Copper(II) and copper(I) complexes with an open-chain N4 Schiff base ligand modeling CuZn superoxide dismutase: structural and spectroscopic characterization and kinetics of electron transfer

The structure of the complex [CuII(PuPy)](ClO4)2 (PuPy = L = 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-2,7-diazaoctadiene-1,7) and the structure of the corresponding copper(I) complex were determined. In CuIIL(ClO4)2, a model compound with CuZnSOD activity, the unit CuIIL2+ has a tetrahedrally distorted square-planar N4 coordination geometry. The copper(I) complex with L was found to be dimeric, (CuIL)2(ClO4)2.DMF (DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide). The binuclear unit (CuIL)2(2+) has a helical structure with two ligands L bridging the two copper atoms to provide tetrahedral N4 coordination of each copper(I). In solutions of (CuIL)2(ClO4)2.DMF, solvent-dependent dissociation occurs according to D reversible 2M (D = (CuIL)2(2+); M = CuILSx+; S = solvent). Stopped-flow spectrophotometry was used to determine the rate constants for the dissociation of the dimer D (kM) and dimerization of the monomer M (kD) for S = acetonitrile and DMF. Equilibrium constants Kdim = kM/kD were determined spectrophotometrically. In aqueous solution, the oxidation of the dimer (CuIL)2(2+) by CoIII(NH3)5Cl2+ and cis- and trans-CoIII(en)2Cl2+ follows a second-order rate law, rate = kox[(CuIL)2(2+)][Co(III)]. Data for rate constant kox and for the activation parameters delta H++ and delta S++ are presented. In DMF, the oxidation of (CuIL)2(2+) by CoIII(NH3)5Cl2+ occurs via the monomer CuIL(DMF)x+ and the dissociation of (CuIL)2(2+) becomes rate-controlling. The reduction of CuIIL2+ by RuII(edta)H2O2- was found to be too fast to be resolved by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The kinetic results are discussed mechanistically in terms of the redox switch aspects of the system.     

Comparative study of donor atom effects on the thermodynamic and electron-transfer kinetic properties of copper(II/I) complexes with sexadentate macrocyclic ligands. [CuII/I([18]aneS4N2)] and [CuII/I([18]aneS4O2)

Studies have been conducted on the copper complexes formed with two sexadentate macrocyclic ligands containing four thioether sulfur donor atoms plus either two nitrogen or two oxygen donor atoms on opposing sides of the ring. The resulting two ligands, L, designated as [18]aneS(4)N(2) and [18]aneS(4)O(2), respectively, represent homologues of the previously studied Cu(ii/i) system with a macrocycle having six sulfur donor atoms, [18]aneS(6). Crystal structures of [Cu(II)([18]aneS(4)O(2))](ClO(4))(2) and [Cu(I)([18]aneS(4)O(2))]ClO(4) have been determined in this work. Comparison of the structures of all three systems reveals that the oxidized complexes are six coordinate with two coordinate bonds undergoing rupture upon reduction. However, the geometric changes accompanying electron transfer appear to differ for the three systems. The stability constants and electrochemical properties of both of the heteromacrocyclic complexes have been determined in acetonitrile and the Cu(II/I)L electron-transfer kinetics have been studied in the same solvent using six different counter reagents for each system. The electron self-exchange rate constants have then been calculated using the Marcus cross relationship. The results are compared to other Cu(II/I)L systems in terms of the effect of ligand geometric changes upon the overall kinetic behavior.     

Electron-transfer kinetics of copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes

The electron-transfer kinetics for each of three copper(II/I) tripodal ligand complexes reacting with multiple reducing and oxidizing counter reagents have been examined in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M. For all of the ligands studied, an amine nitrogen serves as the bridgehead atom. Two of the ligands (PMMEA and PEMEA) contain two thioether sulfurs and one pyridyl nitrogen as donor atoms on the appended legs while the third ligand (BPEMEA) has two pyridyl nitrogens and one thioether sulfur. Very limited kinetic studies were also conducted on two additional closely related tripodal ligand complexes. The results are compared to our previous kinetic study on a Cu(II/I) system involving a tripodal ligand (TMMEA) with thioether sulfur donor atoms on all three legs. In all systems, the Cu(II/I) electron self-exchange rate constants (k(11)) are surprisingly small, ranging approximately 0.03-50 M(-)(1) s(-)(1). The results are consistent with earlier studies reported by Yandell involving the reduction of Cu(II) complexes with four similar tripodal ligand systems, and it is concluded that the dominant reaction pathway involves a metastable Cu(II)L intermediate species (designated as pathway B). Since crystal structures suggest that the ligand reorganization accompanying electron transfer is relatively small compared to our earlier studies on macrocyclic ligand complexes of Cu(II/I), it is unclear why the k(11) values for the tripodal ligand systems are of such small magnitude.     

