Catecholase activity investigation for pyridazinone- and thiopyridazinone-based ligands

A series of seven heterocyclic compounds based on pyridazinone and thiopyridazinone moieties: 5-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6-methylpyridazin-3-one L1; 5-[(2-chlorobenzyl)hydroxyl)methyl]6-methylpyridazin-3-one L2; 5-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2,6-dimethylpyridazin-3-one L3; 5-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2-(hydroxyethyl)-6-methylpyridazin-3-one L4; ethyl-4-(2-chloro-benzyl)-3-methyl-6-oxopyridazin-1(6H)-yl)acetate L5; 5-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2-(hydroxyethyl)-6-methylpyridazin-3-thione L6, and ethyl-4-(2-chloro-benzyl)-3-methyl-6-thioxopyridazin-1(6H)-yl)acetate L7 were tested for the oxidation of catechol to o-quinone for miming microorganism in the O₂ activation for electrophilic non substituted aromatic. The in situ generated Cu(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II) complexes of these ligands (L1–L7) were examined for such catalytic activities. We found that all these substrates catalyze the oxidation reaction of catechol to o-quinone with the presence of atmospheric dioxygen. The rates of this oxidation depend on two parameters: the nature of the ligand and the nature of ion salts. We found that the combination of L7 [Cu(CH ₃ COO) ₂ ] leads to the fastest catalytic processes.     

Copper complexes of two isomeric NS2-macrocycles

Two isomeric NS₂-macrocycles incorporating a xylyl group at ortho (o -L) and meta (m -L) positions were employed and their copper complexes (1?C5) were prepared and structurally characterized. The copper(II) nitrate complexes [Cu(L)(NO₃)₂] (1: L = o -L, 2: L = m -L) for both ligands were isolated. In each case, the copper center is five-coordinated with a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Despite the overall geometrical similarity, 1 and 2 show the different ligand conformation due to the discriminated packing pattern. Reaction of o -L with copper(II) perchlorate afforded complex 3 containing two independent complex cations [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)(ClO₄)]⁺ and [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)]²⁺; the coordination geometry of the former is a distorted octahedron while the latter shows a distorted square pyramidal arrangement. In the reactions of copper(I) halides (I or Br), o -L gave a mononuclear complex [Cu(o-L)I] (4) with a distorted tetrahedral geometry, while m -L afforded a unique exodentate 2:1 (ligand-to-metal) complex [trans-Br₂Cu(m-L)₂] (5) adopting a trans-type square-planar arrangement.     

Reactions of nitrosoarenes containing electron-withdrawing substituents with coordinated CO. Synthesis and structure of complexes Pd2(OAc)2(p-ClC6H4N[p-ClC6H3NO])2 and Pd2(OAc)2(o-ClC6H4N[o-ClC6H3NO])2

The reaction of tetranuclear Pd₄(μ-COOCH₃)₄(μ-CO)₄ cluster (1a) with p- and o-chloronitrosobenzenes was found to give dinuclear nitrosoamide complexes, Pd₂(OAc)₂(p-ClC₆H₄N[p-ClC₆H₃NO])₂ (4) and Pd₂(OAc)₂(o-ClC₆H₄N[o-ClC₆H₃NO])₂ (5), respectively. The formation of complexes 4 and 5 is accompanied by evolution of CO₂, resulting from oxidation of CO coordinated in cluster 1. Complexes 4 and 5 were characterized by elemental analysis and IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy; their structures were studied by EXAFS. The reactions of dinuclear complex 4 with molecular hydrogen and CO were studied. The major products of reduction of 4 with hydrogen include metallic palladium, acetic acid, cyclohexanone, and molecular nitrogen. Treatment of complex 4 with CO under mild conditions (1 atm, 20 °C) affords p-chlorophenyl isocyanate.     

