Identification of [(GS)2AsSe]− in rabbit bile by size‐exclusion chromatography and simultaneous multielement‐specific detection by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy

An arsenic–selenium metabolite that exhibited the same arsenic and selenium X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectra as the synthetic seleno‐bis(S‐glutathionyl) arsinium ion [(GS)₂AsSe]^? was recently detected in rabbit bile within 25 min after intravenous injection of rabbits with sodium selenite and sodium arsenite. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy did not (and cannot) conclusively identify the sulfur‐donor in the in vivo sample. After similar treatment of rabbits, we analyzed the collected bile samples by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) to monitor arsenic, selenium and sulfur simultaneously. The bulk of arsenic and selenium eluted in a single peak, the intensity of which was greatly increased upon spiking of the bile samples with synthethic [(GS)₂AsSe]^?. Hence, we identify [(GS)₂AsSe]^? as the major metabolite in bile after exposure of rabbits to selenite and arsenite. The reported SEC–ICP‐AES method is the first chromatographic procedure to identify this biochemically important metabolite in biological fluids and is thus a true alternative to X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, which is not available to many chemists. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Review: Reactive selenium metabolites as targets of toxic metals/metalloids in mammals: a molecular toxicological perspective

Human activities have been contaminating the environment with toxic heavy metal and metalloid compounds. Since the toxicity of one metal or metalloid can be dramatically modulated by the simultaneous ingestion of another, studies addressing the molecular basis of chemical interactions between toxic and essential elements are increasingly important. The intravenous injection of rabbits with selenite and arsenite or with selenite and mercuric mercury resulted in the in vivo formation of the seleno‐bis (S‐glutathionyl) arsinium ion, [(GS)₂AsSe]^?, or a glutathione‐coated mercuric selenide, (GS)₅(HgSe)_core, in blood. The formation of these species (and the formation of a cadmium–selenium species in blood after the exposure of rats to selenite and cadmium) critically involves reactive selenite metabolites, such as GS–Se^? and/or HSe^?, which indicates that these physiologically important metabolites are molecular targets of ingested toxic metals and metalloids. The fate and stability of [(GS)₂AsSe]^? and (GS)₅(HgSe)_core in vivo imply that the chronic exposure of mammals to inorganic arsenic and mercury will cumulatively affect the bioavailability of selenium, which could lead to selenium deficiency. Since selenium deficiency is significantly associated with the etiology of cancer in humans, the GSH‐driven in vivo formation of selenium‐containing metal and metalloid species provides a likely molecular mechanism for the chronic toxicity of environmentally persistent inorganic arsenic, mercury and cadmium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction of arsenic and selenium on the metabolism of these elements in hamsters

The interaction of arsenic and selenium compounds on the metabolism of these elements in golden hamsters was studied. Golden hamsters were divided into three groups and administered sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃), sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) and Na₂SeO₃ with NaAsO₂, respectively, by a single Subcutaneous injection of 25 m?mol kg^?1 body weight as As or Se (arsenic and selenium were calculated as weight of elemental arsenic and selenium). Selenium and arsenic metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HPLC–GFA AA) and gas chromatography (GC). The results show (1): About 10% by weight of the given dose of selenium was excreted in expiration air as dimethylselenide (Me₂Se) during 12 h after administration of Na₂SeO₃. Excretion of dimethylselenide with the respiratory air was inhibited by administration of Na₂SeO₃ simultaneously with NaAsO₂. (2) Giving Na₂SeO₃ plus NaAsO₂ had no appreciable effect on the excretion of the trimethylselenonium ion (Me₃Se⁺) into the urine and the feces. (3) Giving Na₂SeO₃ plus NaAsO₂ increaed the excretion into the feces of an insoluble unknown-structure selenium compound, the proportion of which was 10.9% by weight of the given dose of selenium. (4) Giving NaAsO₂ plus Na₂SeO₃ decreased the excretion of dimethylarsinic acid (Me₂AsOOH) and inorganic arsenic into the urine during 120 h after the administration of the reagents, the decreased amount being 5.3% (dimethylarsinic acid) and 7.7% (inorganic arsenic) of the given dose of arsenic, respectively. (5) Giving NaAsO₂ plus Na₂SeO₃ increased the excretion into feces of insoluble unknown-structure arsenic compound and inorganic arsenic, the increased amounts being 10.6% and 7.0% of the given dose of arsenic, respectively. (6) Giving NaAsO₂ plus Na₂SeO₃ decreased the excretion into feces of extractable unknown-structure arsenic compound, and the decreased amount was 4.9% of the given dose of arsenic. (7) It made little difference to the excretion of monomethylarsonic acid [MeAsO(OH)₂] into urine and feces and of dimethylarsinic acid (Me₂AsOOH) into feces whether NaAsO₂ was administered alone or with Na₂SeO₃.     

