Bis‐copper(II) Complex of Triply‐linked Corrole Dimer and Its Dication

Copper complexes of corroles have recently been a subject of keen interest due to their ligand non‐innocent character and unique redox properties. Here we investigated bis‐copper complex of a triply‐linked corrole dimer that serves as a pair of divalent metal ligands but can be reduced to a pair of trivalent metal ligands. Reaction of triply‐linked corrole dimer 2 with Cu(acac)₂ (acac=acetylacetonate) gave bis‐copper(II) complex 2Cu as a highly planar molecule with a mean‐plane deviation value of 0.020 Å, where the two copper ions were revealed to be divalent by ESR, SQUID, and XPS methods. Oxidation of 2Cu with two equivalents of AgBF₄ gave complex 3Cu , which was characterized as a bis‐copper(II) complex of a dicationic triply‐linked corrole dimer not as the corresponding bis‐copper(III) complex. In accord with this assignment, the structural parameters around the copper ions were revealed to be quite similar for 2Cu and 3Cu . Importantly, the magnetic spin–spin interaction differs depending on the redox‐state of the ligand, being weak ferromagnetic in 2Cu and antiferromagnetic in 3Cu .     

Selective sensing of sulfate in aqueous solution using a fluorescent bis(cyclopeptide)

Fluorescence of a bis(cyclopeptide) in which two cyclohexapeptide moieties with alternating L-proline and 6-aminopicolinic acid subunits are attached to a 4,4'-bis(dimethylamino)biphenyl linker is quenched in 1:1 (v/v) water/methanol in the presence of sulfate. Of eight other anions tested, none produced a similar effect. This bis(cyclopeptide) allows the qualitative and quantitative detection of sulfate even in the presence of an excess of chloride anions. Calculations provided insight into the causes of fluorescence quenching and anion selectivity.     

More crystal field theory in action: the metal–4‐picoline (pic)–sulfate [M(pic)x]SO4 complexes (M = Fe,Co, Ni,Cu, Zn,and Cd)

Seven crystal structures of five first‐row (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and one second‐row (Cd) transition metal–4‐picoline (pic)–sulfate complexes of the form [M(pic)_x]SO₄ are reported. These complexes are catena‐poly[[tetrakis(4‐methylpyridine‐κN)metal(II)]‐μ‐sulfato‐κ²O:O′], [M(SO₄)(C₆H₇N)₄]_n, where the metal/M is iron, cobalt, nickel, and cadmium, di‐μ‐sulfato‐κ⁴O:O‐bis[tris(4‐methylpyridine‐κN)copper(II)], [Cu₂(SO₄)₂(C₆H₇N)₆], catena‐poly[[bis(4‐methylpyridine‐κN)zinc(II)]‐μ‐sulfato‐κ²O:O′], [Zn(SO₄)(C₆H₇N)₂]_n, and catena‐poly[[tris(4‐methylpyridine‐κN)zinc(II)]‐μ‐sulfato‐κ²O:O′], [Zn(SO₄)(C₆H₇N)₃]_n. The Fe, Co, Ni, and Cd compounds are isomorphous, displaying polymeric crystal structures with infinite chains of M^II ions adopting an octahedral N₄O₂ coordination environment that involves four picoline ligands and two bridging sulfate anions. The Cu compound features a dimeric crystal structure, with the Cu^II ions possessing square‐pyramidal N₃O₂ coordination environments that contain three picoline ligands and two bridging sulfate anions. Zinc crystallizes in two forms, one exhibiting a polymeric crystal structure with infinite chains of Zn^II ions adopting a tetrahedral N₂O₂ coordination containing two picoline ligands and two bridging sulfate anions, and the other exhibiting a polymeric crystal structure with infinite chains of Zn^II ions adopting a trigonal bipyramidal N₃O₂ coordination containing three picoline ligands and two bridging sulfate anions. The structures are compared with the analogous pyridine complexes, and the observed coordination environments are examined in relation to crystal field theory.     

An electrochemical and optical anion chemosensor based on tripodal tris(ferrocenylurea)

A neutral tripodal tris(ferrocenylurea) anion receptor has been designed that can electrochemically and optically recognize sulfate and phosphate anions. The binding of the tetrahedral anion induced distinct cathodic shifts of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple in chloroform, whereas the UV/Vis spectrum of the receptor showed an increase in the d–d transition band upon addition of sulfate ions. Furthermore, the anion complexes (TBA)₂ ? [SO₄?L] ? H₂O ( 1 ) and TBA[F?L] ( 2 ; TBA=tetrabutylammonium ion) were isolated. Crystal structural analyses showed that the receptor in the two 1:1 (host/guest) complexes encapsulated sulfate or fluoride ions in the tripodal cavity through multiple hydrogen bonds. ¹H NMR spectroscopic and ESI mass‐spectrometric analysis revealed strong sulfate and fluoride binding in solution.     

