Chiral resolution of l- and d-alanine and a racemic macrocyclic nickel(II) complex: synthesis and crystal structures

The reactions of a racemic four-coordinate Ni(II) complex [Ni(rac-L)](ClO₄)₂ with l- and d-alanine in acetonitrile/water gave two six-coordinate enantiomers formulated as [Ni(RR-L)(l-Ala)](ClO₄)·2CH₃CN (1) and [Ni(SS-L)(d-Ala)](ClO4) (2) (L = 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane, Ala^? = alanine anion), respectively. Evaporation from the remaining solutions gave two four-coordinate enantiomers characterized as [Ni(SS-L)](ClO₄)₂ (S-3) and [Ni(RR-L)](ClO₄)₂ (R-3), respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of complexes 1 and 2 revealed that the Ni(II) atom has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, being coordinated by four nitrogen atoms of L in a folded configuration, plus one carboxylate oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom of l- or d-Ala^? in mutually cis-positions. Complexes 1 and 2 are supramolecular stereoisomers, constructed via hydrogen bonding between [Ni(RR-L)(l-Ala)]⁺ or [Ni(SS-L)(d-Ala)]⁺ monomers to form 1D hydrogen-bonded zigzag chains. The homochiral natures of complexes 1 and 2 have been confirmed by CD spectroscopy.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of four homochiral coordination polymers based on two chiral reduced Schiff base ligands

Four homochiral coordination polymers incorporating two chiral reduced Schiff base ligands, namely, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1), [Zn₂(L²)₂] (2), [Co(L²)(H₂O)] (3), and [Ni(L²)(H₂O)] (4) (H₂L¹ = N-(4-carboxyl)benzyl-l-alanine, H₂L² = N-(4-carboxyl)benzyl-l-leucine) have been obtained by hydrothermal methods and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that complex 1 exhibits a chain structure with 1D channels. Complexes 2–4 all are 3D network structures with 1D channels in which the isobutyl group of the ligand points toward to the channel. Complex 2 displays strong photoluminescent emission in the purple region.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA binding and cleavage studies of two oxovanadium(IV) complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline and Schiff bases derived from tryptophan

Two new V(IV) complexes, [VO(Naph?Ctrp)(phen)]·CH₃OH (1) and [VO(o-Van?Ctrp)(phen)]·CH₃OH·H₂O (2) (Naph?CTrp?=?Schiff base derived from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and l-tryptophan, o-Van?Ctrp?=?Schiff base derived from o-vanillin and l-tryptophan, phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. The V(IV) atoms in both complexes are six-coordinated in a distorted octahedral environment. In the crystals of complex 1, the C?CH···?? and ?ШC?? stacking interactions form a 1D chain structure, whereas for complex 2, hydrogen bonds connect the molecular units into a 2D plane structure. The DNA binding properties and cleavage efficiencies of the complexes have been investigated by spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that both complexes can bind to CT-DNA in an intercalative mode and can also cleave pBR322 DNA.     

Studies on enzymatic oxidation of 3′,4′-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine to dopachrome using kinetic isotope effect methods

We report the studies on the mechanism of oxidation of 3′,4′-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) to neurotoxic dopachrome catalyzed by enzyme horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) using the kinetic (KIE), and solvent (SIE), isotope effect methods. For kinetic studies two specifically deuterated isotopomers: [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l -DOPA was synthesized by the acid catalyzed isotopic exchange between native l-DOPA and heavy water, and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA was synthesized in two step reaction. The first step involved acid catalyzed isotopic exchange between l-tyrosine and deuterated water and resulting product [3′,5′-²H₂]-l-tyrosine was hydroxylated by enzyme tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1). The values of deuterium KIEs and SIE’s in the enzymatic oxidation of l-DOPA and its isotopomers are determined using non-competitive spectrophotometric method. The measured values were: KIE on V _max (1.1 and 2.2) and KIE on V _max/K _M (1.7 and 3.2) for [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l-DOPA and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA, respectively, while the corresponding values of SIE were: SIE on V _max (2.1, 2.4, and 2.1) and SIE on V _max/K _M (1.3. 1.6, and 1.1) for l-DOPA, [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l-DOPA, and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA, respectively. The size of KIE and SIE, typical for secondary isotope effects indicate that both the solvent and presence of deuterium at the 2′-, 5′, and 6′-positions of l-DOPA has the little impact on the enzymatic oxidation of this compound.     