Ubiquity of arsenobetaine in marine animals and degradation of arsenobetaine by sedimentary micro-organisms

Arsenic compounds were extracted with chloroform/methanol/water from tissues of marine animals (four carnivores, five herbivores, five plankton feeders). The extracts were purified by cation and anion exchange chromatography. Arsenobetaine [(CH₃)₃As⁺CH₂COO^?], dimethylarsinic acid [(CH₃)₂AsOOH], trimethylarsine oxide [(CH₃)₃AsO] and arsenite, arsenate, and methylarsonic acid [(CH₃)AsO(OH)₂] as a group with the same retention time were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Arsenic was determined in the collected fractions by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Arsenobetaine found in all the animals was almost always the most abundant arsenic compound in the extracts. These results show that arsenobetaine is present in marine animals independently of their feeding habits and trophic levels. Arsenobetaine-containing growth media (ZoBell 2216E; solution of inorganic salts) were mixed with coastal marine sediments as the source of microorganisms. Arsenobetaine was converted in both media to trimethylarsine oxide and trimethylarsine oxide was converted to arsenite, arsenate or methylarsonic acid but not to dimethylarsinic acid. The conversion rates in the inorganic medium were faster than in the ZoBell medium. Two dominant bacterial strains isolated from the inorganic medium and identified as members of the Vibro–Aeromonas group were incapable of degrading arsenobetaine.     

Formation and Reactivity of Organo‐Functionalized Tin Selenide Clusters

Reactions of R¹SnCl₃ (R¹=CMe₂CH₂C(O)Me) with (SiMe₃)₂Se yield a series of organo‐functionalized tin selenide clusters, [(SnR¹)₂SeCl₄] ( 1 ), [(SnR¹)₂Se₂Cl₂] ( 2 ), [(SnR¹)₃Se₄Cl] ( 3 ), and [(SnR¹)₄Se₆] ( 4 ), depending on the solvent and ratio of the reactants used. NMR experiments clearly suggest a stepwise formation of 1 through 4 by subsequent condensation steps with the concomitant release of Me₃SiCl. Furthermore, addition of hydrazines to the keto‐functionalized clusters leads to the formation of hydrazone derivatives, [(Sn₂(μ‐R³)(μ‐Se)Cl₄] ( 5 , R³=[CMe₂CH₂CMe(NH)]₂), [(SnR²)₃Se₄Cl] ( 6 , R²=CMe₂CH₂C(NNH₂)Me), [(SnR⁴)₃Se₄][SnCl₃] ( 7 , R⁴=CMe₂CH₂C(NNHPh)Me), [(SnR²)₄Se₆] ( 8 ), and [(SnR⁴)₄Se₆] ( 9 ). Upon treatment of 4 with [Cu(PPh₃)₃Cl] and excess (SiMe₃)₂Se, the cluster fragments to form [(R¹Sn)₂Se₂(CuPPh₃)₂Se₂] ( 10 ), the first discrete Sn/Se/Cu cluster compound reported in the literature. The derivatization reactions indicate fundamental differences between organotin sulfide and organotin selenide chemistry.     

