Bis[pyrrolyl Ru(ii)] triads: a new class of photosensitizers for metal–organic photodynamic therapy

A new family of ten dinuclear Ru(ii) complexes based on the bis[pyrrolyl Ru(ii)] triad scaffold, where two Ru(bpy)₂ centers are separated by a variety of organic linkers, was prepared to evaluate the influence of the organic chromophore on the spectroscopic and in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) properties of the compounds. The bis[pyrrolyl Ru(ii)] triads absorbed strongly throughout the visible region, with several members having molar extinction coefficients (ε) ≥ 10⁴ at 600–620 nm and longer. Phosphorescence quantum yields (Φ_p) were generally less than 0.1% and in some cases undetectable. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ_Δ) ranged from 5% to 77% and generally correlated with their photocytotoxicities toward human leukemia (HL-60) cells regardless of the wavelength of light used. Dark cytotoxicities varied ten-fold, with EC₅₀ values in the range of 10–100 μM and phototherapeutic indices (PIs) as large as 5400 and 260 with broadband visible (28 J cm^–2, 7.8 mW cm^–2) and 625 nm red (100 J cm^–2, 42 mW cm^–2) light, respectively. The bis[pyrrolyl Ru(ii)] triad with a pyrenyl linker (5h) was especially potent, with an EC₅₀ value of 1 nM and PI > 27 000 with visible light and subnanomolar activity with 625 nm light (100 J cm^–2, 28 mW cm^–2). The lead compound 5h was also tested in a tumor spheroid assay using the HL60 cell line and exhibited greater photocytotoxicity in this more resistant model (EC₅₀ = 60 nM and PI > 1200 with 625 nm light) despite a lower dark cytotoxicity. The in vitro PDT effects of 5h extended to bacteria, where submicromolar EC₅₀ values and PIs >300 against S. mutans and S. aureus were obtained with visible light. This activity was attenuated with 625 nm red light, but PIs were still near 50. The ligand-localized ³ππ* state contributed by the pyrenyl linker of 5h likely plays a key role in its phototoxic effects toward cancer cells and bacteria.     

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence from Os(phen)2(dppene) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline and dppene=bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene) in the presence of Triton X-100 (polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether)

The effects of the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 (polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether) on the properties of Os(phen)₂(dppene)²⁺ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline and dppene=bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) have been investigated. The anodic oxidation of Os(phen)₂(dppene)²⁺ produces ECL in the presence of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) in aqueous surfactant solution. Increases in ECL efficiency (≥3-fold) and TPrA oxidation current (≥2.0-fold) have been observed in surfactant media with experiments supporting adsorption of surfactant on the electrode surface.     

Cinnamal Sensing and Luminescence Color Tuning in a Series of Rare-Earth Metal−Organic Frameworks with Trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate

Three isostructural metal–organic frameworks ([Ln₂(phen)₂(NO₃)₂(chdc)₂]·2DMF (Ln³⁺ = Y³⁺ for 1, Eu³⁺ for 2 or Tb³⁺ for 3; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; H₂chdc = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid) were synthesized and characterized. The compounds are based on a binuclear block {M₂(phen)₂(NO₃)₂(OOCR)₄} assembled into a two-dime nsional square-grid network containing tetragonal channels with 26% total solvent-accessible volume. Yttrium (1)-, europium (2)- and terbium (3)-based structures emit in the blue, red and green regions, respectively, representing the basic colors of the standard RGB matrix. A doping of Eu³⁺ and/or Tb³⁺ centers into the Y³⁺-based phase led to mixed-metal compositions with tunable emission color and high quantum yields (QY) up to 84%. The bright luminescence of a suspension of microcrystalline 3 in DMF (QY = 78%) is effectively quenched by diluted cinnamaldehyde (cinnamal) solutions at millimolar concentrations, suggesting a convenient and analytically viable sensing method for this important chemical.     

