Synthesis, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry of copper(II) complexes with N,N'-bis(3,5-di-t-butylsalicylideneimine)polymethylenediamine ligands

Bulky salen CuL(x) derived from aliphatic polymethylene diamines, H(2)N-(CH(2))(x)-NH(2), where n = 2-6, and 3,5-di-t-butylsalicylaldehyde (H(2)L(x)) and some corresponding tetrahydrosalan complexes (CuL(x)') have been synthesized and characterized by their IR, UV-vis absorption and EPR spectra, by magnetic moments and by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile (for H(2)L(x)) and DMF (for CuL(x)). Complexes CuL(x) and CuL(x)' are magnetically normal (mu(exp) = 1.83-1.91 mu(B)). EPR spectra CuL(x) characterized by the axial g and A(Cu) tensors with g parallel > g perpendicular and without (14)N-shf resolution in CHCl(3)/toluene at 300 and 150K. The CV studies on acetonitrile solutions of H(2)L(x) revealed a well-defined quasi-reversible redox wave at E(1/2) = 0.95-1.15 V versus Ag/AgCl but CV of the CuL(x) complexes in DMF exhibit weak pronounced irreversible oxidation waves at E(pa)(1) = 0.51 - 098 V and E(pa)(2) = 1.16 - 1.33 V attributable to metal centered Cu(II/III) and ligand centered CuL(x)/CuL(x)*+ couples, respectively. A poorly defined wave was observed for the quasi-reversible reduction Cu(II)/Cu(I) at potentials less than -1.0 V.     

Spectral and structural studies of copper(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazones derived from salicylaldehyde and containing ring incorporated at N(4)-position

Mononuclear and binuclear copper(II) complexes (1-8) with two ONS donor thiosemicarbazone ligands {salicylaldehyde 3-hexamethyleneiminyl thiosemicarbazone [H2L1] and salicylaldehyde 3-tetramethyleneiminyl thiosemicarbazone [H2L2]} have been prepared and physico-chemically characterized. IR, electronic and EPR spectra of the complexes have been obtained. The thiosemicarbazones bind to metal as dianionic ONS donor ligands in all the complexes except in [Cu(HL1)2] (2) and [Cu(HL2)2] (6). In compounds 2 and 6 the ligands are coordinated as monoanionic HL- ones. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all the complexes are paramagnetic. In complex [(CuL1)2] (1), the magnetic moment value is lower than the expected spin only value. In all the complexes g(||)>g( perpendicular)>2.0023 and G values within the range 2.5-3.5 are consistent with dx2-y2 ground state. The complexes were given the formula as [(CuL1)2] (1); [Cu(HL1)2] (2); [CuL1bpy] (3); [CuL1phen] (4); [CuL1gamma-pic].2H2O (5); [Cu(HL2)2] (6); [CuL2py].3H2O (7); [CuL2bipy] (8). The structure of the compound 8 have been solved by single crystal X-ray crystallography and was found to be distorted square pyramid around copper(II) ion.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy and redox behaviors of 4,6-di-t-Bu-, 4-Me-6-t-Bu- and 4-t-Bu-2-nitrosophenolato copper(II) complexes; Characterization of radical species generated by PPh3

The synthesis, spectroscopy (IR, UV-Vis, ESR), magnetic and thermal behaviors, as well electrochemistry and reactivity towards PPh3 of alkyl-substituted bis(2-nitrosophenolato)copper(II) complexes, CuLx2, where Lx = 4,6-di-t-Bu-2-nitrosophenolato (L1), 4-CH3-6-t-Bu-2-nitrosophenolato (L2), 4-t-Bu-2-nitrosophenolato (L3) mono-anion ligands, are presented. The solid-state and solution ESR spectra showed an axially symmetric g-tensors with gII > g 2.03 indicating that the unpaired electron is located in the dx2 - y2orbital. When CuLx2 complexes were treated with an excess of PPh3 in air or under vacuum in toluene (or other solutions) at 300K, as confirmed by UV-Vis and ESR examination, without formation of PPh3 adduct of the complexes, the immediately generation of semiquinone type radical species and reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) were observed. In the case of CuL(1)(2) the further conversion of the generated primary radical species to secondary bis(PPh3)2(phenoxazinolato)Cu(I) semiquinone type radical was detected. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) of CuLx2 exhibited two successive quasi-reversible ligand centered reductions and two irreversible metal and ligand centered oxidation processes. Electrochemical behaviors were interpreted in terms of the existence two-valence tautomeric nitroso and oximato isomers of CuLx2 in solution.     

