Bimetallic Rod-Packing Metal–Organic Framework Combining Two Charged Forms of 2-Hydroxyterephthalic Acid

Although many rod-packing metal-organic frameworks are known, few are based on ordered heterometallic rod building unit. We show here the synthesis of CPM-76 based on an unprecedented Zn-Mg bimetallic rod with crystallographically distinguishable metal sites. The configuration of the rod offers two types of coordination site with trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral sites selectively occupied by Zn and Mg, respectively. Also unusual is the inter-connection mode between the rods, which is based on dual-charged forms (−3 and −2) of the 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (H₃OBDC) ligand. Interestingly, each metal site in CPM-76 binds one solvent molecule, leading to a high density of solvent binding sites.     

Competition between the albumin and three histidine fragment of amyloid precursor protein sites to bind Cu(II)

The aim of this work was to check experimentally the relationship between the five-nitrogen donor system {3 × N_imid, 2 × N⁻} seen e.g. in the peptide fragments of the cysteine-rich amyloid precursor protein (APP) region and the albumin-like {NH₂, 2 × N⁻, N_imid} coordination site. The protected and unprotected octadecapeptides DAHQERMDVSETHLHWHT and Ac-DAHQERMDVSETHLHWHT-NH₂ were synthesized and potentiometric and spectroscopic studies were performed. A comparison of both metal-binding sites that occur in both peptides clearly shows that in the unprotected ligand albumin-like binding is much more efficient than the three His site, although around pH 5 both sites have a comparable ability to bind the Cu(II) ion. However, a comparison of the protected and unprotected peptides with their metal binding sites clearly shows that the three His site is very efficient in binding Cu(II) although less effective than the albumin-like motif.     

A DFT Study on the Activity Origin of Fe−N−C Sites for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Iron-nitrogen-carbon materials have been known as the most promising non-noble metal catalyst for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), but the genuine active sites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are still arguable. Herein, by the thorough density functional theory investigations, we unravel that the planar Fe₂N₆ site exhibits excellent ORR catalytic activity over both FeN₃ and FeN₄ sites, and the potential-determining step is determined to be the *OH hydrogenation step with an overpotential of 0.415 V. The ORR activity of Fe₂N₆ site originates from the low spin magnetic moment (1.11 μ_B), which leads to high antibonding states and low d-band center of the Fe center, further leads to weak binding strength of *OH species. The density of FeN₄ sites only has little influence on the ORR activity owing to the similar interaction between active site and intermediates in ORR. Our research sheds light on the activity origin of iron-nitrogen-carbon materials for ORR.     

Halogen–C2H2 Binding in Ultramicroporous Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Benchmark C2H2/CO2 Separation Selectivity

Acetylene (C₂H₂) capture is a step in a number of industrial processes, but it comes with a high-energy footprint. Although physisorbents have the potential to reduce this energy footprint, they are handicapped by generally poor selectivity versus other relevant gases, such as CO₂ and C₂H₄. In the case of CO₂, the respective physicochemical properties are so similar that traditional physisorbents, such as zeolites, silica, and activated carbons cannot differentiate well between CO₂ and C₂H₂. Herein, we report that a family of three isostructural, ultramicroporous (<7 Å) diamondoid metal–organic frameworks, [Cu(TMBP)X] (TMBP=3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazole), TCuX (X=Cl, Br, I), offer new benchmark C₂H₂/CO₂ separation selectivity at ambient temperature and pressure. We attribute this performance to a new type of strong binding site for C₂H₂. Specifically, halogen ⋅⋅⋅ HC interactions coupled with other noncovalent in a tight binding site is C₂H₂ specific versus CO₂. The binding site is distinct from those found in previous benchmark sorbents, which are based on open metal sites or electrostatic interactions enabled by inorganic fluoro or oxo anions.     

铝(Ⅲ)与脱铁伴清蛋白结合的紫外差光谱研究

在 pH7.4、 0.1mol· L~(－1)N-2-羟乙基哌嗪- N′-2-乙磺酸（ Hepes）及室温条件下,使用紫外吸收差光谱进行了铝(Ⅲ)对脱铁伴清蛋白的滴定。结果表明铝(Ⅲ)与脱铁伴清蛋白结合后其紫外差光谱在 238nm和 291nm处出现吸收峰。在 238nm处铝(Ⅲ)-脱铁伴清蛋白配合物的摩尔吸光系数是 (1.52± 0.04)× 10~4cm~(－1)· mol~(－1)· L。铝(Ⅲ)可占据脱铁伴清蛋白的两个金属离子结合部位,条件稳定常数是 lgK_N=11.21± 0.12,lgKC=9.53± 0.24。 N-端单铁伴清蛋白的紫外差光谱滴定表明,铝 ?优先占据脱铁伴清蛋白的 N端结合部位。     