Synthesis, thermal characterization, and antimicrobial activity of lanthanum, cerium, and thorium complexes of amino acid Schiff base ligand

Metal complexes of La(III), Ce(IV), and Th(IV), with the amino Schiff base ligand, [N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-methionine acid](H₃L), were prepared in the presence of triethylamine as a deprotonating agent. All synthesized compounds were identified and confirmed by mass spectra, elemental analyses, molar conductivities, and spectral analyses (UV–Visible, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³CNMR). Conductance measurements suggest the non-electrolytic nature and the complexes were isolated in 1:1 ratios. The thermal decomposition of the complexes was discussed in relation to structure. The data from thermogravimetric analysis clearly indicated that the decomposition of the complexes proceeds in four or five steps and the organic part of the complexes decomposed in one or two intermediates. The decomposition of all complexes ended with metal oxide and carbon residue. The Schiff bases and their complexes were screened for their antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal (Aspergillus flavus and Candida Albicans) activities.     

Nickel(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 2-acetylpyrazine and tryptophan: synthesis, crystal structures and DNA interactions

A pair of stereoisomers of nickel Schiff base complexes, namely [Ni(C₁₇H₁₅N₄O₂)₂·2CH₃OH]_n (1) (C₁₇H₁₅N₄O₂ = 2-acetylpyrazine-l-tryptophan) and [Ni(C₁₇H₁₅N₄O₂)₂·2CH₃OH]_n (2) (C₁₇H₁₅N₄O₂ = 2-acetylpyrazine-d-tryptophan), were synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The X-ray diffraction single-crystal analyses indicate that the structure of 2 is essentially 0D monomeric, while a 2D layer structure is formed through N–H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonds for 1. The interactions between complex 1 and calf thymus DNA were investigated by spectroscopic and viscometric methods. The results indicate that complex 1 interacts with DNA very strongly (K _b = 1.01 × 10⁷ mol^?1 L and K _sq = 1.11). The nature of the binding seems to be mainly an electrostatic interaction between DNA and the complex. However, other binding modes, such as hydrogen bonding, may also be present in this system.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,spectroscopic studies and antibacterial properties of a series of mononuclear cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes

New complexes of cobalt(III) with the tridentate and tetradentate Schiff base ligands: 3-methoxy-2-{(Z)[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenol (H₂L¹), 4-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]-2-pentanone (H₂L²); and 2-((E)-1-(2-((E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylphenyl)ethylideneamino)ethylimino)ethyl)-4,5 dimethylphenol (H₂L³), namely [Co^III(L¹)(N-MeIm)₃]PF₆ (1), [Co^III(L¹)(py)₃]ClO₄ (2), [Co(L¹)(py)₃][Co(L¹)₂] (3) and [Co^III(L²)(N-MeIm)₃]PF₆ (4) and [Co(L³)(N-MeIm)₂]PF₆ (5), were synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structures of the complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. In each of these complexes, the cobalt(III) centre has a slightly distorted octahedral environment, utilizing all available coordination centres of the ligands. The complexes were also screened for in vitro antibacterial activities against four human pathogenic bacteria, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations indicated good antibacterial activities.     

Luminescent zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes based on 2-(4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine and 2-(1-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine

Complexes ZnL¹Cl₂, CdL¹Cl₂, ZnL ₂ ¹ Cl₂ ^·1.5H₂O, CdL ₂ ¹ Cl₂ ^·2H₂O, CdL ₂ ¹ Cl₂ ^·MeOH·H₂O [L¹ = 2-(4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine] and inner-complex compounds ZnL ₂ ² ·2H₂O, CdL ₂ ² [HL² = 2-(1-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine] were synthesized. The complexes exhibit bright photoluminescence in the blue region of the spectrum, with the intensity exceeding this characteristic of the compounds L¹ and HL². Compound L¹ in aqueous solution is a potential chemosensor for the determination of zinc and cadmium.     