Direct evidence for a geometrically constrained "entatic state" effect on copper(II/I) electron-transfer kinetics as manifested in metastable intermediates

The absolute magnitude of an "entatic" (constrained) state effect has never been quantitatively demonstrated. In the current study, we have examined the electron-transfer kinetics for five closely related copper(II/I) complexes formed with all possible diastereomers of [14]aneS(4) (1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane) in which both ethylene bridges have been replaced by cis- or trans-1,2-cyclohexane. The crystal structures of all five Cu(II) complexes and a representative Cu(I) complex have been established by X-ray diffraction. For each complex, the cross-reaction rate constants have been determined with six different oxidants and reductants in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M. The value of the electron self-exchange rate constant (k(11)) has then been calculated from each cross reaction rate constant using the Marcus cross relation. All five Cu(II/I) systems show evidence of a dual-pathway square scheme mechanism for which the two individual k(11) values have been evaluated. In combination with similar values previously determined for the parent complex, Cu(II/I)([14]aneS(4)), and corresponding complexes with the two related monocyclohexanediyl derivatives, we now have evaluated a total of 16 self-exchange rate constants which span nearly 6 orders of magnitude for these 8 closely related Cu(II/I) systems. Application of the stability constants for the formation of the corresponding 16 metastable intermediates--as previously determined by rapid-scan cyclic voltammetry--makes it possible to calculate the specific electron self-exchange rate constants representing the reaction of each of the strained intermediate species exchanging electrons with their stable redox partners--the first time that calculations of this type have been possible. All but three of these 16 specific self-exchange rate constants fall within--or very close to--the range of 10(5)-10(6) M(-1) s(-1), values which are characteristic of the most labile Cu(II/I) systems previously reported, including the blue copper proteins. The results of the current investigation provide the first unequivocal demonstration of the efficacy of the entatic state concept as applied to Cu(II/I) systems.     

Effect of conformational constraints on gated electron-transfer kinetics. 3. Copper(II/I) complexes with cis- and trans-cyclopentanediyl-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane

Previous kinetic and electrochemical studies of copper complexes with macrocyclic tetrathiaethers-such as 1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane ([14]aneS4)-have indicated that electron transfer and the accompanying conformational change occur sequentially to give rise to a dual-pathway mechanism. Under appropriate conditions, the conformational change itself may become rate-limiting, a condition known as "gated" electron transfer. We have recently hypothesized that the controlling conformational change involves inversion of two donor atoms, which suggests that "gated" behavior should be affected by appropriate steric constraints. In the current work, two derivatives of [14]aneS4 have been synthesized in which one of the ethylene bridges has been replaced by either cis- or trans-1,2-cyclopentane. The resulting copper systems have been characterized in terms of their Cu(II/I)L potentials, the stabilities of their oxidized and reduced complexes, and their crystal structures. The electron self-exchange rate constants have been determined both by NMR line-broadening and by kinetic measurements of their rates of reduction and oxidation with six or seven counter reagents. All studies have been carried out at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M (NaClO4 and/or Cu(ClO4)2), in aqueous solution. Both Cu(II/I) systems show evidence of a dual-pathway mechanism, and the electron self-exchange rate constants representative of both mechanistic pathways have been determined. The first-order rate constant for gated behavior has also been resolved for the Cu(I)(trans-cyclopentane-[14]aneS4) complex, but only a limiting value can be established for the corresponding cis-cyclopentane system. The rate constants for both systems investigated in this work are compared to values previously determined for the Cu(II/I) systems with the parent [14]aneS4 macrocycle and its derivatives involving phenylene and cis- or trans-cyclohexane substituents. The results are discussed in terms of the influence of the fused rings on the probable conformational changes accompanying the electron-transfer process.     