Ferromagnetism in dinuclear copper(II)-phenolate complexes with exogenous O-donor bridges: a comparative study

The copper(II) complex Cu2L(OAc)(H2O)3.5, 1 x 3.5H2O was obtained and its reactivity in a basic medium investigated. Complex 1 x 3.5H2O shows different reaction patterns in air and in an inert atmosphere. Accordingly, interaction of 1 x 3.5H2O with Me4NOH x 5H2O in methanol-acetonitrile in air yields the hydroxide complex Cu2L(OH)(H2O)1.125, 2 x 1.125H2O while Cu2L(OMe)(MeOH)0.5(H2O), 3 x 0.5MeOH x H2O is isolated under an argon atmosphere. The products 1-3 were fully characterised and single crystals of {[Cu2L(OAc)] x MeCN x 3.5H2O}2, 1 x MeCN x 3.5H2O, {[Cu2L(OH)] x MeCN x 1.125H2O}2, 2 x MeCN x 1.125H2O and [Cu2L(OMe)] x 0.5MeOH x H2O, 3 x 0.5MeOH x H2O solved. The single X-ray study shows that 1-3 are dinuclear complexes with an endogenous phenol oxygen and an exogenous O-bridge. Magnetic characterisation of the three dinuclear complexes was performed, showing an apparent anomalous intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the metal atoms in all cases.     

Synthesis of lateral macrobicyclic compartmental ligands: structural,magnetic, electrochemical,and catalytic studies of mono- and binuclear copper(II) complexes

A series of putative mono- and binuclear copper(II) complexes, of general formulas [CuL](ClO(4)) and [Cu(2)L](ClO(4))(2), respectively, have been synthesized from lateral macrocyclic ligands that have different compartments, originated from their corresponding precursor compounds (PC-1, 3,4:9,10-dibenzo-1,12-[N,N'-bis[(3-formyl-2-hydroxy-5-methyl)benzyl]diaza]-5,8-dioxacyclotetradecane; and PC-2, 3,4:9,10-dibenzo-1,12-[N,N'-bis[(3-formyl-2-hydroxy-5-methyl)benzyl]diaza]-5,8-dioxacyclopentadecane). The precursor compound PC-1 crystallized in the triclinic system with space group P(-)1. The mononuclear copper(II) complex [CuL(1a)](ClO(4)) is crystallized in the monoclinic system with space group P2(1)/c. The binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(2)L(2c)](ClO(4))(2) is crystallized in the triclinic system with space group P(-)1; the two Cu ions have two different geometries. Electrochemical studies evidenced that one quasi-reversible reduction wave (E(pc) = -0.78 to -0.87 V) for mononuclear complexes and two quasi-reversible one-electron-transfer reduction waves (E(1)(pc) = -0.83 to -0.92 V, E(2)(pc) = -1.07 to -1.38 V) for binuclear complexes are obtained in the cathodic region. Room-temperature magnetic-moment studies convey the presence of antiferromagnetic coupling in binuclear complexes [mu(eff) = (1.45-1.55)mu(B)], which is also suggested from the broad ESR spectra with g = 2.10-2.11, whereas mononuclear complexes show hyperfine splitting in ESR spectra and they have magnetic-moment values that are similar to the spin-only value [mu(eff) = (1.69-1.72)mu(B)]. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility study of the complex shows that the observed -2J value for the binuclear complex [Cu(2)L(1b)](ClO(4))(2) is 214 cm(-1). The observed initial rate-constant values of catechol oxidation, using complexes as catalysts, range from 4.89 x 10(-3) to 5.32 x 10(-2) min(-1) and the values are found to be higher for binuclear complexes than for the corresponding mononuclear complexes.     

