Ligand Reprogramming in Dinuclear Helicate Complexes: A Consequence of Allosteric or Electrostatic Effects?

The ditopic ligand 6,6'-bis(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)-3,3'-([18]crown-6)-2,2'-bipyridine (L(1)) contains both a potentially tetradentate pyridyl-thiazole (py-tz) N-donor chain and an additional "external" crown ether binding site which spans the central 2,2'-bipyridine unit. In polar solvents (MeCN, MeNO(2)) this ligand forms complexes with Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions via coordination of the N donors to the metal ion. Reaction with both Hg(II) and Cu(I) ions results in the self-assembly of dinuclear double-stranded helicate complexes. The ligands are partitioned by rotation about the central py--py bond, such that each can coordinate to both metals as a bis-bidentate donor ligand. With Zn(II) ions a single-stranded mononuclear species is formed in which one ligand coordinates the metal ion in a planar tetradentate fashion. Reaction with Cd(II) ions gives rise to an equilibrium between both the dinuclear double-stranded helicate and the mononuclear species. These complexes can further coordinate s-block metal cations via the remote crown ether O-donor domains; a consequence of which are some remarkable changes in the binding modes of the N-donor domains. Reaction of the Hg(II)- or Cd(II)-containing helicate with either Ba(2+) or Sr(2+) ions effectively reprogrammes the ligand to form only the single-stranded heterobinuclear complexes [MM'(L(1))](4+) (M=Hg(II), Cd(II); M'=Ba(2+), Sr(2+)), where the transition and s-block cations reside in the N- and O-donor sites, respectively. In contrast, the same ions have only a minor structural impact on the Zn(II) species, which already exists as a single-stranded mononuclear complex. Similar reactions with the Cd(II) system result in a shift in equilibrium towards the single-stranded species, the extent of which depends on the size and charge of the s-block cation in question. Reaction of the dicopper(I) double-stranded helicate with Ba(2+) shows that the dinuclear structure still remains intact but the pitch length is significantly increased.     

This facile interconversion of dinuclear double helicates and side-by-side species: a reprogrammable ligand with potential sensor applications

The ligand L1 forms a dinuclear double helicate with Cu+ but upon addition of Ba2+ to the system a side-by-side species is formed both in solution and in the solid state; in the presence of Na+ both the helicate and the side-by-side species are formed in roughly equal amounts in solution.     

New bis-cresol-bridged bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligand as receptor for metal cations and phosphate anions

The synthesis and characterization of a new bis([9]aneN3) ligand (H2L) containing two [9]aneN3 macrocyclic moieties separated by a 2,2'-methylene-bis-cresol (cresol = 4-methyl-phenol) unit is reported. A potentiometric and (1)H NMR study in aqueous solution reveals that H2L is in a zwitterionic form, and protonation of the cresolate oxygens occurs only with the formation of the highly charged (H5L)(3+) and (H6L)(4+) species at acidic pH values. The coordination properties of H2L toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) were studied by means of potentiometric and UV spectrophotometric measurements. The ligand gives both mono- and binuclear complexes in aqueous solution. At acidic pH values the ligand forms stable binuclear [M2H2L](4+) complexes, where each metal is coordinated by two amine groups of [9]aneN3 and the deprotonated oxygen of the adjacent cresol unit; the remaining amine group is protonated. Deprotonation of the [M2H2L](4+) species at alkaline pH values affords [M2L](2+) complexes, where all amine groups of the [9]aneN3 moieties are involved in metal coordination. Binding of mono-, di- and triphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was studied by means of potentiometric, (1)H and (31)P NMR measurements and by molecular dynamics simulations. The receptor forms stable 1:1 adducts with di-, triphosphate, and ATP, while the interaction with monophosphate is too low to be detected. In the complexes both the [9]aneN3 moieties act cooperatively in the substrate binding process. The stability of the adducts increases in the order diphosphate < triphosphate < ATP. This trend is explained in terms of increasing number of charge-charge interactions between the phosphate chains and the protonated [9]aneN3 subunits and, in the case of ATP, of stacking interactions between the adenine and cresol units.     