Thermodynamic and electron-transfer properties of copper(II/I) polyaminothiaether complexes

In electron-transfer reactions, the change in the oxidation states of the reactants is generally accompanied by structural changes, which influence the electron-transfer kinetics. Previous studies on the systems of Cu(II)/(I) complexes involving cyclic tetrathiaether ligands indicated that inversion of coordinated donor atoms is a major geometric change during the overall electron-transfer process. Complex formation and isomerization studies on complexes with the 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane ligand have demonstrated that a necessary condition for conformational change is deprotonation followed by inversion of coordinated N atoms. When one or more nitrogen donor atoms in a ligand are replaced with sulfur, there is a choice of N or S inversion. It has been hypothesized that donor atom inversion (N or S donors) is a major factor that can lead to conformationally limited electron-transfer kinetics of copper systems. In the current study, the thermodynamic properties, electron-transfer kinetics and conformational changes in copper(II)[1,4,8-trithia-11-azacyclotetradecane], copper(II)[1,8-dithia-4,11-diazacyclotetradecane] and copper(II)[1,11,-dithia-4,8-diazacyclotetradecane] were determined in order to determine the effect of inversion of coordinated N atoms on electron-transfer rates as a function of low concentrations of water in an aprotic solvent (acetonitrile). By using controlled amounts of water as a hydrogen ion acceptor, deprotonation of amine nitrogen and nitrogen donor inversion was followed by comparing self-exchange rate constants for reduction and oxidation of the copper complexes. Data on thermodynamic properties and electron-transfer kinetics are presented. Possible conformational changes and kinetic pathways for complexes with ligands having mixed N and S donor sets are presented.     

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of mononuclear CuII and tetranuclear CuII3MII (M = Cu, Co, or Mn) compounds derived from N,N'-ethylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine): cocrystallization due to potential encapsulation of water

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of one mononuclear inclusion compound [CuIIL1 within (H2O)] (1) and three tetrametal systems of the composition [{CuIIL1}2{CuIIL1MII(H2O)3}]ClO4)2 (M = Cu (2), M = Co (3), M = Mn (4)) derived from the hexadentate Schiff base compartmental ligand N,N'-ethylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine) (H2L1) have been described. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in orthorhombic Pbcn and monoclinic P21/c systems, respectively, and the space group of the isomorphous compounds 3 and 4 is monoclinic C2/c. The water molecule in 1 is encapsulated in the vacant O4 compartment because of the hydrogen bonding interactions with the ether and phenolate oxygens, resulting in the formation of an inclusion product. The structures of 2-4 consist of the [CuIIL1MII(H2O)3]2+ cation and two mononuclear [CuIIL1] moieties. In the dinuclear [CuIIL1MII(H2O)3]2+ cation, the metal centers are doubly bridged by the two phenolate oxygens. The second metal center, MII (Cu in 2, Co in 3, and Mn in 4), in the [CuIIL1MII(H2O)3]2+ cation is pentacoordinated by the two phenoxo oxygens and three water molecules. Two of these three coordinated water molecules interact, similar to that in 1, with two mononuclear [CuIIL1] moieties, resulting in the formation of the tetrametal [{CuIIL1}2{CuIIL1MII(H2O)3}]2+ system that consists of the cocrystallized dinuclear (one) and mononuclear (two) moieties. Evidently, the cocrystallization observed in 2-4 is related to the tendency of a water molecule to be encapsulated in the vacant O4 compartment of the mononuclear [CuIIL1] species. In the case of 2, there are two independent [CuIIL1CuII(H2O)3]2+ units. The tau ((beta-alpha)/60, where beta and alpha are the largest and second largest bond angles, respectively) values in the pentacoordinated environment of the two copper(II) centers in 2 are 0.04 and 0.37, indicating almost ideal and appreciably distorted square pyramidal geometry, respectively. In contrast, the tau values (0.54 for 3 and 0.49 for 4) indicate that the coordination geometry around the cobalt(II) and manganese(II) centers in 3 and 4 is intermediate between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal. The variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 2-4 have been measured. The magnetic data have been analyzed in the model of one exchange-coupled dinuclear CuIIMII moiety and two noninteracting CuII centers. In all three cases, the metal ions in the dinuclear core are coupled by a weak antiferromagnetic interaction (J = -17.4 cm-1, -8 cm-1, and -14 cm-1 for 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The observation of a weak interaction has been explained in terms of the structural parameters and symmetry of the magnetic orbitals.     

