Crystal structure of a new transition metal-organic Zn(II) complex

A novel Zn(II) coordination polymer [Zn₂(phen)₂]L₄·3H₂O(1) is synthesized by the reaction of Zn(NO₃)₂, Phen(1,10-phenanthroline), and L(2-mercaptonicotinic acid) at room temperature and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction along with IR spectra and elemental analysis. Title complex 1 belongs to the triclinic system with the space group (P-1), a = 10.9373(11) Å, b = 11.6201(12) Å, c = 13.1371(14) Å; α = 116.100(1)°, β = 97.717(2)°, γ = 108.652(2)°, V = 1344.4(2) ų; Z = 2, ρ_calc = 1.596 g·cm^?3, F(000) = 664, R ₁ = 0.0708 and wR ₂ = 0.1823 independent reflections for 18523 observed ones (I > 2σ(I)), and the zinc atom is rendered five-coordinated in a distorted tetragonal pyramid coordination geometry by two nitrogen atoms from the phen molecule, two oxygen atoms from two L molecules, and an oxygen atom from the H₂O molecule. Complex 1 forms a 1D chain by O-H…O hydrogen bonds from free-water, while the 2D layer structure is formed by C-H…O hydrogen bonds through the L ligand of adjacent chains. These compounds further result in a 3D network structure by the intermolecular π…π stacking interaction of the neighbouring layers.     

Metal-directed self-assembly of cavitand frameworks

The self-assembly between bidentate cavitand ligands and mono/dinuclear metal precursors to give cavitand frameworks has been explored. For this purpose, two new cavitands bearing AB and AC phenylpyridyl moieties at the upper rim have been synthesized. A series of self-assembled molecular dimers featuring fac-Re(CO)(3)Br as metal corners have been prepared and characterized. Two possible dimeric structures (C-shaped and S-shaped) are possible when AB cavitand 2 is used in the self-assembly reaction; only one is obtained in the case of AC cavitand 3. In addition, the self-assembly of AB-dibridged cavitand 2 with dinuclear Pd/Pt metal precursors 5a and 5b has been studied. At this level of complexity, the self-assembly can lead to more than one structure. Several different final structures have been envisioned and their formation analyzed in silico and in solution. Out of the three possible cyclic structures (dimer, trimer, and tetramer), only the entropically favored dimer 6a (6b) is formed, as predicted from molecular modeling and demonstrated by PGSE NMR experiments.     

Metal-directed self-assembly of M3L2 (M=Zn,Cd) metal-organic architectures with a tripodal tris-bidentate chelator

Two discrete M₃L₂ metal-organic architectures, 1 and 2, have been constructed by reaction of a newly designed tripodal tris-bidentate ligand L with M(NO₃)₂ (1: M=Zn; 2: M=Cd). Both complexes together with L have been structurally elucidated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 exhibits a cationic M₃L₂ coordination architecture bearing three positive charges balanced by three uncoordinated nitrates, while 2 shows a neutral M₃L₂. 1 and 2 both adopt a compressed trigonal prism shape but show no internal cavity due to close ligand-to-ligand interactions. They display totally different intermolecular packing modes in the solid state, which strongly influence the intermolecular π–π interactions. Complex 1 has been arrayed such that each M₃L₂ is surrounded by three neighboring C ₃-symmetry related ones, whereas 2 exhibits a columnar molecular stacking. The distinctive intermolecular packing modes in the solid state between 1 and 2 bring about a small but discernible red shift (4?nm) corresponding to the π–π ^? electronic absorption.     

Spin transition in a chainlike supramolecular iron(II) complex

A one-dimensional supramolecular head-to-tail N+ -H...N-type hydrogen-bonded chain of the complex [FeII(L)2H](ClO4)3.MeOH [L = 4'-(4'-pyridyl)-1,2':6'1'-bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine] exhibits a reversible, thermally driven spin transition at 286 K with a hysteresis loop of ca. 2 K.     