Reaction of Alkynes and Azides: Not Triazoles Through Copper–Acetylides but Oxazoles Through Copper–Nitrene Intermediates

Well‐defined copper(I) complexes of composition [Tpm*^,BrCu(NCMe)]BF₄ (Tpm*^,Br=tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐bromo‐pyrazolyl)methane) or [Tpa^*Cu]PF₆ (Tpa^*=tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazolylmethyl)amine) catalyze the formation of 2,5‐disubstituted oxazoles from carbonyl azides and terminal alkynes in a direct manner. This process represents a novel procedure for the synthesis of this valuable heterocycle from readily available starting materials, leading exclusively to the 2,5‐isomer, attesting to a completely regioselective transformation. Experimental evidence and computational studies have allowed the proposal of a reaction mechanism based on the initial formation of a copper–acyl nitrene species, in contrast to the well‐known mechanism for the copper‐catalyzed alkyne and azide cycloaddition reactions (CuAAC) that is triggered by the formation of a copper–acetylide complex.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Copper(I) Rotaxanes Mediate Sequential Click Ligations with All Reagents Premixed

We have prepared NHC‐Cu^I complexes with a rotaxane structure and used them as sterically sensitive catalysts for one‐pot sequential copper‐catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloadditions in solutions containing all of the coupling partners premixed in unprotected form. Most notably, a photolabile and sterically encumbered complex first catalyzed the coupling of a less bulky azide/alkyne pair; after removing the protective macrocyclic component from the rotaxane structure, through irradiation with light, the exposed dumbbell‐shaped NHC‐Cu^I complex catalyzed the second click reaction of a bulkier azide/alkyne pair. Using this approach, we obtained predominantly, from a single sealed pot, a bis‐triazole product (84 %) from a mixture of two sterically distinct azides and a diyne.     

Noncovalent interactions within a synthetic receptor can reinforce guest binding

Structural and thermodynamic data are presented on the binding properties of anion receptors containing two covalently linked cyclopeptide subunits that bind sulfate and iodide anions with micromolar affinity in aqueous solution. A synchrotron X-ray crystal structure of the sulfate complex of one receptor revealed that the anion is bound between the peptide rings of the biscyclopeptide. Intimate intramolecular contacts between the nonpolar surfaces of the proline rings of the individual receptor moieties in the complex suggest that hydrophobic interactions within the receptor that do not directly involve the guest contribute to complex stability. This finding is supported by a microcalorimetric analysis of the solvent dependence of complex stability, which showed that increasing the water content of the solvent has only a weak influence on the Gibbs energy of binding. Hence, the increasing amount of energy required for desolvating the binding partners in solutions containing more water is almost compensated by the increasingly favorable hydrophobic interactions. Further observations that suggest that guest-induced intra-receptor interactions contribute to guest binding are (i) anion binding of a monomeric cyclopeptide lacking the covalent linkage between the two rings leads to the formation of 2:1 complexes; (ii) in the crystal structure of the 2:1 iodide complex of this monotopic receptor, a similar arrangement of the two cyclopeptide rings has been found as in the sulfate complex of the biscyclopeptide; (iii) complex formation of the monomeric cyclopeptide in aqueous solution is highly cooperative with a large stability constant corresponding to the formation of the 2:1 complexes from relatively instable 1:1 complexes; (iv) the monomeric cyclopeptide forms only 1:1 anion complexes in DMSO where hydrophobic interactions do not take place; and (v) introducing polar hydroxy groups on the proline rings of the monomeric cyclopeptide disrupts cooperativity causing the formation of only 1:1 complexes even in aqueous solution. Taken together these observations demonstrate that, in addition to direct receptor-substrate interactions, noncovalent interactions between the two subunits of such biscyclopeptides contribute significantly to anion complex stability. Reinforcement of molecular recognition through intra-receptor interactions should be an attractive new strategy to boost host-guest affinities.     