Halogen exchange and scrambling between C-X and M-X' bonds in copper, nickel, and cobalt complexes of 6,6'-bis(bromo/chloromethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine. structural, electrochemical, and photochemical studies

The synthesis, reactivities, spectroscopic, electrochemical, and structural studies of copper(I), copper(II), nickel(II), and cobalt(II) complexes of 6,6'-bis(bromomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-Br2) and 6,6'-bis(chloromethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (bpy-Cl2) have been reported. The copper(I) complex [CuI(bpy-Br2)2](ClO4) (1) has been obtained in two crystallographic modifications, in which the coordination geometry of the metal center has the D2d symmetry. The reaction between CuCl2.2H2O and bpy-Br2 has been followed spectrophotometrically at 45 degrees C over a period of 7 h, and a mechanism for the intramolecular halogen exchange and scrambling in the initially formed compound [CuII(bpy-Br2)Cl2] (5) has been proposed. Depending upon the reaction conditions, several halogen-exchanged products, namely [CuII(bpy-Br1.86Cl0.14)(Cl1.89Br0.11)] (2), [CuII(bpy-Br1.81Cl0.19)(Cl1.70Br0.30)(H2O)] (3), and [CuII(bpy-Br0.63Cl1.37)(Cl0.54Br1.46)] (4), have been isolated in crystalline form. The reaction between bpy-Cl2 and CuCl2.2H2O provides [CuII(bpy-Cl2)Cl2] (7) and [CuII(bpy-Cl2)Cl2(H2O)] (8), whereas CoCl2.6H2O and NiCl2.6H20 on reaction with bpy-Br2 under boiling condition produce [CoII(bpy-Br0.5Cl1.5)(ClBr)] (11) and [NiII(bpy-Br0.46Cl1.54)(Cl0.73Br1.27)(H2O)] (12), respectively. The X-ray structures determined for the 4-coordinate compounds 2, 4, and 7 show flattened tetrahedral geometry for the metal center with the D2 symmetry. Both 5-coordinate compounds 3 and 12 have square pyramidal geometry, and whereas the nickel(II) complex 12 has near-perfect geometry (tau = 0.015), considerable distortion is observed for the copper(II) complex 3 (tau = 0.25). Complexes [CuII(bpy-Cl2)Br2] (6) and [CuII(bpy-Br2)Br2] under boiling condition undergo photoreduction to produce the dimeric copper(I) complexes [{CuI(bpy-Cl1.30Br0.70)(mu-Br)}2](9) and [{CuI(bpy-Br2)(mu-Br)}2] (10), respectively. The fact that the photoreduction of [CuII(bpy-Cl2)Br2] (6) and [CuII(bpy-Br2)Br2] do not take place in absence of light has been established by spectrophotometric measurements. The crystal structures of 9 and 10 have been determined. The electrochemical behavior of all the copper complexes 1-10 has been studied in acetonitrile and dichloromethane. The E1/2 values for the CuI/CuII redox couples show strong solvent dependence and for a given system the E1/2 value is more positive in dichloromethane relative to that in acetonitrile. For the compounds [CuII(bpy-Br2-xClx)(Cl2-yBry)] (x = 0-2, y = 0-2), the E1/2 values become more positive with the increase of y value.     

Physical parameters and electron-transfer kinetics of the copper(II/I) complex with the macrocyclic sexadentate ligand [18]aneS6

The electron-transfer kinetics of the complex formed by copper(II/I) with the sexadentate macrocyclic ligand 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane ([18]aneS6) have been measured in acetonitrile with a series of three oxidizing agents and three reducing agents. These studies have been supplemented by determinations of the redox potential and the stability constants of the Cu(I)- and Cu(II)([18]aneS6) complexes in both acetonitrile and aqueous solution. The Marcus cross relationship has been applied to the cross-reaction rate constants for the six reactions studied to resolve the electron self-exchange rate constant for the Cu(II/I)([18]aneS6) complex. An average value of k11 = 3 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) was obtained at 25 degrees C, mu = 0.10 M in acetonitrile. This value is approximately 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the values reported previously for the corresponding Cu(II/I) complexes with the quadridentate and quinquedentate homoleptic homologues having all ethylene bridges, namely, 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane ([12]aneS4) and 1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane ([15]aneS5). This significant difference in reactivity is attributed to the greater rearrangement in the geometry of the inner-coordination sphere that accompanies electron transfer in the Cu(II/I)([18]aneS6) system, wherein two Cu-S bonds are ruptured upon reduction. In contrast to other Cu(II/I) complexes with macrocyclic polythiaethers that have self-exchange rate constants within the same range, no evidence for conformationally gated electron transfer was observed, even in the case of the most rapid oxidation reaction studied.     

