Copper(II) complexes of terminally protected pentapeptides containing three histidyl residues in alternating positions, Ac-His-Xaa-His-Yaa-His-NH2

Copper(II) complexes of the pentapeptides Ac-HisAlaHisValHis-NH2, Ac-HisValHisAlaHis-NH2, Ac-HisProHisAlaHis-NH2, Ac-HisAlaHisProHis-NH2, Ac-HisGlyHisValHis-NH2 and Ac-HisValHisGlyHis-NH2 have been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, CD and EPR spectroscopic methods. It has been found that the pentapeptides are efficient ligands for the complexation with copper(II) and exhibit an outstanding versatility in the co-ordination geometry of complexes. The presence of three histidyl residues provides a high possibility for the formation of macrochelates via the exclusive binding of imidazole-N donor atoms. The macrochelation suppresses, but cannot preclude the deprotonation and metal ion co-ordination of amide functions and the species [CuH(-2)L] and [Cu2H(-4)L] predominate at physiological pH in equimolar solutions and in the presence of excess metal ions, respectively. It is also clear from the data that both C-terminal and internal histidyl residues can work as the anchoring sites for metal binding and subsequent amide deprotonation resulting in the formation of co-ordination isomers and dinuclear species in equimolar solutions and in the presence of excess metal ions, respectively. In more alkaline solutions (pH approximately 10) a third amide function can be deprotonated and co-ordinated in the species [CuH(-3)L]- with (N-,N-,N-,N(im)) co-ordination. The dinuclear species [Cu2H(-5)L]- and [Cu2H(-6)L](2-) containing hydroxide ions and/or imidazolato bridges are formed at high pH in the presence of excess of metal ions. The insertion of one proline into the sequence preceding histidyl residues hinders the deprotonation of amide functions at that site and the formation of only mononuclear complexes was observed with these peptides.     

Solution chemistry of copper(II)-gentamicin complexes: relevance to metal-related aminoglycoside toxicity

The adverse effect to the inner ear of aminoglycosides, drugs widely administered for the treatment of serious infections, appears to result from the interaction of these drugs with Cu(II) or Fe(II)/Fe(III) ions. To understand more completely the metal-induced side effects of one such antibiotic, gentamicin, we studied copper(II) coordination to gentamicin C1a by potentiometry, UV-vis, CD, and EPR spectroscopies, and ESI mass spectrometry. Only monomeric complexes of the CuH(n)L stoichiometry, with n ranging from 3 to -2, were detected over the pH range of 4-12. CuH(3)L and CuH(2)L complexes exhibit the same coordination mode, binding copper(II) through the amino nitrogen atom and a deprotonated alcoholic oxygen atom of the garosamine ring. In the CuHL and CuL complexes a second amino nitrogen atom of the purpurosamine ring participates in central ion coordination. Finally, the additional axial binding of the deprotonated oxygen of the hydroxyl group of the 2-deoxystreptamine moiety occurs in the CuH(-)(1)L and CuH(-)(2)L complexes. Interactions of the Cu(II)-gentamicin-H(2)O(2) system at pH 7.4 with N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline, arachidonic acid, and plasmid DNA confirmed that gentamicin complexes facilitate oxidative reactions leading to peroxidation of arachidonic acid and scission of double-stranded DNA mediated by copper-bound reactive oxygen species. However, the stability constants of Cu(II)-gentamicin complexes are inferior to the binding constants of copper(II) complexes with other components of human serum or cells. Computer simulations of copper(II) distribution in the human blood plasma showed that the concentration of gentamicin would have to be at impossible levels (100 M) before a significant fraction of Cu(II) ions would be bound to gentamicin. Further, once introduced into aqueous solution, histidine replaces gentamicin in Cu(II)-gentamicin complexes. Therefore, Cu(II)-gentamicin complexes might not exist under physiological conditions.     