Diastereoselective assembly of pentanuclear circular helicates

Reaction of a ligand which contains two N-donor and O-donor tridentate domains separated by a 1,3-phenylene spacer unit with Zn(2+) ions results in a pentanuclear circular helicate [Zn(5)(L)(5)](10+) and this structure persists in both the solid and solution state. The formation of this high nuclearity species is governed by unfavourable steric interactions between the phenyl units which destabilize the simple linear helicate. Incorporation of enantiopure units within the ligand strand controls the diastereoselectivity with up to 80% d.e.     

New terpyridine-containing macrocycle for the assembly of dimeric Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes coupled by bridging hydroxide anions and pi-stacking interactions

The synthesis of the new terpyridine-containing macrocycle 2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15](6,6' ')cyclo(2,2':6',2' ')terpyridinophane (L) is reported. The ligand contains a pentaamine chain linking the 6,6' ' positions of a terpyridine unit. A potentiometric, (1)H NMR, UV-vis spectrophotometric and fluorescence emission study on the acid-base properties of L in aqueous solutions shows that the first four protonation steps occur on the polyamine chain, whereas the terpyridine nitrogens are involved in proton binding only at strongly acidic pH values. L can form both mono- and dinuclear Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) complexes in aqueous solution. The crystal structures of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes ([ZnLH](2)(micro-OH))(ClO(4))(5) (6) and ([CdLH](2)(micro-Br))(ClO(4))(5).4H(2)O (7) show that two mononuclear [MLH](3+) units are coupled by a bridging anion (OH(-) in 6 and Br(-) in 7) and pi-stacking interactions between the terpyridine moieties. A potentiometric and spectrophotometric study shows that in the case of Cu(II) and Zn(II) the dimeric assemblies are also formed in aqueous solution containing the ligand and the metals in a 1:1 molar ratio. Protonation of the complexes or the addition of a second metal ion leads to the disruption of the dimers due to the increased electrostatic repulsions between the two monomeric units.     

A triple helix of double helicates: three hierarchical levels of self-assembly in a single structure

The bis-bidentate bridging ligand L reacts with Ag(I) ions to form a conventional dinuclear [Ag(2)L(2)](2+) double helicate; individual double helicate units assemble via Ag···Ag interactions into infinite chains, three of which wrap around a central spine of anions to give a triple helical braid, which is therefore an infinite triple helix composed of molecular double helicate subunits.     

Metal complexes with a new N(4)O(3) amine pendant-armed macrocyclic ligand: synthesis, characterization, crystal structures, and fluorescence studies

The synthesis of a new oxaaza macrocyclic ligand, L, derived from O(1),O(7)-bis(2-formylphenyl)-1,4,7-trioxaheptane and tren containing an amine terminal pendant arm, and its metal complexation with alkaline earth (M = Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+)), transition (M = Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+)), post-transition (M = Pb(2+)), and Y(3+) and lanthanide (M = La(3+), Er(3+)) metal ions are reported. Crystal structures of [H(2)L](ClO(4))(2).3H(2)O, [PbL](ClO(4))(2), and [ZnLCl](ClO(4)).H(2)O are also reported. In the [PbL] complex, the metal ion is located inside the macrocyclic cavity coordinated by all N(4)O(3) donor atoms while, in the [ZnLCl] complex, the metal ion is encapsulated only by the nitrogen atoms present in the ligand. pi-pi interactions in the [H(2)L](ClO(4))(2).3H(2)O and [PbL](ClO(4))(2) structures are observed. Protonation and Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Cu(2+) complexation were studied by means of potentiometric, UV-vis, and fluorescent emission measurements. The 10-fold fluorescence emission increase observed in the pH range 7-9 in the presence of Zn(2+) leads to L as a good sensor for this biological metal in water solution.     