Synthesis and anti-viral activities of some 3-(naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)-5-phenylfuran-2(3H)-one candidates

3-(Naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)-5-phenylfuran-2(3H)-one 1 was prepared and converted into a variety of heterocyclic systems of synthetic and biological importance. Benzylamine was reacted with furanone 1 to afford compounds 2 and 3 according to the reaction conditions. Butanamide 2 was reacted with thionyl chloride or thiourea to give derivatives 4 and 5, respectively. Compound 3 was reacted with ethyl cyanoacetate to give the corresponding pyrrolopyridine derivative 6. Treatment of 1 with hydrazine hydrate afforded compounds 7 and 8 according to the reaction conditions. Also, compound 1 was reacted with phenyl hydrazine, hydroxyl amine, malononitrile or thiourea to give compounds 9–12, respectively. Cyclization of 7 with ethoxymethylene-malononitrile, ethyl-(ethoxymethylene)cyanoacetate, carbon disulphide or acetylacetone afforded the corresponding compounds 13–16, respectively. Condensation of 7 with p-nitrobenzaldehyde gave the corresponding hydrazone 17, which was treated with thioglycolic acid or chloroacetyl chloride to give compounds 18 and 19, respectively. Also, most of the prepared products were tested for anti-avian influenza virus and revealed promising antiviral activity against H5N1 virus [A/Chicken/Egypt/1/2006 (H5N1)] by determination of both TC ₅₀ and ED ₅₀ and confirmed by plaque reduction assay on MDCK cells. Compounds 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13 showed the highest effect compared with the other tested compounds.     

The crystal structures of α,ω-diaminoalkanecadmium(II) tetracyanonickelate(II)-aromatic molecule inclusion compounds. IV. (1,6-Diaminohexane)cadmium(II) tetracyanonickelate(II)-m-toluidine(1/1),-p-toluidine(1/1), and-2,4-xylidine(1/1) clathrates,and the coordination complex bis(p-toluidine) (1,6-diaminohexane)cadmium(II) tetracyanonickelate(II)

The crystal structures of the four title compounds have been analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods at room temperature. Three with a general formula Cd[NH₂(CH₂)₆NH₂]Ni(CN)₄·G (G=m-toluidine,Im;p-toluidine,Ip; and 2,4-xylidine,Ix) are the inclusion compounds of the respective aromatic molecules in the three-dimensional metal complex host (1,6-diaminohexane)cadmium(II) tetracyanonickelate(II). The remaining one is a coordination complex ofp-toluidine, bis(p-toluidine) (1,6-diaminohexane)cadmium(II) tetracyanonick-elate(II),II, Im, Ix, andII crystallize under similar experimental conditions;Ip is obtained using thep-toluidinemesitylene mixture at higher dilution than that used forII. Im crystallizes in the tri linic space group \(P\bar 1\) , witha=9.725(2),b=7.598(1),c=7.177(1) Å, α=90.44(1), β=98.80(1), γ=95.70(1)^o, andZ=1 (the final conventionalR=0.037 for 3526 reflections);Ip: monoclinic,P2/m,a=9.540(2),b=7.611(1),c=7.120(1) Å, β=100.95(1)^o, andZ=1 (R=0.027 for 1700 reflections);Ix: monoclinic,P2/m,a=9.628(2),b=7.613(1),c=7.122(1) Å, β=100.01(1)^o, andZ=1 (R=0.049 for 2704 reflections);II: monoclinic,P2₁/n,a=12.107(3),b=10.117(2),c=12.471(3) Å, β=113.67(2)^o, andZ=2 (R=0.037 for 2616 reflections). The structures ofIm, Ip andIx are similar to that of theo-toluidine inclusion compound of the same metal complex host. InII atrans pair of thep-toluidine molecules to the cadmium atom in the two-dimensional network formed by thecatena-μ-linkages of ?Cd?NH₂(CH₂)₆NH₂?Cd? and ?NC?Ni?CN?Cd?NC?Ni?CN?intersecting at each Cd atom; two cyanide groups of the tetracyanonickelate(II) moiety have free N-ends.     

