[Gd(AAZTA)]− Derivatives with n-Alkyl Acid Side Chains Show Improved Properties for Their Application as MRI Contrast Agents**

Herein, the synthesis and an extensive characterization of two novel Gd(AAZTA) (AAZTA=6-amino-6-methylperhydro-1,4-diazepine tetra acetic acid) derivatives functionalized with short (C₂ and C₄) n-alkyl acid functions are reported. The carboxylate functionality is the site for further conjugations for the design of more specific contrast agents (CAs). Interestingly, it has been found that the synthesized complexes display enhanced properties for use as MRI contrast agents on their own. The stability constants determined by using potentiometric titration and UV/Vis spectrophotometry were slightly higher than the one reported for the parent Gd(AAZTA) complex. This observation might be accounted for by the larger sigma-electron donation of the acyl substituents with respect to the one provided by the methyl group in the parent complex. As far as concerns the kinetic stability, transmetallation experiments with endogenous ions (e.g. Cu²⁺) implied that the Gd³⁺ ions present in these Gd(AAZTA) derivatives show somewhat smaller susceptibility to chemical exchange towards these ions at 25 °C, close to the physiological condition. The ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes with Eu^III and Yb^III displayed a set of signals consistent with half the number of methylene protons present on each ligand. The number of resonances was invariant over a large range of temperatures, suggesting the occurrence of a fast interconversion between structural isomers. The relaxivity values (298 K, 20 MHz) were consistent with q=2 being equal to 8.8 mm ⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the C₂ derivative and 9.4 mm ⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the C₄ one, that is, sensibly larger than the one reported for Gd(AAZTA) (7.1 mm ⁻¹ s⁻¹). Variable-temperature (VT)-T₂ ¹⁷O NMR measurements showed, for both complexes, the presence of two populations of coordinated water molecules, one in fast and one in slow exchange with the bulk water. As the high-resolution ¹H NMR spectra of the analogs with Eu^III and Yb^III did not show the occurrence of distinct isomers (as frequently observed in other macrocyclic lanthanide(III)-containing complexes), we surmised the presence of two fast-interconverting isomers in solution. The analysis of the ¹⁷O NMR VT-T₂ profiles versus temperature allowed their relative molar fraction to be established as 35 % for the isomer with the fast exchanging water and 65 % for the isomer with the water molecules in slower exchange. Finally, ¹H NMRD profiles over an extended range of applied magnetic field strengths have been satisfactory fitted on the basis of the occurrence of the two interconverting species.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of an Acetate Radical Bridged Dinuclear Copper(Ⅱ) Complex

A new acetate radical bridged dinuclear copper(Ⅱ ) complex (C8H9NO2)2-Cu2(CH3COO)4 has been synthesized by the reaction of Cu(OAc)2 with pyridine-3-ethyl formate and further characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Crystal data for the title compound: triclinic system,space group P1,with a=8.1654(14),b=9.7010(16),c=9.9005(17) ,α= 83.266(2),β=78.887(2),γ=72.881(2)o,V=733.9(2) 3,Mr=665.58,Z=1,Dc=1.506 g/cm3,F(000)=342,μ=1.510 mm-1,the final R=0.0392 and wR=0.1005. According to the structural determination,each unit of the title compound is composed of two Cu(Ⅱ) atoms,two pyridine-3-ethyl formate molecules and four acetate ions. Each Cu(Ⅱ) coordinates to oxygen atoms of acetate and nitrogen atoms of pyridine-3-ethyl formate ligand to give a six-coordinate distorted octahedral geometry. It is worth mentioning that strong Cu–Cu bond can be observed in the title compound.     

Complex salts of [ReII(NO)Br4(pyz)]−: synthesis,crystal structures,and DFT studies

Two nitrosyl Re(II) complexes formulated as [Ni(bipy)₃][Re(NO)Br₄(pyz)]₂ and [Cu(bipy)₂Br][ReNOBr₄(pyz)] (pyz = pyrazine, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The pyrazine in [Re(NO)Br₄(pyz)]^? was not able to act as bridge toward a second metal ion, and the two salts were obtained. Computational studies at the density functional level of theory show that the charge on the nitrogen, which could be available for bridging, is dramatically reduced to less than half, decreasing its capability to bind a second metal ion.     

