1,2-hydroxypyridonates as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging: TREN-1,2-HOPO

1,2-Hydroxypyridinones (1,2-HOPO) form very stable lanthanide complexes that may be useful as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-ray diffraction of single crystals established that the solid-state structures of the Eu(III) and the previously reported [Inorg. Chem. 2004, 43, 5452] Gd(III) complex are identical. The recently discovered sensitizing properties of 1,2-HOPO chelates for Eu(III) luminescence [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 10 067] allow for direct measurement of the number of water molecules coordinated to the metal center. Fluorescence measurements of the Eu(III) complex corroborate that, in solution, two water molecules coordinate the lanthanide (q = 2) as proposed from the analysis of NMRD profiles. In addition, fluorescence measurements have verified the anion binding interactions of lanthanide TREN-1,2-HOPO complexes in solution, studied by relaxivity, revealing only very weak oxalate binding (KA = 82.7 +/- 6.5 M-1). Solution thermodynamic studies of the metal complex and free ligand have been carried out using potentiometry, spectrophotometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The metal ion selectivity of TREN-1,2-HOPO supports the feasibility of using 1,2-HOPO ligands for selective lanthanide binding [pGd = 19.3 (2), pZn = 15.2 (2), pCa = 8.8 (3)].     

An octadentate luminescent Eu(III) 1,2-HOPO chelate with potent aqueous stability

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of two novel ligands, 5LINMe-1,2-HOPO (1) and H(2,2)-1,2-HOPO (2), which utilize the 1,2-HOPO chelate as a sensitizer for Eu(III) are reported. In addition, the former ligand was structurally characterized as the Eu(III) complex by X-ray crystallography. The [Eu(1)2]- complex of the tetradentate ligand (1) is stable in aqueous solution, to a limiting concentration of ca. 7x10(-9) M, and retains the superior photophysical performance noted for the 1,2-HOPO sensitizer. By contrast, the octadentate ligand (2) has vastly improved stability as the [Eu(2)]- complex upon further dilution, to a limiting concentration of ca. 5x10(-17) M, which is beyond the minimum detectable concentration of most fluorimeters. The presence of a single coordinated water molecule for the latter complex reduces the overall metal-centered luminescence.     

Gadolinium(III) 1,2-hydroxypyridonate-based complexes: toward MRI contrast agents of high relaxivity

Prospective gadolinium(III) MRI contrast agent precursors [Gd-TREN-1,2-HOPO] (1) [TREN-1,2-HOPO = tris[(1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-6-carboxamido)ethyl]amine] and [Gd-TREN-bis(Me-3,2-HOPO)-1,2-HOPO] (2) have been synthesized and characterized by relaxometric measurements. The water proton relaxivity values of 1 and 2 (20 MHz and 25 degrees C) are 9.5 and 9.3 mM(-)(1)s(-)(1), respectively, suggesting the presence of two coordinated water molecules. The molecular structure of [1.DMF](2) was obtained and reveals a similar eight-coordinate geometry to [Gd-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO.2H(2)O] ([3.2H(2)O]). A shape analysis of the coordination polyhedron of 1 reveals that this geometry is best described as a bicapped trigonal prism, poised to accommodate an additional donor atom to give a tricapped trigonal prismatic intermediate. This geometry supports the model that formation of a tris-aquo intermediate for 1 enables fast and associative water exchange.     

Synthesis of a ligand based upon a new entry into the 3-hydroxy-N-alkyl-2(1H)-pyridinone ring system and thermodynamic evaluation of its gadolinium complex

