Benzoylformyl Complexes of Iron and Molybdenum

Benzoylformyl complexes CpMo(COCOPh)(CO)₃ (1) and CpFe(COCOPh)(CO)₂ (2) were prepared by the reactions of [CpMo(CO)₃]^? and [CpFe(CO)₂]^? ions with PhCOCOCl, respectively. The single-crystal structure of complex 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction with crystal data: P2₁/c, a = 6.674 (3) Å, b = 13.301 (4) Å, c= 16.903(6) Å, β = 90.82 (5)°,V = 1500(1) ų, Z = 4. Least-squares refinement on 894 reflections with I ≥ 2.0 σ(I) led to R = 0.041, R_W = 0.042. Complex 1 contains a near perpendicular s-trans oxalyl moiety in the benzoylformyl ligand with the torsional angle O4-C4-C5-O5 being 104 (1)°. The iron complex suffers spontaneous decarbonylation at 25 °C to yield CpFe(COPh)(CO)₂.     

Ionic Solvation in Aqueous and Nonaqueous Solutions

Summary.  The history of studies on ionic solvation is briefly reviewed, and structural and dynamic properties of solvated ions in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions are discussed. An emphasis is placed on ionic solvation in nonaqueous mixed solvents in which preferential solvation of ions takes place. A new parameter for expressing the degree of preferential solvation of an ion is proposed. Received January 16, 2001. Accepted January 31, 2001     

Influence of the Solvation Upon the Reaction of α-Cyclodextrin with Carboxylic Acids,Their Methyl Esters,and Their Sodium Salts in Aqueous Solution Studied by Calorimetric Measurements

The complex formation of α-cyclodextrin with carboxylic acids, their methyl esters, and their sodium salts has been studied using calorimetric titrations. The stronger solvation of the carboxylic sodium salts compared with the free acid or their methyl esters lowers the values of the reaction enthalpy and entropy. Complex formation is influenced in the positive direction by the release of “high-energy water” from the cavity of α-cyclodextrin. The values of the reaction enthalpy and entropy increase for the complex formation of α-cyclodextrin with increasing chain length of the carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and reach an approximately constant upper limit in the case of five methylene groups.     

Acyl and α-Ketoacyl Complexes of Pt(II) with Weak Donor Ligands

Treatment of trans-Pt(COCOPh)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂ (1a) with AgBF₄in THF led to the formation of a metastatic complex trans-[Pt(COCOPh)(THF)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (2) which readily underwent ligand substitution to give a cationic aqua complex trans-[Pt(COCOPh)(OH₂)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (5a). Complex 5a has been characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. Analogous reaction of trans-Pt(COCOOMe)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂ (1b) with Ag(CF₃SO₃) in dried CH₂C1₂ was found first to yield a methoxyoxalyl triflato complextrans-Pt(COCOOMe)(OTf)(PPh₃)₂ (6). Attempts to crystallize the triflato product in CH₂-cl₂hexane under ambient conditions also afforded an aqua complex of the triflate salt f/wu-[Pt(COCOOMe)(OH₂)(PPhj)₂](CF₃SO₃) (5b). Complex 5a in a noncoordinating solvent such as CH₂C1₂ or CHCl₃ suffered spontaneous decarbonylation to form first cis-[Pt(COPh)(CO)(PPh₃)₂l(BF₄) (3a) then the thermodynamically stable isomer trans-[Pt(COPh)(CO)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (3b). Crystallization of complex 3b under ambient conditions resulted in an aqua benzoyl complex trans-[Pt(COPh)(OH₂)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (7). The replacement of the H_2O ligand in complex 7 by CO was done simply by bubbling CO into the solution of 7. The single crystal structures of 5b and 7 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The distances of the Pt-O bonds in 5a, 5b, and 7 support that the aqua ligand is a weak donor in such cationic aquaorganoplatinum(lI) complexes, in agreement with their lability to the substitution reactions.     

