Mixed-ligand complexes of nickel(II) involving sulphur-containing ligands and diaminocarboxylic acids

Summary Stability constants for mixed-ligand complexes of the types [NiABH₂], [NiABH] and [NiAB] formed by Ni^II with l-cysteine (cys), d-penicillamine (pen) or l-cysteic acid (cya) as ligand A and dl-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (dapa), dl-2,4-diaminobutyric acid (daba) or dl-ornithine (orn) as ligand B have been determined by the computerbased analysis of pH titration data obtained at 37 °C and I = 0.15 mol dm^–3 (NaClO₄). In the [NiABH] species, for all three secondary ligands (B), when A = pen or cya the labile proton appears to be attached to the terminal amino group of ligand B, whereas when A = cys it is not clear where the proton is located. In all the systems in the [NiABH₂] species, one proton resides with the primary ligand (A) and the other with the secondary ligand (B). In the [NiAB]-type complexes, cys and pen chelate through the amino and thiolato groups, while cya binds in a glycine-like mode and the secondary ligands (B) coordinate in a terdentate manner.Author to whom all correspondence should be directed.     

Solution equilibria and antitumor activities of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium complexes of picolinic acid and deferiprone

Complex formation processes of rhodium(III)-η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl cation [RhCp*(H₂O)₃]²⁺ with 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-pyridin-4(1H)-one (deferiprone, dhp) and pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (pic) were studied with the aid of pH-potentiometry, ¹H NMR, and UV–Visible spectrophotometry in aqueous solution in the presence and absence of chloride ions. Stoichiometry and overall stability constants of the complexes formed were determined. Formation of mononuclear, monoligand complexes such as [RhCp*(L)Z] (where L = dhp or pic; Z = Cl^? or H₂O) and mixed hydroxido species [RhCp*(L)(OH)] were found. Relatively high pK_a values (9.32–11.90) were determined for the hydrolysis of the [RhCp*(L)Z] complexes. [RhCp*(L)Z] species predominate at physiological pH and negligible decomposition is probable only at low micromolar concentrations. More favored complex formation was found in the case of pic. Stability of the studied organorhodium complexes was compared with analogous Ru(II)(η⁶-p-cymene) compounds. In addition, the aqua/chlorido ligand replacement reaction in [RhCp*(L)(H₂O)]⁺ of dhp and pic was monitored to provide equilibrium constants with which the extent of aquation at various chloride concentrations can be estimated. Single crystals of [RhCp*(dhp)Cl] suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis were also obtained. The [RhCp*(L)Cl] complexes of dhp and pic were tested for cytotoxicity in various human cancer cell lines where they showed activity depending on the attached ligand scaffold.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-dioxime and its mono- and polynuclear metal complexes containing azacrown moieties

The novel (E,E)-dioxime,7,8-bis(hydroxyimino)-1,14-bis(monoaza[8]crown-6)-benzo[f]-4,11-dioxa-1,14-diazadecane[7,8-g]quinoxaline (H₂L), has been synthesized by the reaction of 6,7-diamino-1,12-bis(monoaza[18]crown-6)benzo[f]-4,9-dioxa-1,12-diazadecane (4) which has been prepared by the reduction of 6,7-dinitro-1,12-bis(mono-aza[18]crown-6)benzo[f]-4,9-dioxa-1,12-diazdecane (3) and cyanogendi-N-oxide. Mononuclear Ni^II and Cu^II complexes of H₂L have a metal:ligand ratio of 1:2 and the ligand coordinates through two hydroxyimino nitrogen atoms, as do most of the (E,E)-dioximes. The hydrogen-bridged Ni^II complex was converted into its BF ₂ ⁺ capped anologue by the reaction with BF₃ · Et₂O. The reaction of the Cu^II complex with 2,2′-dipyridyl as an end-cap ligand gave the homotrinuclear complex. Structures for the ligand and its complexes are proposed in accordance with elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, ¹H, ¹³C-n.m.r, IR and MS spectral data.     

