A starburst-shaped heterometallic compound incorporating six densely packed gd(3+) ions

The heterotritopic ligand [bpy(DTTA)2]8- has two diethylenediamine-tetraacetate units for selective lanthanide(III) coordination and one bipyridine function for selective Fe(II) coordination. In aqueous solution and in the presence of these metals, the ligand is capable of self-assembly to form a rigid supramolecular metallostar structure, [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3]4-. We report here the physicochemical characterization of the dinuclear complex [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]2- and the metallostar [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3]4- with regard to potential MRI contrast agent applications. A combination of pH potentiometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy has been used to determine protonation constants for the ligand [bpy(DTTA)2]8- and for the complexes [Fe[bpy(DTTA)2]3]22- and [Y2bpy(DTTA)2]2-. In addition, stability constants have been measured for the dinuclear chelates [M2bpy(DTTA)2]n- formed with M = Gd3+ and Zn2+ (log K(GdL) = 18.2; log K(ZnL) = 18.0; log K(ZnHL) = 3.4). A multiple field, variable-temperature 17O NMR and proton relaxivity study on [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]2- and [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3](4-) yielded the parameters for water exchange and the rotational dynamics. The 17O chemical shifts are indicative of bishydration of the lanthanide ion. The exchange rates of the two inner-sphere water molecules are very similar in the dinuclear [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)(4)]2- and in the metallostar (k(ex)298 = 8.1 +/- 0.3 x 10(6) and 7.4 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) s(-1), respectively), and are comparable to k(ex)298 for similar Gd(III) poly(amino carboxylates). The rotational dynamics of the metallostar has been described by means of the Lipari-Szabo approach, which involves separating global and local motions. The difference between the local and global rotational correlation times, tau(lO)298 = 190 +/- 15 ps and tau(gO)298 = 930 +/- 50 ps, respectively, shows that the metallostar is not completely rigid. However, the relatively high value of S2 = 0.60 +/- 0.04, describing the restriction of the local motions with regard to the global one, points to a limited flexibility compared with previously reported macromolecules such as dendrimers. As a result of the two inner-sphere water molecules, with their near-optimal exchange rate, and the limited flexibility, the metallostar has a remarkable molar proton relaxivity, particularly at high magnetic fields (r1 = 33.2 and 16.4 mM(-1) s(-1) at 60 and 200 MHz, respectively, at 25 degrees C). It packs six efficiently relaxing Gd(III) ions into a small molecular space, which leads, to the best of our knowledge, to the highest relaxivity per molecular mass ever reported for a Gd(III) complex. The [bpy(DTTA)2]8- ligand is also a prime candidate as a terminal ligand for constructing larger sized, Fe(II) (or Ru(II))-based metallostars or metallodendrimers loaded with Gd(III) on the surface.     

Dinuclear, bishydrated Gd(III) polyaminocarboxylates with a rigid xylene core display remarkable proton relaxivities

Two novel dinuclear Gd(III) complexes have been synthesized, based on a xylene core substituted with diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (DTTA) chelators in para or meta position. The complexes [Gd2(pX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- and [Gd2(mX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- both exhibit high complex stability (log K(GdL) = 19.1 and 17.0, respectively), and a good selectivity for Gd(III) against Zn(II), the most abundant endogenous metal ion (log K(ZnL) = 17.94 and 16.19). The water exchange rate is identical within experimental error for the two isomers: k(ex)298 = (9.0 +/- 0.4) x 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd2(pX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- and (8.9 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd2(mX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2-. It is very similar to the k(ex)298 of the structural analogue, bishydrated [Gd(TTAHA)(H2O)2]3-, and about twice as high as that of the monohydrated [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (TTAHA(6-) = N-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-N',N',N',N',N',N'-hexaacetate; DTPA(5-) = diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N',N'-pentaacetate). This relatively fast water exchange can be related to the presence of two inner sphere water molecules which decrease the stereorigidity of the inner sphere thus facilitating the water exchange process. At all frequencies, the water proton relaxivities (r1 = 16.79 and 15.84 mM(-1) s(-1) for the para and meta isomers, respectively; 25 degrees C and 20 MHz) are remarkably higher for the two dinuclear chelates than those of mononuclear commercial contrast agents or previously reported dinuclear Gd(III) complexes. This is mainly the consequence of the two inner-sphere water molecules. In addition, the increased molecular size as compared to monomeric compounds associated with the rigid xylene linker between the two Gd(III) chelating subunits also contributes to an increased relaxivity. However, proton relaxivity is still limited by fast molecular motions which also hinder any beneficial effect of the increased water exchange rate.     