Syntheses, crystal structure, and fluorescent properties of a lanthanide complex

A new complex [Dy₂(Pht)₂(HPht)₂(Phen)₂(H₂O)₄] (I), where Pht^2? = dianion of o-phthalic acid; HPht^? = mono-anion of o-phthalic acid; Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, has been synthesized and the crystal structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The I crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group $P\bar 1$ with lattice parameters a =10.1126(3) Å, b =10.7029(3) Å, c = 11.9360(3) Å, α = 90.2260(10)°, β = 99.5340(10)°, γ = 100.9810(10)°, V = 1249.87(6) ų, Z = 2, ρ_calcd = 1.881 mg m^?3. The photophysical property of I has been studied with excitation and emission spectra.     

Syntheses, spectroscopic characterization and metal ion binding properties of benzo-15-crown-5 derivatives and their sodium and nickel(II) complexes

New benzo-15-crown-5 derivatives containing nitro, amine and imine groups were prepared. Nitro compound (1) was prepared after the reaction?4′,5′-bis(bromethyl)benzo-15-crown-5 and o-nitrophenol in the presence of NaOH. After reduction process by using hydrazine hydrate and Pd/C amine compound (2) was formed. New crown ether imine compounds (3–5) were synthesized by the condensation of corresponding crown ether diamine (2) with salicylaldehyde derivatives. Sodium complexes of the crown compounds (1a–5a) form crystalline 1:1 (Na⁺: ligand) complexes with sodium perchlorate. Nickel(II) complexes (3b–5b) with 1:1 (Ni²⁺:ligand) stoichiometries were also been synthesized from the Schiff bases (3–5). The results indicated that the Schiff base ligands coordinated through the azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. The extraction ability of compounds (1, 3, 4 and 5) were also evaluated in chloroform by using several alkali and transition metal picrates such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺.     

First MnIII complexes with tetradentate (N2O2) Schiff bases and tricyanomethanide: synthesis,crystal structure,and magnetic properties

The first Mn^III complexes with Schiff bases and tricyanomethanide-anion were synthesized: [Mn(salen)C(CN)₃(H₂O)] (1), [Mn(5-Brsalen)C(CN)₃(H₂O)] (2), [Mn(salpn)C(CN)₃(H₂O)] (3), [Mn(3-MeOsalen)C(CN)₃(H₂O)] (4), [Mn(5-Brsalen)(MeOH)(H₂O)][C(CN)₃] (5), and [Mn(3-MeOsalpn)(H₂O)₂][C(CN)₃] (6), where SalenH₂ is N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine, 5-BrsalenH₂ is N,N′-bis(5-bromosalicylidene)ethylenediamine, SalpnH₂ is N,N′-bis-(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane, 3-MeOsalenH₂ is N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-ethylenediamine, 3-MeOsalpnH₂ — N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane. The tricyanomethanide anion in complexes 1–4 acts as a the terminal ligand, whereas in complexes 5 and 6 tricyanomethanide is not coordinated by Mn^III and acts as an out-of-sphere counterion. The structures of complexes 1–4 are characterized by the formation of dimers due to hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and oxygen atoms of the Schiff bases. The Mn...Mn distances inside the dimers are 4.69–5.41 Å. Complex 6 has a zigzag chain structure consisting of the [Mn(3-MeOsalpn)(H₂O)₂]⁺ cations bound by double bridging aqua ligands. The study of the magnetic properties of complexes 1, 3, 4, and 6 showed the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^III ions through the system of hydrogen bonds.     

Trialkylantimony(V) o-amidophenolates: Electrochemical transformations and antiradical activity

The electrochemical transformations and antiradical activity of trialkylantimony(V) o-amidophenolate derivatives, (AP)SbR₃ (AP = 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-amidophenolate); R = CH₃ (I), C₂H₅ (II), and C₆H₁₁ (III), are studied. The electrochemical oxidation of compounds I–III proceeds successively to form mono- and dicationic forms of the complexes. The presence of the donor hydrocarbon groups at the antimony(V) atom shifts the oxidation potentials to the cathodic range and decreases the stability of the monocationic complexes formed in electrochemical oxidation. The second anodic process is irreversible and accompanied by o-iminoquinone decoordination. The antiradical activity of compounds I–III is studied in the reaction with the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical and oleic acid autooxidation. The values obtained for indices EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ indicate the antiradical activity of the studied compounds. Complexes I–III were found to be the efficient inhibitors of oleic acid oxidation and act as efficient destructors of hydroperoxides.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and properties of four manganese coordination polymers with 4,4-bipyridine-derived ligands