Mixed‐Ligand Complexes of Copper(II) with α‐Hydroxycarboxylic Acids and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

Eight new two‐ligand complexes of copper(II) with 1,10‐phenanthroline and one of four different α‐hydroxy‐carboxylic acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic and benzylic) were prepared. The complexes of general formula [Cu(HL)₂(phen)] · nH₂O (HL = monodeprotonated acid) ( 1 – 4 ) were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic and EPR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and thermo‐gravimetric analysis. The complexes of general formulae [Cu(HL)(phen)₂](HL) · H₂L · nSolv [ 1 a (HL = HGLYO^–, n = 1, Solv = MeCN) and 3 a (HL = HMANO^–, n = 0)] and [Cu(L)(phen)(OH₂)] · nH₂O [ 2 a (L = LACO^2–, n = 4) and 4 a (L = BENO^2–, n = 2)] were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry. In all these latter a pentacoordinated copper atom has a basically square pyramidal coordination polyhedron, the distortion of which towards a trigonal bipyramidal configuration has been evaluated in terms of the parameter τ. In 1 a and 3 a there are three forms of α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid: a monodentate monoanion, a monoanionic counterion, and a neutral molecule lying in the outer coordination sphere; in 2 a and 4 a the α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid is a bidentate dianion coordinating through carboxyl and hydroxyl oxygens.     

Versatile Reactivity of MnII Complexes in Reactions with N-Donor Heterocycles: Metamorphosis of Labile Homometallic Pivalates vs. Assembling of Endurable Heterometallic Acetates

Reaction of 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen) with [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n led to the formation of binuclear complexes [Mn₂(Piv)₄L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (1), phen (2); Piv⁻ is the anion of pivalic acid). Oxidation of 1 or 2 by air oxygen resulted in the formation of tetranuclear Mn^II/III complexes [Mn₄O₂(Piv)₆L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (3), phen (4)). The hexanuclear complex [Mn₆(OH)₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₄] (5) was formed in the reaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with pyrimidine (pym), while oxidation of 5 produced the coordination polymer [Mn₆O₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₂]_n (6). Use of pyrazine (pz) instead of pyrimidine led to the 2D-coordination polymer [Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇(µ₂-pz)₂]_n (7). Interaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with FeCl₃ resulted in the formation of the hexanuclear complex [Mn^II₄Fe^III₂O₂(Piv)₁₀(MeCN)₂(HPiv)₂] (8). The reactions of [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(H₂O)₃] with 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) or trans-1,2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) led to the formation of 1D-polymers [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆L₂]_n·2nDMF, where L = 4,4′-bipy (9·2DMF), bpe (10·2DMF) and [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(bpe)(DMF)]_n·3.5nDMF (11·3.5DMF). All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Desolvation of 11·3.5DMF led to a collapse of the porous crystal lattice that was confirmed by PXRD and N₂ sorption measurements, while alcohol adsorption led to porous structure restoration. Weak antiferromagnetic exchange was found in the case of binuclear Mn^II complexes (J_Mn-Mn = −1.03 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2). According to magnetic data analysis (J_Mn-Mn = −(2.69 ÷ 0.42) cm⁻¹) and DFT calculations (J_Mn-Mn = −(6.9 ÷ 0.9) cm⁻¹) weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn^II ions also occurred in the tetranuclear {Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇} unit of the 2D polymer 7. In contrast, strong antiferromagnetic coupling was found in oxo-bridged trinuclear fragment {MnFe₂O(OAc)₆} in 11·3.5DMF (J_Fe-Fe = −57.8 cm⁻¹, J_Fe-Mn = −20.12 cm⁻¹).     

Rational enhancement of the energy barrier of bis(tetrapyrrole) dysprosium SMMs via replacing atom of porphyrin core

With the coordination geometry of Dy^III being relatively fixed, oxygen and sulfur atoms were used to replace one porphyrin pyrrole nitrogen atom of sandwich complex [(Bu)₄N][Dy^III(Pc)(TBPP)] [Pc = dianion of phthalocyanine, TBPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[(4-tert-butyl)phenyl]porphyrin]. The energy barrier of the compounds was enhanced three times, with the order of Dy^III(Pc)(STBPP) > Dy^III(Pc)(OTBPP) > [(Bu)₄N][Dy^III(Pc)(TBPP)] [STBPP = monoanion of 5,10,15,20-(4-tert-butyl)phenyl-21-thiaporphyrin, OTBPP = monoanion of 5,10,15,20-(4-tert-butyl)phenyl-21-oxaporphyrin]. Theoretical calculations offer reasonable explanations of such a significant enhancement. The energy barrier of 194 K for Dy^III(Pc)(STBPP) represents the highest one among all the bis(tetrapyrrole) dysprosium SMMs, providing a strategy to rationally enhance the anisotropy and energy barrier via atom replacement.     