Dinuclear complexes formed with the triazacyclononane derivative ENOTA4-: high-pressure 17O NMR evidence of an associative water exchange on [MnII2(ENOTA)(H2O)2

Mn2+ has five unpaired d-electrons, a long electronic relaxation time, and labile water exchange, all of which make it an attractive candidate for contrast agent application in medical magnetic resonance imaging. In the quest for stable and nonlabile Mn2+ complexes, we explored a novel dimeric triazacyclononane-based ligand bearing carboxylate functional groups, H4ENOTA. The protonation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of the complexes formed with some endogenously important metals (Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+), as well as with Mn2+ and Ce3+, have been assessed by NMR methods, potentiometry, and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Overall, the thermodynamic stability of the complexes is lower as compared to that of the corresponding NOTA analogues (H3NOTA, 1,4,7-triaazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid). The crystal structure of Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O) x 5H2O contains two six-coordinated Mn2+, in addition to the three amine nitrogens and the two oxygens from the pendent monodentate carboxylate groups, and one water (Mn2) or one bridging carboxylate oxygen (Mn1) completes the coordination sphere of the metal ion. In an aqueous solution, this bridging carboxylate is replaced by a water molecule, as evidenced by the 17O chemical shifts and proton relaxivity data that point to monohydration for both metal ions in the dinuclear complex. A variable-temperature and -pressure 17O NMR study has been performed on [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] to assess the rate and, for the first time on a Mn2+ chelate, also the mechanism of the water exchange. The inner sphere water is slightly more labile in [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] (k298ex = 5.5 x 107 s-1) than in the aqua ion (2.1 x 107 s-1, Merbach, A. E.; et al. Inorg. Chem. 1980, 19, 3696). The water exchange proceeds via an almost limiting associative mechanism, as evidenced by the large negative activation volume (deltaV = -10.7 cm3 mol-1). The proton relaxivities measured on [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] show a low-field dispersion at approximately 0.1 MHz arising from a contact interaction between the MnII electron spin and the water proton nuclear spins.     

Pyridine- and phosphonate-containing ligands for stable Ln complexation. Extremely fast water exchange on the Gd(III) chelates

Two novel ligands containing pyridine units and phosphonate pendant arms, with ethane-1,2-diamine (L2) or cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L3) backbones, have been synthesized for Ln complexation. The hydration numbers obtained from luminescence lifetime measurements in aqueous solutions of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes are q = 0.6 (EuL2), 0.7 (TbL2), 0.8 (EuL3), and 0.4 (TbL3). To further assess the hydration equilibrium, we have performed a variable-temperature and -pressure UV-vis spectrophotometric study on the Eu(III) complexes. The reaction enthalpy, entropy, and volume for the hydration equilibrium EuL <--> EuL(H2O) were calculated to be DeltaH degrees = -(11.6 +/- 2) kJ mol(-1), DeltaS degrees = -(34.2 +/- 5) J mol(-1) K(-1), and = 1.8 +/- 0.3 for EuL2 and DeltaH degrees = -(13.5 +/- 1) kJ mol(-1), DeltaS degrees = -(41 +/- 4) J mol(-1) K(-1), and = 1.7 +/- 0.3 for EuL3, respectively. We have carried out variable-temperature 17O NMR and nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) measurements on the GdL2(H2O)q and GdL3(H2O)q systems. Given the presence of phosphonate groups in the ligand backbone, a second-sphere relaxation mechanism has been included for the analysis of the longitudinal (17)O and (1)H NMR relaxation rates. The water exchange rate on GdL2(H2O)q, = (7.0 +/- 0.8) x 10(8) s(-1), is extremely high and comparable to that on the Gd(III) aqua ion, while it is slightly reduced for GdL3(H2O)q, = (1.5 +/- 0.1) x 10(8) s(-1). This fast exchange can be rationalized in terms of a very flexible inner coordination sphere, which is slightly rigidified for L3 by the introduction of the cyclohexyl group on the amine backbone. The water exchange proceeds via a dissociative interchange mechanism, evidenced by the positive activation volumes obtained from variable-pressure 17O NMR for both GdL2(H2O)q and GdL3(H2O)q (DeltaV = +8.3 +/- 1.0 and 8.7 +/- 1.0 cm(3) mol(-1), respectively).     

Unexpected aggregation of neutral, xylene-cored dinuclear GdIII chelates in aqueous solution

We have synthesized ditopic ligands L(1), L(2), and L(3) that contain two DO3A(3-) metal-chelating units with a xylene core as a noncoordinating linker (DO3A(3-) = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetate; L(1) = 1,4-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(2) = 1,3-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(3) = 3,5-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzoic acid). Aqueous solutions of the dinuclear Gd(III) complexes formed with the three ligands have been investigated in a variable-temperature, multiple-field (17)O NMR and (1)H relaxivity study. The (17)O longitudinal relaxation rates measured for the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes show strong field dependence (2.35-9.4 T), which unambiguously proves the presence of slowly tumbling entities in solution. The proton relaxivities of the complexes, which are unexpectedly high for their molecular weight, and in particular the relaxivity peaks observed at 40-50 MHz also constitute experimental evidences of slow rotational motion. This was explained in terms of self-aggregation related to hydrophobic interactions, pi stacking between the aromatic linkers, or possible hydrogen bonding between the chelates. The longitudinal (17)O relaxation rates of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes have been analysed with the Lipari-Szabo approach, leading to local rotational correlation times tau(1)(298) of 150-250 ps and global rotational correlation times tau(g)(298) of 1.6-3.4 ns (c(Gd): 20-50 mM), where tau(1)(298) is attributed to local motions of the Gd segments, while tau(g)(298) describes the overall motion of the aggregates. The aggregates can be partially disrupted by phosphate addition; however, at high concentrations phosphate interferes in the first coordination sphere by replacing the coordinated water. In contrast to the parent [Gd(DO3A)(H2O)(1.9)], which presents a hydration equilibrium between mono- and dihydrated species, a hydration number of q = 1 was established for the [Ln(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] chelates by (17)O chemical shift measurements on Ln = Gd and UV/Vis spectrophotometry for Ln = Eu. The exchange rate of the coordinated water is higher for [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes k(ex)(298) = 7.5-12.0 x 10(6) s(-1)) than for [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)](-). The proton relaxivity of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes strongly decreases with increasing pH. This is related to the deprotonation of the inner-sphere water, which has also been characterized by pH potentiometry. The protonation constants determined for this process are logK(OH) = 9.50 and 10.37 for [Gd(2)L(1)(H2O)(2)] and [Gd(2)L(3)(H2O)(2)], respectively.     