Four new coordination polymers, namely Mn₂(4,4-bpy)₂(o-tol)₄ 1, Mn₂(4,4-bpy)₂(m-tol)₄ 2, Mn₂(bpp)₂(m-tol)₄ 3 and {[Mn₂(4,4-bpy)₂(p-tol)₄][Mn(4,4-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂(p-tol)₂]}·6H₂O 4 have been synthesized from 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4-bpy), 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)-propane (bpp), o-toluic acid (o-Htol), m-toluic acid (m-Htol) and p-toluic acid (p-Htol). All four complexes feature dinuclear Mn₂(tol)₄ moieties, which are bridged by 4,4-bpy or bpp ligands to form 1D double-chain structures. The resulted 1D double-chains are assembled via hydrogen bonding or π···π stacking into 2D supramolecular layers. The complexes were characterized by physico-chemical (thermal behavior) and infrared spectroscopy. Variable temperature magnetic characterization suggest weak antiferromagnetic coupling exchange between dimeric Mn(II) centers (J = ?0.46 cm^?1 for 1, ?0.56 cm^?1 for 2, ?1.28 cm^?1 for 3 and ?0.59 cm^?1 for 4).     

Di- and tetranuclear heterometallic CuII-LnIII complexes (Ln = Gd and Dy): Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Four 3d-4f heterometallic complexes, [CuⅡ LnⅢ (bpt) 2 (NO 3 ) 3 (MeOH)] (Ln = Gd, 1; Dy, 2; bptH = 3,5-bis(pyrid-2-yl)-1,2,4- triazole), [CuⅡ 2 LnⅢ 2 (μ-OH) 2 (bpt) 4 Cl 4 (H 2 O) 2 ]·6H 2 O (Ln = Gd, 3; Dy, 4), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. X-ray structural analyses reveal that 1 and 2 are isostructural while 3 and 4 are isostructural. In each complex, the copper and gadolinium or dysprosium ions are linked by two triazolate bridges and form a CuⅡ -LnⅢ dinuclear unit. The intramolecular Cu-Ln distances are 4.542, 4.525, 4.545 and 4.538 for 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Two dinuclear CuLn units are bridged by two OH- groups into the zig-zag tetranuclear {CuⅡ 2 LnⅢ 2 } structures with the Ln(Ⅲ) Ln(Ⅲ) distances of 3.742 and 3.684 for 3 and 4, respectively. Magnetic studies show that the antiferromagnetic CuⅡ-LnⅢ interactions occur in 1 (J CuGd = 0.21 cm-1 ) and 2. The antiferromagnetic interaction occurs in complex 3 with J CuGd = 0.82 cm-1 and J GdGd = 0.065 cm-1 , while dominant ferromagnetic interaction occurs in complex 4.     

Comparative investigation of the copper(II) complexes of (R)-, (S)- and (R,S)-1-phenyl-N,N-bis(pyridine-3-ylmethyl)ethanamine along with the related complex of (R,S)-1-cyclohexyl-N,N-bis(pyridine-3-ylmethyl)ethanamine. Synthetic, magnetic, and structural studies