New copper(II)/cyclic tetrapeptide system that easily oxidizes to copper(III) under atmospheric oxygen

A 13-membered ring cyclic tetrapeptide was synthesized by the solid-phase peptide synthesis method, and its copper(II) coordination properties were analyzed by optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. All collected data strongly support the presence, at alkaline pH, of a stable peptide/copper(III) complex that is formed in solution by atmospheric dioxygen oxidation. On the basis of previous studies on cyclic peptide/copper systems, we suggest that the copper(III) ion is at the center of the ligand's cavity being coordinated to four deprotonated amide nitrogen atoms. This donor set would greatly lower the redox potential for the CuIII/CuII couple, thus allowing easy oxidation of the coordinated copper(II) by atmospheric oxygen.     

Electron transfer reactions between copper(II) porphyrin complexes and various oxidizing reagents in acetonitrile

Homogeneous electron transfer reactions of the Cu(II) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrin (OEP) with various oxidizing reagents were spectrophotometrically investigated in acetonitrile. The reaction products were confirmed to be the pi-cation radicals of the corresponding Cu(II)-porphyrin complexes on the basis of the electronic spectra and the redox potentials of the complexes. The rate of the electron transfer reaction between the Cu(II)-porphyrin complex and solvated Cu(2+) was determined as a function of the water concentration under the pseudo first-order conditions where Cu(2+) is in large excess over the Cu(II)-porphyrin complex. The decrease in the pseudo first-order rate constant with increasing the water concentration was attributed to the stepwise displacement of acetonitrile in [Cu(AN)(6)](2+)(AN = acetonitrile) by water, and it was concluded that only the Cu(2+) species fully solvated by acetonitrile, [Cu(AN)(6)](2+), possesses sufficiently high redox potential for the oxidation of Cu(ii)-OEP and Cu(ii)-TPP. The reactions of the Cu(II)-porphyrin complexes with other oxidizing reagents such as [Ni(tacn)(2)](3+)(tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and [Ru(bpy)(3)](3+)(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) were too fast to be followed by a conventional stopped-flow technique. Marcus cross relation for the outer-sphere electron transfer reaction was used to estimate the rate constants of the electron self-exchange reaction between Cu(II)-porphyrin and its pi-cation radical: log(k/M(-1) s(-1))= 9.5 +/- 0.5 for TPP and log(k/M(-1) s(-1))= 11.1 +/- 0.5 for OEP at 25.0 degrees C. Such large electron self-exchange rate constants are typical for the porphyrin-centered redox reactions for which very small inner- and outer-sphere reorganization energies are required.     

TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES OF OLIGOTHIOETHER QUINOLYLOXY TERMINATED PODANDS: PART 2. CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF (1,8-BIS(QUINOLYLOXY)-3,6-DITHIAOCTANE)-COPPER(II) DIPERCHLORATE TRIHYDRATE

Abstract

The synthesis of the new ligand 1,8-bis(quinolyloxy)-3,6-dithiaoctane (1) and the corresponding Cu(II), Cu(I) and Co(II) complexes is reported. The crystal and molecular structure of the copper(II) complex, [Cu(1)](ClO₄)₂.3H₂O, has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fddd, with cell data Z = 16, a = 20.326(2), b = 20.879(3) and c = 28.308(4)Å. The structure consists of discrete [Cu(1)]^?2+ cations separated by (structurally disordered) perchlorate anions and three lattice water molecules per cation. The coordination geometry about the copper atom is pseudo-octahedral with the quinoline nitrogen and thioether sulfur atoms at the equatorial positions and the ether oxygen atoms at the axial positions. ¹H NMR line-broadening experiments indicate that electron-transfer self-exchange reactions between the copper(I) and copper(II) complexes of (1) is immeasurably slow on the NMR time-scale. The coordination chemistry of (1) is compared with its oxygen analogue, 1,8-bis(quinolyloxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane.     