Coordination chemistry of tetradentate N-donor ligands containing two pyrazolyl-pyridine units separated by a 1,8-naphthyl spacer: dodecanuclear and tetranuclear coordination cages and cyclic helicates

The tetradentate ligand L(naph) contains two N-donor bidentate pyrazolyl-pyridine units connected to a 1,8-naphthyl core via methylene spacers; L45 and L56 are chiral ligands with a structure similar to that of L(naph) but bearing pinene groups fused to either C4 and C5 or C5 and C6 of the terminal pyridyl rings. The complexes [Cu(L(naph))](OTf) and [Ag(L(naph))](BF4) have unremarkable mononuclear structures, with Cu(I) being four-coordinate and Ag(I) being two-coordinate with two additional weak interactions (i.e., "2 + 2" coordinate). In contrast, [Cu4(L(naph))4][BF4]4 is a cyclic tetranuclear helicate with a tetrafluoroborate anion in the central cavity, formed by an anion-templating effect; electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) spectra show the presence of other cyclic oligomers in solution. The chiral ligands show comparable behavior, with [Cu(L45)](BF4) and [Ag(L45)](ClO4) having similar mononuclear crystal structures and with the ligands being tetradentate chelates. In contrast, [Ag4(L56)4](BF4)4 is a cyclic tetranuclear helicate in which both diastereomers of the complex are present in the crystal; the two diastereomers have similar gross geometries but are significantly different in detail. Despite their different crystal structures, [Ag(L45)](ClO4) and [Ag4(L56)4](BF4)4 behave similarly in solution according to ESMS studies, with a range of cyclic oligomers (up to Ag9L9) forming. With transition-metal dications Co(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II), L(naph) generates a series of unusual dodecanuclear coordination cages [M12(L(naph))18]X24 (X- = ClO4- or BF4-) in which the 12 metal ions occupy the vertices of a truncated tetrahedron and a bridging ligand spans each of the 18 edges. The central cavity of each cage can accommodate four counterions, and each cage molecule is chiral, with all 12 metal trischelates being homochiral; the crystals are racemic. Extensive aromatic stacking between ligands around the periphery of the cages appears to be a significant factor in their assembly. The chiral analogue L45 forms the simpler tetranuclear, tetrahedral coordination cage [Zn4(L45)6](ClO4)(8), with one anion in the central cavity; the steric bulk of the pinene chiral auxiliaries prevents the formation of a dodecanuclear cage, although trace amounts of [Zn12(L45)18](ClO4)24 can be detected in solution by ESMS. Formation of [Zn4(L45)6](ClO4)8 is diastereoselective, with the chirality of the pinene groups controlling the chirality of the tetranuclear cage.     

Bis[1,1'-N,N'-(2-picolyl)aminomethyl]ferrocene as a redox sensor for transition metal ions

The compound bis[1,1'-N,N'-(2-picolyl)aminomethyl]ferrocene, L(1), was synthesized. The protonation constants of this ligand and the stability constants of its complexes with Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) were determined in aqueous solution by potentiometric methods at 25 degrees C and at ionic strength 0.10 mol dm(-3) in KNO(3). The compound L(1) forms only 1:1 (M:L) complexes with Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) while with Ni(2+) and Cu(2+) species of 2 [ratio] 1 ratio were also found. The complexing behaviour of L(1) is regulated by the constraint imposed by the ferrocene in its backbone, leading to lower values of stability constants for complexes of the divalent first row transition metals when compared with related ligands. However, the differences in stability are smaller for the larger metal ions. The structure of the copper complex with L(1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and shows that a species of 2:2 ratio is formed. The two copper centres display distorted octahedral geometries and are linked through the two L(1) bridges at a long distance of 8.781(10) Angstrom. The electrochemical behaviour of L(1) was studied in the presence of Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Pb(2+), showing that upon complexation the ferrocene-ferrocenium half-wave potential shifts anodically in relation to that of the free ligand. The maximum electrochemical shift ([capital Delta]E(1/2)) of 268 mV was found in the presence of Pb(2+), followed by Cu(2+)(218 mV), Ni(2+)(152 mV), Zn(2+)(111 mV) and Cd(2+)(110 mV). Moreover, L(1) is able to electrochemically and selectively sense Cu(2+) in the presence of a large excess of the other transition metal cations studied.     