The interaction of the enantiopure (R)- and (S)-1-phenyl-N,N-bis(pyridine-3- ylmethyl)ethanamine ligands, R-L ¹ and S-L ¹ , with copper(II) chloride followed by addition of hexafluorophosphate resulted in the isolation of the corresponding enantiomeric complexes [Cu(R-L ¹ )Cl](PF₆) (1), [Cu(S-L ¹ )Cl](PF₆) (2) and [Cu(S-L ¹ )Cl](PF₆)??0.5Et₂O (3), in which dimerization occurs through two long Cu??????Cl interactions, the ??-chloro bridges being thus strongly asymmetric. The organic ligand is bound to the metal centre via its N₃-donor dipyridylmethylamine fragment in a planar fashion, such that each copper centre is in a square planar environment (or distorted square pyramidal with a long axial bond length if the additional interaction is considered). When R,S-L ¹ was employed in a parallel synthesis, the similar racemic complex [Cu(R,S-L ¹ )Cl](PF₆)??0.5MeOH (4) was obtained, in which the L ¹ ligands in each dimeric unit have opposite hands. In contrast to the complexes of L ¹ , the reaction of Cu(II) chloride with the related ligand, (R)-1-cyclohexyl-N,N-bis(pyridine-3-ylmethyl)ethanamine (R-L ² ), yielded the mononuclear complex [Cu(R,S-L ² )Cl₂] (5), displaying a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry. The structure of this product along with its corresponding circular dichroism spectrum revealed that racemisation of the starting R-L ² ligand has occurred under the relatively mild (basic) conditions employed for the synthesis. A temperature-dependent magnetic studies of the complexes 1, 2 and 5 indicate that a week ferromagnetic interaction is operative in each dicopper core in 1 and 2 with 2J?=?1.2?cm^?1. On the other hand, a week antiferromagnetic intermolecular interaction is operative for 5.     

Crystal structures and electrochemical properties of two Mn(II) 2-sulfoterephthalate complexes with N-donor ligands

Two Mn(II) sulfoterephthalate complexes, [Mn(HStp)(o-Phen)₂] (I) and [Mn(HStp)(2,2′-Bipy)₂] (II) (H₃Stp = 2-sulfoterephthalic acid, o-Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-Bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized under hydrothermal condition. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complexes I and II possess similar structure, in which the center Mn²⁺ ions are hexa-coordinated with one Hstpanion and two N-donor ligands. For both of them, the formation of 3D supramolecular structures are based on both H-bonds and π...π/C-H...π stacking interactions. Electrochemical properties of complexes I and II have been investigated by means of cyclic voltmetry, which shows that electron transfer between Mn(III) and Mn(II) in electrolysis is quasi-reversible process.     

Synthesis, X-ray spectral, and magnetochemical study of copper complexes based on tridentate azomethines of 3-allylsalicylaldehyde

Tridentate azomethine ligands (H₂L) based on 3-allylsalicylaldehyde and o-aminophenol, o-aminothiophenol, or 2-ethylamino-5-nitroaniline were synthesized and identified by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The structure of complexes (Ia-Ic) was studied by magnetochemistry and EXAFS spectroscopy. Complexes Ia and Ib (X = O, S) are binuclear and exhibit antiferromagnetic exchange interaction: 2J = ?36.5 and ?950 cm^?1, respectively. Complex Ic (X = NC₂H₅) is mononuclear (μ_eff = 1.75 μ_B at 275 K and does not change as temperature decreases).     

Coordination chemistry of anticrowns. Complexation of cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury (o-C6F4Hg)3 with the cyanoborohydride anion [H3BCN]− and triethylamineborane Et3NBH3

As was shown by IR spectroscopy, the reaction of the three-mercury anticrown (o-C₆F₄Hg)₃ (1) with the [H₃BCN]ion in THF affords the complexes {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃][H₃BCN](5) and [(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃]₂[H₃BCN](6). Complex 6 was isolated from solution in the analytically pure state. According to X-ray diffraction data, complex 6 has a double-decker sandwich structure, in which the borohydride group of the [H₃BCN]^? anion is bound to one anticrown molecule by three B-H-Hg bridges, whereas the cyanide group is cooperatively coordinated by three mercury centers of another molecule 1 through the nitrogen atom. The reaction of compound 1 with triethylamineborane Et₃NBH₃ in THF affords the 1: 1 complex ～[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃][Et₃NBH₃]～ (7). In this adduct, the binding of the aminoborane to the mercury anticrown is also accomplished by B-H-Hg bridges. The stability constants of complexes 5 and 6 in THF were determined.     