Synthesis of a bifunctional monophosphinic acid DOTA analogue ligand and its lanthanide(III) complexes. A gadolinium(III) complex endowed with an optimal water exchange rate for MRI applications

A new bifunctional octa-coordinating ligand containing an aminobenzyl moiety, DO3APABn (H4DO3APABn = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-4,7,10-triacetic-1-{methyl[(4-aminophenyl)methyl]phosphinic acid}), has been synthesized. Its lanthanide(III) complexes contain one water molecule in the first coordination sphere. The high-resolution 1H and 31P spectra of [Eu(H2O) (DO3APABn)]- show that the twisted square-antiprismatic form of the complexes is more abundant in respect to the corresponding Eu(III)-DOTA complex. The 1H NMRD and variable-temperature 17O relaxation measurements of [Gd(H2O)(DO3APABn)]- show that the water residence time is short (298tauM = 16 ns) and falls into the optimal range predicted by theory for the attainment of high relaxivities once this complex would be endowed by a slow tumbling rate. The relaxivity (298r1 = 6.7 mM(-1) s(-1) at 10 MHz) is higher than expected as a consequence of a significant contribution from the second hydration sphere. These results prompt the use of [Gd(H2O)(DO3APABn)]- as a building block for the set-up of highly efficient macromolecular MRI contrast agents.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic, DSS cell, lifetime measurement, electrochemical, catecholase activity, and antimicrobial studies of mono and hetero binuclear cryptates

Mono and hetero binuclear cryptates, [GdML(DMF)] [M = VO(IV), Co(II), Cu(II)], were synthesized. The ligand L represents the deprotonated anionic cryptate obtained by the 2+3 condensation of tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine with 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol. The crystal structure of [GdL(NO₃)](NO₃)₂·H₂O was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The magnetic susceptibility of the complexes was measured by SQUID. The Gd(III)Cu(II) cryptate has ferromagnetic interaction and [Gd(III)VO(IV)] cryptate has weaker intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction. Fluorescence intensity and excited state lifetime of the cryptates increase in the following order: [GdCoL] < [GdVOL] < [GdL] < [GdCuL]. The efficiency (η) of cryptate based dye-sensitized solar cell increases in the following order: [GdL] < [GdVOL] < [GdCoL] < [GdCuL]. The reduction potential values of [Gd(M)L] M = VO(IV), Co(II), Cu(II) complexes are in the following order: Cu(II) > Co(II) > VO(IV). The catecholase activity of binuclear [GdML] complexes are relatively high compared with the mononuclear [Gd(III)L] complex in the following order: [GdL] < [GdVOL] < [GdCoL] < [GdCuL]. The antimicrobial activity of the binuclear complex Gd(III)Cu(II) is relatively higher than the mononuclear and other binuclear complexes.     

Equilibrium and NMR studies on GdIII, YIII, CuII and ZnII complexes of various DTPA-N,N'-bis(amide) ligands. Kinetic stabilities of the gadolinium(III) complexes

Three DTPA-derivative ligands, the non-substituted DTPA-bis(amide) (L(0)), the mono-substituted DTPA-bis(n-butylamide) (L(1)) and the di-substituted DTPA-bis[bis(n-butylamide)] (L(2)) were synthesized. The stability constants of their Gd3+ complexes (GdL) have been determined by pH-potentiometry with the use of EDTA or DTPA as competing ligands. The endogenous Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions form ML, MHL and M(2)L species. For the complexes CuL(0) and CuL(1) the dissociation of the amide hydrogens (CuLH(-1)) has also been detected. The stability constants of complexes formed with Gd3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ increase with an increase in the number of butyl substituents in the order ML(0) < ML(1) < ML(2). NMR studies of the diamagnetic YL(0) show the presence of four diastereomers formed by changing the chirality of the terminal nitrogens of their enantiomers. At 323 K, the enantiomerization process, involving the racemization of central nitrogen, falls into the fast exchange range. By the assignment and interpretation of 1H and 13C NMR spectra, the fractions of the diastereomers were found to be equal at pH = 5.8 for YL(0). The kinetic stabilities of GdL(0), GdL(1) and GdL(2) have been characterized by the rates of the exchange reactions occurring between the complexes and Eu3+, Cu2+ or Zn2+. The rates of reaction with Eu3+ are independent of the [Eu3+] and increase with increasing [H+], indicating the rate determining role of the proton assisted dissociation of complexes. The rates of reaction with Cu2+ and Zn2+ increase with rising metal ion concentration, which shows that the exchange can take place with direct attack of Cu2+ or Zn2+ on the complex, via the formation of a dinuclear intermediate. The rates of the proton, Cu2+ and Zn2+ assisted dissociation of Gd3+ complexes decrease with increasing number of the n-butyl substituents, which is presumably the result of steric hindrance hampering the formation or dissociation of the intermediates. The kinetic stabilities of GdL(0) and GdL(1) at pH = 7.4, [Cu2+] = 1 x 10(-6) M and [Zn(2+)] = 1 x 10(-5) M are similar to that of Gd(DTPA)2-, while the complex GdL2 possesses a much higher kinetic stability.     

