Mechanism of the Nickel-Catalyzed Electrosynthesis of Ketones by Heterocoupling of Acyl and Benzyl Halides

Summary.  The mechanism of the nickel-catalyzed electrosynthesis of ketones by heterocoupling of phenacyl chloride and benzyl bromide has been investigated by fast scan rate cyclic voltammetry with [Ni(bpy)²⁺ ₃](BF₄ ⁻)₂ as the catalytic precursor (bpy = 2,2{−}{ bipyridine}). The key step is an oxidative addition of Ni⁰(bpy) (electrogenerated by reduction of the Ni(II) precursor) to PhCH₂Br whose rate constant is found to be 10 times higher than that of PhCH₂COCl. The complex PhCH₂Ni^IIBr(bpy) formed in the oxidative addition is reduced at the potential of the Ni^II/Ni⁰ reduction by a two-electron process which affords an anionic complex PhCH₂Ni⁰(bpy)⁻ able to react with PhCH₂COCl to generate eventually the homocoupling product PhCH₂COCH₂Ph. The formation of the homocoupling product PhCH₂COCOCH₂Ph is prevented because of the too slow oxidative addition of Ni⁰(bpy) to PhCH₂COCl compared to PhCH₂Br. The formation of the homocoupling product PhCH₂CH₂Ph is also prevented because PhCH₂Ni⁰(bpy)⁻ does not react with PhCH₂Br. This explains why the electrosynthesis of the ketone can be performed selectively in a one-pot procedure, starting from an equal mixture of PhCH₂COCl and PhCH₂Br and a nickel catalyst ligated by the bpy ligand. Received June 27, 2000. Accepted July 11, 2000     

Homogeneous electro-mediated reduction of unsaturated compounds using Ni and Fe as mediators in DMF

The homogeneous electro-mediated reduction (HEMR) of several organic compounds (cyclohexene, cyclohexanone, acetophenone, benzaldehyde, styrene, linalool, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, citral, trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, and piperine) was carried out using Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, and [Ni^II(bpy)]Br₂ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) as electron mediators. An electrochemical system composed of sacrificial anode (Fe, Ni or Zn), nickel cathode, NaI (0.2 M) as supporting electrolyte in DMF and an undivided cell, was used. A constant current ≤100 mA was applied with a maximum cell potential of 2.0 V. Non-conjugated olefins are not reactive, but ketones may be easily reduced to the respective alcohol. In the case of conjugated olefins and ketones, [Ni^II(bpy)]Br₂ or Ni²⁺ mediator presented good reactivity and selectivity in most cases. Fe²⁺ more efficiently mediates the reduction of carbonyl containing systems. Preliminary electroanalytical studies indicate the complexation of the organic substrate by Fe²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions and [Ni^II(bpy)]Br₂ complex.     

The Electron Transfer Series [MoIII(bpy)3]n (n=3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1−), and the Dinuclear Species [{MoIIICl(Mebpy)2}2(μ2‐O)]Cl2 and [{MoIV(tpy.)2}2(μ2‐MoO4)](PF6)2⋅4 MeCN

The electronic structures of the five members of the electron transfer series [Mo(bpy)₃]ⁿ (n=3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1?) are determined through a combination of techniques: electro‐ and magnetochemistry, UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and X‐ray crystallography. The mono‐ and dication are prepared and isolated as PF₆ salts for the first time. It is shown that all species contain a central Mo^III ion (4d³). The successive one‐electron reductions/oxidations within the series are all ligand‐based, involving neutral (bpy⁰), the π‐radical anion (bpy^.)^1?, and the diamagnetic dianion (bpy^2?)^2?: [Mo^III(bpy⁰)₃]³⁺ (S=3/2), [Mo^III(bpy^.)(bpy⁰)₂]²⁺ (S=1), [Mo^III(bpy^.)₂(bpy⁰)]¹⁺ (S=1/2), [Mo^III(bpy^.)₃] (S=0), and [Mo^III(bpy^.)₂(bpy^2?)]^1? (S=1/2). The previously described diamagnetic dication “[Mo^II(bpy⁰)₃](BF₄)₂” is proposed to be a diamagnetic dinuclear species [{Mo(bpy)₃}₂(μ₂‐O)](BF₄)₄. Two new polynuclear complexes are prepared and structurally characterized: [{Mo^IIICl(^Mebpy⁰)₂}₂(μ₂‐O)]Cl₂ and [{Mo^IV(tpy^.)₂}₂(μ₂‐Mo^VIO₄)](PF₆)₂?4 MeCN.     