Cobalt-catalysed asymmetric hydrovinylation of 1,3-dienes

In the presence of bidentate 1,n-bis-diphenylphosphinoalkane-CoCl₂ complexes {Cl₂Co[P ∼ P]} and Me₃Al or methylaluminoxane, acyclic (E)-1,3-dienes react with ethylene (1 atmosphere) to give excellent yields of hydrovinylation products. The regioselectivity (1,4- or 1,2-addition) and the alkene configuration (E- or Z-) of the resulting product depend on the nature of the ligand and temperature at which the reaction is carried out. Cobalt(ii)-complexes of 1,1-diphenylphosphinomethane and similar ligands with narrow bite angles give mostly 1,2-addition, retaining the E-geometry of the original diene. Complexes of most other ligands at low temperature (–40 °C) give almost exclusively a single branched product, (Z)-3-alkylhexa-1,4-diene, which arises from a 1,4-hydrovinylation reaction. A minor product is the linear adduct, a 6-alkyl-hexa-1,4-diene, also arising from a 1,4-addition of ethylene. As the temperature is increased, a higher proportion of the major branched-1,4-adduct appears as the (E)-isomer. The unexpectedly high selectivity seen in the Co-catalysed reaction as compared to the corresponding Ni-catalysed reaction can be rationalized by invoking the intermediacy of an η⁴-[(diene)[P ∼ P]CoH]⁺-complex and its subsequent reactions. The enhanced reactivity of terminal E-1,3-dienes over the corresponding Z-dienes can also be explained on the basis of the ease of formation of this η⁴-complex in the former case. The lack of reactivity of the X₂Co(dppb) (X = Cl, Br) complexes in the presence of Zn/ZnI₂ makes the Me₃Al-mediated reaction different from the previously reported hydroalkenylation of dienes. Electron-rich phospholanes, bis-oxazolines and N-heterocyclic carbenes appear to be poor ligands for the Co(ii)-catalysed hydrovinylation of 1,3-dienes. An extensive survey of chiral ligands reveals that complexes of DIOP, BDPP and Josiphos ligands are quite effective for these reactions even at –45 °C and enantioselectivities in the range of 90–99% ee can be realized for a variety of 1,3-dienes. Cobalt(ii)-complex of an electron-deficient Josiphos ligand is especially active, requiring only <1 mol% catalyst to effect the reactions.     

Molecular glues for manipulating enzymes: trypsin inhibition by benzamidine-conjugated molecular glues

Water-soluble bioadhesive polymers bearing multiple guanidinium ion (Gu⁺) pendants at their side-chain termini (Glue_n–BA, n = 10 and 29) that were conjugated with benzamidine (BA) as a trypsin inhibitor were developed. The Glue_n–BA molecules are supposed to adhere to oxyanionic regions of the trypsin surface, even in buffer, via a multivalent Gu⁺/oxyanion salt-bridge interaction, such that their BA group properly blocks the substrate-binding site. In fact, Glue₁₀–BA and Glue₂₉–BA exhibited 35- and 200-fold higher affinities for trypsin, respectively, than a BA derivative without the glue moiety (TEG–BA). Most importantly, Glue₁₀–BA inhibited the protease activity of trypsin 13-fold more than TEG–BA. In sharp contrast, ^mGlue₂₇–BA, which bears 27 Gu⁺ units along the main chain and has a 5-fold higher affinity than TEG–BA for trypsin, was inferior even to TEG–BA for trypsin inhibition.     