A Tris(triazolate) Ligand for a Highly Active and Magnetically Recoverable Palladium Catalyst of Selective Alcohol Oxidation Using Air at Atmospheric Pressure

High efficiency and selectivity, easy magnetic recovery and recycling, and use of air as the oxidant at atmospheric pressure are major objectives for oxidation catalysis in terms of sustainable and green processes. A tris(triazolyl) ligand, so far only used in copper‐catalyzed alkyne azide cycloadditions, was found to be extremely efficient in SiO₂/γ‐Fe₂O₃‐immobilized palladium complexes. It was characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and found to fulfill the combined conditions for the selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones.     

Calix[6]arene‐Based Cascade Complexes of Organic Ion Triplets Stable in a Protic Solvent

Herein we report a D_3h‐symmetric tail‐to‐tail bis‐calix[6]arene 3 featuring two divergent cavities triply connected by ureido linkages. This calix[6]tube was synthesized by a domino Staudinger/aza‐Wittig reaction followed by a macrocyclization reaction. This process also afforded a C_2h‐symmetric isomer that represents a rare example of a self‐threaded rotaxane based on calix[6]arene subunits. The binding properties of 3 have been evaluated by NMR studies. Thus, bis‐calix[6]arene 3 is able to bind simultaneously two neutral ureido guests through an induced‐fit process. The guests are located in the cavities and are recognized through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the ureido bridges. Host 3 can also simultaneously bind multiple ions and is especially efficient for the complexation of organic ion triplets. The anion is recognized through hydrogen‐bonding interactions at the ureido binding site and is thus located between the two ammonium ions accommodated in the cavities. The resulting [1+1+2] quaternary complexes represent rare examples of cascade complexes with organic cations. These complexes are unique: 1) They are stable even in a markedly protic solvent, 2) the recognition of the ion triplets proceeds in a cooperative way through an induced‐fit process and with a high selectivity, linear cations and doubly charged anions being particularly well recognized, 3) the ions are bound as contact ion triplets thanks to the closeness of the three binding sites, 4) the cationic guests can be exchanged and thus mixed [1+1+1+1] complexes can be obtained, 5) the ureido linkers wrapped around the anion adopt a helical shape and the resulting chirality is sensed by the cations. In other words, bis‐calix[6]arene 3 presents a selective inner tunnel in which multiple guests such as organic ion triplets can be aligned in a cooperative way through induced‐fit processes.     

Thermal Decomposition of New Mononuclear NiII Complexes with ONNO Type Reduced Schiff Bases and Pseudo Halogens

Mononuclear nickel(II) complexes were prepared by reaction of the three ONNO type reduced Schiff bases bis‐N,N′‐(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐1,3‐propanediamine (L^HH₂), bis‐N,N′‐(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2,2′‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine (LDM^HH₂), and bis‐N,N′‐[1‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]‐1,3‐propanediamine (LAC^HH₂) with Ni^II ions in the presence of pseudo halides (OCN^–, SCN^– and N₃^–). The complexes were characterized with the use of elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analyses. The molecular structure of one of the complexes was obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The obtained complexes are mononuclear, and a pseudo halide molecule is attached. One of the oxygen atoms of the ligand is in phenolate and the other was in phenol form. According to the thermogravimetry results, it was thought that the pseudo halide thermally detaches from the structure as hydropseudo halide. In azide‐containing complexes an endothermic reaction was observed although the azide group usually decomposes with an exothermic reaction.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and spectral properties of cobalt (Ⅱ) complexes:[ CoL (N_3) ] ·ClO_4 and CoL (N_3)_2 [L=tris ((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl) methyl) amine

Two monomeric cobalt(Ⅱ)complexes,[CoL(N3)] ClO4(1)and CoL(N3)2(2),where L is tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methyl)amine,were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction technique.Complex 1 is five coordinated with one azide nitrogen atom and four nitrogen atoms of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-l-yl)-methyl)amine ligand,and the metal center is in distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment.Complex 2 is six coordinated distorted octahedron with the two azide nitrogen atoms and four nitrogen donors of the tris((3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-methyl)amine ligand.The solution behaviors of the title complexes have been further investigated by UV-Vis,and 1H NMR analysis.It is found that the formation of 1 and 2 depends on the molar ratio of the azide ion to metal salt and ligand Complex 1 attached with one azide group is more stable and easy to generate than complex 2 incorporated with two azide groups,and the reasons were well discussed.     