Unusual Binding of a Potential Biomarker with Human Serum Albumin

This study investigates the specific binding of a potential biomarker, [2,2′‐bipyridyl]‐3,3′‐diol (BP(OH)₂), with human serum albumin (HSA). The binding of BP(OH)₂ at the two primary drug‐binding sites on HSA (Sudlow′s sites I and II) is explored by a competitive‐binding study and monitored by considering the green‐light emission from its diketo tautomer. Warfarin is used as a marker for site I and dansyl‐L ‐proline (DP) as a competitor for site II. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements affirm that neither of Sudlow′s sites is the binding locus of BP(OH)₂. To gain an idea regarding the probable binding site of BP(OH)₂, we perform molecular‐docking studies, which reveal a close proximity of the probe to Trp‐214 in subdomain IIA of HSA. Confirmation of this contention is achieved by studying the quenching of the fluorescence of Trp‐214 in the presence of BP(OH)₂. Moreover, static quenching seems to be responsible for the depletion of the fluorescence of Trp‐214, as manifested by the invariance of the intrinsic fluorescence lifetime of Trp‐214, as a function of the concentration of BP(OH)₂. Based on displacement and quenching studies, supported by molecular docking, we propose that BP(OH)₂ binds in a cleft that separates subdomains IIIA and IIB, which is in close proximity to Trp‐214.     

High-Valent Metal–Oxo Species at the Nodes of Metal–Triazolate Frameworks: The Effects of Ligand Exchange and Two-State Reactivity for C−H Bond Activation

Through quantum-chemical calculations, we investigate a family of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing triazolate linkers, M₂X₂(BBTA) (M=metal, X=bridging anion, H₂BBTA=1H,5H-benzo(1,2-d:4,5-d′)bistriazole), for their ability to form terminal metal–oxo sites and subsequently activate the C−H bond of methane. By varying the metal and bridging anion in the framework, we show how to significantly tune the reactivity of this series of MOFs. The electronic structure of the metal–oxo active site is analyzed for each combination of metal and bridging ligand, and we find that spin density localized on the oxo ligand is not an inherent requirement for low C−H activation barriers. For the Mn- and Fe-containing frameworks, a transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal binding site and terminal oxo ligand during the C−H activation process can greatly reduce the kinetic barrier, a unique case of two-state reactivity without a change in the net spin multiplicity.     

Novel ion recognition systems based on cyclic and acyclic oligo(salen)-type ligands

This review describes the design of novel ion recognition systems based on salen (H₂salen?=?N,N′-disalicylideneethylenediamine) or related ligands. The phenoxo groups of the salen-based metallohosts play an important role in the ion recognition because the phenoxo groups can further coordinate to metal ions in a bridging fashion. In particular, the integration of two or more salen-type coordination sites in a cyclic fashion is effective for the construction of the metallohosts. They show unique multi-metal complexation behavior and binding selectivities due to the phenoxo-bridged structures. The peripheral salen-type sites are suitable for binding to d-block transition metal ions and the central O₆ (or larger) site is for the group 1–3 metals. Acyclic oligo(salen) molecules are also effective for obtaining metallohosts. The metalation of a bis(salen)-type ligand with d-block metals leads to a trinuclear complex with a C-shaped structure, which can selectively recognize Ca²⁺ and lanthanide(III) ions via a unique metal exchange process. The longer oligo(salen) ligands form a helical structure when they recognize the La³⁺ or Ba²⁺ ion in the presence of the zinc(II) ion. The helix inversion behavior of the helical metal complexes due to the labile character of the coordination bonds is successfully utilized for the dynamic helicity control. The transformation of the acyclic ligand into cyclic ones via olefin metathesis significantly changes the binding selectivity.     