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.     

Studies on bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone 1-oximato)manganese(II) and its mixed-ligand complexes

The synthesis, spectroscopy, and redox-reactivity towards PPh(3) of bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone 1-oximato)manganese(II), Mn(ox)(2), and its mixed-ligand complexes, Mn(ox)L(x) [L(x)=8-hydroxyquinolinato (L(1)), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) (L(2)), 1,10-Phenanthroline (phen) (L(3)) and N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-di-t-butylsalicylaldiminato (L(4))] complexes, are presented. While some complexes exhibit solid-state ESR spectra they were ESR-silent in toluene or CHCl(3) at 300 K. The reduction of all ESR-silent complexes with an excess of PPh(3), independently from the nature of secondary L(x) ligands, results in the appearance of a six-line hyperfine coupling of 55Mn (I=5/2) (A(Mn)=95-100 G) and a seven-line radical signal, which was assigned to phosphiniminophenoxyl type radicals (g=2.0056-2.0075, A(P)=8. 5 G and A(N)=1.875 G).     

Microspeciation in the copper(II)-L-histidylglycine system. An ESR study by the two-dimensional computer simulation method

Twelve ESR-active (and one inactive) copper(II) complexes of L-histidylglycine (HL) were characterized via their formation (micro)constants and ESR parameters obtained by two-dimensional ESR spectroscopic evaluation in aqueous solution. In strongly acidic media, the ligand is coordinated through its N-terminal donor groups: the complex [CuLH(2)](3+) involves monodentate imidazole binding, whereas [CuLH](2+) involves bidentate ligation through the amino and imidazole N atoms. This histamine-like bonding mode also predominates in the isomers of [CuL(2)], formed at ligand excess near pH 7: in the major 4N isomer, both ligands occupy two equatorial sites, while in the 3N isomer, the second dipeptide is coordinated equatorially by the amino and axially by the imidazole groups. At above pH 3-4, deprotonation of the peptide group also starts: in approximately 60% of the molecules of [CuL](+), the peptide group is deprotonated, while in the minor isomer histamine-like coordination occurs. At higher pH, the active dimer [Cu(2)L(2)H(-2)], the mixed hydroxo complexes (the inactive [Cu(2)L(2)H(-3)](-) and the active [CuLH(-2)](-)), and the bis complexes [CuL(2)H](+) and [CuL(2)H(-1)](-) all involve tridentate equatorial ligation of the backbone by the amino and deprotonated peptide N and the carboxylate O atoms. In the active dimer, the neutral imidazole groups form bridges between CuLH(-1) units. In [CuL(2)H](+), the second ligand is bound equatorially via its imidazole group; in [CuL(2)H(-1)](-), the L ligand occupies the fourth equatorial site and an axial site through its amino and imidazole N atoms, respectively.     

Synthesis, structure, magnetism, and spectroscopic properties of heterobinuclear copper(II)-zinc(II) complexes and their copper(II)-copper(II) analogues in asymmetric ligand environments