DNA photocleavage by a supramolecular Ru(II)-viologen complex

A novel Ru(II) complex possessing two sequentially linked viologen units, Ru-V(1)-V(2)(6+), was synthesized and characterized. Upon excitation of the Ru(II) unit (lambda(exc) = 532 nm, fwhm approximately 10 ns), a long-lived charge-separated (CS) state is observed (tau = 1.7 micros) by transient absorption spectroscopy. Unlike Ru(bpy)(3)(2+), which cleaves DNA upon photolysis through the formation of reactive oxygen species, such as (1)O(2) and O(2)(-), the photocleavage of plasmid DNA by Ru-V(1)-V(2)(6+) is observed both in air and under N(2) atmosphere (lambda(irr) > 395 nm).     

Cu(II)-triggered release of paclitaxel from a supramolecular complex

The research on the stimuli-responsive property of biological or synthetic macromolecules in a wide range of scientific fields is a crucial subject for the achievements of the targeted drug release and the precise control of the functions of the supramolecules at a molecular level. We used an anthraquinone-functioned cyclodextrin (1) bridged by an aza-arm to solubilise paclitaxel (PTX) by forming a supramolecular complex (1/PTX). The possible inclusion mode was given based on the experimental results of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering characterisations. The controlled release of PTX can be achieved by adding Cu²⁺ to the solution. This study provides useful references in developing stimuli-responsive drug-carrying and drug-releasing materials.     

Modulating amyloid self-assembly and fibril morphology with Zn(II)

Metal ions (Zn(II)) are demonstrated as probes of amyloid structure in simple segments of the Abeta peptide, Abeta(13-21). By restricting the possible metal binding sites to His13/His14 dyad, we show that Zn2+ can specifically control the rate of self-assembly and dramatically regulate amyloid morphology via distinct coordination environments as characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The data establish that the single His13 is sufficient to coordinate Zn2+ productively for typical amyloid fiber formation, while a distinct Zn2+ coordination environment can be accessed in the presence of His13/Hi14 dyad to stabilize sheet/sheet associations and the transition to a ribbon/tube morphology.     

Comparing a mononuclear Zn(II) complex with hydrogen bond donors with a dinuclear Zn(II) complex for catalysing phosphate ester cleavage

Introducing ligand based hydrogen bond donors to increase the activity of a mononuclear Zn(II) complex for catalysing phosphate ester cleavage can be a more effective strategy than making the dinuclear analogue.     

Size of supramolecular SNARE complex: membrane-directed self-assembly

Full length v-SNARE protein in lipid vesicles when exposed to t-SNARE-reconstituted lipid membrane results in the self-assembly of a t-/v-SNARE complex in a ring pattern, forming pores, and establishing continuity between the opposing bilayers. It is known that smaller vesicles fuse more efficiently than larger ones, and hence the curvature of secretory vesicles may dictate the potency and efficacy of their fusion at the cell plasma membrane. The diameter of t- and v-SNARE vesicles may, therefore, reflect the size of the t-/v-SNARE complex formed. In the present study, this hypothesis was tested, and results from the study demonstrate that the size of the t-/v-SNARE complex is directly proportional to the vesicle diameter (R2 = 0.9725).     

Linear polymer of a copper(II) complex and its supramolecular selectivity

The supramolecular framework [Cu₂(TU)₄?·?(TAA)₄] _n (TU?=?thiourea; TAA?=?2-(2-imino-4-oxo-5-thiazolidinylidene)acetic anion) has been synthesized by reaction of CuCl₂?·?2H₂O with meso-2,3-dibromosuccinic acid and thiourea. The one-dimensional supramolecular structure of the title complex is constructed through bridge-linkage of the S atoms on the thioureas between adjacent Cu(II) atoms, forming an infinite chain with lots of positive charges. Around the infinite chain, there are four groups of negatively charged hydrogen-bond tubes constructed by four TAA anions. The hydrogen-bond and ionic interactions between adjacent metal-organic polymeric chains and hydrogen-bond tubes form the three-dimensional supramolecular structure of the complex. Supramolecular selectivity from isomers of 2-(2-imino-4-oxo-5-thiazolidinylidene)acetic anion (TAA) has been studied by quantum calculation.     