Molecular Vise Approach to Create Metal‐Binding Sites in MOFs and Detection of Biomarkers

We report a new approach to create metal‐binding site in a series of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), where tetratopic carboxylate linker, 4′,4′′,4′′′,4′′′′‐methanetetrayltetrabiphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid, is partially replaced by a tritopic carboxylate linker, tris(4‐carboxybiphenyl)amine, in combination with monotopic linkers, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, benzoic acid, isonicotinic acid, 4‐chlorobenzoic acid, and 4‐nitrobenzoic acid, respectively. The distance between these paired‐up linkers can be precisely controlled, ranging from 5.4 to 10.8 Å, where a variety of metals, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺, can be placed in. The distribution of these metal‐binding sites across a single crystal is visualized by 3D tomography of laser scanning confocal microscopy with a resolution of 10 nm. The binding affinity between the metal and its binding‐site in MOF can be varied in a large range (observed binding constants, K_obs from 1.56×10² to 1.70×10⁴ L mol^?1), in aqueous solution. The fluorescence of these crystals can be used to detect biomarkers, such as cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione, with ultrahigh sensitivity and without the interference of urine, through the dissociation of metal ions from their binding sites.     

On the interaction of different types of ligands binding to the same molecule Part II: systems with n to 2 and n to 3 binding sites

In the first part of this work we formulated the decoupled sites representation for two different types of ligands and highlighted special properties of the case of n binding sites for ligand L ₁ and one binding site for ligand L ₂. Moreover, for this case, we identified the microstate constants as unique components all decoupled molecules share. In the second part on hand, we investigate the cases with (n, 2) and (n, 3) binding sites. As it is difficult to solve the system of equations occurring when a molecule with more than one binding site for both ligands shall be decoupled, we present applicable calculation methods which exploit the special structure of the system of equations. Moreover, we investigate which unique properties all decoupled molecules share and show that for two different decoupled molecules with the same binding polynomial, not all microstate constants of a certain macrostate are permutations of the microstate constants of the other molecule.     

Adsorptivity of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone for selective separation of U(VI) from nitric acid media

Adsorptivity of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), a candidate resin with selectivity to U(VI) in HNO₃ media, to various metal ions was examined. It was found that PVPP has a strong adsorptivity to U(VI) in wide concentration range of HNO₃. The Scatchard plot analysis revealed that the adsorption of U(VI) by PVPP occurs at plural binding sites. The infrared spectroscopic analysis suggested that the strong binding site is due to the coordination of the carbonyl oxygen atom and the nitrogen atom in the pyrrolidone ring to UO₂ ²⁺. It was also found that fission product ions except Re(VII) as the simulant of Tc(VII) and Pd(II) are not adsorbed onto PVPP. The adsorptivities to Tc(VII) and Pd(II) species are weak, indicating that U(VI) can be separated from other metal ions by PVPP.     

Porous MII/Pyrimidine‐4,6‐Dicarboxylato Neutral Frameworks: Synthetic Influence on the Adsorption Capacity and Evaluation of CO2‐Adsorbent Interactions

The understanding of the factors that affect the real pore‐network structure for a given bulk material due to different synthetic procedures is essential to develop the material with the best adsorption properties. In this work, we have deeply studied the influence of the crystallinity degree over the adsorption capacity on three new isostructural MOFs with the formula {[CdM(μ₄‐pmdc)₂(H₂O)₂] ? solv}_n (in which, pmdc=pyrimidine‐4,6‐dicarboxylate; solv=corresponding solvent; M^II=Cd ( 1 ), Mn ( 2 ), Zn ( 3 )). Compared with other methods, the solvent‐free synthesis stands as the most effective route because, apart from enabling the preparation of the heterometallic compounds 2 and 3 , it also renders the adsorbents with the highest performance, which is indeed close to the expected one derived from Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) calculations. The structural analysis of the as‐synthesised and evacuated frameworks reveals the existence of a metal atom exposed to the pore. The accessibility of this site is limited due to its atomic environment, which is why it is considered as a pseudo‐open‐metal site. The chemical and physical characterisation confirms that this site can be modified as the metal atom is replaced in compounds 2 and 3 . To assess the effect of the metal replacement on the adsorption behaviour, an exhaustive study of CO₂ experimental isotherms has been performed. The affinity of the pseudo‐open metal sites towards CO₂ and the distribution of the preferred adsorption sites are discussed on the basis of DFT and GCMC calculations.     

