Two palladium(II) complexes based on Schiff base ligands: synthesis, characterization, luminescence, and catalytic activity

Two Pd(II) complexes involving Schiff base ligands, namely, [Pd(L1)₂] (1), [Pd₂(L₂)Cl₂] (2) [HL1 = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)methyl)-4,6-dibromophenol, L2 = N-(4-isopropylbenzylidene)-2,6-diisopropylbenzenamine] have been synthesized using solvothermal methods and characterized by elemental analysis, IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a mononuclear cyclometalated Pd(II) complex, whereas complex 2 is a μ-chloro-bridged dinuclear. Both 1 and 2 display photoluminescence in the solid state at 298 K and possess fluorescence lifetimes (τ ₁ = 86.40 ns, τ ₂ = 196.21 ns, τ ₃ = 1,923.31 ns at 768 nm for 1, τ ₁ = 69.92 ns, τ ₂ = 136.40 ns, τ ₃ = 1,714.26 ns at 570 nm for 2). The Suzuki reactions of 4-bromotoluene with phenylboronic acid by complexes 1–2 have also been studied.     

Two dinuclear copper(II) complexes based on 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole ligands: synthesis, crystal structures, and catalytic properties

Two new dinuclear copper(II) complexes, Cu₂(L1)₄(mal)₂(H₂O)₂ (1) (L1 = 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, mal = malonate), Cu₂(L2)₂(pydca)₂·4H₂O (2) (L2 = 1,5-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole)pentane, pydca = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu(II) atoms in 1 and 2 both have square pyramidal coordination geometry. In 1, the two similar mononuclear structures are linked by π–π stacking as well as multiple hydrogen bonding interactions to generate a 2D supramolecular layer, while complex 2 is connected with two different patterns of π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions into a 3D supramolecular network. The catalytic activities of 1 and 2 for the degradation of Congo red have been investigated.     

Insight into the acidic behavior of oxazolidin-2-one,its thione and selone analogs through computational techniques

Deprotonation thermochemistry of Oxazolidin-2-one (OXA), Oxazolidine-2-thione (OXA-S), and Oxazolidine-2-selone (OXA-Se) has been studied in order to find the most acidic site and relative acidities of these heterocyclics at various sites. The deprotonation enthalpies at MP2/6-311++G**//MP2/6-31+G* and B3LYP/6-31+G* levels, while the free energies for deprotonation process and pKa values at B3LYP/6-31+G* level both in gas and aqueous phase (using PCM continuum model) of the anions of the three heterocyclics have been computed at 298 K. Calculated aqueous phase pKa values of OXA vary by ~6–7 units from the experimental aqueous phase pKa values of OXA and its derivatives. The deprotonation at the nitrogen is favored in OXA over the carbon atoms in contrast to the OXA-S and OXA-Se where in the deprotonation at the carbon attached to the nitrogen is most preferred. Deprotonation at this carbon induces an important C–O bond rupture in OXA-S and OXA-Se promoting an energetically favored ring-opening process. The finding offers a rare case when C–H acidity is able to dominate over the N–H acidity. In order to explain the relative stabilities, relative acidities and deprotonation enthalpies various characteristics of these molecules as well as their anions such as molecular electrostatic potential surface (MEP), frontier molecular orbital (FMO) features, chemical hardness, softness have been governed. The three dimensional MEP maps and HOMO–LUMO orbitals encompassing these molecules yield a reliable relative stability and reactivity (in terms of acidity) map displaying the most probable regions for deprotonation. The differential distribution of the electrostatic potential over the neutral and anionic species of OXA, OXA-S, and OXA-Se molecules is authentically reflected by HOMO–LUMO orbitals and NBO charge distribution analysis. The lone pair occupancies, second order delocalization energies for orbital interactions and the distribution of atomic charges over the entire molecular framework as obtained from natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis are found to faithfully replicate the predictions from the MEP maps and HOMO–LUMO band gaps in respect of explaining the relative stabilities and acidities in most of the cases. Good linear correlations have been obtained between HOMO–LUMO gap and pKa values in the aqueous phase for OXA and OXA-S molecules.     