Copper complex species within a fragment of the N-terminal repeat region in opossum PrP protein

A spectroscopic (UV-Vis, CD and EPR), thermodynamic and voltammetric study of the copper(ii) complexes with the Ac-PHPGGSNWGQ-NH(2) polypeptide (L), a fragment of the opossum PrP protein N-terminal four-repeat region, was carried out in aqueous solution. It suggests the formation of a highly distorted [Cu(L)H(-2)] complex species in the neutral region, the stereochemistry of which is ascribable to a square base pyramid and a CuN(3)O(2) chromophore, resulting from the coordination of a histidine imidazole and two peptide nitrogen atoms and probably oxygen atoms from water molecules. At basic pH values a [Cu(L)H(-3)](-) species with a pseudo-octahedral geometry was also obtained, with four nitrogen donor atoms in its equatorial plane, coming from the histidine residue and from peptidic nitrogen atoms. Interestingly, at pH values relatively higher than the neutrality, the coordination sphere of the copper complex in the [Cu(L)H(-2)] species changes its stereochemistry towards a pseudo-octahedron, as suggested by the change in the parallel copper hyperfine coupling constant of the EPR spectra at low temperature. A slight difference in the redox potentials between this two-faced [Cu(L)H(-2)] complex species seems to confirm this behaviour. Both potentiometric and spectroscopic data were compared with the analogous species obtained with the Ac-PHGGGWGQ-NH(2) peptide, belonging to the octarepeat domain of the human prion protein (hPrP) N-terminal region. The [Cu(L)H(-2)] species formed by the Ac-PHPGGSNWGQ-NH(2) decapeptide, having a slightly lower stability, turned out to be less abundant and to exist within a narrow pH range.     

Binding of nitrate to a CuII-cyclen complex bearing a ferrocenyl pendant: synthesis, solid-state X-ray structure, and solution-phase electrochemical and spectrophotometric studies

The reaction of Cu(NO3)2.3H2O with the ligand 1-(ferrocenemethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L) in acetonitrile leads to the formation of a blue complex, [Cu(L)(NO3)][NO3] (C1). The X-ray structure determination shows an unexpected binding of a nitrate anion in that the CuII center is surrounded by four N atoms of the 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) macrocycle and two O atoms from a chelating nitrate anion, both Cu-O distances being below the sums of the van de Waals radii. Hydrogen-bonding interactions in the crystal lattice and a weak interaction between a second nitrate O and the CuII center in C1 give rise to a highly distorted CuII geometry relative to that found in the known structure of [Cu(cyclen)(NO3)][NO3] (C5). Electrochemical studies in acetonitrile containing 0.1 M [Bu4N][NO3] as the supporting electrolyte showed that oxidation of C1 in this medium exhibits a single reversible one-electron step with a formal potential E degrees f of +85 mV vs Fc0/+ (Fc = ferrocene). This process is associated with oxidation of the ferrocenyl pendant group. Additionally, a reversible one-electron reduction reaction with an E degrees f value of -932 mV vs Fc0/+, attributed to the CuII/I redox couple, is detected. Gradual change of the supporting electrolyte from 0.1 M [Bu4N][NO3] to the poorly coordinating [Bu4N][PF6] electrolyte, at constant ionic strength, led to a positive potential shift in E degrees f values by +107 and +39 mV for the CuII/I(C1) and Fc0/+(C1) redox couples, respectively. Analysis of these electrochemical data and UV-vis spectra is consistent with the probable presence of the complexes C1, [Cu(L)(CH3CN)2]2+ (C2), [Cu(L)(CH3CN)(NO3)]+ (C3), and [Cu(L)(NO3)2] (C4) as the major species in nitrate-containing acetonitrile solutions. In weakly solvating nitromethane, the extent of nitrate complexation remains significant even at low nitrate concentrations, due to the lack of solvent competition.     

Magnetic interactions in CuII-LnIII cyclic tetranuclear complexes: is it possible to explain the occurrence of SMM behavior in CuII-TbIII and CuII-DyIII complexes?