Copper coordination polymers from cavitand ligands: hierarchical spaces from cage and capsule motifs,and other topologies

The cyclotriveratrylene-type ligands (±)-tris(iso-nicotinoyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L1 (±)-tris(4-pyridylmethyl)cyclotriguaiacylene L2 and (±)-tris{4-(4-pyridyl)benzyl}cyclotriguaiacylene L3 all feature 4-pyridyl donor groups and all form coordination polymers with Cu^I and/or Cu^II cations that show a remarkable range of framework topologies and structures. Complex [Cu^I ₄Cu^II _1.5(L1)₃(CN)₆]·CN·n(DMF) 1 features a novel 3,4-connected framework of cyano-linked hexagonal metallo-cages. In complexes [Cu₃(L2)₄(H₂O)₃]·6(OTf)·n(DMSO) 2 and [Cu₂(L3)₂Br₂(H₂O)(DMSO)]·2Br·n(DMSO) 3 capsule-like metallo-cryptophane motifs are formed which linked through their metal vertices into a hexagonal 2D network of (4³.12³)(4².12²) topology or a coordination chain. Complex [Cu₂(L1)₂(OTf)₂(NMP)₂(H₂O)₂]·2(OTf)·2NMP 4 has an interpenetrating 2D 3,4-connected framework of (4.6².8)(6².8)(4.6².8²) topology with tubular channels. Complex [Cu(L1)(NCMe)]·BF₄·2(CH₃CN)·H₂O 5 features a 2D network of 6³ topology while the Cu^II analogue [Cu₂(L1)₂(NMP)(H₂O)]·4BF₄·12NMP·1.5H₂O 6 has an interpenetrating (10,3)-b type structure and complex [Cu₂(L2)₂Br₃(DMSO)]·Br·n(DMSO) 7 has a 2D network of 4.8² topology. Strategies for formation of coordination polymers with hierarchical spaces emerge in this work and complex 2 is shown to absorb fullerene-C₆₀ through soaking the crystals in a toluene solution.     

Two Zinc(II) and Nickel(II)‐based Complexes: Anti Breast Cancer Activity

Two zinc(II) and nickel(II) based coordination polymers, {[Zn(bibp)(MoO₄)](H₂O)₂}_n ( 1 ) [bibp = 4,4′‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)‐biphenyl] and [Ni₂(CN)₄(phen)₂]_n ( 2 ) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), were synthesized and structurally characterized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 can be viewed as the connection of the 1D W‐type chain [Zn(trans‐bibp)] with the MoO₄^2– anion to form a uninodal 4‐connected net, whereas 2 features one‐dimensional Ni^II cyanide chains decorated either with linear Ni(CN)₄ side chains or with 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands bound directly to the Ni^II sites of the parent chain. In addition, in vitro anticancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 on four human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐468, SK‐BR‐3, and MCF7) was further determined.     

New Cy5 photosensitizers for cancer phototherapy: a low singlet–triplet gap provides high quantum yield of singlet oxygen

Highly efficient triplet photosensitizers (PSs) have attracted increasing attention in cancer photodynamic therapy where photo-induced reactive oxygen species (ROSs, such as singlet oxygen) are produced via singlet–triplet intersystem crossing (ISC) of the excited photosensitizer to kill cancer cells. However, most PSs exhibit the fatal defect of a generally less-than-1% efficiency of ISC and low yield of ROSs, and this defect strongly impedes their clinical application. In the current work, a new strategy to enhance the ISC and high phototherapy efficiency has been developed, based on the molecular design of a thio-pentamethine cyanine dye (TCy5) as a photosensitizer. The introduction of an electron-withdrawing group at the meso-position of TCy5 could dramatically reduce the singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔE_st) value (from 0.63 eV to as low as 0.14 eV), speed up the ISC process (τ_ISC = 1.7 ps), prolong the lifetime of the triplet state (τ_T = 319 μs) and improve singlet oxygen (¹O₂) quantum yield to as high as 99%, a value much higher than those of most reported triplet PSs. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that TCy5-CHO, with its efficient ¹O₂ generation and good biocompatibility, causes an intense tumor ablation in mice. This provides a new strategy for designing ideal PSs for cancer photo-therapy.