Induced-Fit Recognition of CCG Trinucleotide Repeats by a Nickel–Chromomycin Complex Resulting in Large-Scale DNA Deformation

Small-molecule compounds targeting trinucleotide repeats in DNA have considerable potential as therapeutic or diagnostic agents against many neurological diseases. Ni^II(Chro)₂ (Chro=chromomycin A3) binds specifically to the minor groove of (CCG)_n repeats in duplex DNA, with unique fluorescence features that may serve as a probe for disease detection. Crystallographic studies revealed that the specificity originates from the large-scale spatial rearrangement of the DNA structure, including extrusion of consecutive bases and backbone distortions, with a sharp bending of the duplex accompanied by conformational changes in the Ni^II chelate itself. The DNA deformation of CCG repeats upon binding forms a GGCC tetranucleotide tract, which is recognized by Ni^II(Chro)₂. The extruded cytosine and last guanine nucleotides form water-mediated hydrogen bonds, which aid in ligand recognition. The recognition can be accounted for by the classic induced-fit paradigm.     

Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl DNA Intercalators: Effects of the Molecular Surroundings Investigated by Theory

The environmental effects on the structural and photophysical properties of [Ru(L)₂(dppz)]²⁺ complexes (L=bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, tap=1,4,5,8‐tetraazaphenanthrene; dppz=dipyrido[3,3‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine), used as DNA intercalators, have been studied by means of DFT, time‐dependent DFT, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The electronic characteristics of the low‐lying triplet excited states in water, acetonitrile, and DNA have been investigated to decipher the influence of the environment on the luminescent behavior of this class of molecules. The lowest triplet intra‐ligand (IL) excited state calculated at λ≈800 nm for the three complexes and localized on the dppz ligand is not very sensitive to the environment and is available for electron transfer from a guanine nucleobase. Whereas the lowest triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (³MLCT) states remain localized on the ancillary ligand (tap) in [Ru(tap)₂(dppz)]²⁺, regardless of the environment, their character is drastically modified in the other complexes [Ru(phen)₂(dppz)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)]²⁺ upon going from acetonitrile (MLCT_dppz/phen or MLCT_dppz/bpy) to water (MLCT_dppz) and DNA (MLCT_phen and MLCT_bpy). The change in the character of the low‐lying ³MLCT states accompanying nuclear relaxation in the excited state controls the emissive properties of the complexes in water, acetonitrile, and DNA. The light‐switching effect has been rationalized on the basis of environment‐induced control of the electronic density distributed in the lowest triplet excited states.     

Synthesis and properties of homoleptic 2,2′-bipyridyl complexes of rare-earth elements. Crystal and molecular structures of the complexes Ln(N2C10H8)4 (Ln=Sm, Eu, Yb, or Lu) and the ionic complex [Lu(N2C10H8)4][Li(THF)4]