Heterobinuclear copper(II)-zinc(II) complexes and their homobinuclear dicopper(II) counterparts (1-4) of two asymmetric ligands (H2L1 and H2L2), based on 2-aminocyclopent-1-ene-1-dithiocarboxylate, are reported. The ligands are capable of providing both donor set and coordination number asymmetry in tandem. Metal centers in these complexes are connected by a micro-alkoxo and a bridging pyrazolate moiety, as confirmed by X-ray structure analyses of 1, 3, and 4. The Cu(1) site in the dicopper complex (1) is square planar and so are the copper sites in the Cu-Zn complexes 3 and 4. The pentacoordinated Zn sites in the latter complexes have distorted TBP geometry (tau = 0.74), while the corresponding Cu site in 1 has a highly distorted square pyramidal structure (tau = 0.54). The Cu...Zn separations in 3 and 4 are 3.3782 and 3.3403 angstroms, respectively, while the Cu...Cu distance in 1 is 3.3687 angstroms. The dicopper complexes are EPR silent at 77 K, in which the copper(II) centers are coupled by strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = ca. -290 cm(-1)) as confirmed by variable-temperature (4-300 K) magnetic measurements. These compounds (1 and 2) undergo two one-electron reductions and a single step two-electron oxidation at ca. -0.26, -1.40, and 1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl reference, respectively, as indicated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry done at subambient temperatures. EPR spectra of 3 and 4 display axial anisotropy at 77 K with the gperpendicular region being split into multiple lines due to N-superhyperfine coupling (AN = 15.3 x 10(-4) cm(-1)). The observed trend in the spin-Hamiltonian parameters, gparallel > gperpendicular > 2.04 and |Aperpendicular| < |Aparallel| approximately (120-150) x 10(-4) cm(-1), indicates a d(x2-y2)-based ground state with tetragonal site symmetry for the Cu(II) center in these molecules.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and redox reactivity of some transition metal complexes with salicylaldimines bearing 2,6-di-phenylphenol

New bidentate N-(2,6-di-phenyl-1-hydroxyphenyl) salicylaldimines bearing X=H and 3,5-di-t-butyl substituents on the salicylaldehyde ring, L(x)H, and their copper(II) complexes, M(Lx)2, (M=Cu(II), Co(II), Pd(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV/vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, as well as their oxidation with PbO(2) and reduction (for Cu(Lx)2) with PPh(3) were investigated. ESR studies indicate that oxidation of M(Lx)2 produces ligand-centered M(II)-phenoxyl radical species. The Cu(Lx)2 complexes, unlike others M(Lx)2, are readily reduced by PPh3 via intramolecular electron transfer from ligand to copper(II) to give unstable radical intermediates which are converted to another stable secondary radical species. The analysis of ESR spectra of Cu(Lx)(2), Co(L1)(2) and generated phenoxyl radicals are presented.     

Synthesis,structure, and DNA cleavage activity of new trinuclear Zn(3) and Zn(2)Cu complexes of a chiral macrocycle: structural correlation with the active center of P1 nuclease

New homo trinuclear Zn(II) complexes [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)](ClO(4))(2).3CHCl(3).H(2)O, 1, and [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)].ClO(4).PF(6).5CH(3)OH.H(2)O, 2, and hetero trinuclear complex [Zn(2)CuL(1)(micro-OAc)](ClO(4))(2).3CHCl(3).H(2)O,3, of optically active hexaaza triphenolic macrocycle H(3)L(1) were synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The cation [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)](+) structure of 1 and 2 closely resembles the trinuclear Zn(II) active site of P1 nuclease. The distorted tetrahedral geometry of Zn3 was successfully reproduced at Cu1 in complex 3. The complexes 2 and 3 cleave CT DNA at 37 and 50 degrees C.     

SYNTHESIS AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF SOME NEW REDOX-ACTIVE BENZYLAMINE COMPLEXES OF COPPER(II) AND ESR STUDIES OF THEIR OXIDATIONREDUCTION PRODUCTS

Abstract

New Cu(II) complexes Cu(L′_x)₂, where L′_x=L′₁, L′₂, L′₃, L′₄ are monoanion of unsubstituted, 5-Cl, 5-Br and 3,5-di-Br-substituted 2-hydroxybenzylamines of redox-active N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-1-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxybenzylamines were synthesized. Each compound of L′_xH and Cu(L′_x)2 as well as products of their oxidation and reduction by PbO2 and PPh3, respectively, was characterized by IR, UV-visible and ESR spectroscopy. ESR results showed that one-electron oxidation of mononuclear tetrahedrally distorted Cu(L′_x)2 chelates with PbO2, via C-C coupling of the Cu(II)-stabilized ligand radical intermediates and by the oxidative dehydrogenation of amine-chelates, produce new Cu(II) complexes with square-planar geometry. The powder ESR spectra of these new Cu(II) complexes exhibit a triplet-state type pattern with the zero-field splitting due to interaction between the copper(II) pairs. Interaction of Cu(L′_x)2 with PPh3 via intramolecular ligand-metal electron transfer results in the formation of radical species and reduction of the metal center. All radical intermediates were characterized by ESR parameters.     