The electron-withdrawing group at the meso-position of Thio-Cy5 could dramatically reduce the singlet–triplet energy gap, and speed up the intersystem crossing process.     

A comparative study of the coordination behavior of cyclo-P5 and cyclo-As5 ligand complexes towards the trinuclear Lewis acid complex (perfluoro-ortho-phenylene)mercury

Reactions of the cyclo-E₅ sandwich complexes [Cp*Fe(η⁵-P₅)] (1) and [Cp*Fe(η⁵-As₅)] (2) with the planar Lewis acid trimeric (perfluoro-ortho-phenylene)mercury [(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃] (3) afford compounds that show distinctly different assemblies in the solid state. The phosphorus containing ligand 1 forms dimeric coordination units with two molecules of 3, with one P atom of each cyclo-P₅ ligand positioned in close proximity to the center of a molecule of 3. In contrast to the coordination behavior of 1, the arsenic analog 2 shows simultaneous interaction of three As atoms with the Hg atoms of 3. A DFT study and subsequent AIM analyses of the products suggest that electrostatic forces are prevalent over donor–acceptor interactions in these adducts, and may play a role in the differences in the observed coordination behavior. Subsequently, a series of [Cp^RFe(η⁵-P₅)] (Cp^R = C₅H_5–n tBu_n, n = 1–3, 6a–c) sandwich complexes was prepared and also reacted with [(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃]. In the solid state the obtained products 7a–c with increasing steric demand of the Cp^R ligands show no significant change in their assembly compared to the Cp* analog 4. All of the products were characterized by single crystal X-ray structure analysis, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis as well as NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry.     

New Observations on the Belousov-Zhabotinskii Reaction. The Oscillating Reaction of Organic Gallic Acid and Potassium Bromate Catalyzed by 1,10-o-Phenanthroline-Iron(II) Complex

The oscillating reaction involving organic gallic acid (GA), potassium bromate, and a metal ion complex has been reinvestigated. In contrast to other previous reports, this oscillating reaction is catalyzed by the [Fe(phen)_n]²⁺ ion (phen = 1,10-o-phenanthroline, n=1, 2, 3) rather than by the cerium ion. The characteristics of the oscillations depend on the temperature and on the concentrations of the potassium bromate, gallic acid, [Fe(phen)_n]²⁺, and sulfuric acid. A cyclic voltammetric study indicates that the redox potential and the reversibility of the [Fe(phen)_n]^2+/3+ couple play a major role in catalyzing this oscillating system.     

Preparation of a novel clay/metal complex hybrid film and its catalytic oxidation to chiral 1,1-binaphthol

An ITO electrode modified with a hybrid film of chiral metal complex (Λ-[Os(phen)₃]²⁺) and a clay (montmorillonite) has been prepared for the purpose of chiral sensing. As a first step, a floating monolayer of amphiphilic Os(II) complex, [Os(phen)₂(dC18bpy)](ClO₄)₂ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, dC18bpy=4,4^′-dioctadecyl-2,2^′-bipyridyl), was formed on an aqueous dispersion of sodium montmorillonite. The monolayer acted as an organic part for the hybridization of clay particles in an aqueous phase. The hybrid film of clay and amphiphilic metal complex was transferred onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate by the vertical dipping method. The next step was to immerse the electrode in chloroform, during which the amphiphilic Os(II) complex was removed from the clay surface. Thereafter the electrode was immersed in an aqueous solution of 0.5 mM Λ-[Os(phen)₃](ClO₄)₂ and rinsed with water. Cyclic voltammetric measurements were performed at each step of the above procedures. When the observed curves were simulated on the basis of a double-layered modified electrode, the electron transfer rate constant (k₁) for Λ-[Os(phen)₃]²⁺/Λ-[Os(phen)₃]³⁺ was determined to be 0.25 s⁻¹. This Os^II/Os^III redox couple was found to mediate the electrochemical oxidation of chiral 1,1^′-2-binaphthol in a stereoselective way: i.e., the S-isomer was oxidized at a 1.4 times higher rate than the R-isomer.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a One—Dimen—sional Copper（Ⅰ） Halide Cluster with 1,10—Phenanthroline