The synthesis of a new, more water soluble derivative of TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO (tris[(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-1,2- didehydropyridine-4-carboxamido)ethyl]amine) is presented. The synthesis starts with the condensation reaction of (N-methoxyethylamino)acetonitrile hydrochloride and oxalyl chloride to give 3,5-dichloro-N-(methoxyethyl)-2(1H)-pyrazinone. The 3-position is readily substituted with a benzyloxy group, and the pyrazinone is converted to ethyl 3-(benzyloxy)-N-(methoxyethyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone-4-carboxylate by a Diels-Alder cycloaddition with ethyl propiolate. Basic deprotection of the ester followed by activation, coupling to tren, and acidic deprotection of the benzyl groups gives the ligand TREN-MOE-3,2-HOPO (tris[(3-hydroxy-1-(methoxyethyl)- 2-oxo-1,2-didehydropyridine-4-carboxamido)ethyl]amine). The gadolinium complex of TREN-MOE-3,2-HOPO was prepared by metathesis, starting from gadolinium chloride. The solubility of the new metal complex is significantly enhanced. The four protonation constants (determined by potentiometry) for TREN-MOE-3,2-HOPO (log Ka1 = 8.08, log Ka2 = 6.85, log Ka3 = 5.81, log Ka4 = 4.98) are virtually identical to those reported for the parent ligand. The stability constants for the gadolinium complex of TREN-MOE-3,2-HOPO determined by potentiometry (log beta 110 = 19.69(2), log beta 111 = 22.80(2)) and by spectrophotometry (log beta 110 = 19.80(1), log beta 111 = 22.88(1), log beta 112 = 25.88(1)) differ slightly from those for the parent ligand; this follows from a change in the complexation model in which a new diprotonated species, [Gd(TREN-MOE-3,2-HOPO)(H)2]2+, was included. The presence of this extra species was demonstrated by factor analysis, comparison of spectral data, and nonlinear least-squares refinement. Significant formation of this species is observed between pH 3 and pH 1.5.     

Phosphinic derivative of DTPA conjugated to a G5 PAMAM dendrimer: an 17O and 1H relaxation study of its Gd(III) complex

A DTPA-based chelate containing one phosphinate group was conjugated to a generation 5 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer via a benzylthiourea linkage. The Gd(III) complex of this novel conjugate has potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The chelates bind Gd3+via three nitrogen atoms, four carboxylates and one phosphinate oxygen, and one water molecule completes the inner coordination sphere. The monomer Gd(III) chelates bearing nitrobenzyl and aminobenzyl groups ([Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-) as well as the dendrimeric Gd(III) complex G5-(Gd(DTTAP))63) were studied by multiple-field, variable temperature 17O and 1H NMR. The rate of water exchange is faster than that of [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- and very similar on the two monomeric complexes (8.9 and 8.3 x 10(6) s-1 for [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NO2)(H2O)]2- and [Gd(DTTAP-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-, respectively), while it is decreased on the dendrimeric conjugate (5.0 x 10(6) s-1). The Gd(III) complex of the dendrimer conjugate has a relaxivity of 26.8 mM-1 s-1 at 37 degrees C and 0.47 T (corresponding to 1H Larmor frequency of 20 MHz). Given the contribution of the second sphere water molecules to the overall relaxivity, this value is slightly higher than those reported for similar size dendrimers. The experimental 17O and 1H NMR data were fitted to the Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan equations extended with a contribution from second coordination sphere water molecules. The rotational dynamics of the dendrimeric conjugate was described in terms of global and local motions with the Lipari-Szabo approach.     

Dinuclear, bishydrated Gd(III) polyaminocarboxylates with a rigid xylene core display remarkable proton relaxivities

Two novel dinuclear Gd(III) complexes have been synthesized, based on a xylene core substituted with diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (DTTA) chelators in para or meta position. The complexes [Gd2(pX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- and [Gd2(mX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- both exhibit high complex stability (log K(GdL) = 19.1 and 17.0, respectively), and a good selectivity for Gd(III) against Zn(II), the most abundant endogenous metal ion (log K(ZnL) = 17.94 and 16.19). The water exchange rate is identical within experimental error for the two isomers: k(ex)298 = (9.0 +/- 0.4) x 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd2(pX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2- and (8.9 +/- 0.5) x 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd2(mX(DTTA)2)(H2O)4]2-. It is very similar to the k(ex)298 of the structural analogue, bishydrated [Gd(TTAHA)(H2O)2]3-, and about twice as high as that of the monohydrated [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (TTAHA(6-) = N-tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-N',N',N',N',N',N'-hexaacetate; DTPA(5-) = diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N',N'-pentaacetate). This relatively fast water exchange can be related to the presence of two inner sphere water molecules which decrease the stereorigidity of the inner sphere thus facilitating the water exchange process. At all frequencies, the water proton relaxivities (r1 = 16.79 and 15.84 mM(-1) s(-1) for the para and meta isomers, respectively; 25 degrees C and 20 MHz) are remarkably higher for the two dinuclear chelates than those of mononuclear commercial contrast agents or previously reported dinuclear Gd(III) complexes. This is mainly the consequence of the two inner-sphere water molecules. In addition, the increased molecular size as compared to monomeric compounds associated with the rigid xylene linker between the two Gd(III) chelating subunits also contributes to an increased relaxivity. However, proton relaxivity is still limited by fast molecular motions which also hinder any beneficial effect of the increased water exchange rate.     