Homoleptic 2,2′-bipyridyl complexes of lanthanides (Ln), Ln(bpy)₄, were prepared by the reactions of iodides LnI₂(THF)₂ (Ln=Sm, Eu, Tm, or Yb), LnI₃(THF)₃ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, or Tb), or bis(trimethylsilyl)amides Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ (Ln=Dy, Ho, Er, or Lu) with bipyridyllithium in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane in the presence of free 2,2′-bipyridine. The IR and ESR spectral data, the magnetic susceptibilities, and the results of X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that the complexes of all elements of the lanthanide series, except for the europium complex, contain Ln⁺³ cations and anionic bpy ligands. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the coordination polyhedra about the Sm and Eu atoms are cubes, whereas the environment about the Yb atom is a distorted dodecahedron. In the ionic complex [Lu(bpy)₄][Li(THF)₄], the geometry of the [Lu(bpy)₄]⁻ anion is similar to that of the Lu(bpy)₄ complex. The possible modes of charge distributions over the ligands,viz., Ln(bpy²⁻)(bpy^.−)(bpy⁰)₂ and Ln(bpy^.−)₃(bpy⁰), are discussed. Published inIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 1897–1904, November, 2000.     

The Tunable Luminescence of Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Different Tetrazolate Ligands

Three luminescent mononuclear Ru^II compounds, [Ru^II(bpy)₂( L¹ )](BF₄) ( 1 ), [Ru^II(bpy)₂( L² )](BF₄) ( 2 ), and the neutral compound [Ru^II(bpy)₂( L³ )] ( 3 ), were obtained, by treatment of [Ru^II(bpy)₂Cl₂] with the tetrazolate (tz)-containing ligands L¹ – L³ . All the compounds were well characterized by IR, UV/Vis, and ¹H NMR and their redox properties were also investigated by cyclic voltammogram. The crystal structure of 3 was determined by X-ray crystallography and it clearly shows that the Ru^II ion is octahedrally coordinated by two bpy ligands and a deprotonated L³ ligand. After introduction of these tz ligands, 1 – 3 are more sensitive towards the change of micro-environment of solvents as compared with that of [Ru^II(bpy)₃]²⁺. This effect is most obvious in 3 , since it contains a 2^– ligand L³ . The slight modification of diimine ligand make these complexes have potential applications as sensors.     

Cyano‐bridged Molecular Square: [Ni(iprtacn)Fe(phen)2(CN)2]2(PF6)4·6CH3CN – Preparation,Structure, Magnetic Properties and Binding with DNA

The cyano‐bridged molecular square Ni(iprtacn)]₂[Fe(phen)₂(CN)₂]₂(PF₆)₄ · 6CH₃CN ( 1 ) (iprtacn = 1,4,7‐triisopropyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline) was prepared and its crystal structure, magnetic properties, and binding with DNA were characterized. The four metal ions Ni^IIFe^IINi^IIFe^II of the complex 1 are almost coplanar. Magnetic susceptibilities measured over the range of 2–300 K show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the two nickel(II) ions; best fitting for the experimental data leads to J = –1.27 cm^–1. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra show that the complex is able to displace DNA‐bound EB and bind to DNA with strong interactions.     

A Series of Transition Metal Coordination Polymers Bearing 1,4‐Phenylenediacetate

The reactions of transition metal salts or hydroxide with 1,4‐phenylenediacetic acid (H₂PDA) in the presence of ancillary ligands 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy) or imidazole (Im) produced five coordination polymers with the empirical formula [M(PDA)(4,4′‐bpy)(H₂O)₂]_n [M = Mn ( 1 ), Ni ( 2 )], [Cu(PDA)(4,4′‐bpy)]_n · 2nH₂O ( 3 ), [Ni(PDA)(Im)₂(H₂O)₂]_n · nH₂O ( 4 ), and [Cu(PDA)(Im)₂]_n · 2nH₂O ( 5 ). Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. The isomorphous 1 and 2 present a two‐dimensional sheet constructed by two kinds of one‐dimensional chains of –Ni^II–PDA^2––Ni^II– and –Ni^II–4,4′‐bpy–Ni^II–. Compound 3 features dinuclear subunits, which are further connected by two PDA^2– ligands and two 4,4′‐bpy ligands along (001) and (011) directions, respectively, to build a two‐dimensional sheet with the topology (4².6⁷.8)(4².6) different from those of 1 and 2 . Both 4 and 5 show one‐dimensional chain structure. The difference of compound 4 and 5 is that the two carboxylato groups of PDA^2– in 4 adopt monodentate coordination modes, whereas the two carboxylato groups of PDA^2– in 5 chelate to the metal ions. Magnetic susceptibility data of 1 were measured. Magnetically, 1 presents a one‐dimensional chain with a weak antiferromagnetic interaction (J =–0.064 cm^–1) between the intrachain Mn^II atoms mediated by 4,4′‐bpy.     