The Crystal Structure of a Homodimeric Pseudomonas Glyoxalase I Enzyme Reveals Asymmetric Metallation Commensurate with Half‐of‐Sites Activity

The Zn inactive class of glyoxalase I (Glo1) metalloenzymes are typically homodimeric with two metal‐dependent active sites. While the two active sites share identical amino acid composition, this class of enzyme is optimally active with only one metal per homodimer. We have determined the X‐ray crystal structure of GloA2, a Zn inactive Glo1 enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presented structures exhibit an unprecedented metal‐binding arrangement consistent with half‐of‐sites activity: one active site contains a single activating Ni²⁺ ion, whereas the other contains two inactivating Zn²⁺ ions. Enzymological experiments prompted by the binuclear Zn²⁺ site identified a novel catalytic property of GloA2. The enzyme can function as a Zn²⁺/Co²⁺‐dependent hydrolase, in addition to its previously determined glyoxalase I activity. The presented findings demonstrate that GloA2 can accommodate two distinct metal‐binding arrangements simultaneously, each of which catalyzes a different reaction.     

Mass spectrometric studies of alkali metal ion binding on thrombin-binding aptamer DNA

The binding sites and consecutive binding constants of alkali metal ions, (M⁺ = Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺), to thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) DNA were studied by Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance spectrometry. TBA-metal complexes were produced by electrospray ionization (ESI) and the ions of interest were mass-selected for further characterization. The structural motif of TBA in an ESI solution was checked by circular dichroism. The metal-binding constants and sites were determined by the titration method and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD), respectively. The binding constant of potassium is 5–8 times greater than those of other alkali metal ions, and the potassium binding site is different from other metal binding sites. In the 1:1 TBA-metal complex, potassium is coordinated between the bottom G-quartet and two adjacent TT loops of TBA. In the 1:2 TBA—metal complex, the second potassium ion binds at the TGT loop of TBA, which is in line with the antiparallel G-quadruplex structure of TBA. On the other hand, other alkali metal ions bind at the lateral TGT loop in both 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, presumably due to the formation of ion-pair adducts. IRMPD studies of the binding sites in combination with measurements of the consecutive binding constants help elucidate the binding modes of alkali metal ions on DNA aptamer at the molecular level.     

One-Pot Cooperation of Single-Atom Rh and Ru Solid Catalysts for a Selective Tandem Olefin Isomerization-Hydrosilylation Process

Realizing the full potential of oxide-supported single-atom metal catalysts (SACs) is key to successfully bridge the gap between the fields of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Here we show that the one-pot combination of Ru₁/CeO₂ and Rh₁/CeO₂ SACs enables a highly selective olefin isomerization-hydrosilylation tandem process, hitherto restricted to molecular catalysts in solution. Individually, monoatomic Ru and Rh sites show a remarkable reaction specificity for olefin double-bond migration and anti-Markovnikov α-olefin hydrosilylation, respectively. First-principles DFT calculations ascribe such selectivity to differences in the binding strength of the olefin substrate to the monoatomic metal centers. The single-pot cooperation of the two SACs allows the production of terminal organosilane compounds with high regio-selectivity (>95 %) even from industrially-relevant complex mixtures of terminal and internal olefins, alongside a straightforward catalyst recycling and reuse. These results demonstrate the significance of oxide-supported single-atom metal catalysts in tandem catalytic reactions, which are central for the intensification of chemical processes.     

A Three‐Site Mechanism for Agonist/Antagonist Selective Binding to Vasopressin Receptors

Molecular‐dynamics simulations with metadynamics enhanced sampling reveal three distinct binding sites for arginine vasopressin (AVP) within its V₂‐receptor (V₂R). Two of these, the vestibule and intermediate sites, block (antagonize) the receptor, and the third is the orthosteric activation (agonist) site. The contacts found for the orthosteric site satisfy all the requirements deduced from mutagenesis experiments. Metadynamics simulations for V₂R and its V_1aR‐analog give an excellent correlation with experimental binding free energies by assuming that the most stable binding site in the simulations corresponds to the experimental binding free energy in each case. The resulting three‐site mechanism separates agonists from antagonists and explains subtype selectivity.     

Application of an extended solvation theory to study on the binding of magnesium ion with myelin basic protein

Binding properties of myelin basic protein (MBP) from bovine central nervous system due to the interaction by divalent magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) was investigated at 27°C in aqueous solution using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) technique. An extended solvation model was used to reproduce the enthalpies of Mg²⁺-MBP interaction over the whole Mg²⁺ concentrations. It was found that there is a set of two identical and noninteracting binding sites for Mg²⁺ ions. The dissociation equilibrium constant is K _d=45.5 μM. The molar enthalpy of binding site is identical for both sites; ΔH=−15.24 kJ mol⁻¹. The solvation parameters recovered from the solvation model were attributed to the structural change of MBP due to the metal ion interaction.