The title compound Cu₂Cl₂phen (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, C₁₂H₈N₂) 1 was synthesized from CuCl₂·2H₂O, CuCl and phen by hydrothermal method and its structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray analysis. With phen, CuG forms one‐dimensional chains, which comprise two zigzag chains based on fused Cu‐X units and connected via covalent bonds. The compound contains two crystallographically unique monovalent copper ions, Cu(1) and Cu(2). The Cu(1) atom in the tetrahedral site, is coordinated to two bridging Cl^? and two N atoms in phen. The Cu(2) atom with a slightly distorted triangular planar geometry, is coordinated to three Cl^?. The compound 1 was crystallized in monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 0.37338(4), b = 1.9510(2), c = 1.68008(19) nm, β = 95.605 (3)°, R = 0.0458, and was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum and TGA analysis.     

Synergistic effect of heterocyclic bidentate amines on the extraction of thorium(IV) with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone

The synergistic effect on the extraction of thorium(IV) was found by the combination of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Htta) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dpp) as a neutral bidentate ligand. Especially in the presence of dpp (1·10^–3M) in benzene, the distribution ratio of thorium(IV) increased by a factor of about 300. Such synergistic enhancement of the extraction was ascribed to the formation of the adduct complex of Th(tta)₄(phen) and Th(tta)₄(dpp) in the organic phase. The extraction constant and the adduct formation constant were determined and discussed.     

Chemical Characterization of Plant Extracts and Evaluation of their Nematicidal and Phytotoxic Potential

Nacobbus aberrans ranks among the “top ten” plant-parasitic nematodes of phytosanitary importance. It causes significant losses in commercial interest crops in America and is a potential risk in the European Union. The nematicidal and phytotoxic activities of seven plant extracts against N. aberrans and Solanum lycopersicum were evaluated in vitro, respectively. The chemical nature of three nematicidal extracts (EC_50,48h ≤ 113 µg mL⁻¹) was studied through NMR analysis. Plant extracts showed nematicidal activity on second-stage juveniles (J2): (≥87%) at 1000 µg mL⁻¹ after 72 h, and their EC₅₀ values were 71.4–468.1 and 31.5–299.8 µg mL⁻¹ after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Extracts with the best nematicidal potential (EC_50,48h < 113 µg mL⁻¹) were those from Adenophyllum aurantium, Alloispermum integrifolium, and Tournefortia densiflora, which inhibited L. esculentum seed growth by 100% at 20 µg mL⁻¹. Stigmasterol (1), β-sitosterol (2), and α-terthienyl (3) were identified from A. aurantium, while 1, 2, lutein (4), centaurin (5), patuletin-7-β-O-glucoside (6), pendulin (7), and penduletin (8) were identified from A. integrifolium. From T. densiflora extract, allantoin (9), 9-O-angeloyl-retronecine (10), and its N-oxide (11) were identified. The present research is the first to report the effect of T. densiflora, A. integrifolium, and A. aurantium against N. aberrans and chemically characterized nematicidal extracts that may provide alternative sources of botanical nematicides.     

In Silico and Ex Vivo Studies on the Spasmolytic Activities of Fenchone Using Isolated Guinea Pig Trachea