Environmental factors differently affect human and rat IAPP: conformational preferences and membrane interactions of IAPP17-29 peptide derivatives

Interest in the 37-residue human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is related to its ability to form amyloid deposits in patients affected by type II diabetes. Attempts to unravel the molecular features of this disease have indicated several regions of this polypeptide to be responsible for either the ability to form insoluble fibrils or the abnormal interaction with membranes. To extend these studies to peptides that enclose His18, whose ionization state is believed to play a key role in the aggregation of hIAPP, we report on the synthesis of two peptides, hIAPP17-29 and rIAPP17-29, encompassing the 17-29 sequences of human and rat IAPP, respectively, as well as on their conformational features in water and in several membrane-mimicking environments as revealed by circular dichroism (CD) and 2D-NMR studies. hIAPP17-29 adopts a beta-sheet structure in water and its solubility increases at low pH. Anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles promoted the formation of an alpha-helical structure in the peptide chain, which was poorly influenced by pH variations. rIAPP17-29 was soluble and unstructured in all the environments investigated, with a negligible effect of pH. The membrane interactions of hIAPP17-29 and rIAPP17-29 were assessed by recording differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements aimed at elucidating the peptide-induced changes in the thermotropic behaviour of zwitterionic (DPPC) and negatively charged (DPPC/DPPS 3:1) model membranes (DPPC=1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPS=1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine). Results of DSC experiments demonstrated the high potential of hIAPP17-29 to interact with DPPC membranes. hIAPP17-29 exhibited a negligible affinity for negatively charged DPPC/DPPS model membranes at neutral pH. On the other hand, rIAPP17-29 did not interact with neutral or negatively charged membranes. The role played by His18 in the modulation of the biophysical properties of this hIAPP region was assessed by synthesising and studying the R18HrIAPP17-29 peptide; the replacement of a single Arg with a His residue is not sufficient to induce either amyloidogenic propensity or membrane interaction in this region. The results show that the 17-29 domain of hIAPP has many properties of the full-length protein "in vitro" and this opens up new perspectives for both research and eventually therapy.     

Rational synthesis of a heterotetranuclear CrIII2CuII2 species using a metaloximate as a building block. A magnetostructural study

The reaction of [Cu(DapdoH(2))2](2+) ions with [Cr(III)L(MeOH)2Br](2+) ions (L = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane; DapdoH(2) = 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime) produced in situ in methanol, yielded, in the presence of triethylamine, the complex [L(2)Cr(III)(2)(Dapdo)2(OH)2Cu(II)(2)Br(2)](ClO(4))2. It has been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and variable-temperature (2-298 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements. The molecular structure established by X-ray diffraction consists of a [Cr(III)(2)(micro-NO)4(micro-OH)2Cu(II)(2)](4+)-core, which can be considered as two edge-sharing triangular CrCu(2)-units. The variable-field variable-temperature magnetic measurements revealed a ground state of S(t) = 2 with uncommon antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the chromium(III) and copper(II) centers: J(A) = -79 +/- 2 cm(-1), J(B) = -17 +/- 1.7 cm(-1), where J(A) represents the interactions through a combination of oximate (>N-O-) and a hydroxo-bridging, while J(B) is the exchange through only a two-atom oximate (>N-O-) group.     

Dimetallic complexes of a structurally versatile pyridazine-containing Schiff-base macrocyclic ligand with pendant pyridine arms