Excited state intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer of phenylethynyl-substituted 2′-hydroxychalcones

(E)-1-[2-Hydroxy-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]-3-[4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one (1), (E)-1-[2-hydroxy-4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (2), and (E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one (3), which belong to a new class of 2′-hydroxychalcones with phenylethynyl group(s) at the para position of the phenyl ring, were synthesized, and their photochemical properties were investigated. The lowest energy absorption band of 1 peaks at a longer wavelength (383 nm) with a much larger molar extinction coefficient (5.0 × 10⁴ M ^?1 cm^?1) than that of the parent 2′-hydroxychalcone (2′HC) (2.0 × 10⁴ M ^?1 cm^?1 at 318 nm). Upon photoexcitation, all three compounds underwent excited-state intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (ESIHT) to produce an excited tautomer that emitted fluorescence with a large Stokes shift in the longer wavelength region at 600–700 nm. The quantum yield of the tautomer fluorescence of 1 was not high at 298 K (Φ _f = 9.1 × 10^?5), but was highest among 2′HC and its analogues. The Φ _f values of 1–3 increased 10–30 fold upon reducing the temperature from 298 to 77 K.     

Synthesis of lanthanide(III) complexes appended with a diphenylphosphinamide and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two DOTA-based proligands bearing a pendant diphenylphosphinamide 4a and 4b were synthesised. Their Eu(III) complexes exhibit sensitised emission when excited at 270 nm via the diphenylphosphinamide chromophore. Hydration states of q = 1.5 were determined from excited state lifetime measurements (Eu.4a $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 1 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 6 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ; Eu.4b $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 6 7\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 1 8 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). In the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) (0.1 mM Eu.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA, pH 7.4) q = 0.4 for Eu.4a ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 3 4\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 7 5\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ) and q = 0.6 for Eu.4b ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 8 3\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1.0 5 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). Relaxivites (pH 7.4, 298 K, 20 MHz) of the Gd(III) complexes in the absence and presence of HSA (0.1 mM Gd.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA) were: Gd.4a (r ₁ = 7.6 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 11.7 mM^?1s^?1) and Gd.4b. (r ₁ = 7.3 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 16.0 mM^?1s^?1). These relatively modest increases in r ₁ are consistent with the change in inner-sphere hydration on binding to HSA shown by luminescence measurements on Eu.4a/b. Binding constants for HSA determined by the quenching of luminescence (Eu) and enhancement of relaxivity (Gd) were Eu.4a (27,000 M^?1 ± 12%), Eu.4b (32,000 M^?1 ± 14%), Gd.4a (21,000 M^?1 ± 15%) and Gd.4b (26,000 M^?1 ± 15%).     

Inclusion complex of α-cyclodextrin and the extended viologen dication: a model of an insulated molecular wire

An extended viologen dication 1, containing one viologen subunit, was used as a model for the inclusion complex formation between cyclodextrin (CD) molecules and molecular wires comprising several subunits. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements confirmed the formation of two types of the inclusion complexes 1:1 and 2:1 between αCD and 1 in the aqueous solution containing 20% of ethanol. The complex formation constants were obtained from the fluorescence spectral changes: K _a  = 25 ± 3 mM^?1 for [αCD–1] complex and K _a  = 0.21 ± 0.07 mM^?2 for [(αCD)₂–1] complex, respectively. Cyclodextrins βCD and γCD do not form the inclusion complexes with 1 in these aqueous solutions. The time-dependent differential capacitance measurements confirmed the adsorption of 1 in the form of a complex at the electrode/electrolyte interface. These studies were conducted with the aim to find the most suitable CD cavity that would separate individual molecular wires from each other on the electrode/electrolyte interface.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of four homochiral coordination polymers based on two chiral reduced Schiff base ligands

Four homochiral coordination polymers incorporating two chiral reduced Schiff base ligands, namely, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1), [Zn₂(L²)₂] (2), [Co(L²)(H₂O)] (3), and [Ni(L²)(H₂O)] (4) (H₂L¹ = N-(4-carboxyl)benzyl-l-alanine, H₂L² = N-(4-carboxyl)benzyl-l-leucine) have been obtained by hydrothermal methods and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that complex 1 exhibits a chain structure with 1D channels. Complexes 2–4 all are 3D network structures with 1D channels in which the isobutyl group of the ligand points toward to the channel. Complex 2 displays strong photoluminescent emission in the purple region.     

Nucleic Acid Binding Behavior and Cytotoxicity Properties of a Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complex

The binding of [Ru(IP)₂(dppz-11-CO₂Me)]²⁺ (1) {IP = imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, dppz-11-CO₂Me = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine-11-carboxylic acid methyl ester} to calf thymus DNA and yeast tRNA has been investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity, as well as equilibrium dialysis and circular dichroism. In addition, the antitumor activities of complex 1 have been evaluated by the MTT method. On the basis of the spectroscopic results, the binding mode of complex 1 to CT-DNA and yeast tRNA is intercalation. However, DNA binding with complex 1 is stronger than RNA binding with complex 1, and complex 1 is a better candidate for an enantioselective binder to CT-DNA than to yeast tRNA. These results indicate that the structures of DNA and RNA have significant effects on the binding behaviors of complex 1. Furthermore, complex 1 demonstrates different antitumor activities against selected cancer cell lines in vitro.     