Lanthanide(III) complexes of novel mixed carboxylic-phosphorus acid derivatives of diethylenetriamine: a step towards more efficient MRI contrast agents

Three novel phosphorus-containing analogues of H(5)DTPA (DTPA = diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) were synthesised (H6L1, H5L2, H5L3). These compounds have a -CH2-P(O)(OH)-R function (R = OH, Ph, CH2NBn2) attached to the central nitrogen atom of the diethylenetriamine backbone. An NMR study reveals that these ligands bind to lanthanide(III) ions in an octadentate fashion through the three nitrogen atoms, a P-O oxygen atom and four carboxylate oxygen atoms. The complexed ligand occurs in several enantiomeric forms due to the chirality of the central nitrogen atom and the phosphorus atom upon coordination. All lanthanide complexes studied have one coordinated water molecule. The residence times (tau(M)298) of the coordinated water molecules in the gadolinium(III) complexes of H6L1 and H5L2 are 88 and 92 ns, respectively, which are close to the optimum. This is particularly important upon covalent and noncovalent attachment of these Gd(3+) chelates to polymers. The relaxivity of the complexes studied is further enhanced by the presence of at least two water molecules in the second coordination sphere of the Gd(3+) ion, which are probably bound to the phosphonate/phosphinate moiety by hydrogen bonds. The complex [Gd(L3)(H2O)](2-) shows strong binding ability to HSA, and the adduct has a relaxivity comparable to MS-325 (40 s(-1) mM(-1) at 40 MHz, 37 degrees C) even though it has a less favourable tau(M) value (685 ns). Transmetallation experiments with Zn(2+) indicate that the complexes have a kinetic stability that is comparable to-or better than-those of [Gd(dtpa)(H2O)](2-) and [Gd(dtpa-bma)(H2O)].     

Fine-tuning water exchange on Gd(III) poly(amino carboxylates) by modulation of steric crowding

In the objective of optimizing water exchange rate on stable, nine-coordinate, monohydrated Gd(III) poly(amino carboxylate) complexes, we have prepared monopropionate derivatives of DOTA4- (DO3A-Nprop4-) and DTPA5- (DTTA-Nprop5-). A novel ligand, EPTPA-BAA(3-), the bisamylamide derivative of ethylenepropylenetriamine-pentaacetate (EPTPA5-) was also synthesized. A variable temperature 17O NMR study has been performed on their Gd(III) complexes, which, for [Gd(DTTA-Nprop)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(EPTPA-BAA)(H2O)] has been combined with multiple field EPR and NMRD measurements. The water exchange rates, k(ex)(298), are 8.0 x 10(7) s(-1), 6.1 x 10(7) s(-1) and 5.7 x 10(7) s(-1) for [Gd(DTTA-Nprop)(H2O)]2-, [Gd(DO3A-Nprop)(H2O)]- and [Gd(EPTPA-BAA)(H2O)], respectively, all in the narrow optimal range to attain maximum proton relaxivities, provided the other parameters (electronic relaxation and rotation) are also optimized. The substitution of an acetate with a propionate arm in DTPA5- or DOTA4- induces increased steric compression around the water binding site and thus leads to an accelerated water exchange on the Gd(III) complex. The k(ex) values on the propionate complexes are, however, lower than those obtained for [Gd(EPTPA)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(TRITA)(H2O)]- which contain one additional CH(2) unit in the amine backbone as compared to the parent [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]-. In addition to their optimal water exchange rate, [Gd(DTTA-Nprop)(H2O)]2- has, and [Gd(DO3A-Nprop)(H2O)]- is expected to have sufficient thermodynamic stability. These properties together make them prime candidates for the development of high relaxivity, macromolecular MRI contrast agents.     

Formation and reactivity of the Os(IV)-azidoimido complex, PPN[Os(IV)(bpy)(Cl)(3)(N(4))

Reactions between the Os(VI)-nitrido complexes, [OsVI(L2)(Cl)3(N)] (L2 = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) ([1]), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Me2bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Ph2phen)), and bis-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium azide (PPNN3) in dry CH3CN at 60 degrees C under N2 give the corresponding Os(IV)-azidoimido complexes, [OsIV(L2)(Cl)3(NN3)]- (L2 = bpy = [2]-, L2 = Me2bpy = [3]-, L2 = phen = [4]-, and L2 = Ph2phen = [5]-) as their PPN+ salts. The formulation of the N42- ligand has been substantiated by 15N-labeling, IR, and 15N NMR measurements. Hydroxylation of [2]- at Nalpha with O<--NMe3.3H2O occurs to give the Os(IV)-azidohydroxoamido complex, [OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(N(OH)N3)] ([6]), which, when deprotonated, undergoes dinitrogen elimination to give the Os(II)-dinitrogen oxide complex, [OsII(bpy)(Cl)3(N2O)]- ([7]-). They are the first well-characterized examples of each kind of complex for Os.     