The new [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocyclic ligand L2, containing pyridazine head units and pyridine pendant arms, was synthesised as [Ba(II)2L2(ClO4)4(OH2)] 1 from the barium(II) ion templated condensation reaction of 3,6-diformylpyridazine and N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N1-(methylene-2-pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine. Subsequent transmetallation reactions of 1 with copper(II), iron(II) and manganese(II) perchlorates led to the formation of [Cu(II)2L2](ClO4)4.2MeCN 2, [Fe(II)2L2(MeCN)2](ClO4)4 3 and two manganese complexes, 4 and 5, with the same formula, [Mn(II)2L2(MeCN)(OH2)](ClO4)4, but slightly different crystal structures, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses reveal the variety of structures which can be supported by L2 in order to meet the coordination environment preferences of the incorporated metal ions. The barium(II) ions in 1 have an irregular ten-coordinate geometry whereas the copper(II) ions in 2 have a square pyramidal geometry and the iron(II) ions in 3 have an octahedral geometry, while in 4 and 5 every manganese(II) ion is seven-coordinate and the environment can be best described as distorted pentagonal bipyramidal. In 1, 4 and 5 the pyridazine moieties bridge the metal centres [Ba(1)...Ba(2) 4.9557(3)A 1; Mn(1)...Mn(2) 4.520(1)A 4; Mn(1)[dot dot dot]Mn(2) 4.3707(8)A 5] but this is not observed in the copper(II) and iron(II) complexes, 2 and 3, in which the metal ions are well separated [Cu(1)...Cu(2) 5.9378(6)A 2; Fe(1)...Fe(2) 5.7407(12)A 3]. In the cyclic voltammogram of [Cu2(II)L2](ClO4)4.2MeCN 2 in MeCN vs. Ag/AgCl two separate reversible one-electron transfer steps are observed [E(1/2)=0.04 V, DeltaE= 0.12 V and E(1/2)= 0.20 V, DeltaE=0.12 V; K(c)=510; in this system E(1/2)(Fc+/Fc)=0.42 V and DeltaE(Fc+/Fc)=0.08 V]. The other complexes cannot be reversibly reduced/oxidised.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, magnetism, and phosphate ester cleavage properties of copper(II) complexes of N-substituted derivatives of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Two new N-substituted derivatives of the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) macrocycle, 1-benzyl-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L2) and 1,4,7-tris(3-cyanobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L3), have been prepared and, together with 1,4-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L1), have been used to synthesize the corresponding hydroxo-bridged binuclear copper (II) complexes, [Cu2(mu-OH)2L2](ClO4)2.xH2O (1 L = L1, x = 0; 2 L = L2, x = 1; 3 L = L3, x = 2). The X-ray crystal structures of all three complexes reveal the presence of [Cu2(mu-OH)2]2+ cores capped by pairs of facially coordinating tacn ligands so that the Cu(II) centers reside in distorted square pyramidal coordination environments. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -36.4 cm(-1)) between the Cu(II) centers in 1, while the centers in 2 and 3 have been shown to interact ferromagnetically (J = 11.2 and 49.3 cm(-1), respectively). The variation in the strength and sign of these interactions has been rationalized in terms of the differing geometries of the [Cu2(mu-OH)2]2+ cores. The ability of the Cu(II) complexes to cleave phosphate ester bonds has been probed using the model phosphate ester bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) at pH 7.4 and a temperature of 50 degrees C. The measured rate constant for 3 (3 x 10(-4) s(-1)) is significantly greater than those previously reported for the Cu(II) complexes of the fully alkylated tacn ligands, Me3tacn and iPr3tacn, which until now have been rated as the most effective tacn-based phosphate ester cleavage agents.     

TACN-amino acid conjugates and their copperII complexes

Triazacyclononane (TACN) was coupled to glycine (L(Gly)), alanine (L(Ala)), and phenylalanine (L(Phe)) via standard solution phase peptide coupling techniques. Copper(II) complexes of these new ligand-amino acid conjugates, [(CuL(Gly))(2)](ClO(4))(4) (1), [(CuL(Ala))(2)Cl](ClO(4))(3) (2), and [Cu(2)L(Phe)Cl(4)] (3), were synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 3 were determined. Complex 2 is a dimeric species where L(Ala) bridges between copper ions via its two TACN amine nitrogen atoms to one copper while the Ala terminal amine and carbonyl oxygen bind to the other copper. Complex 3 is bimetallic but only contains one L(Phe) ligand that bridges between the copper ions.     