Organotin–Oxido Cluster‐Based Multiferrocenyl Complexes Obtained by Hydrolysis of Ferrocenyl‐Functionalized Organotin Chlorides

Three organotin–oxido clusters were formed by hydrolysis of ferrocenyl‐functionalized organotin chloride precursors in the presence of NaEPh (E=S, Se). [R^FcSnCl₃?HCl] ( C ; R^Fc = CMe₂CH₂C(Me)?N?N?C(Me)Fc) and [SnCl₆]^2? formed {(R^FcSnCl₂)₃[Sn(OH)₆]}[SnCl₃] ( 3 a ) and {(R^FcSnCl₂)₃[Sn(OH)₆]}[PhSeO₃] ( 3 b ), bearing an unprecedented [Sn₄O₆] unit, in a one‐pot synthesis or stepwise through [(R^FcSnCl₂)₂Se] ( 1 ) plus [(R^FcSnCl₂)SePh] ( 2 ). A one‐pot reaction starting out from FcSnCl₃ gave [(FcSn)₉(OH)₆O₈Cl₅] ( 4 ), which represents the largest Fc‐decorated Sn/O cluster reported to date.     

Studies of the naturally occurring biomethylation of selenium and the determination of the products

A systematic study of the biomethylation of selenium and the determination of the methylated species indicates preliminarily that selenium is susceptible to natural biomethylation under certain environmental conditions. Detectable levels of methylated selenium species, including dimethyl selenide [(CH₃)₂Se], dimethyl diselenide [(CH₃)₂Se₂] and dimethylselenone [(CH₃)₂SeO₂] have been detected by gas chromatography – graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GC – GF AA) from a variety of environmental samples. Findings of naturally methylated selenium species from both soil samples and related air samples suggest that there may exist a localized cycle of selenium between ground soil and the ambient air. Factors that influence the sensitivity and accuracy for the determination of alkyl selenide compounds by GC – GF AA have also been investigated. Flashlike injection mode and addition of about 10% of hydrogen gas to the argon carrier gas provide for highly sensitive detection. Reproducible determination can be obtained with a precision of about 6% and the detection limits are 0.3 ng Se m^?3.     

The Arene‐Stabilized η5‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Arsenic Dication [(η5‐Cp*)As(toluene)]2+

Double chloride abstraction of Cp*AsCl₂ gives the dicationic arsenic species [(η⁵‐Cp*)As(tol)][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 2 ) (tol=toluene). This species is shown to exhibit Lewis super acidity by the Gutmann–Beckett test and by fluoride abstraction from [NBu₄][SbF₆]. Species 2 participates in the FLP activation of THF affording [(η²‐Cp*)AsO(CH₂)₄(THF)][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 5 ). The reaction of 2 with PMe₃ or dppe generates [(Me₃P)₂As][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 6 ) and [(σ‐Cp*)PMe₃][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 7 ), or [(dppe)As][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 8 ) and [(dppe)(σ‐Cp*)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 9 ), respectively, through a facile cleavage of C?As bonds, thus showcasing unusual reactivity of this unique As‐containing compound.     

Conversion of arsenobetaine by intestinal bacteria of a mollusc Liolophura japonica chitons

The intestinal micro-organisms of Liolophura japonica chitons converted arsenobetaine [(CH₃)₃As⁺CH₂COO^?] to trimethylarsine oxide [(CH₃)₃AsO] and dimethylarsinic acid [(CH₃)₂AsOOH] in the arsenobetaine-containing 1/5 ZoBell 2216E medium under aerobic conditions, no conversion being observed in an inorganic salt medium. This conversion pattern of arsenobetaine → trimethylarsine oxide ← dimethylarsinic acid was comparable with that shown by the microorganisms associated with marine macroalgae. On the other hand, no conversion was observed in either medium under anaerobic conditions.     