The electron transfer reaction of [RuIII(edta)(pyz)]− with sulfite in aqueous solution

The reduction of [Ru^III(edta)(pyz)]^– (edta=ethylenediaminetetraacetate, pyz=pyrazine) with sulfite has been investigated spectrophotometrically in aqueous solution and found to be first order in both the complex and sulfite. The values of the observed rate constant depend on the pH, since it controls the spaciation of oxoanions of sulfur(IV). The effect of alkali cations (K⁺, Na⁺ and Li⁺) is attributed to triple-ion formation through an alkali cation bridging between two negatively charged reactants and facilitating the electron-transfer process. Kinetic data and activation parameters are interpreted in terms of an outer-sphere electron transfer mechanism. The reaction has also been analysed using the Marcus cross-section relationship for outer-sphere electron transfer reactions.     

Friedel-Crafts Acylation Reactions Using Catalytic SbCl5-TEBA Complex as an Efficient Catalyst

SbC15-TEBA (PhCH2NEt3Cl) complex catalyzes the Friedel-Crafls acylation reactions efficiently.     

Kinetics and mechanism of H+(aq)-assisted aquation of [Cr(N3)(S-pdtra)]− and [Cr(N3(edtrp)]−ions

Two new complex anions, [Cr(N3)(S-pdtra)]– and [Cr(N3)(edtrp)]–, were obtained in solution by N3–/HN3 anation of the aqua analogues (S-pdtra = S-propane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N-triacetate, edtrp = ethylenediamine-N,N,N-tripropionate). Aquation of these species in acidic media leads to the same geometrical isomers as those used for the synthesis. The aquation rate is strongly dependent upon [H] and is substantially higher in D2O than in H2O. Protonation of the coordinated azide was not observed spectrophotometrically. The rate law and activation parameters have been determined and discussed.     

Crystal and Molecular Structure of an Inclusion Complex of p-tert-Butylcalix[6]arene with Toluene

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Synthesis and structure of platinum complexes [Ph4P]+[PtCl3(DMSO)]− and [Ph4P]+[PtCl5(DMSO)]−

The reaction of tetraphenylphosphonium chloride with an equimolar amount of potassium tetrachloroplatinate or hexachloroplatinic acid in dimethyl sulfoxide gave the complexes [Ph₄P]⁺[PtCl₃(DMSO)]^? (I) and [Ph₄P]⁺[PtCl₅(DMSO)]^? (II), respectively. The phosphorus atoms in the cations have tetrahedral environment, the CPC angles and P-C distances 105.63(13)°–112.13(14)°, 1.795(3)–1.797(3) Å I) and 105.7(3)°–112.9(3)°, 1.783(7)–1.791(6) Å II). The platinum coordination polyhedra in the anions [PtCl₃(DMSO)]^? and [PtCl₅(DMSO)]^? are distorted square (Pt-S, 2.1937(8); Pt-Cl, 2.2894(10)–2.3024(10) Å; trans-angles: SPtCl, 177.38(4)°; ClPtCl, 175.40(4)°) and octahedron (Pt-S 2.291(2) Å; Pt-Cl, 2.312(2)–2.334(2) Å, trans-angles: SPtCl, 178.28(9)°; ClPtCl, 178.80(9)° and 178.88(8)°).     

Solvent effect on the linkage isomerism in [Fe(CO)4(NCS)]− and [Fe(CO)4(SCN)]− anions: A theoretical investigation

The present study illustrated the stability of linkage isomers of [Fe(CO)₄(NCS)]^? and [Fe(CO)₄(SCN)]^? by the use of PBE quantum method. It also investigated the polarity of solvent effect on dipole moment, structural parameters, and frontier orbital energies of complexes. The results indicated that the polarity of solvent had a significant effect on the frontier orbital energies and HOMO-LUMO gap. The character of Fe-C bonds of molecules was analyzed by Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Back-bonding effect in these bonds was explored with calculation of quadrupole polarization of carbon atom by QTAIM analysis. Also, ¹⁴N NQR parameters were used for the illustration of Fe-NCS and Fe-SCN bonds.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the base hydrolysis of cis-eq-[Cr(NCS)(S-pdtra)]−, trans-eq-[Cr(NCS)(edtrp)]− and trans-eq-[Cr(NCS)(R-pdtrp)]− complexes. Strong rate enhancement for NCS− ligand release with an increase of [OH−] only for the trans-equatorial isomers