Neighbor Group Hydration Effects on Carboxylate Basicities in Partly Aqueous Solutions

Protonation constants of carboxylate groups in a variety of compounds were determined in 1,4-dioxane + water solvent mixtures and have been found to depend on the local solvent composition, and their values are modified by adjacent moieties with diferent polarity occurring on the compounds. A relationship has been found between log₁₀K values and solvent composition, and by the neighboring group. Using acetic acid as a reference compound, the extent of the local hydration effect was estimated, and it has been found to be strong for α-ammonium sites, and moderate for nearby peptide and thiol groups. On the other hand, an extra methylene moiety has been found to bring about a moderate dehydration effect. The observed hydration/dehydration effects were observed in the 12–40 mole% range of the actual bulk solvent composition.     

Hydrated Electron Transfer to Nucleobases in Aqueous Solutions Revealed by Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We present an ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation study into the transfer dynamics of an excess electron from its cavity‐shaped hydrated electron state to a hydrated nucleobase (NB)‐bound state. In contrast to the traditional view that electron localization at NBs (G/A/C/T), which is the first step for electron‐induced DNA damage, is related only to dry or prehydrated electrons, and a fully hydrated electron no longer transfers to NBs, our AIMD simulations indicate that a fully hydrated electron can still transfer to NBs. We monitored the transfer dynamics of fully hydrated electrons towards hydrated NBs in aqueous solutions by using AIMD simulations and found that due to solution‐structure fluctuation and attraction of NBs, a fully hydrated electron can transfer to a NB gradually over time. Concurrently, the hydrated electron cavity gradually reorganizes, distorts, and even breaks. The transfer could be completed in about 120–200 fs in four aqueous NB solutions, depending on the electron‐binding ability of hydrated NBs and the structural fluctuation of the solution. The transferring electron resides in the π*‐type lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the NB, which leads to a hydrated NB anion. Clearly, the observed transfer of hydrated electrons can be attributed to the strong electron‐binding ability of hydrated NBs over the hydrated electron cavity, which is the driving force, and the transfer dynamics is structure‐fluctuation controlled. This work provides new insights into the evolution dynamics of hydrated electrons and provides some helpful information for understanding the DNA‐damage mechanism in solution.     

Partial Molar Volumes and Partial Molar Adiabatic Compressibilities of Fe(III) Tetrafluoroborate Complexes with DMSO, Pyridine, and Pyridine Derivatives

The apparent and limiting apparent molar volumes of dilute aqueous solutions of KBF₄, and the complexes [Fe(DMSO)₆](BF₄)₃, [Fe(Py)₄(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃, [Fe(4-Mepy)₂(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃, and [Fe(4-Etpy)₂(H₂O)₂](BF₄)₃ were determined from density data measured at 5, 15, and 25°C. The apparent and limiting apparent molar adiabatic compressibilities of these complexes were determined from ultrasonic sound velocities measured at the same temperatures in dilute aqueous solutions. The volume change associated with complex formation is discussed in terms of the nature of the coordinate bond and also the role of the central metal atom and ligands in the solvation behavior of these complexes.     

Nanomechanics of Poly(catecholamine) Coatings in Aqueous Solutions

Mussel‐inspired self‐polymerized catecholamine coatings have been widely utilized as a versatile coating strategy that can be applied to a variety of substrates. For the first time, nanomechanical measurements and an evaluation of the contribution of primary amine groups to poly(catecholamine) coatings have been conducted using a surface‐forces apparatus. The adhesive strength between the poly(catecholamine) layers is 30‐times higher than that of a poly(catechol) coating. The origin of the strong attraction between the poly(catecholamine) layers is probably due to surface salt displacement by the primary amine, π–π stacking (the quadrupole–quadrupole interaction of indolic crosslinks), and cation–π interactions (the monopole–quadrupole interaction between positively charged amine groups and the indolic crosslinks). The contribution of the primary amine group to the catecholamine coating is vital for the design and development of mussel‐inspired catechol‐based coating materials.     