Conversion of arsenobetaine to dimethylarsinic acid by arsenobetaine-decomposing bacteria isolated from coastal sediment

Arsenobetain [(CH₃)₃As⁺CH₂COO^-]-containing growth media (1/5 ZoBell 2216E and solution of inorganic salts) were inoculated with two bacterial strains, which were isolated from a coastal sediment and identified as members of the Vibro-Aeromonas group, and incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Arsenobetaine was converted to a metabolite only under aerobic conditions. This arsenic metabolite was identified as dimethylarsinic acid [(CH₃)₂AsOOH] by hydride generation/cold trap/GC MS/SIM analysis and high-performance liquid-chromatographic behaviour. The conversion pattern shown by these arsenobetaine-decomposing bacteria (that is, arsenobetaine → dimethylarsinic acid) was fairly different from that shown by the addition of sediment itself as the source of arsenobetaine-decomposing micro-organisms (that is, arsenobetaine → trimethylarsine oxide → inorganic arsenic). This result suggests to us that various micro-organisms, including the arsenobetaine-decomposing bacteria isolated in this study, participate in the degradation of arsenobetaine in marine environments.     

Metallkomplexe mit biologisch wichtigen Liganden. CLVII [1] Halbsandwich‐Komplexe mit Isocyanoacetylaminosäureestern und Isocyanoacetyldi‐ und tripeptidestern („Isocyano‐Peptide”︁)

Metal Complexes of Biologically Important Ligands, CLVII [1] Halfsandwich Complexes of Isocyanoacetylamino acid esters and of Isocyanoacetyldi‐ and tripeptide esters (?Isocyanopeptides”?) N‐Isocyanoacetyl‐amino acid esters CNCH₂C(O) NHCH(R)CO₂CH₃ (R = CH₃, CH(CH₃)₂, CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, CH₂C₆H₅) and N‐isocyanoacetyl‐di‐ and tripeptide esters CNCH₂C(O)NHCH(R¹)C(O)NHCH(R²)CO₂C₂H₅ and CNCH₂C(O)NHCH(R¹)C(O)NHCH (R²)C(O)NHCH(R³)CO₂CH₃ (R¹ = R² = R³ = CH₂C₆H₅, R² = H, CH₂C₆H₅) are available by condensation of potassium isocyanoacetate with amino acid esters or peptide esters. These isocyanides form with chloro‐bridged complexes [(arene)M(Cl)(μ‐Cl)]₂ (arene = Cp*, p‐cymene, M = Ir, Rh, Ru) in the presence of Ag[BF₄] or Ag[CF₃SO₃] the cationic halfsandwich complexes [(arene)M(isocyanide)₃]⁺X^? (X = BF₄, CF₃SO₃).     

Influence of Cyclopentadienyl Ring‐Tilt on Electron‐Transfer Reactions: Redox‐Induced Reactivity of Strained [2] and [3]Ruthenocenophanes

In contrast to ruthenocene [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₅)₂] and dimethylruthenocene [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄Me)₂] ( 7 ), chemical oxidation of highly strained, ring‐tilted [2]ruthenocenophane [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₂] ( 5 ) and slightly strained [3]ruthenocenophane [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₃] ( 6 ) with cationic oxidants containing the non‐coordinating [B(C₆F₅)₄]^? anion was found to afford stable and isolable metal?metal bonded dicationic dimer salts [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₂]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 8 ) and [Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂(CH₂)₃]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 17 ), respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and DFT studies indicated that the oxidation potential, propensity for dimerization, and strength of the resulting Ru?Ru bond is strongly dependent on the degree of tilt present in 5 and 6 and thereby degree of exposure of the Ru center. Cleavage of the Ru?Ru bond in 8 was achieved through reaction with the radical source [(CH₃)₂NC(S)S?SC(S)N(CH₃)₂] (thiram), affording unusual dimer [(CH₃)₂NCS₂Ru(η⁵‐C₅H₄)(η³‐C₅H₄)C₂H₄]₂[B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ ( 9 ) through a haptotropic η⁵–η³ ring‐slippage followed by an apparent [2+2] cyclodimerization of the cyclopentadienyl ligand. Analogs of possible intermediates in the reaction pathway [C₆H₅ERu(η⁵‐C₅H₄)₂C₂H₄][B(C₆F₅)₄] [E=S ( 15 ) or Se ( 16 )] were synthesized through reaction of 8 with C₆H₅E?EC₆H₅ (E=S or Se).     