Multinuclear copper complexes of pyridylmethylamide ligands

Copper complexes of a family of pyridylmethylamide ligands HL(Ph), HL(Me3) and HL(Ph3) were synthesized and characterized [HL(Ph) = 2-phenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide; HL(Me3) = 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide; HL(Ph3) = 2,2,2-triphenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide]. The reaction of copper(II) salts with the HL family and triethylamine in methanol yields copper(II) complexes [Cu4(L(Ph))4(OH)2](ClO4)2 (1), [Cu2(HL(Me3))2(OMe)2(MeOH)2](OTf)2 (2) and [Cu2(HL(Ph3))2(OMe)2(MeOH)2](OTf)2 (3). The complexes have different nuclearity owing to varying steric properties of the ligands used. Complex 1 self-assembles in the presence of excess base to form a tetranuclear complex. Complexes 2 and 3 are binuclear and are bridged by a pair of methoxide ligands. Steric encumbrance of the ligands in 2 and 3 prevent cluster formation.     

Release of NO from reduced nitroprusside ion. Iron-dinitrosyl formation and NO-disproportionation reactions

The kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition of the one-electron reduction product of [Fe(CN)(5)NO](2-) (nitroprusside ion, NP) have been studied by using UV-vis, IR, and EPR spectroscopy and mass-spectrometric and electrochemical techniques in the pH range of 4-10. The reduction product contains an equilibrium mixture of [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2-) and [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3-) ions. The first predominates at pH <8 and is formed by the rapid release of trans-cyanide from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3-), which, in turn, is the main component at pH >9-10. Both nitrosyl complexes decay by first-order processes with rate constants around 10(-5) s(-1) (pH 6-10) related to the dissociation of NO. The decomposition is enhanced at pH 4 by 2 orders of magnitude with protons (and also metal ions) favoring the release of cyanides from the [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2-) ions and the ensuing rapid delivery of NO. At pH 7, an EPR-silent intermediate I(1) is detected (nu(NO), 1695 and 1740 cm(-1)) and assigned to the trans-[Fe(II)(CN)(4)(NO)(2)](2-) ion, an {Fe(NO)(2)}(8) species. At pH 6-8, I(1) induces a disproportionation process with formation of N(2)O and the regeneration of nitroprusside in a 1:2 molar ratio. At lower pHs, I(1) leads, competitively, to a second paramagnetic (S = 1/2) dinitrosyl intermediate I(2), [Fe(CN)(2)(NO)(2)](1-), a new member of a series of four-coordinate {Fe(L)(2)(NO)(2)} complexes (L = thiolates, imidazole, etc.), described as {Fe(NO)(2)}(9). Other decomposition products are hexacyanoferrate(II) or free cyanide, depending on the pH, and precipitates of the Prussian-Blue type. This study throws light on the conditions favoring rapid release of NO, to promote vasodilatory effects upon NP injection, and describes new processes related to dinitrosyl formation and NO disproportionation, which are also relevant to the diverse biological processes associated with NO and N(2)O processing.     

Synthesis and complexes of an N4 Schiff-base macrocycle derived from 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde

An N(4) tetradentate [1 + 1] Schiff base metal free macrocycle HL was prepared, by 1?:?1 condensation of 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde (1) and diethylenetriamine, and characterised. Seven mononuclear complexes, [Zn(II)L(py)](BF(4)) (2), [Cu(II)L](BF(4))]·H(2)O (3), [Ni(II)L](BF(4))·H(2)O (4), [Co(II)L](BF(4))]·H(2)O (5), Fe(III)L(BF(4))(2)·2H(2)O·MeCN (6), [Co(III)L(NCS)(2)]·0.3py (7) and [Fe(III)L(NCS)(2)] (8), of L(-) are reported. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes were prepared by a template approach whereas the others were accessed by metallation of pre-formed HL. The X-ray crystal structure determinations show that [Cu(II)L](BF(4)) and [Ni(II)L](BF(4)) feature square planar N(4) coordinated Cu(II) and Ni(II) centres, respectively, whereas [Fe(III)L(NCS)(2)]·NO(2)Me features an octahedral N(6) coordinated Fe(III) centre (two NCS anions bound axially) and the Zn(II) complex, which crystallised as 2{[Zn(II)L(py)](BF(4))}·py, features square pyramidal Zn(II) ions (a pyridine molecule bound axially). In all cases the N(4) macrocycle is bound equatorially to the metal ion. Cyclic voltammograms of the soluble BF(4) complexes, 2-5, were carried out in MeCN vs. 0.01 mol L(-1) AgNO(3)/Ag and revealed multiple, mostly irreversible or quasi-reversible, redox processes. The Zn(II) complex 2 exhibited two irreversible oxidation processes and one irreversible reduction process, all of which are ligand-centered. The Ni(II) complex 4 showed a process with a weak return wave at E(m) = +0.57 V (ΔE = 0.05 V). Interestingly, after controlled potential coulometry experiments on 2, 3 and 4 (at +0.48, +0.61 and +0.71 V which transferred 1.2, 1.0 and 1.6 e(-) equiv. per complex, respectively), a new reversible or quasi-reversible process was obtained, with a lower potential than beforehand (E(m) (ΔE)/V = +0.16 (0.08), +0.31 (0.13) and +0.45 (0.11) respectively).     