Conjugation effects of various linkers on Gd(III) MRI contrast agents with dendrimers: optimizing the hydroxypyridinonate (HOPO) ligands with nontoxic, degradable esteramide (EA) dendrimers for high relaxivity

One essential requirement for more sensitive gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents is to slow the molecular tumbling of the gadolinium(III) ion, which increases the gadolinium's relaxivity (i.e., its ability to speed up the NMR relaxation of nearby water molecules). One route to this is through conjugation to high-molecular-weight polymers such as dendrimers. In this work, amine-functionalized TREN-bis(1,2-HOPO)-TAM-ethylamine and TREN-bis(1-Me-3,2-HOPO)-TAM-ethylamine ligands have been synthesized and attached to biocompatible 40 kDa esteramide (EA)- and poly-l-lysine (PLL)-based dendrimers capable of binding up to eight gadolinium complexes. These conjugates have T(1) relaxivities of up to 38.14 ± 0.02 mM(-1) s(-1) per gadolinium at 37 °C, corresponding to relaxivities of up to 228 mM(-1) s(-1) per dendrimer molecule. This relaxivity expressed on a "per Gd" basis is several times that of the small-molecule complexes and an order of magnitude higher than that of current commercial agents. Because of their high performance and low toxicity, these macromolecules may constitute an attractive complement to currently available gadolinium(III)-based contrast agents.     

Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)]2-: a new MRI contrast agent for copper ion sensing

In this study, we have developed two new L-tryptophan based contrast agents [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H(2)O)](-). Upon addition of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), significant increases in the relaxivity (r(1)) and hydration number of [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) were observed. However, it only induced a minute increase in the relaxivity (r(1)) in the case of [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H(2)O)](-). Furthermore, the interaction of Cu(II) with the indole ring of Gd(III) complexes was explored by measuring the intrinsic fluorescence of the tryptophan of the Gd(III) complex. With the addition of one equivalent of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) the indole fluorescence was completely quenched. Moreover, the [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) complex shows excellent selectivity towards Cu(II) over other metal ions (Cu(II) > La(III) > Mg(II)). Importantly, the significant signal intensity (2073 ± 67) for in vitro MR imaging using [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) in the presence of Cu(II) implicates that this new smart contrast agent ([Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-)) can serve as a Cu(II) sensor for MR imaging.     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of carbon backbone modified [Gd(TTDA)(H2O)]2- derivatives

The present study was designed to exploit optimum lipophilicity and high water-exchange rate (k(ex)) on low molecular weight Gd(III) complexes to generate high bound relaxivity (r(1)(b)), upon binding to the lipophilic site of human serum albumin (HSA). Two new carbon backbone modified TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid) derivatives, CB-TTDA and Bz-CB-TTDA, were synthesized. The complexes [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) both display high stability constant (log K(GdL) = 20.28 and 20.09, respectively). Furthermore, CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.22) and Bz-CB-TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 4.12) exhibit superior selectivity of Gd(III) against Zn(II) than those of TTDA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 2.93), EPTPA-bz-NO(2) (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.19), and DTPA (log K(Gd/Zn) = 3.76). However, the stability constant values of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are lower than that of MS-325. The parameters that affect proton relaxivity have been determined in a combined variable temperature (17)O NMR and NMRD study. The water exchange rates are comparable for the two complexes, 232 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and 271 × 10(6) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). They are higher than those of [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) (146 × 10(6) s(-1)), [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (4.1 × 10(6) s(-1)), and MS-325 (6.1 × 10(6) s(-1)). Elevated stability and water exchange rate indicate that the presence of cyclobutyl on the carbon backbone imparts rigidity and steric constraint to [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-)and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). In addition, the major objective for selecting the cyclobutyl is to tune the lipophilicity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-). The binding affinity of [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) to HSA was evaluated by ultrafiltration study across a membrane with a 30 kDa MW cutoff, and the first three stepwise binding constants were determined by fitting the data to a stoichiometric model. The binding association constants (K(A)) for [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) are 1.1 × 10(2) and 1.5 × 10(3), respectively. Although the K(A) value for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) is lower than that of MS-325 (K(A) = 3.0 × 10(4)), the r(1)(b) value, r(1)(b) = 66.7 mM(-1) s(-1) for [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), is significantly higher than that of MS-325 (r(1)(b) = 47.0 mM(-1) s(-1)). As measured by the Zn(II) transmetalation process, the kinetic stabilities of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), [Gd(Bz-CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), and [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) are similar and are significantly higher than that of [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)](2-). High thermodynamic and kinetic stability and optimized lipophilicity of [Gd(CB-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) make it a favorable blood pool contrast agent for MRI.     