α, ω-Alkan-bis-dimethylarsansulfide und -selenide,eine neue Klasse von Liganden

α ω-Alkane-bis-dimethylarsine Sulfides and Selenides, a Novel Class of Ligands The reaction of α,ω-alkane-bis-dimethylarsanes (CH₃)₂As? (CH₂)_n? As (CH₃)₂ with sulfur and selenium results in formation of the sulfides and selenides, respectively, (CH₃)₂As(X)? (CH₂)_n? As(CH₃)₂ or (CH₃)₂As(X)? (CH₂)_n? As(X)(CH₃)₂ (X = S, Se), which form chelat-complexes with the salts CoX₂ · 6 H₂O (X = Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, NO₃^?). The UV-spectra of the complexes are presented and discussed.     

Diimido‐, Imido(oxo)‐, Dioxo‐ und Imido(alkyliden)‐Halbsandwich‐Verbindungen über selektive Hydrolyse und α—H‐Abstraktion an Organylkomplexen des sechswertigen Molybdäns und Wolframs

Diimido, Imido Oxo, Dioxo, and Imido Alkylidene Halfsandwich Compounds via Selective Hydrolysis and α—H Abstraction in Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Organyl Complexes Organometal imides [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Ph] (M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, R′ = Mes, tBu) 4 — 8 can be prepared by reaction of halfsandwich complexes [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)₂Cl] with phenyl lithium in good yields. Starting from phenyl complexes 4 — 8 as well as from previously described methyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)₂Me] (M = Mo, W), reactions with aqueous HCl lead to imido(oxo) methyl and phenyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(O)(R)] M = Mo, R = Me ( 9 ), Ph ( 10 ); M = W, R = Ph ( 11 ) and dioxo complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(O)₂(CH₃)] M = Mo ( 12 ), M = W ( 13 ). Hydrolysis of organometal imides with conservation of M‐C σ and π bonds is in fact an attractive synthetic alternative for the synthesis of organometal oxides with respect to known strategies based on the oxidative decarbonylation of low valent alkyl CO and NO complexes. In a similar manner, protolysis of [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] and [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)₂(CH₃)] by HCl gas leads to [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)W(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 14 und [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)Mo(NtBu)Cl₂(CH₃)] 15 with conservation of the M‐C bonds. The inert character of the relatively non‐polar M‐C σ bonds with respect to protolysis offers a strategy for the synthesis of methyl chloro complexes not accessible by partial methylation of [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NR′)Cl₃] with MeLi. As pure substances only trimethyl compounds [(η⁵‐C₅R₅)M(NtBu)(CH₃)₃] 16 ‐ 18 , M = Mo, W, R = H, Me, are isolated. Imido(benzylidene) complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)(CHPh)(CH₂Ph)] M = Mo ( 19 ), W ( 20 ) are generated by alkylation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(NtBu)Cl₃] with PhCH₂MgCl via α‐H abstraction. Based on nmr data a trend of decreasing donor capability of the ligands [NtBu]^2— > [O]^2— > [CHR]^2— ? 2 [CH₃]^— > 2 [Cl]^— emerges.     

Switchable Guest Molecular Dynamics in a Perovskite‐Like Coordination Polymer toward Sensitive Thermoresponsive Dielectric Materials

A new perovskite‐like coordination polymer [(CH₃)₂NH₂][Cd(N₃)₃] is reported which undergoes a reversible ferroelastic phase transition. This transition is due to varied modes of motion of the [(CH₃)₂NH₂]⁺ guest accompanied by a synergistic deformation of the [Cd(N₃)₃]^? framework. The unusual two‐staged switchable dielectric relaxation reveals the molecular dynamics of the polar cation guest, which are well controlled by the variable confined space of the host framework. As the material switches from the ferroelastic phase to the paraelastic phase, a remarkable increase of the rotational energy barrier is detected. As a result, upon heating at low temperature, this compound shows a notable change from a low to a high dielectric state in the ferroelastic phase. This thermoresponsive host–guest system may serve as a model compound for the development of sensitive thermoresponsive dielectric materials and may be key to understanding and modulating molecular/ionic dynamics of guest molecules in confined space.     

