh₂-κC:κP}(cod)}₂] (19). All complexes were fully characterized spectroscopically and complexes 15b, 15c, 12·4THF and 19·THF additionally by X-ray diffraction analysis. DFT calculations of zwitterionic complexes gave insight into the coordination mode of the [Ph₂PCHS(O)Ph] ligand (κP,κS versus κP,κO).     

Intramolecularly coordinated organoantimony(III) carboxylates

The reactions of organoantimony chlorides L^1,2SbCl₂1 and 2 ([2,6-(ROCH₂)₂C₆H₃]⁻, R = Me; L¹ and R = t-Bu; L²) with silver salts of selected carboxylic acids resulted to corresponding organoantimony carboxylates L^1,2Sb(OOCR′)₂, 1a-c (for L¹) and 2a-c (for L²), where R′ = CH₃ for 1a, 2a; R′ = CHCH₂ for 1b, 2b and R′ = CF₃ for 1c, 2c. All compounds were characterized by the help of elemental analysis, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The solid state structure investigation using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques (2a, c) and IR spectroscopy revealed significant differences in coordination mode of both O,C,O chelating ligand and carboxylic groups in this set of compounds. The structure of all compounds in solution of non-coordinating solvent (CDCl₃) was determined by means of variable temperature ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis of sulfur containing analogues of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 8-bromo-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[3,4-c][1,4]benzoxazin-1-one NS2028

Sulfur analogues of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor NS2028 1a are synthesized. Treating 8-bromo-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one oxime (6) with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidazole (1.1 equiv) gave the carbamothioate 8-bromo-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[3,4-c][1,4]benzoxazine-1-thione (3a) in 83% yield. Alternatively reacting NS2028 1a with P₂S₅ (0.5 equiv) affords the carbamothioate 3a in 80% yield. Similar treatment of 8-aryl substituted NS2028 analogues 1b-d with P₂S₅ gave the carbamothioates 3b-d in 64-91% yields. Although quite stable, the carbamothioates 3a-d could be thermally isomerized in the presence of Cu (10 mol %) to afford the thiocarbamates 4a-d in high yields. Interestingly, in the case of carbamothioate 3a Pd and In metals also facilitated the isomerization. Furthermore, treatment of the thiocarbamates 4a-d with P₂S₅ (0.5 equiv) affords the carbamodithioates 5a-d in 72-89% yields. All new compounds are fully characterized including single crystal X-ray data for carbamothioate 3a and thiocarbamate 4a. Finally, a mechanism is proposed for the carbamothioate to thiocarbamate isomerization.     

Synthesis and dynamics of atropisomeric (S)-N-(α-phenylethyl)benzamides

The synthesis of atropisomeric 2-substituted benzamides 2a-e, 3a-e, and 4a-e, and characterization by X-ray structure analysis of 2d, 2e, 3c, 3e, 4c, and 4e are reported. Dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies of benzamides 2b-d, 3b-d, and 4b-d indicate that only two of the four possible rotamers are present in solution, with population ratios ranging between 1.5:1 and 4.1:1. The measured free energy of activation to interconversion of the rotamers ranged from 12.4 to 18.9 kcal mol⁻¹. Benzamides ArCON[(S)-phenethyl]₂ (2e, 3e, and 4e), exhibited atropisomer ratios between 1.7:1 and 1:1, and free energies of interconversion of the rotamers ranged from 11.5 to 17.6 kcal mol⁻¹. The highest rotation barriers were observed for the ortho-nitro derivatives 2a-e. Molecular calculations at the semiempirical level (PM3MM) gave free energies of activation for benzamides 2e and 3e of 23.6 and 12.4 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively, which are comparable to the experimental values.     

Targeting nitric oxide synthase with Tc/Re-tricarbonyl complexes containing pendant guanidino or isothiourea moieties

The visualization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in vivo with specific radioactive probes could provide a valuable insight into the diseases associated with upregulation of this enzyme. Aiming at that goal, we have synthesized a novel family of conjugates bearing a pyrazolyl-diamine chelating unit for stabilization of the fac-[M(CO)₃]⁺ core (M = ^99mTc, Re) and pendant guanidino (L¹ = guanidine, L² = N-hydroxyguanidine, L³ = N-methylguanidine, L⁴ = N-nitroguanidine) or S-methylisothiourea (L⁵) moieties for iNOS recognition. L¹-L⁵ reacted with fac-[M(CO)₃(H₂O)]⁺, yielding complexes of the type fac-[M(CO)₃(k³-L)]⁺ (M = Re/^99mTc; 1/1a, L = L¹; 2/2a, L = L²; 3/3a, L = L³; 4/4a, L = L⁴; 5/5a, L = L⁵), which were fully characterized by the usual analytical methods in chemistry and radiochemistry, including X-ray diffraction analysis in the case of 1. The rhenium complexes 1-5 were prepared as “cold” surrogates of the ^99mTc(I) complexes. Enzymatic assays with murine purified iNOS demonstrated that L¹, L², 1 and 2 are poor NO-producing substrates. These assays have also shown that metallation of L⁴ and L⁵ (K_i > 1000 μM) gave complexes with increased inhibitory potency (4, K_i = 257 μM; 5, K_i = 183 μM). The organometallic rhenium complexes permeate through LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell membranes, interacting specifically with the target enzyme, as confirmed by the partial suppression of NO biosynthesis (ca. 20% in the case of 4 and 5) in this cell model. The analog ^99mTc(I)-complexes 1a-5a are stable in vitro, being also able to cross cell membranes, as demonstrated by internalization studies in the same cell model with compound 4a (4h, 37 °C; 33.8% internalization). Despite not being as effective as the α-amino-acid-containing metal-complexes previously described by our group, the results reported herein have shown that similar ^99mTc(I)/Re(I) organometallic complexes with pendant amidinic moieties may hold potential for targeting iNOS expression in vivo.