Allosteric pitch length tuning of a dinuclear double helicate

Self assembly of the ditopic ligand L1 with Cu2+ gives the dinuclear double helicate [Cu2(L1)2]4+, which can further coordinate s-block cations. This coordination alters the helicate pitch to a variety of different lengths depending on the size and charge of the guest cation.     

Molecular squares, cubes and chains from self-assembly of bis-bidentate bridging ligands with transition metal dications

The two new ligands L(fur) and L(th) consist of two chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine termini connected to furan-2,5-diyl or thiophene-2,5-diyl spacers via methylene groups. Reaction of these with a range of transition metal dications that prefer octahedral coordination affords a series of unusual structures which are all based on a 2M : 3L ratio. [M(8)(L(fur))(12)]X(16) (M = Co, Cu, X = BF(4); and M = Zn, X = ClO(4)) are octanuclear cubes with approximate D(4) symmetry in which two cyclic tetranuclear helicate M(4)L(4) units are connected by four additional 'pillar' ligands. In contrast [Ni(4)(L(fur))(6)](BF(4))(8) is a centrosymmetric molecular square consisting of two dinuclear Ni(2)L(2) units of opposite chirality that are connected by a pair of additional L(fur) ligands such that the four edges of the Ni(4) square are spanned by alternately two and one bridging ligands. [M(4)(L(th))(6)](BF(4))(8) (M = Co, Ni, Cu) are likewise molecular squares with similar structures to [Ni(4)(L(fur))(6)](BF(4))(8) with the significant difference that the two crosslinked double helicate M(2)L(2) units are now homochiral. The Cd(II) complexes both behave quite differently to the first-row metal complexes, with [Cd(L(fur))(BF(4))](BF(4)) being a simple mononuclear complex with a single ligand in which the furan oxygen atom is weakly interacting with the Cd(II) centre. In contrast, in {[Cd(2)(L(th))(3)](BF(4))(4)}(∞), where this quasi-pentadentate coordination mode of the ligand is not possible because thiophene is too poor an electron donor, the ligand reverts to bis-bidentate bridging coordination to afford a one-dimensional chain consisting of an infinite sequence of crosslinked, homochiral, Cd(2)(L(th))(2) double helicate units.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of oligometallic systems derived from di- and trinuclear copper(II) amido-oximate complexes

Three heterometallic complexes [M(H(2)O)(n)][Cu(3)L(2)(H(2)O)] (M = Mn(2+), Co(2+) or Ba(2+)) and one dinuclear compound (CuDien)(CuL{H(2)O}) were prepared by interaction of anionic compounds Cu(3)L(2)(2-) or CuL(2-) with the corresponding cations (H(4)L = 1,9-dicyano-1,9-bis(hydroximino)-3,7-diazanonane-2,8-dione; Dien = 1,5-diamino-3-azapentane). The complexes [M(H(2)O)(n)][Cu(3)L(2)(H(2)O)] have a polymeric structure, formed via oligomerization of Cu(3)L(2)(2-) units and additionally, in the case of the Ba-salt, by binding of Cu(3)L(2)(2-) units through Ba(2+). Antiferromagnetic interactions occur in all the complexes, while for [Co(H(2)O)(6)][Cu(3)L(2)(H(2)O)] there is evidence of some ferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures. The values of J are lower in magnitude than for similar, previously reported systems, which is attributed to the electron-withdrawing effect of the ligand cyano groups.     