Metal‐Ion Sensing Europium(III) Complexes with Bidentate Phosphine Oxide Ligands Containing a 2,2′‐Bipyridine Framework

Novel Eu^III complexes with bidentate phosphine oxide ligands containing a bipyridine framework, i.e., [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)]) and [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)]), were synthesized for lanthanide‐based sensor materials having high emission quantum yields and effective chemosensing properties. The emission quantum yields of [Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)] and [Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)] were 71 and 73%, respectively. Metal‐ion sensing properties of the Eu^III complexes were also studied by measuring the emission spectra of Eu^III complexes in the presence of Zn^II or Cu^II ions. The metal‐ion sensing and the photophysical properties of luminescent Eu^III complexes with a bidentate phosphine oxide containing 2,2′‐bipyridine framework are demonstrated for the first time.     

Phenol Based‐Ligands with Two Adjacent N,N′,O‐Binding Pockets

The synthesis of three new ligands and their coordination behavior towards zinc ions with strongly coordinating anions and cobalt ions with weakly coordinating anions are reported. The ligands have two adjacent imidazolyl‐pyridinyl and pyrazolyl‐pyridinyl binding pockets, respectively, which are linked by a phenol unit. We also investigated the dynamic behavior of the ligand having the imidazolyl‐pyridiyl sidearm in solution. The reaction of the ligands and ZnCl₂ yielded complexes of the type [ L Zn₂Cl₃]. When we used Co^II salts with weakly coordinating anions, complexes of the general formula [ L ₂Co₂]²⁺ were formed.     

New Energetic Copper(II) Complexes With Pyrazolyl Type Ligands

Nine Cu^II complexes ( I – IX ) containing the azide ion and bis‐2,6‐(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (pp), bis‐2,6‐(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (dmpp), and 2‐(pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐6‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (mpp), which are derivatives of pyrazolylpyridine, were prepared in nonaqueous medium. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. Crystals of one of these complexes [CumppClN₃ ( VII )] were prepared in suitable size, and a molecular structure of this complex was obtained with X‐ray diffraction method. Complexes were examined by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry methods. Thermal decomposition was observed in complexes including two azide groups similar to that seen in explosives. In the complexes containing one azide group, formation of the Cu^I complexes was observed after thermal decomposition of the azide group.     

Iodide Recognition and Sensing in Water by a Halogen‐Bonding Ruthenium(II)‐Based Rotaxane

The synthesis and anion‐recognition properties of the first halogen‐bonding rotaxane host to sense anions in water is described. The rotaxane features a halogen‐bonding axle component, which is stoppered with water‐solubilizing permethylated β‐cyclodextrin motifs, and a luminescent tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II)‐based macrocycle component. ¹H NMR anion‐binding titrations in D₂O reveal the halogen‐bonding rotaxane to bind iodide with high affinity and with selectively over the smaller halide anions and sulfate. The binding affinity trend was explained through molecular dynamics simulations and free‐energy calculations. Photo‐physical investigations demonstrate the ability of the interlocked halogen‐bonding host to sense iodide in water, through enhancement of the macrocycle component’s Ru^II metal–ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission.     

Experimental Evidence for the Involvement of Dinuclear Alkynylcopper(I) Complexes in Alkyne–Azide Chemistry

Dinuclear alkynylcopper(I) ladderane complexes are prepared by a robust and simple protocol involving the reduction of Cu₂(OH)₃OAc or Cu(OAc)₂ by easily oxidised alcohols in the presence of terminal alkynes; they function as efficient catalysts in copper‐catalysed alkyne–azide cycloaddition reactions as predicted by the Ahlquist–Fokin calculations. The same copper(I) catalysts are formed during reactions by using the Sharpless–Fokin protocol. The experimental results also provide evidence that sodium ascorbate functions as a base to deprotonate terminal alkynes and additionally give a convincing alternative explanation for the fact that the Cu^I‐catalysed reactions of certain 1,3‐diazides with phenylacetylene give bis(triazoles) as the major products. The same dinuclear alkynylcopper(I) complexes also function as catalysts in cycloaddition reactions of azides with 1‐iodoalkynes.     

Efficient Access to Peptidyl‐RNA Conjugates for Picomolar Inhibition of Non‐ribosomal FemXWv Aminoacyl Transferase