Building [UIV70(OH)36(O)64]4− Oxocluster Frameworks with Sulfate,Transition Metals,and UV

Uranium(IV) oxide clusters, colloids, and materials are designed and studied for 1) nuclear materials applications, 2) understanding the environmental fate and transport of actinides, and 3) exploring the complex bonding behavior of open-shell f-elements. U^IV-oxyhydroxsulfate clusters are particularly relevant in industrial processes and in nature. Recent studies have shown that counter-cations to these polynuclear anions differentiate rich structural topologies in the solid-state. Herein, we present nine different structures with wheel-shaped [U₇₀(OH)₃₆(O)₆₄(SO₄)₆₀]⁴⁻ (U₇₀) linked into one- and two-dimensional frameworks with sulfate, divalent transition metals (Cr^II, Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II) and U^V. Small-angle X-ray scattering of these phases dissolved in butylamine reveals differing supramolecular assembly of U₇₀ clusters, controlled primarily by sulfates. However, observed trends in transition metal linking guide future design of U₇₀ materials with different topologies. Finally, U₇₀ linking via U^IV-O-U^V-O-U^IV bridges presents a rare example of mixed-oxidation-state uranium oxides without disorder.     

Syntheses and Characterization of a Pair of Isomers of Heteroleptic Bis(Bidentate) Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Two Different Monodentate Ligands

Two isomers of heteroleptic bis(bidentate) ruthenium(II) complexes with dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) and chloride ligands, trans(Cl,N_bpy)- and trans(Cl,N_Hdpa)-[Ru(bpy)Cl(dmso-S)(Hdpa)]⁺ (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine; Hdpa: di-2-pyridylamine), are synthesized. This is the first report on the selective synthesis of a pair of isomers of cis-[Ru(L)(L′)XY]ⁿ⁺ (L≠L′: bidentate ligands; X≠Y: monodentate ligands). The structures of the ruthenium(II) complexes are clarified by means of X-ray crystallography, and the signals in the ¹H NMR spectra are assigned based on ¹H–¹H COSY spectra. The colors of the two isomers are clearly different in both the solid state and solution: the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a deep red color, whereas the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer is yellow. Although both complexes have intense absorption bands at λ≈440–450 nm, only the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer has a shoulder band at λ≈550 nm. DFT calculations indicate that the LUMOs of both isomers are the π* orbitals in the bpy ligand, and that the LUMO level of the trans(Cl,N_bpy) isomer is lower than that of the trans(Cl,N_Hdpa) isomer due to the trans effect of the Cl ligand; thus resulting in the appearance of the shoulder band. The HOMO levels are almost the same in both isomers. The energy levels are experimentally supported by cyclic voltammograms, in which these isomers have different reduction potentials and similar oxidation potentials.     

Ferromagnetic NiII Discs

A family of planar disc‐like hexa‐, octa‐ and decametallic Ni^II complexes exhibit dominant ferromagnetic exchange. The deca‐ and octametallic clusters [Ni^II₁₀(tmp)₂(N₃)₈(acac)₆(MeOH)₆] ( 1 , H₃tmp=1,1,1‐tris(hydroxymethyl)propane; acac=acetylacetonate) and [Ni^II₈(thme)₂(O₂CPh)₄(Cl)₆(MeCN)₆(H₂O)₂] ( 2 , H₃thme=1,1,1‐tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane) represent rare examples of Ni^II‐based single‐molecule magnets, and [Ni^II₁₀] ( 1 ) possesses the largest barrier to magnetisation reversal of any Ni^II single‐molecule magnet to date.     