Dinuclear cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes with a Py2N4S2 macrocyclic ligand

The interaction between Co(II) and Cu(II) ions with a Py(2)N(4)S(2)-coordinating octadentate macrocyclic ligand (L) to afford dinuclear compounds has been investigated. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, conductivity measurements, IR spectroscopy and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of the compounds [H(4)L](NO(3))(4), [Cu(2)LCl(2)](NO(3))(2) (5), [Cu(2)L(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2) (6), and [Cu(2)L(μ-OH)](ClO(4))(3)·H(2)O (7) was also determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The [H(4)L](4+) cation crystal structure presents two different conformations, planar and step, with intermolecular face-to-face π,π-stacking interactions between the pyridinic rings. Complexes 5 and 6 show the metal ions in a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. In the case of complex 7, the crystal structure presents the two metal ions joined by a μ-hydroxo bridge and the Cu(II) centers in a slightly distorted square plane or a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry, taking into account weak interactions in axial positions. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is in accordance with the dinuclear nature of the complexes, with an octahedral environment for the cobalt(II) compounds and square-pyramidal or tetragonally elongated octahedral geometries for the copper(II) compounds. The magnetic behavior is consistent with the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the ions for cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes, while for the Co(II) ones, this behavior could also be explained by spin-orbit coupling.     

Homo-and heterodinuclear complexes of the tris(catecholamide) derivative of a tetraazamacrocycle with Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ metal ions

The new ditopic catecholamide 3,7,11-tris-{N-[3,4-(dihydroxybenzoyl)-aminopropyl]} derivative of a 14-membered tetraazamacrocycle containing pyridine (H(6)L(1)) has been synthesized. The protonation constants of (L(1))(6-) and the stability constants of its mono-, homo- and hetero-dinuclear complexes with Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) metal ions were determined at 298.2 K and ionic strength 0.10 mol dm(-3) in KNO(3). The large overall basicity of the ligand was ascribed to the very high protonation constants of the catecholate groups, and its acid-base behaviour was correlated with the presence of tertiary nitrogen atoms and secondary amide functions. The UV-vis spectrum of the red solution of [FeL(1)](3-) complex exhibits the LMCT band of catecholate to iron(III), and its EPR spectrum revealed a typical isotropic signal of a rhombic distorted ferric centre in a high-spin state and E/D approximately 0.31, both characteristic of a tris-catecholate octahedral environment. The ligand forms with copper(II) and zinc(II) ions mono- and dinuclear protonated complexes and their stability constants were determined, except for the [ML(1)](4-) complexes as the last proton is released at very high pH. Electronic spectroscopic studies of the copper complexes revealed the involvement of catecholate groups in the coordination to the metal centre in the mono- and dinuclear copper(II) complexes. This information together with the determined stability constants indicated that the copper(II) ion can be involved in both types of coordination site of the ligand with comparable binding affinity. The EPR spectrum of [Cu(2)L(1)](2-) showed a well resolved seven-line hyperfine pattern of copper(II) dinuclear species typical of a paramagnetic triplet spin state with weak coupling between the two metal centres. Thermodynamically stable heterodinuclear complexes, [CuFeH(h)L(1)](h-1) (h = 0-3) and [CuZnH(h)L(1)](h-2) (h = 0-4), were formed as expected from a ditopic ligand having two dissimilar coordination sites. At physiological pH, the [CuFeL(1)](-) complex is formed at approximately 100%. The formation of the [CuFeH(h)L(1)](h-1) complexes in solution was supported by electronic spectroscopic measurements. The data indicated the specific coordination of each metal centre at the dissimilar sites of the ligand, the iron(III) bound to the oxygen donors of the catecholate arms and the copper(II) coordinated to the amine donors of the macrocyclic ring. The two metal centres are weakly coupled, due to the fairly large distance between them.     