Looking for the origin of the switch between coordination-captured helicates and catenates

Self-assembly of the linear segmental ligand L5, consisting of a tridentate binding unit flanked with two bidentate binding units, with a mixture of Fe(II)/Ag(I) yields the trinuclear coordination-captured [2]catenate [AgFeAg(L5)(2)](4+) instead of the planned isomeric double-stranded helicate. Replacing the octahedral (Fe(II)) and tetrahedral (Ag(I)) cations with Zn(II), which is compatible with both geometries, gives intricate mixtures of homometallic complexes upon reaction with the twin ligand L6, from which the macrocyclic dinuclear complex [Zn(2)(L6)](4+) can be isolated. Application of the thermodynamic site binding model attributes the origin of the ligand preference for producing single-stranded macrocycles, the precursors of the trinuclear catenate, to the abnormally low value of the effective molarity controlling the intramolecular connection leading to the usual double-stranded helical isomer.     

Self-assembly of D-penicillaminato M6M'8 (M = Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II); M' = Cu(I), Ag(I)) clusters and their organization into extended La(III)M6M'8 supramolecular structures

A series of chiral M(6)M'(8) cluster compounds having twelve free carboxylate groups, [M(6)M'(8)(D-pen-N,S)(12)X](5-) (M/M'/X = Pd(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([1](5-)), Pd(II)/Ag(I)/Br(-) ([2](5-)), Pd(II)/Ag(I)/I(-) ([3](5-)), Ni(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([4](5-)), Pt(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([5](5-)), Pd(II)/Cu(I)/Cl(-) ([6](5-)); D-H(2)pen = D-penicillamine), in which six cis-[M(D-pen-N,S)(2)](2-) square-planar units are bound to a [M'(8)X](7+) cubic core through sulfur-bridges, was synthesized by the reactions of cis-[M(D-pen-N,S)(2)](2-) with M' in water in the presence of halide ions. These M(6)M'(8) clusters readily reacted with La(3+) in aqueous buffer to form La(III)(2)M(6)M'(8) heterotrimetallic compounds, La(2)[1](CH(3)COO), La(2)[2](CH(3)COO), La(2)[3](CH(3)COO), La(2)[4](CH(3)COO), La(2)[5](CH(3)COO) and La(2)[6]Cl, in which the M(6)M'(8) cluster units are linked by La(3+) ions through carboxylate groups in a 1?:?2 ratio. While the La(III)(2)M(6)Ag(I)(8) compounds derived from [1](5-), [2](5-), [3](5-), [4](5-) and [5](5-) have a 1D helix supramolecular structure with a right-handedness, the La(III)(2)Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) compound derived from [6](5-) has a 2D sheet-like structure with a triangular grid of the Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) cluster units. When aqueous HCl was added to the reaction solution of [6](5-) and La(3+), another La(III)(2)Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) heterotrimetallic compound, La(2)[6]Cl·HCl, in which the Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) cluster units are linked by La(3+) ions to form a 2D structure with a rectangular grid, was produced. The solid-state structures of these La(III)(2)M(6)M'(8) compounds, determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, along with the spectroscopic properties of the M(6)M'(8) cluster compounds in solution, are described.     

Mixed-ligand molecular paneling: dodecanuclear cuboctahedral coordination cages based on a combination of edge-bridging and face-capping ligands