Electrocatalytic reactions involving the NiII—ZnII—2,2"-bipyridine system

Factors determining the effect of Zn^II ions on the catalytic activity of the Ni^II complexes with 2,2"-bipyridine (bpy) in the reduction of organohalides were elucidated by cyclic voltammetry and electrolysis. The mechanism proposed involves the reduction of the Ni^IIbpy complex to Ni⁰bpy, the oxidative addition of organohalides to the Ni⁰bpy complex, and nickel transmetallation with the cathode-generated Zn⁰ to form an organozinc compound.     

Impact of Reaction Conditions on the Structures of Nickel(II) Complexes Based on 3‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)propionic Acid

Two new nickel(II) complexes, [Ni(4, 4′‐bpy)(H₂O)₄]_n · n(cpp) · 0.5nH₂O ( 1 ) and [Ni(cpp)(4, 4′‐bpy)(H₂O)₂]_n ( 2 ) [4, 4′‐bpy = 4, 4′‐bipyridine, H₂cpp = 3‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)propionic acid] were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. In complex 1 , Ni^II ions are bridged by 4, 4′‐bpy into 1D chains, and cpp ligands are not involved in the coordination, whereas in complex 2 , cpp ligands adopt a bis(monodentate) mode and link Ni^II ions into 2D (4, 4) grids with the help of 4, 4′‐bpy ligands. Triple interpenetration occurs, which results in the formation of a complicated 3D network. The difference in the structures of the two complexes can be attributed to the different reaction temperatures and bases.     

DNA-Targeting RuII-Polypyridyl Complex with a Long-Lived Intraligand Excited State as a Potential Photodynamic Therapy Agent

Subtle ligand modifications on Ru^II-polypyridyl complexes may result in different excited-state characteristics, which provides the opportunity to tune their photo-physicochemical properties and subsequently change their biological functions. Here, a DNA-targeting Ru^II-polypyridyl complex (named Ru1 ) with highly photosensitizing ³IL (intraligand) excited state was designed based on a classical DNA-intercalator [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)] ⋅ 2 PF₆ by incorporation of the dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) ligand tethered with a pyrenyl group, which has four orders of magnitude higher potency than the model complex [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz)] ⋅ 2 PF₆ upon light irradiation. This study provides a facile strategy for the design of organelle-targeting Ru^II-polypyridyl complexes with dramatically improved photobiological activity.     

Recombination of Coordination Bonds of a Mononuclear Precursor into a 3D d‐d′ Heterometallic Coordination Polymer with Double Helices

Abstract. Based on a mononuclear precursor [Mn(Hstp)₂(4,4′‐Hbpy)₂] ( 1 ), a hetero‐metallic complex, [Mn₂Ni(stp)₂(4,4′‐bpy)(H₂O)₄] ( 2 ) [stp = 2‐sulfoterephthalate, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bpyridine] was synthesized by solvothermal reaction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Mn^II ion of the precursor 1 is hexacoordinate by four oxygen atoms from two Hstp^2– anions and two nitrogen atoms from two protonated 4, 4′‐Hbpy, and hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in constructing 3D supramolecular structure. While complex 2 features a self‐weaving framework from 1D straight chains and 2D wavy networks with double helical chains. Magnetic behavior of complex 2 was analyzed in connection with its crystal structure, which exhibits the weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^II and Ni^II ions.     