Exploiting thermodynamic data to optimize the enantioseparation of underivatized amino acids in ligand exchange capillary electrophoresis

Stereoselective amino acid analysis has increasingly moved into the scope of interest of the scientific community. In this work, we report a study on the chiral separation of underivatized d,l-His by ligand exchange capillary electrophoresis (LECE), utilizing accurate ex ante calculations. This has been obtained by the addition to the background electrolytes (BGE) of NaClO₄ which renders the separations “all in solution processes”, allowing to accurately calculate in advance the concentrations of the species present in solution and to optimize the system performances. To this aim, the formation of ternary complexes of Cu²⁺ ion and l-lysine (l-Lys) or l-ornithine (l-Orn) with l- and d-histidine (His), and histamine (Hm) have been studied by potentiometry and calorimetry at 25 °C and with 0.1 mol dm^?3 (KNO₃) in aqueous solution. The ternary species [Cu(L)(l-His)H]⁺ and [Cu(L)(d-His)H]⁺ (where L?=?l-Lys or l-Orn) show a slight but still detectable stereoselectivity, and the determination of ΔH° and ΔS° values allowed the understanding of the factors which determine this phenomenon. The stereoselectivity showed by the protonated ternary species has been exploited to chirally separate d,l-His in LECE, by using the binary complexes of copper(II) with l-Lys or l-Orn as background electrolytes added with the appropriate amounts of NaClO₄.

Synthesis, structural characterization and electrochemical studies of nickel(II), copper(II) and cobalt(III) complexes of some ONS donor ligands derived from thiosemicarbazide and S-alkyl/aryl dithiocarbazates

Four tridentate ONS ligands, namely 2-hydroxyacetophenonethiosemicarbazone (H₂L¹), the 2-hydroxyacetophenone Schiff base of S-methyldithiocarbazate (H₂L²), the 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde Schiff base of S-methyldithiocarbazate (H₂L³), and the 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde Schiff base of S-benzyldithiocarbazate (H₂L⁴), and their complexes of general formula [Ni(HL¹)₂], [ML] (M?=?Ni^II or Cu^II; L?=?L¹, L², L³ and L⁴), [Co(HL)(L); L?=?L¹, L², L³ and L⁴] and [ML(B)] (M?=?Ni^II or Cu^II; L?=?L² and L⁴; B?=?py, PPh₃) have been prepared and characterized by physico-chemical techniques. Spectroscopic evidence indicates that the Schiff bases behave as ONS tridentate chelating agents. X-ray crystallographic structure determination of [NiL²(PPh₃)] and [CuL⁴(py)] indicates that these complexes have an approximately square-planar structure with the Schiff bases acting as dinegatively charged ONS tridentate ligands coordinating via the phenoxide oxygen, azomethine nitrogen and thiolate sulfur atoms. The electrochemical properties of the complexes have been studied by cyclic voltammetry.     

Kinetics of chloride substitution in [Pt(bpma)Cl]+ and [Pt(gly-met-S,N,N)Cl] complexes by thiourea, nitrites, and iodides

Substitution of chloride in [PtCl(bpma)]⁺ and [PtCl(gly-met-S,N,N)], where bpma is bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and gly-met-S,N,N is glycyl-l-methionine, was studied as a function of the entering nucleophile concentration and temperature. Reactions between the platinum(II) complexes and thiourea (TU), iodides (I^?), and nitrites(III) (NO ₂ ^? ) were carried out in aqueous solutions using conventional UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Suitable ionic conditions were reached by an addition of 0.1 M NaClO₄ and 0.01 M NaCl (to suppress hydrolysis). The second-order rate constants, k ₂, for the studied reactions with NO ₂ ^? varied between 0.036–0.038 M^?1 s^?1, and for the reactions with TU between 0.095–1.06 M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The reaction between TU and the [PtCl(bpma)]⁺ ion is ten times faster than that of the [PtCl(gly-met-S,N,N)] complex. An analysis of the activation parameters, ΔH ^≠ and ΔS ^≠, for the selected reactions clearly shows their associative nature.     

Novel mono- and dinucleating ligands-containing artificial di- and tetrahistidine and their zinc(II) complexes as a structural phosphotriesterase models for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl diphenylphosphate (p-NPDPP)

Two new artificial peptides with histidine side chains, namely N-methyl N,N′-bis(Im-bzl-l-histidylmethylestermethyl)amine L1 and N,N′,N″,N?-tetrakis(Im-bzl-l-histidylmethyl-estermethyl)ethylene diamine L2 have been synthesized and were shown to form stable zinc complexes [L1Zn(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ 1 and [L2Zn₂(H₂O)₃](ClO₄)₄ 2, respectively. Solution studies (pH–¹NMR titrations) of the ligand L2 in the presence of zinc ions were also reported. The catalytic activity of zinc complex species 1 and 2 as structural phosphotriestrase models were tested on the hydrolysis/detoxification of p-nitrohenl diphenylphosphate (p-NPDPP). From the correlation between the pH-rate profiles and the species distribution curves, the catalytically active species could be identified. On the basis of R-dependence as well as the rate acceleration of each complex, the possibility of cooperative action of zincs in dinuclear zinc complex is debated.     