The [Cr(NCS)(edtrp)]⁻, [Cr(NCS)(R-pdtrp)]⁻ and [Cr(NCS)(S-pdtra)]⁻ complexes, that are derivatives of the trans-equatorial isomers of [Cr(edtrp)(H₂O)]° and [Cr(R-pdtrp)(H₂O)]° and the cis-equatorial isomer of [Cr(S-pdtra)-(H₂O)]° (edtrp = ethylenediamine-N,N,N′-tripropionate, R-pdtrp = R-propane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N′-tripropionate, S-pdtra = S-propane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N′-triacetate) undergo aquation in alkaline media with a strong dependence of the rate on [OH⁻] for the trans-equatorial isomers and a very weak dependence for the cis-equatorial isomer. The thiocyanate ligand release follows a stereoretentive course for all reactants. Based on kinetic data the reaction mechanism has been discussed. Rate differences between the isomers are interpreted in terms of an interchange via a conjugate base (I c.b.) mechanism, assuming an equilibrium between the cis-equatorial-Cr^III-S-pdtra complexes with penta- and tetradentate coordination of the edta-like ligand. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Trapping a Silicon(I) Radical with Carbenes: A Cationic cAAC–Silicon(I) Radical and an NHC–Parent-Silyliumylidene Cation

The trapping of a silicon(I) radical with N-heterocyclic carbenes is described. The reaction of the cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene [cAAC_Me] (cAAC_Me=:C(CMe₂)₂(CH₂)NAr, Ar=2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃) with H₂SiI₂ in a 3:1 molar ratio in DME afforded a mixture of the separated ion pair [(cAAC_Me)₂Si:^.]⁺I⁻ ( 1 ), which features a cationic cAAC–silicon(I) radical, and [cAAC_Me−H]⁺I⁻. In addition, the reaction of the NHC–iodosilicon(I) dimer [I_Ar(I)Si:]₂ (I_Ar=:C{N(Ar)CH}₂) with 4 equiv of I_Me (:C{N(Me)CMe}₂), which proceeded through the formation of a silicon(I) radical intermediate, afforded [(I_Me)₂SiH]⁺I⁻ ( 2 ) comprising the first NHC–parent-silyliumylidene cation. Its further reaction with fluorobenzene afforded the C_Ar−H bond activation product [1-F-2-I_Me-C₆H₄]⁺I⁻ ( 3 ). The isolation of 2 and 3 confirmed the reaction mechanism for the formation of 1 . Compounds 1 – 3 were analyzed by EPR and NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X-ray crystallography.     

How Does a Coordinated Radical Ligand Affect the Spin Crossover Properties in an Octahedral Iron(II) Complex?

The influence of a coordinated π‐radical on the spin crossover properties of an octahedral iron(II) complex was investigated by preparing and isolating the iron(II) complex containing the tetradentate N,N′‐dimethyl‐2,11‐diaza[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane and the radical anion of N,N′‐diphenyl‐acenaphtene‐1,2‐diimine as ligands. This spin crossover complex was obtained by a reduction of the corresponding low‐spin iron(II) complex with the neutral diimine ligand, demonstrating that the reduction of the strong π‐acceptor ligand is accompanied by a decrease in the ligand field strength. Characterization of the iron(II) radical complex by structural, magnetochemical, and spectroscopic methods revealed that spin crossover equilibrium occurs above 240 K between an S=1/2 ground state and an S=3/2 excited spin state. The possible origins of the fast spin interconversion observed for this complex are discussed.     

A Chemoselective Polarity-Mismatched Photocatalytic C(sp3)−C(sp2) Cross-Coupling Enabled by Synergistic Boron Activation**

We report the development of a C(sp³)−C(sp²) coupling reaction using styrene boronic acids and redox-active esters under photoredox catalysis. The reaction proceeds through an unusual polarity-mismatched radical addition mechanism that is orthogonal to established processes. Synergistic activation of the radical precursor and organoboron are critical mechanistic events. Activation of an N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) ester by coordination to boron enables electron transfer, with decomposition leading to a nucleofuge rebound, activating the organoboron to radical addition. The unique mechanism enables chemoselective coupling of styrene boronic acids in the presence of other alkene radical acceptors. The scope and limitations of the reaction, and a detailed mechanistic investigation are presented.     

Structural and Electronic Influences on Rates of Tertpyridine−Amine CoIII−H Formation During Catalytic H2 Evolution in an Aqueous Environment

In this work, the differences in catalytic performance for a series of Co hydrogen evolution catalysts with different pentadentate polypyridyl ligands (L), have been rationalized by examining elementary steps of the catalytic cycle using a combination of electrochemical and transient pulse radiolysis (PR) studies in aqueous solution. Solvolysis of the [Co^II−Cl]⁺ species results in the formation of [Co^II(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]²⁺. Further reduction produces [Co^I(κ⁴-L)(OH₂)]⁺, which undergoes a rate-limiting structural rearrangement to [Co^I(κ⁵-L)]⁺ before being protonated to form [Co^III−H]²⁺. The rate of [Co^III−H]²⁺ formation is similar for all complexes in the series. Using E_1/2 values of various Co species and pK_a values of [Co^III−H]²⁺ estimated from PR experiments, we found that while the protonation of [Co^III−H]²⁺ is unfavorable, [Co^II−H]⁺ reacts with protons to produce H₂. The catalytic activity for H₂ evolution tracks the hydricity of the [Co^II−H]⁺ intermediate.     