Water exchange on seven-coordinate Mn(II) complexes with macrocyclic pentadentate ligands: insight in the mechanism of Mn(II) SOD mimetics

Seven-coordinate manganese(II) complexes [Mn(L)(H2O)2]2+, where L represents an equatorial pentadentate macrocyclic ligand with five nitrogen donor atoms, were studied with regard to their acid-base properties, water-exchange rate constants, and corresponding activation parameters (DeltaH, DeltaS, and DeltaV). Three of the studied complexes without imine bonds in the macrocyclic ligand are proven superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics. Their water-exchange parameters were compared with those of the imino groups containing complex [Mn(L1)(Cl)2] (dichloro-2,13-dimethyl-3,6,9,12,18-pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1]-octadeca-1(18),2,12,14,16-pentaenemanganese(II)), which does not show SOD activity. In addition the X-ray crystal structure of a new complex, dichloro-2,6-bis[1-(2-(N-methylamino)ethylimino)ethyl]pyridine-manganese(II) [Mn(L2)(Cl)2], which is the acyclic analog of [Mn(L1)(Cl)2], is reported. Stability constants of the complexes and the pKa values of the ligands were measured by potentiometric titration. The titrations of [Mn(L1)(H2O)2]2+ and [Mn(L2)(H2O)2]2+ led to complicated species distribution curves because of their ligands containing imine bonds. Water exchange was measured by temperature- and pressure-dependent 17O NMR techniques. In addition to the measurements on [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)]2- and its derivatives, this is the only study of water exchange on seven-coordinate manganese complexes. The water exchange rate constants vary between 1.6 x 107 s-1 and 5.8 x 107 s-1 at 25 degrees C and are mainly controlled by the pi-acceptor abilities of the ligands. The exchange rate constant of the diaqua-1,4,7,10,13-pentaazacyclopentadecanemanganese(II) [Mn([15]aneN5)(H2O)2]2+ complex seems to be even higher but could not be exactly determined. On the basis of the obtained activation parameters, the exchange mechanism of the studied seven-coordinate manganese(II) complexes follows a dissociative pathway (Id mechanism). DFT calculations (UB3LYP/LANL2DZp) were performed to obtain the energy required for the dissociation of the coordinated water molecule, that is, the energy difference between the starting seven-coordinate complex and a six-coordinate intermediate. The results have been discussed in terms of the catalytic mechanism of the proven SOD mimetics.     

A benzene-core trinuclear GdIII complex: towards the optimization of relaxivity for MRI contrast agent applications at high magnetic field

A novel ligand, H(12)L, based on a trimethylbenzene core bearing three methylenediethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate moieties (-CH(2)DTTA(4-)) for Gd(3+) chelation has been synthesized, and its trinuclear Gd(3+) complex [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) investigated with respect to MRI contrast agent applications. A multiple-field, variable-temperature (17)O NMR and proton relaxivity study on [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) yielded the parameters characterizing water exchange and rotational dynamics. On the basis of the (17)O chemical shifts, bishydration of Gd(3+) could be evidenced. The water exchange rate, k(ex)(298)=9.0+/-3.0 s(-1) is around twice as high as k(ex)(298) of the commercial [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) and comparable to those on analogous Gd(3+)-DTTA chelates. Despite the relatively small size of the complex, the rotational dynamics had to be described with the Lipari-Szabo approach, by separating global and local motions. The difference between the local and global rotational correlation times, tau(lO)(298)=170+/-10 ps and tau(gO)(298)=540+/-100 ps respectively, shows that [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) is not fully rigid; its flexibility originates from the CH(2) linker between the benzene core and the poly(amino carboxylate) moiety. As a consequence of the two inner-sphere water molecules per Gd(3+), their close to optimal exchange rate and the appropriate size and limited flexibility of the molecule, [Gd(3)L(H(2)O)(6)](3-) has remarkable proton relaxivities when compared with commercial contrast agents, particularly at high magnetic fields (r(1)=21.6, 17.0 and 10.7 mM(-1)s(-1) at 60, 200 and 400 MHz respectively, at 25 degrees C; r(1) is the paramagnetic enhancement of the longitudinal water proton relaxation rate, referred to 1 mM concentration of Gd(3+)).     