Theoretical study on the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces of NH (X3Σ−) + HCNO reaction

Both the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the NH (X³Σ^?) + HCNO reaction have been investigated at the BMC-CCSD level based on the UB3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) structures. The results show that the title reaction is more favorable through the singlet potential energy surface than the triplet one. For the singlet potential energy surface of the NH (X³Σ^?) + HCNO reaction, the most feasible association of NH (X³Σ^?) with HCNO is found to be a non-barrier nitrogen-to-carbon attack forming the adduct a (trans-HNCHNO), which can isomerize to the adduct b (cis-HNCHNO). The most feasible channel is that the 1, 3-H shift with N2–H2 and C–N1 bonds cleavage associated with the N1–H2 bond formation of adduct a leads to the product P ₁ (HCN + HNO). Moreover, P ₂ (HNC + HNO) should be the competitive product. The other products, including P ₃ (NH₂ + NCO) and P ₄ (N₂H₂ + CO), are minor products. The product P ₁ can be obtained through two competitive channels Path 1: R → a → P ₁ and Path 3: R → b → d → P ₁ , whereas the product P ₂ can be formed through Path 2: R → b → d → P ₂ . At high temperatures, the nitrogen-to-nitrogen approach may become feasible. For the triplet potential energy surface of the NH (X³Σ^?) + HCNO reaction, the Path 10: R → ³ a → ³ a ₁ → P ₁ should be the most feasible pathway due to the less reaction steps and lower barriers. These conclusions will have impacts on further experimental investigations.     

Synthesis and characterization of palladium(II) and platinum(II) metal complexes with iminophosphine ligands: X-ray crystal structures of platinum(II) complexes and use of palladium(II) complexes as pre-catalysts in Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

The reactions of N-(2(diphenylphosphino) benzylidene) (phenyl) methanamine, Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₅H₄N, 1 and N-(2-(diphenylphosphino) (benzylidene) (thiophen-2-yl) methanamine, Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₄H₃S, 2 with MCl₂(cod) and MCl(cod)Me (M = Pd, Pt; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) yield the new complexes [M(Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₅H₄N)Cl₂], M = Pd1a, Pt1b, [M(Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₅H₄N)ClMe], M = Pd1c, Pt 1d, [M(Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)Cl₂], M = Pd2a, Pt 2b, and [M(Ph₂PPhNHCH₂-C₄H₃S)ClMe], M = Pd2c, Pt 2d, respectively. The new compounds were isolated as analytically pure crystalline solids and characterized by ³¹P-, ¹H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, electro spray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and elemental analysis. The representative solid-state molecular structures of the platinum complexes 1b and 2b were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and revealed that the complexes exhibit a slightly distorted square-planar geometry. Furthermore, the palladium complexes were tested as potential catalysts in the Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions.     

One- and two-dimensional cobalt(II) coordination polymers derived from flexible bis(benzimidazole) and aromatic carboxylate co-ligands

Two new coordination polymers, formulated as [Co(L1)(btec)_0.5] _n (1) and {[Co(L2)(bdc)]·H₂O} _n (2) (L1 = 1,3-bis(2-methylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, H₂bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, H₄btec = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, L2 = 1,3-bis(benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cobalt atoms present different environments, with a trigonal pyramidal geometry in 1 and a distorted octahedral configuration in 2. Complex 1 shows a 2D (4,4) network linked by L1 and btec^4? anions, giving an uninodal 4-connected sql topology with a point symbol of {4²·6²}, while complex 2 displays a 1D ladder-like chain structure, which is further assembled into a 3D supramolecular architecture via C–H···π hydrogen bonding interactions. The fluorescence properties of both complexes have been investigated in the solid state.     