One‐pot Preparation,Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Mercury(II) Complexes of Bulky Diimines with Halides and Pseudohalides

The preparation and characterization of two novel HgCl₂ and Hg(SCN)₂ complexes with bis[N‐(2‐tert‐butylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene is here described. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields of 75 % and 81 %, respectively. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, i.r. and ¹HNMR spectroscopy, and by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes present similar characteristics, the most outstanding being the formation of dimers via intermolecular interaction. Whereas the HgCl₂ complex shows a unidimensional network due to strong π–π interactions, its Hg(SCN)₂ counterpart displays a supramolecular arrangement resulting from non classical hydrogen bond formation.     

Direct Conjugate Addition of Alkynes with α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by NCN‐Pincer Ru Complexes

NCN‐pincer Ru‐complexes containing bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl ligands serve as suitable catalysts in the direct conjugate additions of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds, including ketones, esters, and amides, as well as vinylphosphonates, giving various β‐alkynyl carbonyl and phosphonate compounds. A bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl (phebox)–Ru complex also catalyzes the asymmetric conjugate addition of an alkyne with a β‐substituted, α,β‐unsaturated ketone to produce a chiral β‐alkynyl ketone.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of ZnII α‐Diimine Complexes with Chloride and Thiocyanate Co‐Ligands

The preparation and spectroscopic and structural characterization of three Zn^II complexes with bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L¹, and with bis[N‐(2‐ethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L², are decribed herein. Two of the complexes were prepared from ZnCl₂ and the third from Zn(NCS)₂. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes are significantly different, with the chloride‐containing species forming distorted tetrahedra around the metal, whereas its thiocyanate analog is dimeric, with each metal at the center of a distorted square pyramid, with bridging and terminal [SCN]^– ligands.     

Highly Efficient Synthesis of α‐Halomethylketones via Ce(SO4)2/Acid Co‐Catalyzed Hydration of Alkynes

A general atom‐economical approach for the synthesis of α‐halomethyl ketones is demonstrated through Ce(SO₄)₂/acid co‐catalyzed hydration of a wide range of haloalkynes. The reactions are conducted under convenient conditions and provide products with excellent regioselectivity in good to excellent yields, with broad substrate scope. This protocol is an alternative to conventional α‐halogenation of ketones.     

The Hydrophobic and Metal-Ion Coordinating Properties of α-Lipoic Acid—An Example of Intramolecular Equilibria in Metal-Ion Complexes

Hydrophobic interactions as structure determining factors for macromolecules are well-known in biochemistry. Considerably less recognized is the fact that these law-energy interactions may also determine the structure of low-molecular species. The same applies for weak ligand-metal ion interactions. That both these factors may lead to intramolecular, contraction-independent equilibria between isomeric metal-ion complexes is demostrated with α-lipoic acid as ligand. This cofactor affers metal ions two different binding sites: the carboxylate group and the disulfide linkage. The carboxylate group dominates the coordinating properties of this ligand towards the biologically important metal ions, but a disulfide-metal ion interaction is still possible and under sterically favourable conditions may becomevery important; this could also be true under enzymic conditions here the carboxyl group is no longer free but amide-liked to the protein. Furthermore, due to the valeric acid side chain, the lipoyl moiety is ideally suited to undergo hydrophobic ligand-ligand interactions in mixed-ligand complexes. Such hydrophobic interactions seem to be ideal to allwe migration, e.g., of the 14 Å long lipoyllysyl moiety, and also to caciliutate the correct ‘fixation’ at the surface of the enzyme.     

Conductometric Studies of Formation the Inclusion Complexes of Phenolic Acids with β-Cyclodextrin and 2-HP-β-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solutions

An attempt was made to evaluate the possibility of creating and assessing the stability of inclusion complexes of selected phenolic acids [trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (trans-p-coumaric acid), trans-3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid (trans-caffeic acid), trans-4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, (trans-ferulic acid) and trans-3-phenylacrylic acid (trans-cinnamic acid)] with β-cyclodextrin and 2-HP-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solutions in a wide temperature range 283.15 K–313.15 K. On the basis of the values of the limiting molar conductivity (Λ_CDNaDod), calculated from the experimental data, the values of the formation constants and the thermodynamic functions of formation (standard enthalpy, entropy, and Gibs standard enthalpy) of the studied complexes were determined. It has been found that the stability of the studied complexes increases with lowering of the molar mass of cyclodextrin and lowering of the temperature.     