Stabilité en solution aqueuse de complexes de métaux lourds avec des ligands diaza-polyoxamacrocycliques

Stability in aqueous solution of some complexes of heavy metals with diaza-polyoxamacrocyclic ligands Stability of metal complexes (Mⁿ⁺ = Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag⁺ and Cd²⁺) with five diaza-polyoxamacrocycles (L = [2.1.1], [2.2.1], [2.2.2], [2.1] and [2.2] ) have been determined at 25°, in 0.1 M Et₄N⁺ClO aqueous solutions, by means of potentiometric titrations. All cations form MLⁿ⁺ complexes; Cu²⁺ also forms the MHL⁽ⁿ⁺¹⁾⁺ protonated species with both [2.2.1] and [2.1.1] ligands. The stability of these complexes has been discussed in terms of structure and by considering the ionic radii of the cations together with the radii of the macrocyclic cavities. Different behaviour is observed between some of these complexes and the well known alkali and alkaline-earth cryptates, partly due to the more covalent nature of bonds formed by the investigated cations and the donor sites of the ligands. The effect of the substitution of two oxygen by two sulfur atoms in the pentadentate ligand [2.1] on the stability of the complexes is reported.     

DNA interactions of ruthenium(II) complexes with a polypyridyl ligand: 2-(2, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-imidazo[4,5-<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>]1,10-phenanthroline

This article describes the synthesis of a polypyridyl ligand, namely 2-(2, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline (DMPIP) and its Ru(II) complexes, namely [Ru(bipy)₂DMPIP]²⁺ (1), [Ru(dmb)₂DMPIP]²⁺ (2) and [Ru(phen)₂DMPIP]²⁺ (3) ((bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, plus IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C [¹H]-NMR spectra. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were investigated. The results indicate that the three complexes can intercalate into DNA. Under irradiation at 365 nm, all three complexes promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA. Inhibitor studies suggest that singlet oxygen plays a significant role in the cleavage mechanism for the complexes.     

BINDING ABILITY OF OXINE-LIKE LIGANDS. POTENTIOMETRIC AND POLAROGRAPHIC STUDY ON Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II) AND Cd(II) COMPLEXES OF 9-HYDROXYPYRIDO(1,2,-α)PYRIMIDIN-4-ONE

Abstract

Potentiometric and polarographic studies of metal ion coordination with 9-hydroxypyrido[1,2-α]pyrimidin-4-one (HPP) with Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) ions have been carried out. For comparison, stability constants with 8-hydroxy-imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine (HIP) were also measured. Due to the low solubility of the latter ligand complexes, measurements were made also in dioxan/water solutions. In the case of both ligands the coordination mode is the same. The oxine-like binding via {N, O^?} donor set leads to formation of stable ML and ML₂ complexes. Stability constants clearly indicate that both ligands are very effective and the HPP, having a more favourable position of the electron pair on nitrogen, forms stronger complexes with smaller metal ions i.e., Ni(II), Zn(II) and Co(II). Cd(II) is better fitted to the HIP donor set.     

Synthesis and Photochemical Properties of Pd(II) Complexes of Secondary Heterocyclic Amines

Ionic [Pd(LH)₂(ClO₄)₂], neutral (PdL₂) complexes of Pd(II) with hetarylamines derived fromdipyridylamine and benz[c,d]indolylamine were synthesized. The ¹H NMR, IR, and UV spectra of the products were studied. Irradiation of neutral Pd(II) complexes with N-derivatives of benz[c,d]indolylamine results in ligand elimination. Photolysis of a neutral Pd(II) complex with 3,5-dichloro-2,2'-dipyridylamine in solution results in ligand cyclization to give 8-chlorodipyrido[1,2-a:2',3'-d]imidazole.     