Synthesis of homochiral tris(2-alkyl-2-aminoethyl)amine derivatives from chiral alpha-amino aldehydes and their application in the synthesis of water soluble chelators

A novel synthesis of 3-fold symmetric, homochiral tris(2-alkyl-2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) derivatives is presented. The synthesis is general in scope, starting from readily prepared chiral alpha-amino aldehydes. The optical purity of the N-BOC protected derivatives of tris(2-methyl-2-aminoethyl)amine and tris(2-hydroxymethyl-2-aminoethyl)amine has been ascertained by polarimetry and chiral NMR chemical shift experiments. An X-ray diffraction study of the L-alanine derivative (tris(2-methyl-2-aminoethyl)amine.3 HCl, L-Ala(3)-TREN) is presented: crystals grown from ether diffusion into methanol are cubic, space group P2(1)3 with unit cell dimensions a = 11.4807(2) A, V = 1513.23(4) A(3), and Z = 4. Attachment of the triserine derived backbone tris(2-hydroxymethyl-2-aminoethyl)amine (L-Ser(3)-TREN) to three 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinonate (3,2-HOPO) moieties, followed by complexation with Gd(III) gives the complex Gd(L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO)(H(2)O)(2), which is more water soluble than the parent Gd(TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO)(H(2)O)(2) and a promising candidate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. Crystals of the chiral ferric complex Fe(L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO) grown from ether/methanol are orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit cell dimensions a = 13.6290(2) A, b = 18.6117(3) A, c = 30.6789(3) A, V = 7782.0(2) A(3), and Z = 8. The solution conformation of the ferric complex has been investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The coordination chemistry of this new ligand and its iron(III) and gadolinium(III) complexes has been studied by potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods. Compared to the protonation constants of previously studied polydentate 3,2-HOPO-4-carboxamide ligands, the sum of protonation constants (log beta(014)) of L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO (24.78) is more acidic by 1.13 log units than the parent TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO. The formation constants for the iron(III) and gadolinium(III) complexes have been evaluated by spectrophotometric pH titration to be (log K) 26.3(1) and 17.2(2), respectively.     

A starburst-shaped heterometallic compound incorporating six densely packed gd(3+) ions