Synthesis and structure of palladium complexes [Ph3PhCH2P]+[PdCl3(DMSO)]− · DMSO, [Ph4P]+[PdCl3(DMSO)]−, and [Ph4Sb(DMSO)]+[PdCl3(DMSO)]−

[Ph₃PhCH₂P]⁺[PdCl₃(DMSO)]^? · DMSO (I), [Ph₄P]⁺[PdCl₃(DMSO)]^? (II), and [Ph₄Sb(DMSO)]⁺[PdCl₃(DMSO)]^? (III) complexes have been synthesized via the reaction of palladium chloride with equimolar amounts of triphenylbenzylphosphonium chloride, tetraphenylphosphonium chloride, and tetraphenylstibonium chloride, respectively. According to X-ray diffraction data, the cations of complexes I (CPC = 104.90(8)°–111.61(9)°) and II (CPC = 105.12(10)°–111.46(10)°) have slightly distorted tetrahedral structures with P-C bond lengths of 1.786(2)–1.809(2) and 1.791(2)–1.799(2) Å, respectively. The antimony atom in the [Ph₄Sb(DMSO)]⁺ cation has a trigonal bipyramidal surrounding with the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) oxygen atom in an axial position (Sb...O 2.567(2) Å). The palladium atoms in the square mononuclear anions of complexes I, II, and III are tetracoordinate, and Pd-Cl distances are 2.3101(5)–2.3104(5) Å, 2.2950(7)–2.2038(7) Å, and 2.2986(9)–2.3073(9) Å, respectively. The DMSO ligands are coordinated to the palladium atom through the sulfur atom (Pd-S, 2.2318(5) (I), 2.2383(6) (II), and 2.2410(9) Å (III)).     

Sterically Demanding Unsymmetrical Diaryl-λ3-iodanes for Electrophilic Pentafluorophenylation and an Approach to α-Pentafluorophenyl Carbonyl Compounds with an All-Carbon Stereocenter

A sterically demanding unsymmetrical pentafluorophenyl-triisopropylphenyl-λ³-iodane was developed as an effective reagent for the electrophilic pentafluorophenylation of various β-keto esters and a β-keto amide. 17 examples of α-pentafluorophenylated 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds 3 having a quaternary carbon center are provided. The resulting compounds were nicely transformed into chiral α-pentafluorophenyl ketones with an all-carbon stereogenic center in high yields and high enantioselectivities using asymmetric organocatalysis (up to 98 % ee) or asymmetric metal catalysis (up to 82 % ee).     

Asymmetric electrocarboxylation of 1-phenylethyl chloride catalyzed by electrogenerated chiral [CoI(salen)]− complex

The feasibility of asymmetric electrocarboxylation of 1-phenylethyl chloride catalyzed by the electrogenerated chiral [Co^I(salen)]⁻ complex has been investigated for the first time. Using this system, optically active 2-phenylpropionic acid in 37% yield and 83% ee is synthesized from 1-phenylethyl chloride and CO₂. The electrochemical behavior of the catalyst and the optimization of synthesis conditions are discussed. This study provides a new procedure for the asymmetric synthesis of a chiral compound and expands the applications of chiral Co^II(salen) in the electrochemical asymmetric fixation of CO₂.     

CsVO2F(IO3): An Excellent SHG Material Featuring an Unprecedented 3D [VO2F(IO3)]− Anionic Framework

The first alkali-metal vanadium iodate fluoride, CsVO₂F(IO₃), with a novel 3D anionic framework, has been rationally designed and hydrothermally synthesized. The 3D [VO₂F(IO₃)]⁻ framework in CsVO₂F(IO₃) is built from 0D Λ-shaped cis-[VO₃F(IO₃)₂]⁴⁻ polyanions via corner-sharing of oxo anions and bridging of the iodate groups. CsVO₂F(IO₃) displays both a strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) 1.1 times as strong as KTiOPO₄ (KTP) under 2.05 μm laser radiation and high laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of 107.9 MW cm⁻². This work provides a new route to design SHG crystals with stable 3D anionic structures from low-dimensional structural building units.