Transformation of l-phenylalanine to (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid without group-protection

(S)-Indoline-2-carboxylic acid was synthesized by use of a nitro amination approach with l-phenylalanine as chiral pool. The first step of the synthesis was nitration of l-phenylalanine, with urea nitrate (UN)/H₂SO₄ as nitrating reagent, to give 2,4-dinitro-l-phenylalanine in 75.7 % yield in one-pot synthesis and 69.1 % yield by step-wise nitration. Intramolecular nitro amination of 2,4-dinitro-l-phenylalanine gave (S)-6-nitro-indoline-2-carboxylic acid in 65.7 % yield and more than 99.5 % enantiomeric excess (ee). The title compound, (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid, was obtained in 85.9 % yield and high ee by one-pot transformation of (S)-6-nitroindoline-2-carboxylic acid. The total synthesis consisted of three operations and gave the title compound in 42 % yield and more than 99.5 % ee.     

New acyclic aminocarbene palladium(ii) complexes as convenient catalysts for the Sonogashira and Suzuki cross-coupling

A reaction of isocyanide complex cis-[PdCl₂(CNAr)₂] with hydrazones H₂N-N=CR¹R² proceeded at the carbon atom of one of the isocyanide groups and gave the corresponding diaminocarbene isocyanide palladium(ii) complexes. These complexes showed high catalytic activity in the Sonogashira and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions.     

Thermogravimetric and spectroscopic studies on La(III) and Ce(III) complexes with some thio-schiff bases

Solid complexes of five derivatives of thio-Schiff bases with La(III) and Ce(III) ions were prepared and characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The suggested general formula of the solid complexes is [ML₂(H₂O)X]·2H₂O, whereM=trivalent lanthanide ion,L=Schiff base andX=Cl^? or ClO ₄ ^? . Information about the water of hydration, the coordinated water molecules, the coordination chemistry and the thermal stability of these complexes was obtained and is discussed. Additionally, a general scheme of thermal decomposition of the lanthanide-Schiff base complexes is proposed.     

Enzymatic synthesis of tryptamine and its halogen derivatives selectively labeled with hydrogen isotopes

Nine isotopomers of tryptamine and its halogen derivatives, labeled with deuterium, tritium in side chain, i.e., [(1R)-²H]-, [(1R)-³H]-, 5-F-[(1R)-²H]-, 5-F-[(1R)-³H]-, 5-Br-[(1R)-²H]-, double labeled [(1R)-²H/³H]-, 5-F-[(1R)-²H/³H]-, and ring labeled [4-²H]-, and [5-²H]-tryptamine, were obtained by enzymatic decarboxylation of l-Trp and its appropriate derivatives in deuteriated or tritiated media, respectively. Intermediates: [5′-²H]-l-Trp used for further decarboxylation was synthesized by enzymatic coupling of [5-²H]-indole with S-methyl-l-cysteine, and [4′-²H]-l-Trp was obtained by isotope exchange ¹H/²H of the authentic l-Trp dissolved in heavy water induced by UV-irradiation. Doubly labeled [(1R)-²H/³H]- and 5-F-[(1R)-²H/³H]-tryptamine were obtain by decarboxylation of l-Trp or [5′-F]-l-Trp carried out in ²H³HO incubation medium.     

Carbohydrate recognition of symmetrical tripodal receptor type tris(2-aminoethyl)amine derivatives

Carbohydrate recognition of some bioactive symmetrical tripodal receptor type tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) derivatives was investigated. In calorimetric experiments, the highest binding constant (Ka) of compound C (C₃₅H₄₉N₅O₄S) with methyl α-d-mannopyranoside was Ka = 858 M^?1 with 1:1 stoichiometry. Formation of hydrogen bonds in binding between symmetrical tripodal receptor type compound C and sugars was suggested by the large negative values of ?H° (=?34 to ?511 kJ mol^?1). In a comparison of each set of α- and β-anomers of some monosaccharides (methyl α/β-d-galactopyranoside, methyl α/β-d-glucopyranoside, and methyl α/β-l-fucopyranoside), compound C showed that the binding constant of β-anomer was larger than that of the corresponding α-anomer, indicating higher β-anomer selectivity. The calculated energy-minimized structure of the complex of compound C with guest methyl α-d-mannopyranoside is also presented. The experimental results obtained from this work indicated that symmetrical tripodal receptor type TAEA derivative C has a lectin-like carbohydrate recognition property.     