Effects of transition metal ion coordination on the collision-induced dissociation of polyalanines

Transition metal-polyalanine complexes were analyzed in a high-capacity quadrupole ion trap after electrospray ionization. Polyalanines have no polar amino acid side chains to coordinate metal ions, thus allowing the effects metal ion interaction with the peptide backbone to be explored. Positive mode mass spectra produced from peptides mixed with salts of the first row transition metals Cr(III), Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(I), and Cu(II) yield singly and doubly charged metallated ions. These precursor ions undergo collision-induced dissociation (CID) to give almost exclusively metallated N-terminal product ions whose types and relative abundances depend on the identity of the transition metal. For example, Cr(III)-cationized peptides yield CID spectra that are complex and have several neutral losses, whereas Fe(III)-cationized peptides dissociate to give intense non-metallated products. The addition of Cu(II) shows the most promise for sequencing. Spectra obtained from the CID of singly and doubly charged Cu-heptaalanine ions, [M + Cu - H](+) and [M + Cu](2+) , are complimentary and together provide cleavage at every residue and no neutral losses. (This contrasts with [M + H](+) of heptaalanine, where CID does not provide backbone ions to sequence the first three residues.) Transition metal cationization produces abundant metallated a-ions by CID, unlike protonated peptides that produce primarily b- and y-ions. The prominence of metallated a-ions is interesting because they do not always form from b-ions. Tandem mass spectrometry on metallated (Met = metal) a- and b-ions indicate that [b(n) + Met - H](2+) lose CO to form [a(n) + Met - H](2+), mimicking protonated structures. In contrast, [a(n) + Met - H](2+) eliminate an amino acid residue to form [a(n-1) + Met - H](2+), which may be useful in sequencing.     

Solution chemical properties and catecholase-like activity of the copper(II)-Ac-His-His-Gly-His-OH system, a relevant functional model for copper containing oxidases

The solution chemical properties, superoxide dismutase and catecholase activity of the copper(ii)-Ac-His-His-Gly-His-OH (hhgh) complexes were studied to identify functional and structural models of copper-containing oxidases. The solution speciation was determined in the pH range 3-11 by two independent methods (potentiometry and pH-dependent EPR measurements). The results obtained by the two methods agree very well with each other and show the formation of differently protonated CuH(x)L complexes (where x= 2 ,1, 0, -1, -2, -3) in aqueous solution. The spectroscopic (UV-Vis, CD, EPR) data indicate that the coordination of the imidazole rings is a determinant factor in all these complexes. Amide coordinated complexes are dominant only above pH 8. This offers excellent possibilities for structural/functional modelling of copper(ii) containing metalloenzymes. Indeed, the {3N(im)} coordinated CuL species (pH = 6-7) has efficient superoxide dismutase-like activity. The {3N(im),OH(-)} coordinated CuH(-1)L possesses outstanding activity to catalyze the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (H(2)dtbc) by dioxygen in 86 wt% methanol-water, providing the first example that copper(ii)-peptide complexes are able to mimic copper containing oxidases.     