Local structure analysis of Cu(II)-diazepam complexes by ESR spectroscopy

CuL(2)X(2) (L = 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, also known as diazepam, X = Cl, Br) complexes have been prepared and investigated by ESR spectroscopy. Powder ESR spectra of these complexes suggest a planar-rhombic distorted local symmetry. The CH(3)Cl solutions spectra show the presence of pseudo-tetrahedral species with a 3d(xy)+4p(z) mixture ground state for the paramagnetic electron. The anisotropic spectra obtained for the Cu(II)-diazepam solution adsorbed on NaY zeolite confirm the existence of a CuN(2)X(2) chromophore.     

Structural modulation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands by the bridgehead alkyl groups

Structures of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of sterically hindered tripyridine ligands RL = tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methane (HL), 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)ethane (MeL), and 1,1,1-tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)propane (EtL), [Cu(RL)(MeCN)]PF(6) (1-3), [Cu(RL)(SO(4))] (4-6), and [Cu(RL)(NO(3))(2)] (7-9), have been explored in the solid state and in solution to gain some insights into modulation of the copper coordination structures by bridgehead alkyl groups (CH, CMe, and CEt). The crystal structures of 1-9 show that RL binds a copper ion in a tridentate facial-capping mode, except for 3, where EtL chelates in a bidentate mode with two pyridyl nitrogen atoms. To avoid the steric repulsion between the bridgehead alkyl group and the 3-H(py) atoms, the pyridine rings in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of MeL and EtL shift toward the Cu side as compared to those in Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes of HL, leading to the significant differences in the nonbonding interatomic distances, H.H (between the 3-H(py) atoms), N.N (between the N(py) atoms), and C.C (between the 6-Me carbon atoms), the Cu-N(py), Cu-N(MeCN), and Cu-O bond distances, and the tilt of the pyridine rings. The copper coordination geometries in 4-6, where a SO(4) ligand chelates in a bidentate mode, are varied from a square pyramid of 4 to distorted trigonal bipyramids of 5 and 6. Such structural differences are not observed for 7-9, where two NO(3) ligands coordinate in a monodentate mode. The structures of 1-9 in solution are investigated by means of the electronic, (1)H NMR, and ESR spectroscopy. The (1)H NMR spectra show that the structures of 1-3 in the solid state are kept in solution with rapid coordination exchange of the pyridine rings. The electronic and the ESR spectra reveal the structural changes of 5 and 6 in solution. The bridgehead alkyl groups and 6-Me groups in the sterically hindered tripyridine ligand play important roles in modulating the copper coordination structures.     

Equilibria of 3-pyridylmethanol with copper(II). A comparative electron spin resonance study by the decomposition of spectra in liquid and frozen solutions

The copper(II)-3-pyridylmethanol (L) system was investigated in aqueous solution by two-dimensional ESR evaluation at 298 K, and computer simulation of the individual anisotropic spectra at 77 K. The data revealed that the paramagnetic copper(II) complexes [CuL] (2+), [CuL 2] (2+), [CuL 3] (2+), and [CuL 4] (2+) are formed up to pH approximately 7 at a moderate or high excess of ligand. As compared with chelating ligands, two differences were observed for the complexation of 3-pyridylmethanol with copper(II): (1) In contrast with the well-resolved spectra in frozen solution, considerable line-broadening and distortion of the spectral shapes were seen at 298 K, which was interpreted in terms of isomeric equilibria and the medium-rate interconversion of various complexes on the ESR time-scale. (2) At low temperature, there were dramatic changes in the concentration distribution, the minor complexes with higher numbers of coordinating ligands ([CuL 3] (2+) and in particular [CuL 4] (2+)) becoming strongly favored. This phenomenon is explained by the significant differences in the formation enthalpy values of various species, shifting the equilibria according to the van't Hoff equation, and a significant undercooling in the course of fast freezing of the solution, which enhances the changes of the concentration distribution.     