Unexpected Molecular Structure of a Putative Rhenium-Dioxo-Benzocarbaporphyrin Complex. Implications for the Highest Transition Metal Valence in a Porphyrin-Type Ligand Environment

A combination of quantum chemical calculations and synthetic studies was used to address the possibility of very high (>6) valence states of transition metals in porphyrin-type complexes. With corrole as a supporting ligand, DFT calculations ruled out Re(VII) and Ir(VII) dioxo complexes as stable species. Attempted rhenium insertion into benzocarbaporphyrin (BCP) ligands on the other hand led to two products with different stoichiometries – Re[BCP]O and Re[BCP]O₂. To our surprise, single-crystal structure determination of one of the complexes of the latter type indicated an Re^VO center with a second oxygen bridging the Re−C bond. In other words, although the monooxo complexes Re[BCP]O are oxophilic, the BCP ligand cannot sustain a trans-Re^VII(O)₂ center. The search for metal valence states >6 in porphyrin-type ligand environments must therefore continue.     

Phosphido‐diphosphine pincer aluminum complexes as catalysts for ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters

New aluminum alkyl complexes, supported by o‐phenylene‐derived phosphido diphosphine pro‐ligands [Ph‐PPP]‐H and [ⁱPr‐PPP]‐H ([Ph‐PPP]‐H = bis(2‐diphenylphosphinophenyl)phosphine; [ⁱPr‐PPP]‐H = bis(2‐diisopropylphosphinophenyl)phosphine) are reported. Compounds [Ph‐PPP]AlMe₂ ( 1 ), [ⁱPr‐PPP]AlMe₂ ( 2 ), and [Ph‐PPP]AlⁱBu₂ ( 3 ) have been synthesized by reaction of the pro‐ligand with the appropriate trialkyl aluminum precursor and have been characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The solution NMR data and theoretical calculations suggest for all complexes trigonal bipyramidal structures with C_2v symmetry in which the phosphido diphosphine ligand acts as a κ³ coordinated ligand. All complexes promote the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, L‐ and rac‐lactide. Polyesters with controlled molecular parameters (M_n, end groups) and low polydispersities are obtained. Upon addition of isopropanol, efficient binary catalytic systems for the immortal ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic esters are produced. Preliminary investigations show the ability of these complexes to promote copolymerization of l ‐lactide and ?‐caprolactone to achieve copolymers whose microstructures are depending on the structure of the catalyst. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 49–60     

A comparison of the determination of stability constants of complexes of Pb(II) with amino acids using micro-pH-metric titrations and cyclic voltammetry

This paper reports the determination of stability constants for complexes of Pb(II) with Gly, Ala, Asp and Gly-Gly using both micro-pH-metric titrations and the application of convolution-de-convolution cyclic voltammetry at 25°C and I = 0.10 mol·dm^?3 (KNO₃). Stability constants were calculated from pH-metric data using the SUPERQUAD computer program and cyclic voltammograms were collected, stored and manipulated using the E G and G CONDECON 300 software. A′ considerably larger ligand: metal ratio (e.g. 50:1) was possible using voltammetry. Under these conditions, hydroxy complex formation was minimised and the formation of bis-complexes optimised. Computer based calculations were carried out on PC-compatible microcomputers fitted with mathematics coprocessors. Evaluation of results from the two techniques suggests that stability constants for the species [PbL₂] are reliable when calculated from voltammetry while those for [PbL] are more reliable when determined by pH-metric titration.     