Solubilization of cholesterol in aqueous solution by two β-cyclodextrin dimers and a negatively charged β-cyclodextrin derivative

Two βCD dimers (linked by succinic acid, 2, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA, 3, bridges) and a negatively charged monomer derivative of βCD, 1, have been synthesized and their ability to solubilize cholesterol in aqueous solution was studied. The three compounds exhibit a great capacity in solubilizing cholesterol as, for instance, concentrations up to 6 mM of cholesterol were measured in the presence of 25 mM of 3. The phase-solubility diagrams of the two dimers exhibit A _L type profiles while the monomer 1 follows an A _P isotherm. The cholesterol/dimer complexes have 1:1 stoicheiometries while monomer 1 forms two complexes with molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 (cholesterol/1). The equilibrium constants are K _1:1 = (5.9 ± 0.3) × 10⁴ M^?1 and K _1:1 = (8.8 ± 0.2) × 10⁴ M^?1 for 2 and 3, respectively, and K _1:1 = 73 ± 19 M^?1 and K _1:2 = 204 ± 65 M^?1 for 1. The comparison of K _1:1(3) with the product K _1:1 × K _1:2 (1) reveals that a chelate effect in binding the cholesterol by 3 exists. The structure of the cholesterol/3 complex was studied by ROESY experiments and by molecular dynamics simulations.     

Guest inclusion in cyclic imides containing flexible tethers

Guest inclusion properties of two cyclic imides which have carboxylic acids connected through flexible tether, namely, 4-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (1) and 4-(1,3-dioxo-1H,3H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2) are studied. The crystals of host 1 containing one molecule of 1, the crystals of 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) cocrystal of 1 containing one molecule of 1 and half molecule of bpy (1a), the crystals of 1,4-dioxane solvate of 1 containing two molecule of 1 and one and half molecule of 1,4-dioxane (1b) and the crystals of quinoline solvate of 1 containing one molecule of 1 and one molecule of quinoline (1c) in their crystallographic asymmetric units are investigated. Intermolecular hydrogen bonded two dimensional (2D) sheet structure of 1 and 3D channel network of 1b are comprised of cyclic R ₂ ² (8) hydrogen bond motifs; whereas cleavage of dimeric carboxylic acid R ₂ ² (8) motifs occurs in the structures of 1a and 1c in which 3D host–guest networks are comprised of discrete O–H···N and cyclic R ₂ ² (7) interactions, respectively. Various types of weak interactions between the two symmetry nonequivalent host molecule are found to be responsible for the formation of channels (14 × 11 Å) filled by guest 1,4-dioxane molecules in the crystal lattice of 1b. Two different solvates of 2 containing one molecule of 2 with a water molecule (2a) and one molecule of 2 with a quinoline molecule (2b) in their crystallographic asymmetric units, respectively, are also crystallized in different space groups. The quinoline molecules are held with host molecules by discrete O–H···N and C–H···O interactions and reside inside the voids formed by 3D repeated hexameric assemblies of host molecules in the crystal lattice of 2b.     

Synthesis and thermal behavior study of complexes of the type [Pd(μ-X)(4-eb-p-phen)]2 (X = Cl,Br, I,N3, NCO,SCN) and 4-eb-p-phen [bis(4-ethylbenzyl)p-phenylenediimine]

The Schiff base bis(4-ethylbenzyl) p-phenylenediimine, 4-eb-p-phen (1), and six new dimeric Pd(II) complexes of the type [Pd(μ-X)(4-eb-p-phen)]₂ {X = Cl (2), Br (3), I (4), N₃ (5), NCO (6), SCN (7)} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and ¹H and ¹³C{¹H}-NMR experiments. The thermal behavior of the complexes 2–7 has been investigated by means of thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. From the final decomposition temperatures, the thermal stability of the complexes can be ordered in the following sequence: 3 > 4 > 7 > 2 ≈ 5 > 6. The final products of the thermal decompositions were characterized as metallic palladium by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).     

Synthesis,crystal structures,luminescence and catalytic properties of three silver(I) coordination polymers with bis(imidazole) and benzenedicarboxylic acid ligands

Three new silver coordination compounds with empirical formula [Ag₂(L1)₂·(ntp)·(H₂O)_3.25]_n (1), [Ag_1.5(L1)_1.5·(H_0.5bdc)·(H₂O)₄]_n (2) and [Ag(L2)(Hmip)]_n (3) (L1 = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis-1H-benzimidazole, H₂ntp = 2-nitroterephthalic acid, H₂bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, H₂mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and physico-chemical spectroscopic methods. The silver centers display different environments with a linear geometry in 1 and 2 and distorted T-shaped geometry in 3. In 1–3, the bidentate N-donor ligands (L1 and L2) bridge neighboring silver centers to form 1D infinite chain structures. Complexes 2 and 3 are extended into 2D layers, and 1 is packed into a 3D 3,4,4,6-connected supermolecular network via classical O–H···O hydrogen bonds, while 3 is further extended into 3D framework through π–π interactions. The luminescence properties of complexes 1, 2 and 3 were investigated in the solid state. These coordination polymers possess a remarkable activity for degradation of methyl orange by persulfate in a Fenton-like process.     