The heterotritopic ligand [bpy(DTTA)2]8- has two diethylenediamine-tetraacetate units for selective lanthanide(III) coordination and one bipyridine function for selective Fe(II) coordination. In aqueous solution and in the presence of these metals, the ligand is capable of self-assembly to form a rigid supramolecular metallostar structure, [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3]4-. We report here the physicochemical characterization of the dinuclear complex [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]2- and the metallostar [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3]4- with regard to potential MRI contrast agent applications. A combination of pH potentiometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy has been used to determine protonation constants for the ligand [bpy(DTTA)2]8- and for the complexes [Fe[bpy(DTTA)2]3]22- and [Y2bpy(DTTA)2]2-. In addition, stability constants have been measured for the dinuclear chelates [M2bpy(DTTA)2]n- formed with M = Gd3+ and Zn2+ (log K(GdL) = 18.2; log K(ZnL) = 18.0; log K(ZnHL) = 3.4). A multiple field, variable-temperature 17O NMR and proton relaxivity study on [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]2- and [Fe[Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)4]3](4-) yielded the parameters for water exchange and the rotational dynamics. The 17O chemical shifts are indicative of bishydration of the lanthanide ion. The exchange rates of the two inner-sphere water molecules are very similar in the dinuclear [Gd2bpy(DTTA)2(H2O)(4)]2- and in the metallostar (k(ex)298 = 8.1 +/- 0.3 x 10(6) and 7.4 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) s(-1), respectively), and are comparable to k(ex)298 for similar Gd(III) poly(amino carboxylates). The rotational dynamics of the metallostar has been described by means of the Lipari-Szabo approach, which involves separating global and local motions. The difference between the local and global rotational correlation times, tau(lO)298 = 190 +/- 15 ps and tau(gO)298 = 930 +/- 50 ps, respectively, shows that the metallostar is not completely rigid. However, the relatively high value of S2 = 0.60 +/- 0.04, describing the restriction of the local motions with regard to the global one, points to a limited flexibility compared with previously reported macromolecules such as dendrimers. As a result of the two inner-sphere water molecules, with their near-optimal exchange rate, and the limited flexibility, the metallostar has a remarkable molar proton relaxivity, particularly at high magnetic fields (r1 = 33.2 and 16.4 mM(-1) s(-1) at 60 and 200 MHz, respectively, at 25 degrees C). It packs six efficiently relaxing Gd(III) ions into a small molecular space, which leads, to the best of our knowledge, to the highest relaxivity per molecular mass ever reported for a Gd(III) complex. The [bpy(DTTA)2]8- ligand is also a prime candidate as a terminal ligand for constructing larger sized, Fe(II) (or Ru(II))-based metallostars or metallodendrimers loaded with Gd(III) on the surface.     

Gadolinium(III) complexes of mono- and diethyl esters of monophosphonic acid analogue of DOTA as potential MRI contrast agents: solution structures and relaxometric studies

Two new macrocyclic DOTA-like chelates containing one phosphonate pendant arm were synthesised as potential contrast agents for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The chelates bind to the lanthanide(III) in an octadentate manner, via four nitrogen atoms, three carboxylate and one phosphonate oxygen atoms. Solution structures of [Ln(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] and [Ln(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) were studied using (31)P and (1)H NMR spectroscopy and SAP (square-antiprismatic)/TSAP (twisted square-antiprismatic) isomerism was observed. Depending on the nature of the lanthanide(III) ion, the lanthanide(III) complexes of H(4)do3ap(OEt) are present in solution as up to four different diastereoisomers observable with NMR. The TSAP isomer is the most abundant at the beginning of the lanthanide series and, with a decrease of the ionic radius of lanthanide(III) ions, both TSAP and SAP forms were observed. A second interconversion (SAP<-->TSAP') becomes important at the end of the series (TSAP' means the TSAP species without a coordinated water molecule). The remaining axial coordination site is occupied by one water molecule for the Gd(3+)-complex. The calculated fraction of the TSAP isomer in the gadolinium(III) complexes increases in the order [Gd(DOTA)(H(2)O)](-) < [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] < [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) < [Gd(do3ap)(H(2)O)](2-). Gadolinium(III) complexes of phosphorus-containing chelates, generally, have the advantage of a relatively fast water exchange rate due to a greater sterical demand of the phosphorus acid moiety and of the presence of the second-sphere water shell, which also contributes to the overall relaxivity. The [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] and [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) complexes were studied by variable-temperature (17)O NMR and (1)H NMRD. The experimental data were evaluated simultaneously with commonly used equations based on Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan approximation, extended by a contribution of the second coordination sphere. The water exchange rates were found to be strongly dependent on the TSAP/SAP isomeric ratio and the overall charge of the complex: the monoanionic [Gd(do3ap(OEt))(H(2)O)](-) complex with TSAP molar fraction equal to 0.36 has the water exchange rate of 20 x 10(6) s(-1) (tau(M) = 50 ns) while neutral [Gd(do3ap(OEt2))(H(2)O)] complex with TSAP molar fraction 0.28 has an exchange rate equal to 4.4 x 10(6) s(-1) (tau(M) = 227 ns).     