Hydrophobic self-assembly of a perylenediimide-linked DNA dumbbell into supramolecular polymers

The self-assembly of DNA dumbbell conjugates possessing hydrophobic perylenediimide (PDI) linkers separated by an eight-base pair A-tract has been investigated. Cryo-TEM images obtained from dilute solutions of the dumbbell in aqueous buffer containing 100 mM NaCl show the presence of structures corresponding to linear end-to-end assemblies of 10-30 dumbbell monomers. The formation of assemblies of this size is consistent with analysis of the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra of these solutions for the content of PDI monomer and dimer chromophores. Assembly size is dependent upon the concentration of dumbbell and salt as well as the temperature. Kinetic analysis of the assembly process by means of salt-jump stopped-flow measurements shows that it occurs by a salt-triggered isodesmic mechanism in which the rate constants for association and dissociation in 100 mM NaCl are 3.2 × 10(7) M(-1)s(-1) and 1.0 s(-1), respectively, faster than the typical rate constants for DNA hybridization. TEM and AFM images of samples deposited from solutions having higher concentrations of dumbbell and NaCl display branched assemblies with linear regions >1 μm in length and diameters indicative of the formation of small bundles of dumbbell end-to-end assemblies. These observations provide the first example of the use of hydrophobic association for the assembly of small DNA duplex conjugates into supramolecular polymers and larger branched aggregates.     

Coordination-driven self-assembly of polyoxometalates into discrete supramolecular triangles

Pd(II)-directed self-assembly of a 3-pyridyl grafted Lindqvist hexavanadate led to the formation of a unique trimeric species, as confirmed by a variety of techniques, including pulsed-field gradient NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution ESI mass spectrometry.     

Oxamato-bridged trinuclear Ni(II)Cu(II)Ni(II) complexes with irregular spin state structures and a binuclear Ni(II)Cu(II) complex with an unusual supramolecular structure: crystal structure and magnetic properties

Four oxamato-bridged heterotrinuclear Ni(II)Cu(II)Ni(II) complexes of formula ([Ni(bispictn)](2)Cu(pba))(ClO(4))(2).2.5H(2)O (1), ([Ni(bispictn)](2)Cu(pbaOH))(ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (2), ([Ni(cth)](2)Cu(pba))(ClO(4))(2) (3), and ([Ni(cth)](2)Cu(opba))(ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (4) and a binuclear Ni(II)Cu(II) complex of formula [Cu(opba)Ni(cth)].CH(3)OH (5) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ESR, and electronic spectra, where pba = 1,3-propylenebis(oxamato), pbaOH = 2-hydroxyl-1,3-propylenebis(oxamato), opba = o-phenylenebis(oxamato), bispictn = N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, and cth = rac-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. The crystal structures of 1, 3, and 5 have been determined. The structures of complexes 1 and 3 consist of trinuclear cations and perchlorate anions, and that of 5 consists of neutral binuclear molecules which are connected by hydrogen bonds and pi-pi interactions to produce a unique supramolecular "double" sheet. In the three complexes, the copper atom in a square-planar or axially elongated octahedral environment and the nickel atom in a distorted octahedral environment are bridged by the oxamato groups, with Cu.Ni separations between 5.29 and 5.33 A. The magnetic properties of all five complexes have been investigated. The chi(M)T versus T plots for 1-4 exhibit the minimum characteristic of antiferromagnetically coupled NiCuNi species with an irregular spin state structure and a spin-quartet ground state. The chi(M)T versus T plot for 5 is typical of an antiferromagnetically coupled NiCu pair with a spin-doublet ground state. The Ni(II)-Cu(II) isotropic interaction parameters for the five complexes were evaluated and are between 102 and 108 cm(-)(1) (H = -JS(Cu).S(Ni)).     