Urease inhibition of oxovanadium(V) complexes with hydrazone and hydroxamate ligands

Two new oxovanadium(V) complexes, [VOL¹(SHA)] (I) and [VOL²(BHA)] (II), were prepared by the reaction of [VO(Acac)₂] (Acac = acetylacetonate) with N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide (H₂L¹) and salicylhydroxamic acid (HSHA) and 4-chloro-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (H₂L²) and benzohydroxamic acid (HBHA), respectively, in methanol. Crystal and molecular structures of the complexes were determined by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF file CCDC nos. 978238 (I) and 978392 (II)). The V atoms are in octahedral coordination. Thermal stability and the inhibition of urease of the complexes were studied.     

Quantitative evaluation of the biosynthetic pathways leading to δ-aminolevulinic acid from the Shemin precursor glycine via the C5 pathway in Arthrobacter hyalinus by analysis of 13C-labeled coproporphyrinogen III biosynthesized from [2-13C]glycine, [1-13C]acetate, and [2-13C]acetate using 13C NMR spectroscopy

The biosynthetic pathways leading to δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) from the Shemin precursor glycine via the C5 pathway in Arthrobacter hyalinus were quantitatively evaluated by means of feeding experiments with [2-¹³C]glycine, sodium [1-¹³C]acetate, and sodium [2-¹³C]acetate, followed by analysis of the labeling patterns of coproporphyrinogen III (Copro’gen III) (biosynthesized from ALA) using ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Two biosynthetic pathways leading to ALA from glycine via the C5 pathway were identified: i.e., transformation of glycine to l-serine catalyzed by glycine hydroxymethyltransferase, and glycine synthase-catalyzed catabolism of glycine to N ⁵,N ¹⁰-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), which reacts with another molecule of glycine to afford l-serine. l-Serine is transformed to acetyl-CoA via pyruvic acid. Acetyl-CoA enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle, affording 2-oxoglutaric acid, which in turn is transformed to l-glutamic acid. The l-glutamic acid enters the C5 pathway, affording ALA in A. hyalinus. A ¹³C NMR spectroscopic comparison of the labeling patterns of Copro’gen III obtained after feeding of [2-¹³C]glycine, sodium [1-¹³C]acetate, and sodium [2-¹³C]acetate showed that [2-¹³C]glycine transformation and [2-¹³C]glycine catabolism in A. hyalinus proceed in the ratio of 52 and 48 %. The reaction of [2-¹³C]glycine and N ⁵,N ¹⁰-methylene-THF, that of glycine and N ⁵,N ¹⁰-[methylene-¹³C]methylene-THF generated from the [2-¹³C]glycine catabolism, and that of [2-¹³C]glycine and N ⁵,N ¹⁰-[methylene-¹³C]methylene-THF transformed the fed [2-¹³C]glycine to [1-¹³C]acetyl-CoA, [2-¹³C]acetyl-CoA, and [1,2-¹³C₂]acetyl-CoA in the ratios of 42, 37, and 21 %, respectively. These labeled acetyl-CoAs were then incorporated into ALA. Our results provide a quantitative picture of the pathways of biosynthetic transformation to ALA from glycine in A. hyalinus.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric studies of Cu(II) Schiff base complexes of pyridoxal

Two mononuclear Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹H₂)](ClO₄)_1.25Cl_0.75·1.25H₂O (1) and [Cu(L²H₂)](ClO₄)₂ (2), of the pyridoxal Schiff base ligands N,N′-dipyridoxylethylenediimine (L¹H₂) and N,N′-dipyridoxyl-1,3-propanediimine (L²H₂) are reported. X-ray crystal structures of both complexes are also reported. In both complexes the pyridoxal nitrogen atoms remain protonated. In the solid state, the tetradentate Schiff base ligand is virtually planar in 1, while in 2 the ligand conformation is like an inverted umbrella. In cyclic voltammetry experiments it is found that in these complexes the Cu(III) and Cu(I) states are more easily accessible than in their salen type analogs. The pyridoxal Schiff base complexes are also found to be resistant to oxidative electro-polymerization, unlike their corresponding salicyl aldehyde Schiff base complexes.