Physicochemical properties of the high-field MRI-relevant [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2]- complex

To study the physicochemical properties of the DTTA chelating moiety (H4DTTA = diethylenetriaminetetraacetic acid = N,N'-[iminobis(ethane-2,1-diyl)]bis[N-(carboxymethyl)glycine]), used in several compounds proposed as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, the methylated derivative H4DTTA-Me (N,N'-[(methylimino)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)]bis[N-(carboxymethyl)glycine]) was synthesized. Protonation constants of the ligand were determined in an aqueous solution by potentimetry and (1)H NMR pH titration and compared to various DTTA derivatives. Stability constants were measured for the chelates formed with Gd(3+) (log K(GdL) = 18.60 +/- 0.10) and Zn(2+) (log K(ZnL) = 17.69 +/- 0.10). A novel approach of determining the relative conditional stability constant of two paramagnetic complexes in a direct way by (1)H NMR relaxometry is presented and was used for the Gd(3+) complexes [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2](-) (L1) and [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H2O)] (L2) [K(L1/L2)*(at pH 8.3, 25 degrees C) = 6.4 +/- 0.3]. The transmetalation reaction of the Gd(3+) complex with Zn(2+) in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) was measured to be twice as fast for [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2](-) in comparison to that for [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H2O)]. This can be rationalized by the higher affinity of Zn(2+) toward DTTA-Me(4-) if compared to DTPA-BMA(3-). The formation of a ternary complex with L-lactate, which is common for DO3A-based heptadentate complexes, has not been observed for [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2](-) as monitored by (1)H NMR relaxometric titrations. From the results, it was concluded that the heptadentate DTTA-Me(4-) behaves similarly to the commercial octadentate DTPA-BMA(3-) with respect to stability. The use of [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2](-) as an MRI contrast agent in vitro and in animal studies is conceivable, mainly at high magnetic fields, where an increase of the inner-sphere-coordination water actually seems to be the most certain way to increase the relaxivity.     

Unexpected aggregation of neutral, xylene-cored dinuclear GdIII chelates in aqueous solution

We have synthesized ditopic ligands L(1), L(2), and L(3) that contain two DO3A(3-) metal-chelating units with a xylene core as a noncoordinating linker (DO3A(3-) = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetate; L(1) = 1,4-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(2) = 1,3-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzene; L(3) = 3,5-bis{[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-yl]methyl}benzoic acid). Aqueous solutions of the dinuclear Gd(III) complexes formed with the three ligands have been investigated in a variable-temperature, multiple-field (17)O NMR and (1)H relaxivity study. The (17)O longitudinal relaxation rates measured for the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes show strong field dependence (2.35-9.4 T), which unambiguously proves the presence of slowly tumbling entities in solution. The proton relaxivities of the complexes, which are unexpectedly high for their molecular weight, and in particular the relaxivity peaks observed at 40-50 MHz also constitute experimental evidences of slow rotational motion. This was explained in terms of self-aggregation related to hydrophobic interactions, pi stacking between the aromatic linkers, or possible hydrogen bonding between the chelates. The longitudinal (17)O relaxation rates of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes have been analysed with the Lipari-Szabo approach, leading to local rotational correlation times tau(1)(298) of 150-250 ps and global rotational correlation times tau(g)(298) of 1.6-3.4 ns (c(Gd): 20-50 mM), where tau(1)(298) is attributed to local motions of the Gd segments, while tau(g)(298) describes the overall motion of the aggregates. The aggregates can be partially disrupted by phosphate addition; however, at high concentrations phosphate interferes in the first coordination sphere by replacing the coordinated water. In contrast to the parent [Gd(DO3A)(H2O)(1.9)], which presents a hydration equilibrium between mono- and dihydrated species, a hydration number of q = 1 was established for the [Ln(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] chelates by (17)O chemical shift measurements on Ln = Gd and UV/Vis spectrophotometry for Ln = Eu. The exchange rate of the coordinated water is higher for [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes k(ex)(298) = 7.5-12.0 x 10(6) s(-1)) than for [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)](-). The proton relaxivity of the [Gd(2)L(1-3)(H2O)(2)] complexes strongly decreases with increasing pH. This is related to the deprotonation of the inner-sphere water, which has also been characterized by pH potentiometry. The protonation constants determined for this process are logK(OH) = 9.50 and 10.37 for [Gd(2)L(1)(H2O)(2)] and [Gd(2)L(3)(H2O)(2)], respectively.     