Reaction of a tris-bidentate ligand L(1) (which can cap one triangular face of a metal polyhedron), a bis-bidentate ligand L(2) (which can span one edge of a metal polyhedron), and a range of M(2+) ions (M = Co, Cu, Cd), which all have a preference for six coordination geometry, results in assembly of the mixed-ligand polyhedral cages [M12(mu(3)-L(1))4(mu-L(2))12](24+). When the components are combined in the correct proportions [M(2+):L(1):L(2) = 3:1:3] in MeNO2, this is the sole product. The array of 12 M(2+) cations has a cuboctahedral geometry, containing six square and eight triangular faces around a substantial central cavity; four of the eight M3 triangular faces (every alternate one) are capped by a ligand L(1), with the remaining four M3 faces having a bridging ligand L(2) along each edge in a cyclic helical array. Thus, four homochiral triangular {M3(L(2))3}(6+) helical units are connected by four additional L(1) ligands to give the mixed-ligand cuboctahedral array, a topology which could not be formed in any homoleptic complex of this type but requires the cooperation of two different types of ligand. The complex [Cd3(L(2))3(ClO4)4(MeCN)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2, a trinuclear triple helicate in which two sites at each Cd(II) are occupied by monodentate ligands (solvent or counterions), was also characterized and constitutes an incomplete fragment of the dodecanuclear cage comprising one triangular {M3(L(2))3}(6+) face which has not yet reacted with the ligands L(1). (1)H NMR and electrospray mass spectrometric studies show that the dodecanuclear cages remain intact in solution; the NMR studies show that the Cd 12 cage has four-fold (D2) symmetry, such that there are three independent Cd(II) environments, as confirmed by a (113)Cd NMR spectrum. These mixed-ligand cuboctahedral complexes reveal the potential of using combinations of face-capping and edge-bridging ligands to extend the range of accessible topologies of polyhedral coordination cages.     

Sulfur-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes with mixed aliphatic and aromatic thiolate ligands: effect of nonbridging ligands on the homochiral linkage of cobalt(III) octahedrons by platinum(II)

The reaction of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) (aet = 2-aminoethanethiolate, pyt = 2-pyridinethiolate) with [PtCl(4)](2)(-) gave an S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complex composed of two [Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] units, [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) ([1](2+)). When a 1:1 mixture of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+) and [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+) was reacted with [PtCl(4)](2)(-), a mixed-type S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) complex composed of one [Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] and one [Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) units, [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(aet)(2)(pyt)]](3+) ([2](3+)), was produced, together with [1](2+) and [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+). The corresponding Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes containing pymt (2-pyrimidinethiolate), [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)](2)](2+) ([3](2+)) and [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)][Co(aet)(2)(pymt)]](3+) ([4](3+)), were also obtained by similar reactions, using [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)](2)](2+) instead of [Ni[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)](2)](2+). While [Pt[Co(aet)(2)(en)](2)](4+) formed both the deltalambda (meso) and deltadelta/lambdalambda (racemic) forms in a ratio of ca. 1:1, the preferential formation of the deltadelta/lambdalambda form was observed for [1](2+) (ca. deltalambda:deltadelta/lambdalambda = 1:3) and [2](3+) (ca. delta(en)lambda(pyt)/lambda(en)delta(pyt):deltadelta/lambdalambda = 1:2). Furthermore, [3](2+) and [4](3+) predominantly formed the deltadelta/lambdalambda form. These results indicate that the homochiral selectivity for the S-bridged Co(III)Pt(II)Co(III) trinuclear complexes composed of two octahedral [Co(aet)(2)(L)](0 or +) units is enhanced in the order L = en < pyt < pymt. The isomers produced were separated and optically resolved, and the crystal structures of the meso-type deltalambda-[1]Cl(2).4H(2)O and the spontaneously resolved deltadelta-[4](ClO(4))(3).H(2)O were determined by X-ray analyses. In deltalambda-[1](2+), the delta and Lambda configurational mer(S).trans(N(aet))-[Co(aet)(2)(pyt)] units are linked by a square-planar Pt(II) ion through four aet S atoms to form a linear-type S-bridged trinuclear structure. In deltadelta-[4](3+), a similar linear-type trinuclear structure is constructed from the delta-mer(S).trans(N(aet))-[Co(aet)(2)(pymt)] and delta-C(2)-cis(S)-[Co(aet)(2)(en)](+) units that are bound by a Pt(II) ion with a slightly distorted square-planar geometry through four aet S atoms.     