Stabilized Carbenium Ions as Latent,Z‐type Ligands

Controlling the reactivity of transition metals using secondary, σ‐accepting ligands is an active area of investigation that is impacting molecular catalysis. Herein we describe the phosphine gold complexes [(o‐Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Acr)AuCl]⁺ ([ 3 ]⁺; Acr=9‐N‐methylacridinium) and [(o‐Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Xan)AuCl]⁺ ([ 4 ]⁺; Xan=9‐xanthylium) where the electrophilic carbenium moiety is juxtaposed with the metal atom. While only weak interactions occur between the gold atom and the carbenium moiety of these complexes, the more Lewis acidic complex [ 4 ]⁺ readily reacts with chloride to afford a trivalent phosphine gold dichloride derivative ( 7 ) in which the metal atom is covalently bound to the former carbocationic center. This anion‐induced Au^I/Au^III oxidation is accompanied by a conversion of the Lewis acidic carbocationic center in [ 4 ]⁺ into an X‐type ligand in 7 . We conclude that the carbenium moiety of this complex acts as a latent Z‐type ligand poised to increase the Lewis acidity of the gold center, a notion supported by the carbophilic reactivity of these complexes.     

Stabilized Carbenium Ions as Latent,Z‐type Ligands

Controlling the reactivity of transition metals using secondary, σ‐accepting ligands is an active area of investigation that is impacting molecular catalysis. Herein we describe the phosphine gold complexes [(o‐Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Acr)AuCl]⁺ ([ 3 ]⁺; Acr=9‐N‐methylacridinium) and [(o‐Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Xan)AuCl]⁺ ([ 4 ]⁺; Xan=9‐xanthylium) where the electrophilic carbenium moiety is juxtaposed with the metal atom. While only weak interactions occur between the gold atom and the carbenium moiety of these complexes, the more Lewis acidic complex [ 4 ]⁺ readily reacts with chloride to afford a trivalent phosphine gold dichloride derivative ( 7 ) in which the metal atom is covalently bound to the former carbocationic center. This anion‐induced Au^I/Au^III oxidation is accompanied by a conversion of the Lewis acidic carbocationic center in [ 4 ]⁺ into an X‐type ligand in 7 . We conclude that the carbenium moiety of this complex acts as a latent Z‐type ligand poised to increase the Lewis acidity of the gold center, a notion supported by the carbophilic reactivity of these complexes.     

Synthesis, characterization and interaction with DNA of ruthenium(II) mixed-ligand complexes containing pyridino[3,2-f] [1,7]phenanthroline

Summary A series of new complexes [RuL₂(pdphen)]²⁺, where pdphen is the planar ligand pyridino[3,2-f] [1,7]phenanthroline and L = 2,2-bipyridine, phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline or 5-nitrophenanthroline, were prepared and characterized. The binding of [RuL₂-(pdphen)] ²⁺ to calf thymus DNA was investigated using absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism (c.d.) spectroscopies. All of the complexes show absorption hypochromicity associated with binding to calf thymus DNA. [Ru(bipy)₂pdphen]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂pdphen]²⁺ also show fluorescence intensities and excited state life-time increases. The c.d. spectra of dialyzates from solutions of racemic complexes versus calf thymus DNA indicate enantioselectivity associated with binding to DNA.     

Stack by Stack: From the Free Cyclopentadienylgermanium Cation Via Heterobimetallic Main-Group Sandwiches to Main-Group Sandwich Coordination Polymers

Heterobimetallic cationic sandwich complexes [M(μ-Cp)M′Cp]⁺ of group 13 (M=Ga, In) and group 14 (M′=Ge, Sn) elements have been prepared as [WCA]⁻ salts (WCA=Al(OR^F)₄; OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃). Their molecular structures include free apical gallium or indium atoms. The sandwich complexes were formed in the reactions of [M(HMB)]⁺[WCA]⁻ (HMB=C₆Me₆) with the free metallocenes [M′Cp₂]. Their structures are related to known stannocene and stannocenium salts; the unprecedented germanium analogues, namely the free germanocenium cation [GeCp]⁺ and the corresponding triple-decker complex cation [CpGe(μ-Cp)GeCp]⁺, are described herein. By variation of the reaction conditions, these sandwich complexes can be transformed into the group 13/14 mixed cationic coordination polymer [{In(HMB)(μ-SnCp₂)}_n][WCA]_n. This polymeric chain motif was also successfully replicated by the synthesis of complexes [{Ga/In(HMB)(μ-FeCp₂)}_n][WCA]_n containing FeCp₂ as a bridging ligand.     