Dodecanuclear [Cu(II)6Gd(III)6] nanoclusters as magnetic refrigerants

A novel dodecanuclear complex, [{(HL)(L)(DMF)Cu(II)Gd(III)(DMF)(H(2)O)}(6)]·6DMF (1; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), has been obtained using the ligand resulting from the condensation of 3-formylsalicylic acid with hydroxylamine (H(3)L). The exchange interaction between the phenoxo-bridged Cu(II) and Gd(III) ions is weak ferromagnetic (J = +1.01 cm(-1)). The combination of a high-spin ground state with small anisotropy leads to a significant magnetocaloric effect [-ΔS(m)(0-7 T) = 23.5 J K g(-1) K(-1) at ～2 K].     

Separation and characterization of the two diastereomers for [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH2)(H2O)]2-, a common synthon in macromolecular MRI contrast agents: their water exchange and isomerization kinetics

Chiral, bifunctional poly(amino carboxylate) ligands are commonly used for the synthesis of macromolecular, Gd(III)-based MRI contrast agents, prepared in the objective of increasing relaxivity or delivering the paramagnetic Gd(III) to a specific site (targeting). Complex formation with such ligands results in two diastereomeric forms for the complex which can be separated by HPLC. We demonstrated that the diastereomer ratio for Ln(III) DTPA derivatives (approximately 60:40) remains constant throughout the lanthanide series, in contrast to Ln(III) EPTPA derivatives, where it varies as a function of the cation size with a maximum for the middle lanthanides (DTPA(5-) = diethylenetriaminepentaacetate; EPTPA(5-) = ethylenepropylenetriaminepentaacetate). The interconversion of the two diastereomers, studied by HPLC, is a proton-catalyzed process (k(obs) = k(1)[H(+)]). It is relatively fast for [Gd(EPTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) but slow enough for [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) to allow investigation of pure individual isomers (isomerization rate constants are k(1) = (3.03 +/- 0.07) x 10(4) and 11.6 +/- 0.5 s(-1) M(-1) for [Gd(EPTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-), respectively). Individual water exchange rates have been determined for both diastereomers of [Gd(DTPA-bz-NH(2))(H(2)O)](2-) by a variable-temperature (17)O NMR study. Similarly to Ln(III) EPTPA derivatives, k(ex) values differ by a factor of 2 (k(ex)(298) = (5.7 +/- 0.2) x 10(6) and (3.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(6) s(-1)). This variance in the exchange rate has no consequence on the proton relaxivity of the two diastereomers, since it is solely limited by fast rotation. However, such difference in k(ex) will affect proton relaxivity when these diastereomers are linked to a slowly rotating macromolecule. Once the rotation is optimized, slow water exchange will limit relaxivity; thus, a factor of 2 in the exchange rate can lead to a remarkably different relaxivity for the diastereomer complexes. These results have implications for future development of Gd(III)-based, macromolecular MRI contrast agents, since the use of chiral bifunctional ligands in their synthesis inevitably generates diastereomeric complexes.     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of two gadolinium(III) TTDA-like complexes and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two novel derivatives of TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid), TTDA-BOM and TTDA-N'-BOM, each having a benzyloxymethyl group, were synthesized. (17)O NMR longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates and chemical shifts of aqueous solutions of their Gd(III) complexes were measured at variable temperature with a magnetic field strength of 9.4 T. The water exchange rate (k(ex)(298)) values for [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (117 x 10(6) s(-1)) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (131 x 10(6) s(-1)) are significantly higher than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (4.1 x 10(6) s(-1)) and [Gd(BOPTA)(H(2)O)](2-) (3.45 x 10(6) s(-1)). The rotational correlation time (tau) values for [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (119 ps) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (125 ps) are higher than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (103 ps) and [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) (104 ps). The stepwise stoichiometric binding constants of [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2)(-) bound to HSA are obtained by ultrafiltration studies. Fluorescent probe displacement studies exhibit that [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) can displace dansylsarcosine from HSA with inhibition constants (K(i)) of 1900 and 1600 microM, respectively; however, they are not able to displace warfarin. These results indicate that [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) have a weak binding to site II on HSA. In addition, the mean bound relaxivity (r(1b)) and bound relaxivity (r(1)(b)) values for the [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA adducts are obtained by ultrafiltration and relaxivity studies, respectively. The bound relaxivity of these adducts values are significantly higher than those of [Gd(BOPTA)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA and [Gd(DTPA-BOM(3))(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA. These results also suggest that bound relaxivity is site dependent. In binding sites studies of Gd(III) chelates to HSA, a significant decrease of the relaxation rates (R(1obs)) was observed for the [Eu(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) complex which was added to the [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA solution, and this indicated that these Gd(III) complexes share the same HSA binding site. Finally, as measured by the Zn(II) transmetalation process, the kinetic stability of these Gd(III) complexes are significantly higher than that of [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)].     