Mixed transition metal-lanthanide complexes at high oxidation states: heteronuclear CeIVMnIV clusters

The syntheses of the first mixed-metal CeIVMnIV complexes are reported. [CeMn2O3(O2CMe)(NO3)4(H2O)2(bpy)2](NO3) (1; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) was obtained from the reaction of Mn(NO3)2.xH2O and bpy with (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 in a 1:1:2 molar ratio in 25% aqueous acetic acid. The complexes [CeMn6O9(O2CR)9(X)(H2O)2]y+ (R=Me, X=NO3-, y=0 (2); R=Me, X=MeOH, y=+1 (3); R=Et, X=NO3-, y=0 (7)) were obtained from reactions involving a [Mn(O2CR)2].4H2O/CeIV ratio of approximately 1:1.5 in concentrated aqueous carboxylic acid. A related reaction in less-concentrated aqueous acetic acid and in the presence of L (where L=2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine (mhpH), 2-pyrrolidinone (pyroH), or pyridine (py)) gave [Ce3Mn2O6(O2CMe)6(NO3)2(L)a(H2O)b] (L=mhpH, a=4, b=0 (4); L=pyroH, a=2, b=3 (5)) and {{(pyH)3[Ce3Mn2O6(O2CMe)7.5(NO3)3].(HO2CMe)0.5.(H2O)2}2(NO3)}n (6), respectively. Solid-state magnetic susceptibility (chiM) data for compounds 1, 4, and 5 were fit to the theoretical chiMT versus T expression for a MnIV2 complex derived using the isotropic Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian (H=-2J?1? 2) and the Van Vleck equation. The obtained fit parameters were (in the format J, g) 1, -45.7(3) cm(-1), 1.95(5); 4, -0.40(10) cm(-1), 2.0(1); and 5, -0.34(10) cm(-1), 2.0(1), where J is the exchange interaction constant between the two MnIV ions. The data for compound 3 were fit by a matrix diagonalization method that gave J1=-5.8 cm(-1), J2=-0.63 cm(-1), J3 approximately 0, and g=2.0(1), where J1 and J2 are the exchange interactions for the [MnIV2O2(Omicron2CMe)] and [MnIV2O(Omicron2CMe)2] units, respectively, and J3 for a uniform next-nearest-neighbor interaction. Theoretical estimates of the exchange constants in compounds 1 and 3 obtained with the ZILSH method were in excellent and good agreement, respectively, with the values obtained from fits of the magnetization data. The difference for 3 is assigned to the presence of the Ce4+ ion, and atomic bond indices obtained from the ZILSH calculations were used to rationalize the values of the various exchange constants based on metal-ligand bond strengths.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic studies of one-dimensional cyano-bridged Ln3+-Cr3+ complexes with bpy as a blocking ligand

The reaction of Ln(NO3)3.aq with K3[Cr(CN)6] and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) in a water/ethanol solution led to two families of complexes: 4 one-dimensional (1D) complexes of the formula trans-[Cr(CN)4(mu-CN)2Ln(H2O)3(bpy)2]n.4nH2O.3.5nbpy (Ln3+ = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) and 10 1D complexes of the formula trans-[Cr(CN)4(mu-CN)2Ln(H2O)4(bpy)]n.3.5nH2O.1.5nbpy (Ln3+ = Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu). The structures for the fourteen complexes [LaCr]n (1), [CeCr]n (2), [PrCr]n (3), [NdCr]n (4), [NdCr]n (4'), [SmCr]n (5), [EuCr]n (6), [TbCr]n (7), [DyCr]n (8), [HoCr]n (9), [ErCr]n (10), [TmCr]n (11), [YbCr]n (12), and [LuCr]n (13) have been solved. Complexes 1-4 crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam and are isomorphous; complexes 4'-13 crystallize in the triclinic space group PI and are isomorphous. The X-ray structural characterization of complexes 1-4 shows the presence of a discrete decameric water cluster built around a cyclic hexameric core stabilized by the solid-state structure, which represents another new mode of association of water molecules. The Ln3+-Cr3+ magnetic interaction is negligible in 6 and 12, antiferromagnetic in 2, 4', 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, and unresolved for 3. The complex 5 is a ferrimagnet because its magnetic studies suggest the onset of a very weak ferromagnetic three-dimensional ordering.     

Synthesis and complexation properties of DTPA-N,N''-bis[bis(n-butyl)]-N'-methyl-tris(amide). Kinetic stability and water exchange of its Gd3+ complex

A novel DTPA-tris(amide) derivative ligand, DTPA-N,N'-bis[bis(n-butyl)]-N'-methyl-tris(amide)(H2L3) was synthesized. With Gd3+, it forms a positively charged [Gd(L3)]+ complex, whereas with Cu2+ and Zn2+ [ML3], [MHL3]+ and [M2L3]2+ species are formed. The protonation constants of H2L3 and the stability constants of the complexes were determined by pH potentiometry. The stability constants are lower than those for DTPA-N,N'-bis[bis(n-butyl)amide)](H3L2), due to the lower negative charge and reduced basicity of the amine nitrogens in (L3)2-. The kinetic stability of [Gd(L3)]+ was characterised by the rates of metal exchange reactions with Eu3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. The exchange reactions, which occur via proton and metal ion assisted dissociation of [Gd(L3)]+, are significantly slower than for [Gd(DTPA)]2-, since the amide groups cannot be protonated and interact only weakly with the attacking metal ions. The relaxivities of [Gd(L2)] and [Gd(L3)]+ are constant between 10-20 degrees C, indicating a relatively slow water exchange. Above 25 degrees C, the relaxivities decrease, similarly to other Gd3+ DTPA-bis(amide) complexes. The pH dependence of the relaxivities for [Gd(L3)]+ shows a minimum at pH approximately 9, thus differs from the behaviour of Gd3+-DTPA-bis(amides) which have constant relaxivities at pH 3-8 and an increase below and above. The water exchange rates for [Gd(L2)(H2O)] and [Gd(L3)(H2O)]+, determined from a variable temperature (17)O NMR study, are lower than that for [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2-. This is a consequence of the lower negative charge and decreased steric crowding at the water binding site in amides as compared to carboxylate analogues. Substitution of the third acetate of DTPA5- with an amide, however, results in a less pronounced decrease in kex than substitution of the first two acetates. The activation volumes derived from a variable pressure (17)O NMR study prove a dissociative interchange and a limiting dissociative mechanism for [Gd(L2)(H2O)] and [Gd(L3)(H2O)]+, respectively.     