Polymerization of 3‐ethynylthiophene with homogeneous and heterogeneous Rh catalysts

3‐Ethynylthiophene (3ETh) was polymerized with Rh(I) complexes: [Rh(cod)acac], [Rh(nbd)acac], [Rh(cod)Cl]₂, and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂ (cod is η²:η²‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene and nbd η²:η²‐norborna‐2,5‐diene), used as homogeneous catalysts and with the last two complexes anchored on mesoporous polybenzimidazole (PBI) beads: [Rh(cod)Cl]₂/PBI and [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/PBI used as heterogeneous catalysts. All tested catalyst systems give high‐cis poly(3ETh). In situ NMR study of homogeneous polymerizations induced with [Rh(cod)acac] and [Rh(nbd)acac] complexes has revealed: (i) a transformation of acac ligands into free acetylacetone (Hacac) occurring since the early stage of polymerization, which suggests that this reaction is part of the initiation, (ii) that the initiation is rather slow in both of these polymerization systems, and (iii) a release of cod ligand from [Rh(cod)acac] complex but no release of nbd ligand from [Rh(nbd)acac] complex during the polymerization. The stability of diene ligand binding to Rh‐atom in [Rh(diene)acac] catalysts remarkably affects only the molecular weight but not the yield of poly(3ETh). The heterogeneous catalyst systems also provide high‐cis poly(3ETh), which is of very low contamination with catalyst residues since a leaching of anchored Rh complexes is negligible. The course of heterogeneous polymerizations is somewhat affected by limitations arising from the diffusion of monomer inside catalyst beads. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2776–2787, 2008     

Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by nickel complexes bearing an NHC [CNN] pincer ligand

Four NHC [CNN] pincer nickel (II) complexes, [^iPrCNN (CH₂)₄‐Ni‐Br] ( 5a ), [^nBuCNN (CH₂)₄‐Ni‐Br] ( 5b ), [^iPrCNN (Me)₂‐Ni‐Br] ( 6a ) and [^nBuCNN (Me)₂‐Ni‐Br] ( 6b ), bearing unsymmetrical [C (carbene)N (amino)N (amine)] ligands were synthesized by the reactions of [CNN] pincer ligand precursors 4 with Ni (DME)Cl₂ in the presence of Et₃N. Complexes 5a and 5b are new and were completely characterized. The transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by the four pincer nickel complexes were explored. Complexes 5a and 6a have better catalytic activity than 5b and 6b . With a combination of NaO^tBu/ⁱPrOH/80 °C and 2% catalyst loading of 5a , 77–98% yields of aromatic alcohols could be obtained.     

Characterization and properties of the copper(II/I) complexes of macrocyclic hexathiaether ligand [21]aneS6

The copper(II/I) complexes of hexathiaether macrocyclic ligand, 1,4,8,11,15,18-hexathiacyclohenicosane ([21]aneS₆), were synthesized, and characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicate that Cu([21]aneS₆)^2+/+ forms a reversible one-electron redox couple. The electrochemical potential obtained for Cu([21]aneS₆)^2+/+ (E^f = 0.89 V, against SHE) was found to be the highest potential reported to date for a Cu^2+/+ macrocyclic system in aqueous solution. By employing the Nernst equation, we can infer that the practical upper limit for formal potential of Cu(II/I)L systems maybe close to this high value. Stability constant data obtained for these complexes indicate that Cu([21]aneS₆)⁺is 12 orders of magnitude greater in stability than that of Cu([21]aneS₆)²⁺ indicating the favorable nature of this large macrocyclic ligand towards formation of Cu(I) complexes over Cu(II) complexes. Crystal structure of Cu([21]aneS₆)⁺ ( Fig. 2) shows that four sulfurs adjacent to one another are coordinated to Cu⁺ ion in this complex. Bond angles and distances calculated for the crystal indicate that it is a distorted tetrahedron, a geometry commonly encountered by Cu(I) complexes. This is the first report of synthesis and characterization of a metal coordinated [21]aneS₆ complex.     