Effects of auxiliary complex-forming agents on the rate of metallochromic indicator colour change-IV Mechanism of the colour change of xylenol orange in copper(II)-edta titrations

The rate of ligand substitution of copper(II)-Xylenol Orange (XO) with EDTA (Y) has been determined spectrophotometrically over the pH range 4.8-6.0 at mu = 0.1 (KNO(3)) and at 25 degrees . In 2-(N-morpholino)ethane sulphonic acid buffer, copper forms a 2:1 chelate (Cu(2)XO(2-)) with XO, and the rate-law is expressed as -d[Cu(2)XO(2-)]/dt = 10(2.89)[Cu(2)XO(2)-][Y']- The release of the first copper ion from Cu(2)XO(2-) is the rate-determining step. The resulting CuHXO(3-) or CuH(2)XO(2-) may undergo fast substitution with EDTA. In the presence of hexamine, the copper(II)-XO chelate forms a mixed-ligand complex with hexamine (L). The formation constant K(Cu(2)XOL)(L) = [Cu(2)XOL(2-)]/[Cu(2)XO(2-)] [L] = 10(2.14) (mu = 0.1, 25 degrees ). At 3 x 10(-2)-2 x 10(-1)M hexamine the rate-law is expressed as -d[Cu(2)XOL(2-)]/dt = 5.39[Cu(2)XOL(2-)][Y']/[L']. The dissociation of hexamine from Cu(23)XOL(2-) has to precede the substitution reaction of Cu(2)XO(2-) with EDTA. Hence, hexamine at higher concentrations than 10(-3)M slows down the rate of colour change of XO in the copper-EDTA titration.     

Raman, IR, UV-vis and EPR characterization of two copper dioxolene complexes derived from L-dopa and dopamine

The anionic complexes [Cu(L(1-))3](1-), L(-)=dopasemiquinone or L-dopasemiquinone, were prepared and characterized. The complexes are stable in aqueous solution showing intense absorption bands at ca. 605 nm for Cu(II)-L-dopasemiquinone and at ca. 595 nm for Cu(II)-dopasemiquinone in the UV-vis spectra, that can be assigned to intraligand transitions. Noradrenaline and adrenaline, under the same reaction conditions, did not yield Cu-complexes, despite the bands in the UV region showing that noradrenaline and adrenaline were oxidized during the process. The complexes display a resonance Raman effect, and the most enhanced bands involve ring modes and particularly the nuCC+nuCO stretching mode at ca. 1384 cm(-1). The free radical nature of the ligands and the oxidation state of the Cu(II) were confirmed by the EPR spectra that display absorptions assigned to organic radicals with g=2.0005 and g=2.0923, and for Cu(II) with g=2.008 and g=2.0897 for L-dopasemiquinone and dopasemiquinone, respectively. The possibility that dopamine and L-dopa can form stable and aqueous-soluble copper complexes at neutral pH, whereas noradrenaline and adrenaline cannot, may be important in understanding how Cu(II)-dopamine crosses the cellular membrane as proposed in the literature to explain the role of copper in Wilson disease.     

The chemoselective reactions of tyrosine-containing G-protein-coupled receptor peptides with [Cp*Rh(H2O)3](OTf)2, including 2D NMR structures and the biological consequences

The bioconjugation of organometallic complexes with peptides has proven to be a novel approach for drug discovery. We report the facile and chemoselective reaction of tyrosine-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) peptides with [Cp*Rh(H(2)O)(3)](OTf)(2), in water, at room temperature, and at pH 5-6. We have focused on three important GPCR peptides; namely, [Tyr(1)]-leu-enkephalin, [Tyr(4)]-neurotensin(8-13), and [Tyr(3)]-octreotide, each of which has a different position for the tyrosine residue, together with competing functionalities. Importantly, all other functional groups present, i.e., amino, carboxyl, disulfide, phenyl, and indole, were not prominent sites of reactivity by the Cp*Rh tris aqua complex. Furthermore, the influence of the Cp*Rh moiety on the structure of [Tyr(3)]-octreotide was characterized by 2D NMR, resulting in the first representative structure of an organometallic-peptide complex. The biological consequences of these Cp*Rh-peptide complexes, with respect to GPCR binding and growth inhibition of MCF7 and HT29 cancer cells, will be presented for [(η(6)-Cp*Rh-Tyr(1))-leu-enkephalin](OTf)(2) and [(η(6)-Cp*Rh-Tyr(3))-octreotide](OTf)(2).     