Simultaneous speciation of arsenic (As(III), MMA, DMA, and As(V)) and selenium (Se(IV), Se(VI), and SeCN−) in petroleum refinery aqueous streams

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to an ICP-MS with an octapole reaction system (ORS) has been used to carry out quantitative speciation of selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) in the stream waters of a refining process. The argon dimers interfering with the ⁷⁸Se and ⁸⁰Se isotopes were suppressed by pressurizing the octapole chamber with 3.1 mL min⁻¹ H₂ and 0.5 mL min⁻¹ He. Four arsenic species arsenite—As(III), arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)—and three inorganic Se species—selenite Se(IV), selenate Se(VI), and selenocyanate (SeCN⁻)—were separated in a single run by ion chromatography (IC) using gradient elution with 100 mmol L⁻¹ NH₄NO₃, pH 8.5, adjusted by addition of NH₃, as eluent. Repeatabilities of peak position and of peak area evaluation were better than 1% and about 3%, respectively. Detection limits (as 3σ of the baseline noise) were 81, 56, and 75 ng L⁻¹ for Se(IV), Se(VI), and SeCN⁻, respectively, and 22, 19, 25, and 16 ng L⁻¹ for As(III), As(V), MMA, and DMA, respectively. Calibration curve R ² values ranged between 0.996 and 0.999 for the arsenic and selenium species. Column recovery for ion chromatography was calculated to be 97 ± 6% for combined arsenic species and 98 ± 3% for combined selenium species. Because certified reference materials for As and Se speciation studies are still not commercially available, in order to check accuracy and precision the method was applied to certified reference materials, BCR 714, BCR 1714, and BCR 715 and to two different refinery samples—inlet and outlet wastewater. The method was successfully used to study the quantitative speciation of selenium and arsenic in petroleum refinery wastewaters.     

Synthesis and Physicochemical Characteristics of New Tetrachloroferrates(III) with Dimethylammonium Cation: X‐ray Crystal Structure of Bis(dimethylammonium) Chloride Tetrachloroferrate(III)

Two new tetrachloroferrates(III) have been synthesized of molecular formulas [(CH₃)₂NH₂][FeCl₄] and [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂FeCl₅. The differences in their physicochemical properties have been highlighted using thermal analysis (TG‐MS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystal and molecular structure of [(CH₃)₂NH]₂FeCl₅ was determined. The iron(III) cation is four coordinated by chloride ions, and it adopts a slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination with three angles smaller and three larger than the tetrahedral one. In the structure four intermolecular N‐H···Cl hydrogen bonds link the [(CH₃)₂NH₂]⁺ cations to dimers via a Cl^? bridge.     

Monoxidised Sulfur and Selenium Derivatives of 1,8‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene: Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry

Treatment of 1,8‐bis(diphenylphosphino)naphthalene (dppn, 1 ) with stoichiometric amounts of sulfur or selenium in toluene at 80 °C selectively afforded the diphosphine monochalcogenides 1‐Ph₂P(C₁₀H₆)‐8‐P(:S)Ph₂ (dppnS, 2 a ) and 1‐Ph₂P(C₁₀H₆)‐8‐P(:Se)Ph₂ (dppnSe, 2 b ). The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of 2 b showed an unusually large ⁵J(P–Se) value, which indicates a significant through‐space coupling component. The monosulfide acted as a bidentate P,S‐ligand towards platinum(II) ( 3 a ), whereas the corresponding monoselenide complex ( 3 b ′) lost elemental selenium with formation of the previously reported complex [PtCl₂(dppn)‐P,P′] ( 3 ). Treatment of dppnSe with [(nor)Mo(CO)₄] (nor = norbornadiene) led to formation of [(dppnSe)Mo(CO)₄‐P,Se] ( 3 b ). Solutions of the latter slowly deposited Se with formation of [(dppn)Mo(CO)₄‐P,P′] ( 4 ) which was also obtained by independent synthesis from 1 and [(nor)Mo(CO)₄]. All isolated new compounds were characterised by a combination of ³¹P, ¹H, ¹³C and ⁷⁷Se ( 2 b ) NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations were performed for dppnSe ( 2 b ), [PtCl₂(dppnS)‐P,S] ( 3 a ), [(dppnSe)Mo(CO)₄‐P,Se] ( 3 b ) and [(dppn)Mo(CO)₄‐P,P′] ( 4 ). In 2 b steric effects cause the naphthalene ring to be distorted and force the phosphorus atoms by 65 and 59 pm to opposite sides of the best naphthalene plane. In the metal complexes 3 a , 3 b and 4 the phosphino‐phosphinochalcogenyl systems act as bidentate ligands through the P and the chalcogen atoms. The naphthalene systems are again distorted. The two independent molecules of 4 differ in their conformations.     

Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen neuer chalkogenido‐verbrückter Niob‐Kupfer‐Cluster

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Novel Chalcogenido‐bridged Niobium Copper Clusters In the presence of tertiary phosphines, the reaction of NbCl₅ and Copper(I) salts with Se(SiMe₃)₂ (E = S, Se) affords the new chalcogenido‐bridged niobium‐copper cluster compounds ( 1 ) and [NbCu₄Se₄Cl (PPh₃)₄] ( 2 ). Using E(R)SiMe₃ (E = S, Se, R = Ph, ⁿPr) instead of the bisilylated selenium species leads to the compounds [NbCu₂(SPh)₆(PMe₃)₂] ( 3 ), [NbCu₂(SPh)₆(PⁿPr₃)₂] ( 4 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(PMe₃)₂] ( 5 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(PⁿPr₃)₂] ( 6 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(PⁱPr₃)₂] ( 7 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(P^tBu₃)₂] ( 8 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(PⁱPr₂Me)₂] ( 9 ), [NbCu₂(SePh)₆(PPhEt₂)₂] ( 10 ), [Nb₂Cu₂(SⁿPr)₈(PⁿPr₃)₂Cl₂] ( 11 ) and [Nb₂Cu₆(SⁿPr)₁₂(PⁱPr₃)₂Cl₄]·2 CH₃CN ( 12 ·2 CH₃CN). By reacting Cu^I salts and NbCl₅ with the monosilylated selenides Se(^tBu)SiMe₃ and Se(ⁱPr)SiMe₃ which have a weak Se–C bond the products [Nb₂Cu₆Se₆(PⁱPr₃)₆Cl₄] ( 13 ), [Nb₂Cu₄Se₂(SeⁱPr)₆(PⁿPr₃)₄Cl₂] ( 14 ) and [Nb₂Cu₆Se₂(SeⁱPr)₁₀(PEt₂Me)₂Cl₂]·DME ( 15 ) are formed which contain selenide as well as alkylselenolate ligands. The molecular structures of all of these new compounds were determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements.     

Synthesis,characterization, X‐ray crystal structure and in vitro antitumour activity of sodium bis(2‐(3′,6′,9′‐trioxadecyl)‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane‐1‐carboxylato)triphenylstannate

Sodium bis[2‐(3′,6′,9′‐trioxadecyl)‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane‐1‐carboxylato]triphenylstannate, [(CH₃OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂)‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀‐9‐COO)₂SnPh₃]^? Na⁺, compound 1, was synthesized by the 1:1 condensation of triphenyltin(IV) hydroxide with 2‐(3′,6′,9′‐trioxadecyl)‐1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane‐1‐carboxylic acid and crystallized in the presence of sodium bicarbonate. Its structure was determined by spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X‐ray diffraction. The structure of 1 consists of trigonal bipyramidal [Sn(Ph)₃(L)₂]^? anions and Na⁺ cations coordinated by oxygen atoms of polyoxaalkyl chains of different stannate anions, forming cation–anion chains elongated along the c axis. Compound 1 is significantly more active in vitro against seven tumour cell lines of human origin than 5‐fluorouracil, cis‐platin, carboplatin, and previously reported organotin carboranecarboxylates, but is less active than organotin polyoxaalkylcarboxylates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.