In vitro and in vivo stability investigations of Cu(II), Zn(II), Ca(II) and Gd(III) complexes with N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyiminopropionyl) propane-1,3-diamine

Formation constants of copper(II), zinc(II), calcium(II) and gadolinium(III) with N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyiminopropionyl) propane-1,3-diamine (L2) have been studied at 25 degrees C and an ionic strength of 0.15 mol dm(-3). The reasonably high formation constants of the copper with this ligand are due to the ease with which the metal ion deprotonates the amide moieties. The square-planar coordination of L2 towards copper as predicted from UV-visible data may also account for the high selectivity of L2 towards the metal ion. Octanol/water partition coefficients of Cu(II)-L2 complexes indicate that although these complexes are largely hydrophilic, approximately 1.86% of the [CuL2H(-1)] species goes into the octanol layer and hence may promote dermal absorption of copper with a calculated penetration rate of 1.24 x 10(-5) cm h(-1). The [CuL2H(-1)] complex which predominates at pH 7.4 is a poor mimic of native copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. Blood-plasma simulation studies predict that, despite the high concentration of zinc and calcium in vivo, L2 is able to increase the low-molecular-mass fraction of copper. Biodistribution experiments using 64Cu-labelled [CuL2H(-1)] indicate an initial high uptake of this species in the liver, but it is predominantly excreted through the renal system.     

Complexes of copper(II) with 3-(ortho-substituted phenylhydrazo)pentane-2,4-diones: syntheses, properties and catalytic activity for cyclohexane oxidation

Reactions of copper(II) with 3-phenylhydrazopentane-2,4-diones X-2-C(6)H(4)-NHN=C{C(=O)CH(3)}(2) bearing a substituent in the ortho-position [X = OH (H(2)L(1)) 1, AsO(3)H(2) (H(3)L(2)) 2, Cl (HL(3)) 3, SO(3)H (H(2)L(4)) 4, COOCH(3) (HL(5)) 5, COOH (H(2)L(6)) 6, NO(2) (HL(7)) 7 or H (HL(8)) 8] lead to a variety of complexes including the monomeric [CuL(4)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O 10, [CuL(4)(H(2)O)(2)] 11 and [Cu(HL(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)] 12, the dimeric [Cu(2)(H(2)O)(2)(μ-HL(2))(2)] 9 and the polymeric [Cu(μ-L(6))](n)] 13 ones, often bearing two fused six-membered metallacycles. Complexes 10-12 can interconvert, depending on pH and temperature, whereas the Cu(II) reactions with 4 in the presence of cyanoguanidine or imidazole (im) afford the monomeric compound [Cu(H(2)O)(4){NCNC(NH(2))(2)}(2)](HL(4))(2)·6H(2)O 14 and the heteroligand polymer [Cu(μ-L(4))(im)](n)15, respectively. The compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (complexes), electrochemical and thermogravimetric studies, as well as elemental analysis, IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopies (diones) and ESI-MS. The effects of the substituents in 1-8 on the HOMO-LUMO gap and the relative stability of the model compounds [Cu(OH)(L(8))(H(2)O)]·H(2)O, [Cu(L(1))(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O and [Cu(L(4))(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O are discussed on the basis of DFT calculations that show the stabilization follows the order: two fused 6-membered > two fused 6-membered/5-membered > one 6-membered metallacycles. Complexes 9, 10, 12 and 13 act as catalyst precursors for the peroxidative oxidation (with H(2)O(2)) of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, in MeCN/H(2)O (total yields of ca. 20% with TONs up to 566), under mild conditions.     