Peptidyl–RNA conjugates have various applications in studying the ribosome and enzymes participating in tRNA‐dependent pathways such as Fem transferases in peptidoglycan synthesis. Herein a convergent synthesis of peptidyl–RNAs based on Huisgen–Sharpless cycloaddition for the final ligation step is developed. Azides and alkynes are introduced into tRNA and UDP‐MurNAc‐pentapeptide, respectively. Synthesis of 2′‐azido RNA helix starts from 2′‐azido‐2′‐deoxyadenosine that is coupled to deoxycytidine by phosphoramidite chemistry. The resulting dinucleotide is deprotected and ligated to a 22‐nt RNA helix mimicking the acceptor arm of Ala‐tRNA^Ala by T4 RNA ligase. For alkyne UDP‐MurNAc‐pentapeptide, meso‐cystine is enzymatically incorporated into the peptidoglycan precursor and reduced, and L ‐Cys is converted to dehydroalanine with O‐(mesitylenesulfonyl)hydroxylamine. Reaction of but‐3‐yne‐1‐thiol with dehydroalanine affords the alkyne‐containing UDP‐MurNAc‐pentapeptide. The Cu^I‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction in the presence of tris[(1‐hydroxypropyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl]amine provided the peptidyl‐RNA conjugate, which was tested as an inhibitor of non‐ribosomal FemX_Wv aminoacyl transferase. The bi‐substrate analogue was found to inhibit FemX_Wv with an IC₅₀ of (89±9) pM , as both moieties of the peptidyl–RNA conjugate contribute to high‐affinity binding.     

Designing poly(amido amine) dendrimers containing core diversities by click chemistry of the propargyl focal point poly(amido amine) dendrons

General, fast, efficient, and inexpensive methods for the synthesis of poly (amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers having core diversities were elaborated. In all syntheses, the major step involved an inexpensive 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between an alkyne and an azide in the presence of Cu(I) species, which is known as the best example of click chemistry. The propargyl‐functionalized PAMAM dendrons are obtained by the divergent approach using propargylamine as an alkyne‐focal point. Three core building blocks, 1,3,5‐tris(azidomethyl)benzene, N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(azidopropylamidoethyl)‐1,2‐diaminoethane, and 4,4′‐(3,5‐bis(azidopropyloxy)benzyloxy)bisphenyl, were designed and synthesized to serve as the azide functionalities for dendrimer growth via click reactions with the alkyne‐dendrons. These three building blocks were employed together with the propargyl‐functionalized PAMAM dendrons in a convergent strategy to synthesize three kinds of PAMAM dendrimers with different core units. This novel and pivotal strategy using an efficient click methodology provides the fast and efficient synthesis of the PAMAM dendrimers with the tailed made core units. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1083–1097, 2008     

Nickel(0) Complexes with Fluorinated Alkyne Ligands and their Reactivity towards Semihydrogenation and Hydrodefluorination with Water

The current work describes the synthesis and full characterization of zerovalent nickel complexes of the type [(dippe)Ni(η²‐C,C‐F_n‐alkyne)] (dippe=1,2‐bis(di‐isopropylphosphino‐ethane), F_n‐alkyne=fluorinated aromatic alkyne, n=1, 3, 5; 3a , 3b , 3c ) and [{(dippe)Ni}₂(μ²‐C,C‐F_n‐alkyne)] ( 4 ). Reactions with complexes 3a , 3b , 3c , and water as the hydrogen source, yield selective semihydrogenation of the bound alkyne to the corresponding alkene, accompanied by partial hydrodefluorination of the aromatic ring. Different alkynes were tested; on using the alkyne with five fluorine atoms over the aromatic ring, partial defluorination was achieved under the mildest reaction conditions, followed in reactivity by the alkyne with three fluorine atoms. The alkyne with only one fluorine atom was barely defluorinated. The use of triethylsilane as a sacrificial hydride source resulted in an overall increase in reactivity towards defluorination.     

Self‐Assembly of 3,6‐Bis(4‐triazolyl)pyridazine Ligands with Copper(I) and Silver(I) Ions: Time‐Dependant 2D‐NOESY and Ultracentrifuge Measurements

Two 3,6‐bis(R‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridazines (R=mesityl, monodisperse (CH₂ CH₂O)₁₂CH₃) were synthesized by the copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition and self‐assembled with tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate and silver(I) hexafluoroantimonate in dichloromethane. The obtained copper(I) complexes were characterized in detail by time‐dependent 1D [¹H, ¹³C] and 2D [¹H‐NOESY] NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, high‐resolution ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry, and analytical ultracentrifugation. The latter characterization methods, as well as the comparison to analog 3,6‐di(2‐pyridyl)pyridazine (dppn) systems and their corresponding copper(I) and silver(I) complexes indicated that the herein described 3,6‐bis(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridazine ligands form [2×2] supramolecular grids. However, in the case of the 3,6‐bis(1‐mesityl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridazine ligand, the resultant red‐colored copper(I) complex turned out to be metastable in an acetone solution. This behavior in solution was studied by NMR spectroscopy, and it led to the conclusion that the copper(I) complex transforms irreversibly into at least one different metal complex species.