Fenchone is a bicyclic monoterpene found in a variety of aromatic plants, including Foeniculum vulgare and Peumus boldus, and is used in the management of airways disorders. This study aimed to explore the bronchodilator effect of fenchone using guinea pig tracheal muscles as an ex vivo model and in silico studies. A concentration-mediated tracheal relaxant effect of fenchone was evaluated using isolated guinea pig trachea mounted in an organ bath provided with physiological conditions. Sustained contractions were achieved using low K⁺ (25 mM), high K⁺ (80 mM), and carbamylcholine (CCh; 1 µM), and fenchone inhibitory concentration–response curves (CRCs) were obtained against these contractions. Fenchone selectively inhibited with higher potency contractions evoked by low K⁺ compared to high K⁺ with resultant EC₅₀ values of 0.62 mg/mL (0.58–0.72; n = 5) and 6.44 mg/mL (5.86–7.32; n = 5), respectively. Verapamil (VRP) inhibited both low and high K⁺ contractions at similar concentrations. Pre-incubation of the tracheal tissues with K⁺ channel blockers such as glibenclamide (Gb), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and tetraethylammonium (TEA) significantly shifted the inhibitory CRCs of fenchone to the right towards higher doses. Fenchone also inhibited CCh-mediated contractions at comparable potency to its effect against high K⁺ [6.28 mg/mL (5.88–6.42, n = 4); CCh] and [6.44 mg/mL (5.86–7.32; n = 5); high K⁺]. A similar pattern was obtained with papaverine (PPV), a phosphodiesterase (PDE), and Ca²⁺ inhibitor which inhibited both CCh and high K⁺ at similar concentrations [10.46 µM (9.82–11.22, n = 4); CCh] and [10.28 µM (9.18–11.36; n = 5); high K⁺]. However, verapamil, a standard Ca²⁺ channel blocker, showed selectively higher potency against high K⁺ compared to CCh-mediated contractions with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.84 mg/mL (0.82–0.96; n = 5) 14.46 mg/mL (12.24–16.38, n = 4). The PDE-inhibitory action of fenchone was further confirmed when its pre-incubation at 3 and 5 mg/mL potentiated and shifted the isoprenaline inhibitory CRCs towards the left, similar to papaverine, whereas the Ca²⁺ inhibitory-like action of fenchone pretreated tracheal tissues were authenticated by the rightward shift of Ca²⁺ CRCs with suppression of maximum response, similar to verapamil, a standard Ca²⁺ channel blocker. Fenchone showed a spasmolytic effect in isolated trachea mediated predominantly by K⁺ channel activation followed by dual inhibition of PDE and Ca²⁺ channels. Further in silico molecular docking studies provided the insight for binding of fenchone with Ca²⁺ channel (−5.3 kcal/mol) and K⁺ channel (−5.7), which also endorsed the idea of dual inhibition.     

A Polymeric Arched Chain and a Chair‐like M2L2‐Metallamacrocycle Crystal Engineered of [M(phen)]2+ (M = Cu,Cd; phen = 1,10‐Phenanthroline) Corner Units and the Bent Ligand 4,4′‐Dithiodipyridine

Self‐assembly of Cd(phen)²⁺ and Cu(phen)²⁺ (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) building blocks with the bent ligand 4,4′‐dithiodipyridine (dtdp) has been investigated. Both building blocks serve as corner units with constrained cis‐geometry. The arched chain coordination polymer [{Cd(phen)(μ‐dtdp)(dtdp)(H₂O)}(ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH·1.5H₂O]_n ( 1 ) crystallised from a mixture of Cd(ClO₄)₂·H₂O, phen and dtdp in methanol. The reaction of [Cu(phen)(H₂O)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂ ( 2 ) with dtdp in an ethanol/water mixture yielded a chair‐like metallamacrocycle, [{Cu(phen)(CF₃SO₃)₂}₂(μ‐dtpd)₂] ( 3 ). The crystal structure of the precursor complex 2 is also reported.     

Poly[[chlorido(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)copper(II)]‐μ3‐1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐ethoxypropenido‐κ3N:N′:N′′]: coordination polymer sheets linked into bilayers by hydrogen bonds

In the title compound, [Cu(C₉H₅N₄O)Cl(C₁₂H₈N₂)]_n or [Cu(tcnoet)Cl(phen)]_n, where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and tcnoet is 1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐ethoxypropenide, the axially elongated (4 + 2) coordination polyhedron around the Cu^II centre contains N atoms from three different tcnoet ligands. The resulting coordination polymer takes the form of sheets which are linked in pairs by a single C—H...N hydrogen bond to form bilayers. The bond lengths provide evidence for significant bond fixation in the phen ligand and extensive electronic delocalization in the tcnoet ligand, where the two –C(CN)₂ units are rotated, in conrotatory fashion, out of the plane of the central C₃O fragment.