An extensive series of tetranuclear CuII2LnIII2 complexes [CuIILLnIII(hfac)2]2 (with LnIII being all lanthanide(III) ions except for the radioactive PmIII) has been prepared in order to investigate the nature of the CuII-LnIII magnetic interactions and to try to answer the following question: What makes the CuII2TbIII2 and CuII2DyIII2 complexes single molecule magnets while the other complexes are not? All the complexes within this series possess a similar cyclic tetranuclear structure, in which the CuII and LnIII ions are arrayed alternately via bridges of ligand complex (CuIIL). Regular SQUID magnetometry measurements have been performed on the series. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities from 2 to 300 K and the field-dependent magnetizations from 0 to 5 T at 2 K have been measured for the CuII2LnIII2 and NiII2LnIII2 complexes, with the NiII2LnIII2 complex containing diamagnetic NiII ions being used as a reference for the evaluation of the CuII-LnIII magnetic interactions. These measurements have revealed that the interactions between CuII and LnIII ions are very weakly antiferromagnetic if Ln=Ce, Nd, Sm, Yb, ferromagnetic if Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and negligible if Ln=La, Eu, Pr, Lu. With the same goal of better understanding the evolution of the intramolecular magnetic interactions, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) has also been measured on CuII2TbIII2, CuII2DyIII2, and NiII2TbIII2 complexes, either at the L- and M-edges of the metal ions or at the K-edge of the N and O atoms. Last, the CuII2TbIII2 complex exhibiting SMM behavior has received a closer examination of its low temperature magnetic properties down to 0.1 K. These particular measurements have revealed the unusual very slow setting-up of a 3D order below 0.6 K.     

Copper(II) and ruthenium(II)/(III) Schiff base complexes

Metal complexes of general formula [Cu(L)](ClO4)2, [Ru(L)(PPh3)2]Cl2 and [Ru(L)(PPh3)Cl]Cl2[L = 1,4-di- (o-benzylidiminophenoxy/benzylidiminophenylthio)butane] containing N2O2 or N2S2 donor atoms have been prepared and characterised by spectral, magnetic and cyclic voltammetric studies. The rhombic nature of the e.s.r. spectra of the RuIII complexes indicates an asymmetry in the electronic environment around the Ru atom. e.s.r. spectra of the CuII complexes show a typical four-line spectrum with approximate tetrahedral distortion. The observed low A values in the CuII complexes, of the order of 132–160 × 10–4cm–1, indicates a tetrahedrally distorted square planar structure.The influence of modified ligands is reflected in the metal-centered redox potentials. CuII complexes having the N2S2 chromophore, in MeCN on a glassy carbon electrode, undergo quasi-reversible reduction in the 540–680 mV range. A depression in E1/2 values for the open chain N2S2 chromophoric macrocyclic CuII complexes, compared to electronically similar cyclic tetradentate CuII analogues, is due to the increased stabilization of the CuI state by added flexibility provided through the open chain donor sites.     

Blue copper model complexes with distorted tetragonal geometry acting as effective electron-transfer mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells

The electron self-exchange rate constants of blue copper model complexes, [(-)-sparteine-N,N'](maleonitriledithiolato-S,S')copper ([Cu(SP)(mmt)])(0/)(-), bis(2,9-dimethy-1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+)), and bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+)) have been determined from the rate constants of electron transfer from a homologous series of ferrocene derivatives to the copper(II) complexes in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer. The resulting electron self-exchange rate constant increases in the order: [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+) < [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) < [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), in agreement with the order of the smaller structural change between the copper(II) and copper(I) complexes due to the distorted tetragonal geometry. The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were constructed using the copper complexes as redox couples to compare the photoelectrochemical responses with those using the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple. The light energy conversion efficiency (eta) values under illumination of simulated solar light irradiation (100 mW/cm(2)) of DSSCs using [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+), [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), and [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) were recorded as 0.1%, 1.4%, and 1.3%, respectively. The maximum eta value (2.2%) was obtained for a DSSC using the [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+) redox couple under the light irradiation of 20 mW/cm(2) intensity, where a higher open-circuit voltage of the cell was attained as compared to that of the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple.     

Reaction of a copper-dioxygen complex with nitrogen monoxide (*NO) leads to a copper(II)-peroxynitrite species

A discrete peroxynitrite-copper(II) complex, [(TMG3tren)CuII(-OONO)]+ (3), has been generated in solution (ESI-MS, m/z = 565.15; tetragonal EPR) by reacting *NO(g) with superoxo complex [(TMG3tren)CuII(O2*-)]+ (2). Complex 3 undergoes a thermal transformation to give CuII-nitrite complex [(TMG3tren)CuII(-ONO)]+ (4) (X-ray) along with ca. 0.5 molar equiv dioxygen. A DFT calculation derived structure with cyclic bidentate k2-O,O'-OONO bound peroxynitrite moiety and dx2-y2 ground state is proposed. Experiments using 18O2 suggest that the adjacent peroxo oxygen atoms in 3 are derived from molecular oxygen. Further, 18O2 containing 3 undergoes O-O bond cleavage to form singly 18-O-labeled 4. The results suggest the viability of biological CuI/O2/(*NO) peroxynitrite formation and chemistry, that is, not coming from free superoxide plus *NO reaction.     