Stereoselective recognition of vicinal diamines with a Zn(II) complex

Zn(II) complex of L (N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N'-dimethyl-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) binds chiral vicinal diamines (1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (dpen) and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (dach)) stereoselectively. Crystallographic studies reveal that the ternary complex has the C2 symmetric cis-alpha topology. 1H NMR shows that the R,R form of the tetradentate zinc complex binds rapidly and reversibly to the R,R form of the diamine over the S,S form with a stereoselectivity of about 5:1. Although the diamine exchange rate is rapid it is slower than the NMR time scale, and distinct signals for the diastereomeric complexes are observed when racemic mixtures of the host and guest molecules are mixed. Origin of stereoselectivity is discussed in terms of steric effects.     

The synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of luminescent Zn(II) complex

A luminescent Zn(II) complex 1, ZnL2Cl2.2H2O has been synthesized where L=2,2',2'-(1,3,5-benzenetriyltrimethylidyne) as a yellow crystal. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the compound 1 shows a distorted tetrahedral structure. The compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 20.3151(19), b = 8.7299(9), c = 24.626(2) angstroms, beta = 107.474(2) degrees , V = 4165.9(7) A3. At room temperature, the complex 1 exhibits an intense blue emission at 474 nm upon 380 nm excitation.     

Structural investigation of dibromobis(benzimidazole)Zn(II) complex

The molecular structure of the title complex [ZnBr₂(C₇H₆N₂)₂] was investigated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy methods. Molecules of zinc(II) complex crystallize in the triclinic crystal system with cell constants a=7.526(2) Å, b=7.8971(8) Å, c=13.431(1) Å, Z=2 and V=791.3(2) Å³. In the molecular structure, the Zn atom is coordinated tetrahedrally by two Br⁻ anions and two benzimidazole ligands. Intramolecular steric repulsions between Br⁻ anions and benzimidazole groups have been caused to cis configuration around the central metal atom.     

Spectroscopic studies and crystal structure of a dimeric Zn(II) complex with diethyl (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate

The crystal structure of [Zn₂(2-pmOpe)₂Cl₄] (2-pmOpe?=?diethyl (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)phosphate) was determined by X-ray-diffraction method. The compound was also characterized by IR, far-IR, 1H, and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. In this compound, 2-pmOpe is a bidentate N,O-bridging ligand and Zn(II) are slightly distorted tetrahedral ZnNOCl₂. Zn(II) ions are doubly bridged by the 2-pmOpe ligands, resulting in a dinuclear species. The structure is stabilized by intermolecular C–H?···?O and C–H?···?Cl hydrogen bonds. The spectral properties are in agreement with the structural data.     

Supramolecular click chemistry for the self-assembly of a stable Zn(II)-porphyrin-C60 conjugate

Owing to the complementarity between a bis-Zn(II)-porphyrin receptor and a fullerene ligand bearing two pyridine substituents, the substrate can be clicked onto the ditopic receptor, thus leading to a stable non-covalent macrocyclic 1 ratio 1 complex.     

Metal-directed assembly of chiral bis-Zn(II) Schiff base structures

Tetra-Schiff bases derived from (chiral) bis-salphen ligand scaffolds furnish, upon metalation with appropriate metal reagents, their multinuclear structures with associated Zn(OAc)(2) or Zn(OH)(2) fragments. The tendency of retaining these salts was investigated using four different (chiral) bis-salphen scaffolds. The presence of the additional Zn ions was supported by NMR studies, mass determinations and X-ray crystallography showing in two cases the possible mode of coordination within these multinuclear structures. In one case, dimerization of the Zn(3) complex leads to a unique hexanuclear Zn(6) complex being a mixture of diastereoisomeric complexes as revealed by NMR spectroscopy.