Anion-directed organized assemblies of protonated pyrazole-based ionic salts

The reactions of 3(5)-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5(3)-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (L ¹ ) with nitric acid and 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3-(furan-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole(L ² ) with hydrochloric acid produced [HL ¹ · NO₃] (Salt-1) and [HL ² · Cl] (Salt-2). The structures of Salt-1 and Salt-2 were determined by single crystal X-diffraction. In Salt-1, HL ¹ showed [2 + 2] binding of NO₃ ^? ions in the solid state to form dimer architecture with R ₁ ² (4) and R ₄ ⁴ (14) graph sets. An anion directed one-dimensional anion-assisted helical chain with active participation of the chloride ion and protonated pyrazole via N–H···Cl hydrogen bonding in Salt-2. In addition, the protonated HL ² molecules interacted with each other through weak C–H···π interactions resulting in the formation of another one-dimensional helical chain.     

Further studies on the taumerization of the hydrido (alkynyl) cluster Ru3Pt(μ-H) {μ4-ν2-C ≡ C1Bu} (CO)9(L2) to the vinylidene cluster Ru3Pt{μ4-ν2-C ≡ C(H)tBu} (CO)9(L2): X-ray structures of Ru3Pt(μ-H){μ4-ν2-C = C(H)tBu} (CO)9(L2); L2 = dppet,dppp, andS,S-dppb

The first order rate constants for the tautomerization of the hydrio(alkynyl) clusters Ru₃Pt(μ-H){μ₄-ν²-C ≡ C¹Bu}(CO)₉(L₂);1a: L₂ = dppe,1b; L₂ = dppet,1c; L₂ = dppp and1d; L₂ =S,S-dppb to the corresponding vinylidene clusters Ru₃Pt{μ₄-ν²-C = C(H)^tBu}(CO)₉(L₂)2 have been measured, and they follow the orser1d <1a <1b ～1c. The reactions involving1a and1d exhibit an inverse kinetic deuterium isotope effect. The structures of1b, 2b, 2c, and2d were determined by X-ray crystallography, and are compared with those of1a and2a which have been previously reported. Crystal data for1b, space groupPbca,a = 13.338(4) Å,b = 17.771(6) Å,c = 36.092(8) Å,Z = 8,R(R _w) = 0.059(0.058) for 2342 absorption corrected, observed data; for2b, space group P2₁/n,a = 10.566(2) Å,b = 20.234(5) Å,c = 20.270(3) Å,β = 96.11(1)°,Z = 4,R(R _w) = 0.043(0.053) for 5865 absorption corrected, observed data; for2c, space group P2₁/n,a = 14.211(5) Å,b = 19.534(2) Å,c = 15.870(2) Å,β = 100.81(2)°,Z = 4,R(R _w) = 0.055(0.031) for 6566 absorption corrected, observed data: for2d, space group P2₁2₁2₁,a = 12.309(4) Å,b = 19.047(6) Å,c = 19.206(4) Å,Z = 4,R(R _w) = 0.055(0.053) fpr 2151 absorption corrected, observed data. The fluxional behavior of1d and1e (which consists of two interconverting isomers) has been examined by variable temperature¹³C NMR spectroscopy and by³¹P EXSY.     

Synthesis, characterisation and solid state structures of α-diimine cobalt(II) complexes: Ethylene polymerisation tests

A series of cobalt(II) compounds of the type [CoX₂(α-diimine)] were synthesised by direct reaction of anhydrous CoCl₂ or CoI₂ and the corresponding α-diimine ligand, in CH₂Cl₂: [CoI₂(o,o′,p-Me₃C₆H₂-DAB)] (1), [CoI₂(o,o′-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃-DAB)] (2), (where Ar-DAB = 1,4-bis(aryl)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene), and [CoCl₂(o,o′,p-Me₃C₆H₂-BIAN)] (3), [CoCl₂(o,o′-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃-BIAN)] (4), and [CoI₂(o,o′-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃-BIAN)] (5) (where Ar-BIAN = bis(aryl)acenaphthenequinonediimine). All compounds were characterised by elemental analyses, IR, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction whenever possible. The crystal structures of compounds 2-4 showed, in all cases, distorted tetrahedral geometries about the Co, built by two halogen atoms and two nitrogen atoms of the α-diimine ligand. Compounds 3 and 4, as well as [CoCl₂(o,o′,p-Me₃C₆H₂-DAB)] (1a), and [CoCl₂(o,o′-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃-DAB)] (2a), were activated by methylaluminoxane (MAO) and tested as catalysts for ethylene polymerisation, showing low catalytic activities. Selected polyethylene (PE) samples were characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies, and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealing branching microstructures (2.5-5.5%).     