A chiral quadruple-stranded helicate cage for enantioselective recognition and separation

The self-assembly of enantiopure pyridyl-functionalized metallosalan units affords a homochiral helicate cage, [Zn(8)L(4)Cl(8)], in which the optical rotation of each ligand is increased by a factor of 10 upon coordination. The octanuclear cage featuring a chiral amphiphilic cavity exhibits enantioselective luminescence enhancement by amino acids in solution. The cage exists in two different crystalline polymorphic forms that possess porous structures built of helicate cages interconnected by 1D channels or pentahedral cages and have the ability to separate small racemic molecules by adsorption but with different enantioselectivities.     

Binding of H+ and Zn(II) ions with a new fluorescent macrocyclic phenanthrolinophane

The new macrocyclic ligand 1,9(4,7)-diphenanthroline-3,7,11,15-tetraazacyclohexadecaphane (L) was synthesized by a 2?:?2 reaction of 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-dialdehyde with 1,3-diaminopropane, followed by reduction with NaBH(4). L contains two phenanthroline groups linked together by two 1,3-diaminopropane chains in such a way that the heteroaromatic nitrogen atoms point outside the ligand cavity. The ligand structure defines two pairs of identical compartments displaying a specific ability in the binding of protons (1,3-diaminopropane) and metal ions (phenanthroline). Protonation and Zn(II) coordination were studied by means of potentiometric and spectroscopic ((1)H NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence) techniques. Both protonation and Zn(II) coordination consistently affect the fluorescence emission properties of L, giving rise to enhancement or quenching of the emission, depending on the species involved. L becomes emissive upon protonation, but the formation of the highly protonated species, in particular the fully protonated [H(6)L](6+), quenches the emission. The mono- and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes of the unprotonated ligand are non-emissive, like free L, while Zn(II) binding to [HL](+) activates the emission. The most interesting aspect, however, is the chelation enhancement of quenching (CHEQ) observed upon Zn(II) binding to [H(2)L](2+) and [H(4)L](4+), being among the few examples of CHEQ effect observed for Zn(II) complexes. Hydrogen bonding between a metal coordinated water molecule and a phenanthroline group seems to be responsible for the CHEQ observed for [ZnH(2)L](4+).     

Synthesis of open and closed metallacages using novel tripodal ligands: unusually stable silver(I) inclusion compound

The tripodal ligand 1,3,5-(CH3)3C6[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]3 (L1, pz=pyrazolyl ring) reacts with AgBF4 to yield ([L12Ag3(CH3CN)](BF4)3).(CH3CN)4, an inclusion complex in which the encapsulated acetonitrile cannot escape the triangular cage unit in either the solid or solution phase. The analogous hexatopic ligand C6[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]6 forms a 2-dimensional polymer composed of similar triangular cage units, again with the encapsulation of one acetonitrile molecule, linked by the additional tris(pyrazolyl)methane units. In contrast, the complex formed with L1 and Cd2+ has a double, open cage structure holding two diethyl ether molecules.     

Localization and delocalization in a mixed-valence dicopper helicate

The coordination chemistry of the tetradentate pyridyl-thiazole (py-tz) N-donor ligand 6,6'-bis(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L1) has been investigated. Reaction of L1 with equimolar copper(II) ions results in the formation of the single-stranded mononuclear complex [Cu(L1)(ClO4)2] (1), whereas reaction with copper(I) ions results in the double-stranded dinuclear helicate [Cu2(L1)2][PF6]2 (2). Both complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (as well as 1H NMR spectroscopy for diamagnetic 2). Complex 2 is redox-active and, upon one-electron oxidation, forms the stable tricationic mixed-valence helicate [Cu2(L1)2]3+ (3). This species can also be prepared in situ by combining [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4], [Cu(H2O)6][BF4]2, and L1 in a 1:1:2 ratio in nitromethane. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 3 provides structural evidence for the presence of an internuclear Cu-Cu bond, with an even distribution of spin density across the two Cu centers. Room-temperature UV-vis spectroscopy is consistent with this finding; however, frozen-glass EPR spectroscopic investigations suggest solvatochromic behavior at 110 K, with the [Cu2]3+ core varying from localized to delocalized depending on the solvent polarity.