Oxidation of Tricarbonyl (η1 η2-but-3-en-1-yl)iron(0)and Tricarbonyl (η3-allyl)iron(0) Anion Complexes with Dioxygen

The addition of reactive carbanions to tricarbonyl(η⁴-1,3-diene)iron(0) complexes proceeded at ?78 °C to give putative tricarbonyl(η¹,η²-but-3-en-1-y1)iron(0) anion complexes and at 25 °C to produce postulated tricarbonyl(η³-allyl)iron(O) anion complexes; trapping of reactive intermediates with dioxygen produced γ,δ-unsaturated acids and allylic alcohols, respectively.     

Hydration and Ion Pairing in Aqueous Sodium Oxalate Solutions

Dielectric spectra have been measured for aqueous sodium oxalate solutions up to the saturation concentration (0.04≤c [mmol L^?1]≤0.25) at 25 °C over the approximate frequency range 0.2≤ν [GHz]≤20. The spectra exhibit a process at about 1 GHz associated with the presence of ion pairs, in addition to the dominant solvent relaxation process at about 18 GHz. Detailed analysis of the solvent dispersion amplitude indicates that the oxalate ion is highly hydrated but that its solvation sheath is “fragile”, decreasing quickly with increasing solute concentration. The NaOx(aq)^? ion pair is shown to be of the double‐solvent‐separated (2SIP) type, with an infinite dilution association constant K_A=1.04±0.02. Analysis of the ion‐pair relaxation time as a function of solute concentration gave rate constants for the formation (k₁₂=(7.3±0.4)10⁹ L mol^?1 s^?1) and dissociation (k₂₁=(6.7±0.5)10⁸ s^?1) of the ion pair. These values are reasonably close to the diffusion‐controlled values predicted by the Eigen theory, consistent with a 2SIP structure for the ion pair.     

Diffusion Measurements vs. Chemical Shift Titration for Determination of Association Constants on the Example of Camphor–Cyclodextrin Complexes

Measurements on camphor–cyclodextrin complexes reveal that precise association constants are more easily determined by chemical shift titration. Diffusion measurements using HR-DOSY allow easy following of the complex composition at different concentration ratios and estimation of the binding energy. Linear dependence of the diffusion coefficients on the molecular mass of free and associated cyclodextrins has been observed in D₂O. The solution structures of α- and β-cyclodextrin complexes of camphor in D₂O were deduced from intermolecular cross-relaxation data. Different preferential orientation in the 2:1 α-CD and 1:1 β-CD species have been derived in contrast to the loose 1:1 complex with γ-CD. Proton NMR chemical shift values proved to be much more sensitive to diastereomeric complex formation than diffusion coefficients.     

Structural determination and complete NMR spectral assignments of a new diterpenoid obtained from triptonide by biotransformation

A new diterpenoid, 12β,13α‐dihydroxytriptonide, was obtained from the transformed culture of triptonide by Catharanthus roseus cell suspension cultures. The complete ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments of the compound were carried out by using DEPT, COSY, HSQC, g‐HMBC and NOESY techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The MoMo Quintuple Bond as a Ligand to Stabilize Transition‐Metal Complexes

Herein, we report the employment of the Mo? Mo quintuple bonded amidinate complex to stabilize Group 10 metal fragments {(Et₃P)₂M} (M=Pd, Pt) and give rise to the isolation of the unprecedented δ complexes. X‐ray analysis unambiguously revealed short contacts between Pd or Pt and two Mo atoms and a slight elongation of the Mo? Mo quintuple bond in these two compounds. Computational studies show donation of the Mo? Mo quintuple‐bond δ electrons to an empty σ orbital on Pd or Pt, and back‐donation from a filled Pd or Pt d_π orbital into the Mo? Mo δ* level (LUMO), consistent with the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model.