Conformational space of tetrakis(2-naphthalenyl)ethene: a naphthologous AIE luminogen

The AIE luminogen tetrakis(2-naphthalenyl)ethene (2-NA ₄ E) was synthesized by Barton’s double extrusion diazo-thione coupling method from 2,2′-dinaphthyl thioketone and 2,2′-(diazomethylene)bisnaphthylene in 77 % yield. The structure of 2-NA ₄ E was confirmed by its ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra with full assignments. 2-NA ₄ E and its parent tetraphenylethene (Ph ₄ E) have been subjected to a comprehensive computational DFT study, in search of their conformational spaces. Seven conformers and two transition states of 2-NA ₄ E have been located. Four conformers and one transition state of Ph ₄ E have been located. The conformers of 2-NA ₄ E and Ph ₄ E are not overcrowded, as indicated by the contact distances in the fjord and cove regions. The relative free energies (ΔG ₂₉₈) of the six most stable conformers of 2-NA ₄ E are in the narrow range of 2.3 kJ/mol; they make comparable contributions (12–29 %) to the equilibrium mixture. The energy barriers for the diastereomerization D ₂-Z,Z,Z,Z $ \rightleftharpoons $ ? D ₂-E,E,E,E via the transition state C ₁-Z,E,E,Z and for the enantiomerization C ₂-Z,Z,E,E $ \rightleftharpoons $ ? C ₂-E,E,Z,Z via the transition state C _i -Z,E,Z,E are only 29.8 and 29.0 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating very rapid rates of diastereomerization and enantiomerization at room temperature. The values of naphthalenyl torsion angles and ethenic twist angles in 2-NA ₄ E are almost identical to those in the parent Ph ₄ E. The previously proposed “bulkiness” of the naphthalenyl substituents and the validity of the restriction of naphthalenyl rotation are challenged. The analysis of the AIE effect in 2-NA ₄ E should take into account the intermolecular homochiral and heterochiral interactions between the conformers.     

Synthesis of selectively deuterated and tritiated lupane derivatives with cytotoxic activity

The aim of this work was to synthesize deuterated and tritiated analogues of highly oxidized lupane derivatives known from our group. We selected compounds that previously showed very high cytotoxic activity on multiple cancer cell lines in order to further investigate the mechanism of their action. From starting material (compounds 1–4), we obtained benzyl platanate (5) and its reaction with deuteromethyltriphenylphosphonium iodide gave deuterated compound 6. Following benzyl deprotection gave free acid 7 and oxidation with SeO₂ gave 30-oxo-[29-²H₂]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (8), which is one of the most active compounds synthesized in our group to date (IC₅₀ 6 μmol/L on CEM cell line). The alkylation of benzyl 2-hydroxy-3-oxolupa-1,20(29)-dien-28-oate (9) with methyliodide or deuteromethyliodide followed by a series of deprotection and hydrogenation steps gave compounds 10–14, where 2β-[31-²H₃]methoxy-3-oxolupan-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (13) is especially interesting, it showed lower activity on CEM cell line (IC₅₀ 10 μmol/L) however, it was very active against Ph1—positive human leukemia BV-173 (IC₅₀ 0.91 μmol/L) and against human myelogenous leukemia K562 (IC₅₀ 0.52 μmol/L). Selectively labelled [3α-²H] and [3α-³H] methyl 3β-acetoxy-21,22-dioxolup-18-en-28-oates 24, 25 were prepared in three steps by reduction of corresponding 3-oxo derivatives and they showed moderate activity on CEM cell line (IC₅₀ 10 μmol/L). In total, 11 labelled compounds (6–8, 11, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 25) have not been reported before.