Synthesis and ESR studies of redox reactivity of bis (3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooximato)Cu(II)

Complexing of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooxime with Cu(II) in air and under N2 gave Cu(qo)2 and Cu(qo)2 x H2O (where qo is 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooximato-anion) complexes, respectively. The ESR spectroscopy showed that the reduction of these complexes with P(PhX)3 (X = H, m-Cl, m-CH3, p-Et2N-) and 1,4-bis(diphenyldiphosphino) butane (dppb) proceeds via the radical formation (phenoxazine, amino phenoxy and nitrene type radical intermediates) and pathways of reduction depend on the structure of these complexes. The reaction of Cu(qo), with dppb and P(PhX)3 phosphines gave essentially identical ESR spectra. At the same time, reduction of Cu(qo)2 x H2O with PPh3 result in entirely different unstable radical spectrum (g = 2.0046) which is further converted to another relatively stable Cu-containing radical signal (g = 2.0052). The unstable radical species attributed to nitrene type radicals. The initial complexes and all radical products were characterized by their ESR and optical spectra.     

Coordination modes between copper(II) and N-acetylneuraminic (sialic) acid from a 2D-simulation analysis of EPR spectra. Implications for copper mediation of sialoglycoconjugate chemistry relevant to human biology

The equilibrium distribution of species formed between Cu(II) and N-acetylneuraminic (sialic) acid (I, LH) at 298 K has been determined using a two-dimensional (2D) simulation analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. In acidic solutions (pH values < 4), the major species present are Cu(2+), [CuL]+ [logbeta = 1.64(4)], and [CuL2] [logbeta = 2.77(5)]. At intermediate pH values (4.0 < pH < 7.5), [CuL2H-1]- [logbeta = -2.72(7)] and two isomers of [CuLH-1] [logbeta (overall) = -3.37(2)] are present. At alkaline pH values (7.5 < pH < 11), the major species present is [CuL2H-2]2-, modeled as three isomers with unique giso and Aiso values [logbeta (overall) = -8.68(3)]. Two further species ([CuLH-3]2- and [CuL2H-3]3-) appear at pH values > 11. It is proposed that [CuL]+ most likely features I coordinated via the deprotonated carboxylic acid group (O1) and the endocyclic oxygen atom (OR) forming a five-membered chelate ring. Select Cu(II)-I species of the form [CuLH-1] may feature I acting as a dianionic tridentate chelate, via oxygen atoms derived from O1, OR, and one deprotonated hydroxy group (O7 or O8) from the glycerol tail. Alternatively, I may coordinate Cu(II) in a bidentate fashion as the tert-2-hydroxycarboxylato (O1,O2) dianion. Spectra predicted for Cu(II)-I complexes in which I is coordinated in either a O1,OR {I1-} or O1,O2 {I2-} bidentate fashion {e.g., [CuL]+ (O1,O R), [CuL2] (bis-O1,O R), [CuLH-1] (isomer: O1, O2), [CuL2H-1]- (O1, O R; O1, O2), and [CuL2H-2]2- (isomer: bis-O1, O2)} have "irregular" EPR spectra that are ascribed to the existence of Cu(II)-I(monomer) <==> Cu(II)-I(polymer) equilibria. The formation of polymeric Cu(II)-I species will be favored in these complexes because the glycerol-derived hydroxyl groups at the complex periphery (O, 7O, 8O9) are available for further Cu(II) binding. The presence of polymeric Cu(II)-I species is supported by EPR spectral data from solutions of Cu(II) and the homopolymer of I, colominic acid (Ipoly). Conversely, spectra predicted for Cu(II)-I complexes where I is coordinated in a {I2-} tridentate {e.g., [CuLH-1] (isomer: O1, O R, O7, or O8) and [CuL2H-2]2- (isomer: bis-O1,O R,O7, or O8)} or tetradentate fashion {I3-} {e.g., [CuLH-3]2- (O1, O R, O, 8O9)} are typical for mononuclear tetragonally elongated Cu(II) octahedra. In this latter series of complexes, the tendency toward the formation of polymeric Cu(II)-I analogues is small because the polydentate I effectively wraps up the mononuclear Cu(II) center. This work shows that Cu(II) could potentially mediate the chemistry of sialoglycoconjugate-containing proteins in human biology, such as the sialylated amyloid precursor protein of relevance to Alzheimer's disease.