Nickel(II) complexes with tetra- and pentadentate aminopyridine ligands: synthesis, structure, electrochemistry, and reduction to nickel(I) species

A series of nickel(II) complexes with polydentate aminopyridine ligands N,N,N'-tris-[2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl]ethane-1,2-diamine (L1), N,N,N'-tris-[2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl]-N'-methylethane-1,2-diamine (L2), and N,N'-bis-[2-(2'-pyridyl)ethyl]-N,N'-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine (L3) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies showed that the Ni(II) ions have five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometry in [NiL2](ClO(4))(2), similar to that previously found in [NiL1](ClO(4))(2) x CH(3)NO(2) (Hoskins, B. F.; Whillans, F. D.J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1975, 657), and square-planar geometry in [NiL3](ClO(4))(2). All three nickel(II) complexes are reduced by sodium borohydride or sodium amalgam in organic solvents to nickel(I) species, which were identified by highly anisotropic EPR spectra at 100 K: g(1) = 2.239, g(2) = 2.199, and g(3) = 2.025 for [NiL1](+); g(axially) = 2.324 and g(radially) = 2.079 for [NiL2](+) and [NiL3](+). Cyclic voltammetry of the nickel(II) complexes in acetonitrile exhibited reversible reduction waves at -1.01 V for [NiL1](2+), -0.91 V for [NiL2](2+), and -0.83 V for [NiL3](2+) versus SCE, potentials which are significantly less negative than those of most previously characterized Ni(II) complexes with nitrogen-only donor atoms. Complexes [NiL1](2+) and [NiL2](2+) showed high catalytic activity in the electroreduction of 1,2-trans-dibromocyclohexane to cyclohexene.     

A study on the mimics of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase with high activity and stability: two copper(II) complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane with benzimidazole groups

Two copper(II) complexes [CuL(1)Cl]ClO(4) and [CuL(2)MeCN](ClO(4))(2)xH(2)O were synthesized (L(1)= 1-(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, L(2)= 1,4-bis(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonone). The benzimidazole groups were N-substituents of tacn, and the complexes are more stable than their parents. They are able to catalyse the dismutation of superoxide anion in aqueous solutions at physiological pH and in bovine serum albumin solution (0.5 mg ml(-1)). X-ray structure analysis and EPR and electronic spectra show that the structure of complex is more similar to the Cu(II) centre of Cu(2)Zn(2)SOD than that. Comparing with other Cu(II) complexes, the complex possesses both high SOD activity and highly thermodynamic stability.     

Kinetic and equilibrium studies on the polyazamacrocycle neotetren: metal-complex formation and DNA interaction

The macrocyclic polyamine 2,5,8,11,14-pentaaza[15]-[15](2,9)[1,10]phenanthrolinophane (neotetren) is studied in its ability to coordinate Cu(ii) even at very low pH values and to interact, as a metal complex, with DNA. The kinetics and equilibria for 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 metal-ligand complexes formation are studied by the stopped-flow method and UV spectrophotometry. Differently protonated complexes are formed, with rate constants much lower than that of water exchange at copper(II) and other Cu(II)/amine systems, this behaviour being ascribed to ring effects and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds. Concerning the DNA/copper(II)-neotetren complexes interaction, analysis of data suggests an intercalative mode of binding. The kinetic results for both DNA/CuL and DNA/Cu(2)L systems agree with the sequence D + S <-->D,S <-->DS where the metal complexes (D) react with the DNA sites (S) leading to fast formation of an externally bound form (D,S) which is converted into an intercalated complex (DS). A very slow process is also detected and ascribed to a conformational change in the polynucleotide secondary structure where the metal centre plays a crucial role. Chromatographic experiments demonstrate that both the investigated Cu(II)/L complexes are able to cleave DNA, but only in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.