Cobalt(II) and silver(I) coordination polymers constructed from flexible bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole) and substituted isophthalate co-ligands

Two coordination polymers, [Co(L1)(IPA] _n (1) and {[Ag(L2)(HMIPA)]·H₂O} _n (2) (H₂IPA = isophthalic acid, L1 = 1,2-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, H₂MIPA = 5-methylisophthalic acid, L2 = 1,6-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)hexane, have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In 1, six-coordinated cobalt centers are bridged by L1 and IPA^2? ligands to generate a (4,4) two-dimensional layer. However, complex 2 features a 1D chain structure, which is further extended by O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions into a 2D supramolecular layer with (6³) topology. The fluorescence and thermal gravimetric analysis of both complexes were also explored. Furthermore, the complexes 1 and 2 exhibit remarkable catalytic properties for the degradation of methyl orange dyes in a Fenton-like process.     

Assembly of 1D and 3D cobalt(II) coordination polymers based on isophthalic acid and flexible benzimidazolyl-based ligands

Two new metal–organic coordination polymers {[Co(L1)(nip)]·H₂O} _n (1) and [Co(L2)(ip)] _n (2) (H₂ip = isophthalic acid, L1 = 1,3-bis(benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,4-bis(5-methylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, H₂nip = 5-nitroisophthalic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The analysis reveals that complex 1 has a 1D double chain structure connected by L1 and nip^2? ligands, which is further assembled into a 3D bbf (moganite network) supermolecular framework via two types of C–H···O hydrogen bond interactions. Complex 2 possesses a 3D MOF with a four-connected cds (CdSO₄ network) topology. The fluorescence and catalytic properties of the complexes for the degradation of Congo red have been investigated.     

A Pd(II)-hydroxyporphycene: synthesis, characterization, and photoinduced proton-coupled electron transfer

A Pd(II) complex, Pd(TPrPc-OH) (1, TPrPc-OH = 9-hydroxy-2,7,12,17-tetrapropylporphycenato dianion), has been synthesized and characterized. ¹H NMR spectroscopy revealed that compound 1 exists as its enol form in solution. The H atom of the hydroxy group in 1 was exchanged with deuterium on addition of ethanol-d ₆. UV–visible spectra showed a red shift of the Q band of 1 in THF compared with that of the acetoxy derivative Pd(TPrPc-OAc) (2, TPrPc-OAc = 9-acetoxy-2,7,12,17-tetrapropylporphycenato dianion). The pK _a value of the hydroxy group in 1 was determined, by means of a UV–visible titration experiment, to be 10.56. A cyclic voltammogram of 1 in a mixture of THF and Britton–Robinson buffered aqueous solution revealed one-electron and one-proton coupled transfer in the oxidation process in the pH range from 2.7 to 10.5, which was identified by pH-varying experiments and the Pourbaix diagram. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that an electron-transfer reaction occurred from the triplet excited-state of 1 to 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ) upon pulse laser irradiation at 532 nm. Such an intermolecular photoinduced electron-transfer reaction was not observed between the Ni analog, Ni(TPrPc-OH), and DQ. The reaction rate constant, k _q, was indicative of a kinetic isotope effect with k _q(H)/k _q(D) = 1.7, supporting the belief that the exited-state electron transfer from 1 to DQ is accompanied by proton transfer.     

New copper(II) 2-(alkylamino)troponates

The copper aminotropones Cu[ON(R′)C₇H₄R-4]₂ [R = H, R′ = Me (13), Et (14), n-Pr (15), n-Bu (16), Bz (17), MenOCH₂CH₂ (20); R = i-Pr, R′ = Me (18), n-Pr (19), MenOCH₂CH₂ (21)] have been prepared from the corresponding aminotropones HN(R′)OC₇H₄R-4 (1–7) by reacting with copper(II) acetate in aqueous ethanol. 20, 21 contain the flavourant, menthol, as part of the ligand. The structures of 5 (R = H, R′ = Bz), a hydrogen-bonded dimer, 14 and 20, both incorporating square-planar, four-coordinate copper centres, have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The antibacterial activities of complexes 13, 17, 20 and 21 have been assayed against Staphylococcus waneri, an in vitro model of plaque inhibition effects, and found to be more active than a commercial toothpaste formulation, but less active than the O,O-chelated copper(II) complex of ethylmaltol.