Direct oxidation of L-cysteine by [FeIII(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and [FeIII(bpy)(CN)4]-

The oxidation of L-cysteine by the outer-sphere oxidants [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]- in anaerobic aqueous solution is highly susceptible to catalysis by trace amounts of copper ions. This copper catalysis is effectively inhibited with the addition of 1.0 mM dipicolinic acid for the reduction of [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+ and is completely suppressed with the addition of 5.0 mM EDTA (pH<9.00), 10.0 mM EDTA (9.010.0) for the reduction of [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]-. 1H NMR and UV-vis spectra show that the products of the direct (uncatalyzed) reactions are the corresponding Fe(II) complexes and, when no radical scavengers are present, L-cystine, both being formed quantitatively. The two reactions display mild kinetic inhibition by Fe(II), and the inhibition can be suppressed by the free radical scavenger PBN (N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone). At 25 degrees C and micro=0.1 M and under conditions where inhibition by Fe(II) is insignificant, the general rate law is -d[Fe(III)]/dt=k[cysteine]tot[Fe(III)], with k={k2Ka1[H+]2+k3Ka1Ka2[H+]+k4Ka1Ka2Ka3{/}[H+]3+Ka1[H+]2+Ka1Ka2[H+]+Ka1Ka2Ka3}, where Ka1, Ka2, and Ka3 are the successive acid dissociation constants of HSCH2CH(NH3+)CO2H. For [Fe(bpy)2(CN)2]+, the kinetics over the pH range of 3-7.9 yields k2=3.4+/-0.6 M(-1) s(-1) and k3=(1.18+/-0.02)x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) (k4 is insignificant in the fitting). For [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]- over the pH range of 6.1-11.9, the rate constants are k3=(2.13+/-0.08)x10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and k4=(1.01+/-0.06)x10(4) M(-1) s(-1) (k2 is insignificant in the fitting). All three terms in the rate law are assigned to rate-limiting electron-transfer reactions in which various thiolate forms of cysteine are reactive. Applying Marcus theory, the self-exchange rate constant of the *SCH2CH(NH2)CO2-/-SCH2CH(NH2)CO2- redox couple was obtained from the oxidation of L-cysteine by [Fe(bpy)(CN)4]-, with k11=4x10(5) M(-1) s(-1). The self-exchange rate constant of the *SCH2CH(NH3+)CO2-/-SCH2CH(NH3+)CO2- redox couple was similarly obtained from the rates with both Fe(III) oxidants, a value of 6x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) for k11 being derived. Both self-exchange rate constants are quite large as is to be expected from the minimal rearrangement that follows conversion of a thiolate to a thiyl radical, and the somewhat lower self-exchange rate constant for the dianionic form of cysteine is ascribed to electrostatic repulsion.     

New 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-5,7-dione ligands appended with additional 2-methylthiophene(s) pendant: crystal structure and properties of their copper(II) complexes

Two new macrocyclic dioxotetraamine ligands, 1-(2-methylthiophene)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-5,7-dione (H2L1) and 1,11-bis(2-methylthiophene)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-5,7-dione (H2L2), have been synthesized and characterized. The resulting dioxocyclams readily coordinate to CuII. The CuII complex of H2L2 has been isolated as a single crystal and the structure determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The copper atom is in a square-planar environment with four basal nitrogen atoms. The solution behaviour of the CuII complexes, CuL1 and CuL2, has been further studied by e.s.r., u.v.–vis. and cyclic voltammetric techniques. A remarkable redshift has been observed for the maximum absorption band in the electronic spectra of CuL1 or CuL2 compared with that of the unsubstituted copper species (CuL). Electrochemical studies suggest that the introduction of thiophene pendant(s) to the macrocycle destabilizes the CuIII ion compared with the unsubstituted dioxocyclam, and the reason for this is discussed.