A Conformationally Flexible Dinuclear PtII Complex with Differential Behavior of its Two States toward Quadruplex DNA

The reaction of tetrakis(pyridine‐2‐yl)pyrazine (tppz) with 2 equiv of (2,2′‐bpy)Pt^II in water yields two isomeric dinuclear cations, [{Pt(2,2′‐bpy)}₂(tppz)]⁴⁺, in which Pt coordination exclusively takes place through the two pairs of pyridine‐2‐yl nitrogen atoms. The two conformational isomers differ in their overall shape, with the formation of “Z” and “U” shapes, which are formed at 40 °C (Z isomer, 1 ) and under reflux conditions (U isomer, 2 ), respectively. X‐ray crystal‐structure analyses of the Z isomer, [{Pt(2,2′‐bpy)}₂(tppz)](PF₆)₄ ? 3 CHCl₃ ? 4 H₂O ( 1 a ), and of the U isomer, [{Pt(2,2′‐bpy)}₂](PF₆)₄ ? 2 CH₃CN ? 1.5 H₂O ( 2 a ), were carried out. Co‐crystallization of compound 2 with PtCl₂(2,2′‐bpy) yielded [{Pt(2,2′‐bpy)}₂(tppz)](BF₄)₄?[PtCl₂(2,2′‐bpy)] ? 4.5 H₂O ( 3 ), in which the PtCl₂(2,2′‐bpy) entity was sandwiched between the two 2,2′‐bpy faces of the U‐shaped cation ( 2 ). Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the U isomer was more stable than the Z isomer, both in the gas phase and in an aqueous environment. These two isomers display different affinities toward duplex DNA and human telomeric quadruplex DNA (Htelo), as concluded from CD spectroscopy and FID assays. Thus, the U isomer binds significantly more strongly to quadruplex DNA (DC₅₀=0.38 μM ) than the Z isomer (DC₅₀=8.50 μM ).     

Induced‐Fit Recognition of CCG Trinucleotide Repeats by a Nickel–Chromomycin Complex Resulting in Large‐Scale DNA Deformation

Small‐molecule compounds targeting trinucleotide repeats in DNA have considerable potential as therapeutic or diagnostic agents against many neurological diseases. Ni^II(Chro)₂ (Chro=chromomycin A3) binds specifically to the minor groove of (CCG)_n repeats in duplex DNA, with unique fluorescence features that may serve as a probe for disease detection. Crystallographic studies revealed that the specificity originates from the large‐scale spatial rearrangement of the DNA structure, including extrusion of consecutive bases and backbone distortions, with a sharp bending of the duplex accompanied by conformational changes in the Ni^II chelate itself. The DNA deformation of CCG repeats upon binding forms a GGCC tetranucleotide tract, which is recognized by Ni^II(Chro)₂. The extruded cytosine and last guanine nucleotides form water‐mediated hydrogen bonds, which aid in ligand recognition. The recognition can be accounted for by the classic induced‐fit paradigm.     

Selective Detection of Methomyl Pesticide by a Catalytic Chemosensing Assay

The catalytic chemosensing assay (CCA), a new indicator displacement assay, was developed for selective detection of methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide. Trimetallic complex {[Fe^II(dmbpy)(CN)₄]-[Pt^II(DMSO)Cl]₂-[Ru^II(bpy)₂(CN)₂]} ( 1 ; dmbpy=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) was synthesized as a task-specific catalyst to initially reduce and degrade methomyl to CH₃SH/CH₃NH₂/CH₃CN/CO₂. The thus-produced CH₃SH interacts with the trimetallic complex to displace the cis-[Ru^II(bpy)₂(CN)₂] luminophore for monitoring. Other pesticides, including organophosphates and similar carbamate pesticides, remained intact under the same catalytic conditions; a selective sensing signal is only activated when 1 recognizes methomyl. Furthermore, 1 can be applied to detect methomyl in real water samples. In the luminescent mode of the assay, the method detection limit (MDL) of 1 for methomyl (LD₅₀=17 mg kg⁻¹) was 1.12 mg L⁻¹.