Isoquinoline-based lanthanide complexes: bright NIR optical probes and efficient MRI agents

In the objective of developing ligands that simultaneously satisfy the requirements for MRI contrast agents and near-infrared emitting optical probes that are suitable for imaging, three isoquinoline-based polyaminocarboxylate ligands, L1, L2 and L3, have been synthesized and the corresponding Gd(3+), Nd(3+) and Yb(3+) complexes investigated. The specific challenge of the present work was to create NIR emitting agents which (i) have excitation wavelengths compatible with biological applications and (ii) are able to emit a sufficient number of photons to ensure sensitive NIR detection for microscopic imaging. Here we report the first observation of a NIR signal arising from a Ln(3+) complex in aqueous solution in a microscopy setup. The lanthanide complexes have high thermodynamic stability (log K(LnL) =17.7-18.7) and good selectivity for lanthanide ions versus the endogenous cations Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and Ca(2+) thus preventing transmetalation. A variable temperature and pressure (17)O NMR study combined with nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion measurements yielded the microscopic parameters characterizing water exchange and rotation. Bishydration of the lanthanide cation in the complexes, an important advantage to obtain high relaxivity for the Gd(3+) chelates, has been demonstrated by (17)O chemical shifts for the Gd(3+) complexes and by luminescence lifetime measurements for the Yb(3+) analogues. The water exchange on the three Gd(3+) complexes is considerably faster (k(ex)(298) = (13.9-15.4) × 10(6) s(-1)) than on commercial Gd(3+)-based contrast agents and proceeds via a dissociative mechanism, as evidenced by the large positive activation volumes for GdL1 and GdL2 (+10.3 ± 0.9 and +10.6 ± 0.9 cm(3) mol(-1), respectively). The relaxivity of GdL1 is doubled at 40 MHz and 298 K in fetal bovine serum (r(1) = 16.1 vs 8.5 mM(-1) s(-1) in HEPES buffer), due to hydrophobic interactions between the chelate and serum proteins. The isoquinoline core allows for the optimization of the optical properties of the luminescent lanthanide complexes in comparison to the pyridinic analogues and provides significant shifts of the excitation energies toward lower values which therefore become more adapted for biological applications. L2 and L3 bear two methoxy substituents on the aromatic core in ortho and para positions, respectively, that further modulate their electronic structure. The Nd(3+) and Yb(3+) complexes of the ligand L3, which incorporates the p-dimethoxyisoquinoline moiety, can be excited up to 420 nm. This wavelength is shifted over 100 nm toward lower energy in comparison to the pyridine-based analogue. The luminescence quantum yields of the Nd(3+) (0.013-0.016%) and Yb(3+) chelates (0.028-0.040%) are in the range of the best nonhydrated complexes, despite the presence of two inner sphere water molecules. More importantly, the 980 nm NIR emission band of YbL3 was detected with a good sensitivity in a proof of concept microscopy experiment at a concentration of 10 μM in fetal bovine serum. Our results demonstrate that even bishydrated NIR lanthanide complexes can emit a sufficient number of photons to ensure sensitive detection in practical applications. In particular, these ligands containing an aromatic core with coordinating pyridine nitrogen can be easily modified to tune the optical properties of the NIR luminescent lanthanide complexes while retaining good complex stability and MRI characteristics for the Gd(3+) analogues. They constitute a highly versatile platform for the development of bimodal MR and optical imaging probes based on a simple mixture of Gd(3+) and Yb(3+)/Nd(3+) complexes using an identical chelator. Given the presence of two inner sphere water molecules, important for MRI applications of the corresponding Gd(3+) analogues, this result is particularly exciting and opens wide perspectives not only for NIR imaging based on Ln(3+) ions but also for the design of combined NIR optical and MRI probes.     