Homo- and heteronuclear complexes of a new,vicinal dioxime ligand

A new symmetrical vicinal dioxime, N,N′-bis-{4-[[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazinecarbonyl]phenyl}diaminoglyoxime (LH₄), was prepared by reacting anti-dichloroglyoxime with salicylaldehyde 4-aminobenzoylhydrazone. The reaction of ligand with Ni²⁺ salts gave mono-and homopentanuclear complexes, [Ni(LH₃)₂] and [Ni₅(LH)₂X₂]. Furthermore, heteropentanuclear complexes of dioxime ligand, [Cu₄Ni(LH)₂X₄], were prepared by the reaction of [Ni(LH₃)₂)] with Cu²⁺ salt and a monodentate ligand (X = SCN⁻, CN⁻, or N ₃ ⁻ ). The structures of both the new symmetrical vicinal dioxime and its complexes were identified by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, UV-VIS spectra, and magnetic susceptibility. The elemental analyses and spectral data indicate that the hydrazone side of ligand acts as a O,N,O′ tridentate and the fourth position is occupied with monodentate anion such as SCN⁻, CN⁻, N ₃ ⁻ .     

Structure of the Complex of [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]2+ with a B‐DNA Oligonucleotide—A Single‐Substituent Binding Switch for a Metallo‐Intercalator

We report the synthesis of three new complexes related to the achiral [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]²⁺ cation (tpm=tripyridazole methane, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, py=pyridine) that contain an additional single functional group on the monodentate ancillary pyridyl ligand. Computational calculations indicate that the coordinated pyridyl rings are in a fixed orientation parallel to the dppz axis, and that the electrostatic properties of the complexes are very similar. DNA binding studies on the new complexes reveal that the nature and positioning of the functional group has a profound effect on the binding mode and affinity of these complexes. To explore the molecular and structural basis of these effects, circular dichroism and NMR studies on [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]Cl₂ with the octanucleotides d(AGAGCTCT)₂ and d(CGAGCTCG)₂, were carried out. These studies demonstrate that the dppz ligand intercalates into the G²–A³ step, with {Ru(tpm)py} in the minor groove. They also reveal that the complex intercalates into the binding site in two possible orientations with the pyridyl ligand of the major conformer making close contact with terminal base pairs. We conclude that substitution at the 2‐ or 3‐position of the pyridine ring has little effect on binding, but that substitution at the 4‐position drastically disrupts intercalative binding, particularly with a 4‐amino substituent, because of steric and electronic interactions with the DNA. These results indicate that complexes derived from these systems have the potential to function as sequence‐specific light‐switch systems.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel (E,E)-vic-dioximes

A novel vic-dioxime ligand containing the thiourea group, (4E,5E)-1,3-bis{4-[(4-methylphenylamino)methyl] phenyl}- 2-thiooxaimidazoline-4,5-dione dioxime, (4) mmdH₂ has been prepared from N,N′-bis{4-[(4-methylphenylamino)methyl]phenyl}thiourea, (3) mft and cyanogen di-N-oxide. Mononuclear [M(mmdH)₂], where M = Ni^II, Co^II and Cu^II complexes of the (4) mmdH₂ bidentate ligand have been obtained with a 1:2 metal:ligand ratio, as do most the vic-dioximes. The complexes are formed by coordination of N, N atoms of the ligand. The vic-dioxime ligand and its some transition metal complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance data, magnetic susceptibility, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r and u.v.–vis. spectroscopy. Conductivity measurements have shown that mononuclear complexes are non-electrolytes. In addition, the ligands and metal complexes were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities by agar well diffusion techniques using DMF as solvent.