Potentiometric, spectroscopic and thermal studies on the metal chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol

The synthesis and characterization of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pd(II) and UO2(II) chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol (TAN) were reported. The dissociation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of the metal complexes were calculated pH-metrically at 25 degrees C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The solid complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, molar conductance, IR, magnetic and diffuse reflectance spectra. The complexes were found to have the formulae [M(L)2] for M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II); [M(L)X].nH2O for M = Cu(II) (X = AcO, n = 3), Pd(II) (X = Cl, n = 0) and UO2(II) (X = NO3, n = 0), and [Fe(L)Cl2(H2O)].2H2O. The molar conductance data reveal that the chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate manner with ONN donor sites of the naphthyl OH, azo N and thiazole N. An octahedral structure is proposed for Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and UO2(II) complexes and a square planar structure for Cu(II) and Pd(II) complexes. The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that water molecules (coordinated and hydrated) and anions are removed in two successive steps followed immediately by decomposition of the ligand molecule in the subsequent steps. The relative thermal stability of the chelates is evaluated. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The thermodynamic activation parameters, such as E*, delta H*, delta S* and delta G* are calculated from the TG curves.     

Two series of novel rare earth complexes with dicyanamide [Ln(dca)2(phen)2(H2O)3][dca].(phen), (Ln = Pr, Gd, and Sm) and [Ln(dca)3(2,2'-bipy)2(H2O)]n, (Ln = Gd, Sm, and La): syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Two series of novel complexes, [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)](dca).(phen) (Ln = Pr (1), Gd (2), and Sm (3), dca = N(CN)(-), phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n), (Ln = Gd (4), Sm (5), and La (6), 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipydine), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures of the first series (1-3) are isomorphous and consist of discrete [Ln(dca)(2)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(3)]+ cations, dca anions, and lattice phen molecules; whereas the structures of the second series (4-6) are characterized by infinite chains [Ln(dca)(3)(2,2'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)](n). The Ln(III) atoms in all complexes are nine-coordinated and form a distorted tricapped trigonal prism environment. The three-dimensional frameworks of 1-6 are constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 indicate a Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior over 5-300 K.     

Spectrophotometric studies on ion-pair extraction equilibria of the iron(ii) and iron(III) complexes with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol

The ion-pair extraction equilibria of the iron(II) and iron(III) chelates of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR, H(2)L) are described. The anionic chelates were extracted into chloroform with benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (QC1) as counter-ion. The extraction constants were estimated to be K(ex1)(Fe(II)) = [Q{Fe(II)(HL)L}](0)/[Q(+)][{Fe(II)(HL)L}(-)] = 10(8.59 +/- 0.11), K(ex2)(Fe(II)) = [Q(2){Fe(II)L(2)}](o)/ [Q(+)](2)[{Fe(II)L(2)}(2-)] = 10(12.17 +/- 0.10) and K(ex1)(Fe(III)) = [Q{Fe((III))L(2)}](o)/(Q(+)][{Fe(III)L(2)}(-)] = 10(6.78 +/- 0.15) at I = 0.10 and 20 degrees , where [ ](o) is concentration in the chloroform phase. Aggregation of Q{Fe(III)L(2)} in chloroform was observed and the dimerization constant (K(d) = [Q(2){Fe(III)L(2)}(2)](o)/[Q{Fe(III)L(2)}](o)(2)) was evaluated as log K(d) = 4.3 +/- 0.3 at 20 degrees . The neutral chelates of {Fe(II)(HL)(2)} and {Fe(III)(HL)L}, and the ion-pair of the cationic chelate, {Fe(III)(HL)(2)}ClO(4), were also extracted into chloroform or nitrobenzene. The relationship between the forms and extraction properties of the iron(II) and iron(III) PAR chelates are discussed in connection with those of the nickel(II) and cobalt(III) complexes. Correlation between the extraction equilibrium data and the elution behaviour of some PAR chelates in ion-pair reversed-phase partition chromatography is also discussed.