Rigid MIIL2Gd2III (M = Fe, Ru) complexes of a terpyridine-based heteroditopic chelate: a class of candidates for MRI contrast agents

Rigid chelates of high-molecular weight, [M(tpy-DTTA)2]6- (M = Fe, Ru), are obtained upon self-assembly around one M(II) ion of two terpyridine-based molecules substituted in the 4'-position with the polyaminocarboxylate diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate, tpy-DTTA4-. The protonation constants of tpy-DTTA4- (log K1 = 8.65(4), log K2 = 7.63(4), log K3 = 5.25(6), log K4 = 3.30(7)) and [Fe(tpy-DTTA)2]6- (log K1 = 8.40(4), log K2 = 7.26(4)) have been determined by potentiometry, 1H NMR and UV-vis titrations. The thermodynamic stability constant log K(GdL) of [Fe(tpy-DTTA)2Gd2(H2O)4] measured at 25 degrees C by potentiometry is 10.87. This relatively low value is due to the direct linkage of the polyaminocarboxylate part to the electron-withdrawing terpyridine. UV-vis absorbance spectra of [M(tpy-DTTA)2Gd2(H2O)4] and 1H NMR spectra of [M(tpy-DTTA)2Eu2(H2O)4] revealed similar solution behavior of the Fe and Ru complexes. An I(d) water-exchange mechanism (DeltaV++ = +6.8 +/- 1 cm3 mol(-1)) with a rate constant of k(ex)298 = (5.1 +/- 0.3) x 10(6) s(-1) has been found for [Fe(tpy-DTTA)2Gd2(H2O)4] by 17O NMR. A slow rotational correlation time (tau(RO) = 410 +/- 10 ps) and the presence of two water molecules (q = 2) in the coordination inner-sphere of each Gd(III) ion have also been determined for this complex. A remarkably high relaxivity has been observed for both [M(tpy-DTTA)2Gd2(H2O)4] complexes (at 20 MHz and 37 degrees C, r(1) = 15.7 mM(-1) s(-1) for the Fe complex, and r(1) = 15.6 mM(-1) s(-1) for the Ru complex).     

Syntheses and properties of emissive iridium(III) complexes with tridentate benzimidazole derivatives

A series of novel emissive Ir(III) complexes having the coordination environments of [Ir(N--N--N)2]3+, [Ir(N--N--N)(N--N)Cl]2+, and [Ir(N--N--N)(N--C--N)]2+ with 2,6-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (L1, N--N--N), 1,3-bis(1-methyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (L2H, N--C--N), 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (ttpy, N--N--N), and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, N--N) have been synthesized and their photophysical and electrochemical properties studied. The Ir(III) complexes exhibited phosphorescent emissions in the 500-600 nm region, with lifetimes ranging from approximately 1-10 micros at 295 K. Analysis of the 0-0 energies and the redox potentials indicated that the lowest excited state of [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ possessed the highest contribution of 3MLCT (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer) among the Ir(III) complexes, reflecting the sigma-donating ability of the tridentate ligand, ttpy < L1 < L2. The emission quantum yields (phi) of the Ir(III) complexes ranged from 0.037 to 0.19, and the highest phi value (0.19) was obtained for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+. Radiative rate constants (k(r)) were 1.2 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)2]3+, 3.7 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.8 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(ttpy)(bpy)Cl]2+, 3.9 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)2]3+, and 6.6 x 10(4) s(-1) for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+. The highest radiative rate for [Ir(L1)(L2)]2+ with the highest contribution of 3MLCT could be explained in terms of the singlet-triplet mixing induced by spin-orbit coupling of 5d electrons in the MLCT electronic configurations.     

Preparation and reactivity of mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) hydride complexes with phosphites and polypyridyls

Chloro complexes [RuCl(N-N)P3]BPh4 (1-3) [N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine, bpy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen; 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 5,5'-Me2bpy; P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2 and PPh2OEt] were prepared by allowing the [RuCl4(N-N)].H2O compounds to react with an excess of phosphite in ethanol. The bis(bipyridine) [RuCl(bpy)2[P(OEt)3]]BPh4 (7) complex was also prepared by reacting RuCl2(bpy)2.2H2O with phosphite and ethanol. Treatment of the chloro complexes 1-3 and 7 with NaBH4 yielded the hydride [RuH(N-N)P3]BPh4 (4-6) and [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4 (8) derivatives, which were characterized spectroscopically and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of [RuH(bpy)[P(OEt)3]3]BPh4 (4a). Protonation reaction of the new hydrides with Br?nsted acid was studied and led to dicationic [Ru(eta2-H2)(N-N)P3]2+ (9, 10) and [Ru(eta(2-H2)(bpy)2P]2+ (11) dihydrogen derivatives. The presence of the eta2-H2 ligand was indicated by a short T(1 min) value and by the measurements of the J(HD) in the [Ru](eta2-HD) isotopomers. From T(1 min) and J(HD) values the H-H distances of the dihydrogen complexes were also calculated. A series of ruthenium complexes, [RuL(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 and [RuL(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (P = P(OEt)3; L = H2O, CO, 4-CH3C6H4NC, CH3CN, 4-CH3C6H4CN, PPh(OEt)2], was prepared by substituting the labile eta2-H2 ligand in the 9, 10, 11 derivatives. The reactions of the new hydrides 4-6 and 8 with both mono- and bis(aryldiazonium) cations were studied and led to aryldiazene [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(N-N)P3](BPh4)2 (19, 21), [[Ru(N-N)P3]2(mu-4,4'-NH=NC6H4-C6H4N=NH)](BPh4)4 (20), and [Ru(C6H5N=NH)(bpy)2P](BPh4)2 (22) derivatives. Also the heteroallenes CO2 and CS2 reacted with [RuH(bpy)2P]BPh4, yielding the formato [Ru[eta1-OC(H)=O](bpy)2P]BPh4 and dithioformato [Ru[eta1-SC(H)=S](bpy)2P]BPh4 derivatives.