Solution-stable trinuclear zinc(II) cluster from 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (HPyrimol)

The reaction of zinc(II) acetate with 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (HPyramol) in methanol leads to a solution stable linear trinuclear zinc cluster with intramolecular ligand oxidation.     

Structure and DNA cleavage properties of two copper(II) complexes of the pyridine-pyrazole-containing ligands mbpzbpy and Hmpzbpya

The DNA-cleavage properties of the two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(mbpzbpy)Br(2)](H(2)O)(2.5) (1) and [Cu(mpzbpya)Cl](CH(3)OH) (2), obtained from the ligands 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) (mbpzbpy) and 6'-(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid) (Hmpzbpya), respectively, are reported. Upon coordination to Cu(II) chloride in methanol, one arm of the ligand mbpzbpy is hydrolyzed to form mpzbpya. Under the same experimental conditions, the reaction of mbpzbpy with CuBr(2) does not lead to ligand hydrolysis. The ligand mpzbpya is coordinated to a copper(ii) ion generating a CuN(3)OCl chromophore, resulting in a distorted square-pyramidal environment, whereas with the N(4) mbpzbpy ligand, the Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted square planar geometry. Both complexes promote the oxidative DNA cleavage of phiX174 phage DNA in the absence of reductant. The oxidative nature of the DNA cleavage reaction has been confirmed by religation and cell-transformation experiments. Studies using standard radical scavengers suggest the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Although both compounds do convert form I (supercoiled) DNA to form II (nicked, relaxed form), only complex 1 is able to produce small amounts of form III (linearized DNA). This observation may be explained either by the attack of the copper(ii) complexes to only one single strand of DNA, or by a single cleavage event. Statistical analysis of relative DNA quantities present after the treatment with both copper(ii) complexes supports a random mode of DNA cleavage.     

Two new ternary complexes of copper(II) with tetracycline or doxycycline and 1,10-phenanthroline and their potential as antitumoral: cytotoxicity and DNA cleavage

This paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of two new ternary copper(II) complexes: [Cu(doxycycline)(1,10-phenanthroline)(H(2)O)(ClO(4))](ClO(4)) (1) and [Cu(tetracycline)(1,10-phenanthroline)(H(2)O)(ClO(4))](ClO(4)) (2). These compounds exhibit a distorted tetragonal geometry around copper, which is coordinated to two bidentate ligands, 1,10-phenanthroline and tetracycline or doxycyline, a water molecule, and a perchlorate ion weakly bonded in the axial positions. In both compounds, copper(II) binds to tetracyclines via the oxygen of the hydroxyl group and oxygen of the amide group at ring A and to 1,10-phenanthroline via its two heterocyclic nitrogens. We have evaluated the binding of the new complexes to DNA, their capacity to cleave it, their cytotoxic activity, and uptake in tumoral cells. The complexes bind to DNA preferentially by the major groove, and then cleave its strands by an oxidative mechanism involving the generation of ROS. The cleavage of DNA was inhibited by radical inhibitors and/or trappers such as superoxide dismutase, DMSO, and the copper(I) chelator bathocuproine. The enzyme T4 DNA ligase was not able to relegate the products of DNA cleavage, which indicates that the cleavage does not occur via a hydrolytic mechanism. Both complexes present an expressive plasmid DNA cleavage activity generating single- and double-strand breaks, under mild reaction conditions, and even in the absence of any additional oxidant or reducing agent. In the same experimental conditions, [Cu(phen)(2)](2+) is approximately 100-fold less active than our complexes. These complexes are among the most potent DNA cleavage agents reported so far. Both complexes inhibit the growth of K562 cells with the IC(50) values of 1.93 and 2.59 μmol L(-1) for compounds 1 and 2, respectively. The complexes are more active than the free ligands, and their cytotoxic activity correlates with intracellular copper concentration and the number of Cu-DNA adducts formed inside cells.     

Hydrolytic protein cleavage mediated by unusual mononuclear copper(II) complexes: X-ray structures and solution studies

The crystal structures and redox and UV-vis/EPR spectroscopic properties of two new mononuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(HL1)Cl2] (1) and [Cu(L1)Cl] (2), prepared through the reaction between copper(II) chloride and the ligand 2-[(bis(pyridylmethyl)amino)methyl]-4-methyl-6-formylphenol (HL1) under distinct base conditions, are reported along with solution studies. Also, we demonstrate that these CuII complexes are able to cleave unactivated peptide bonds from bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the thermostable enzyme Taq DNA polymerase at micromolar concentration, under mild pH and temperature conditions. The cleavage activity seems to be specific with defined proteolytic fragments appearing after protein treatment. The location of the specific cleavage sites was tentatively assigned to solvent-accessible portions of the protein. These are two of the most active Cu(II) complexes described to date, since their cleavage activity is detected in minutes and evidence is here presented for a hydrolytic mechanism mediating protein cleavage by these complexes.     

DNA cleavage by the photocontrolled cooperation of Zn(II) centers in an azobenzene-linked dizinc complex

We synthesized a new photoactive dinuclear zinc(II) complex by linking two zinc centers with a ligand containing an azobenzene chromophore and investigated the DNA cleavage activities of its trans and cis forms. The trans structure of the dinuclear zinc complex was determined by X-ray crystallography, where each zinc center is situated in an octahedral coordination environment comprised of three nitrogen atoms from the ligand and three oxygen atoms from two nitrate ions. The dinuclear zinc complex containing the azobenzene chromophore was photoisomerizable between the trans and cis forms. The binding affinities of the trans and cis complexes with calf thymus (CT)-DNA were similar. Although the DNA cleavage activity of the trans complex was negligible, the cis complex was able to cleave DNA. We attribute the efficient activity of the cis complex to the cooperation of the two closely located zinc centers and the inactivity of the trans complex to the two metal centers positioned far away from each other. The DNA cleavage activity of the cis complex exhibited a pH-dependent bell-shaped profile, which has been observed in the hydrolytic cleavage of DNA by zinc complexes. The DNA cleavage activity was not inhibited by a major groove binder, methyl green, but decreased significantly by a minor groove binder, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, indicating that the dinuclear zinc complex binds to the minor groove of DNA. The present work shows the importance of the cooperation of two zinc ions for hydrolytic DNA cleavage, which can be photoregulated by linking the two metal centers with a photoisomerizable spacer, such as an azobenzene chromophore.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA cleavage and in vitro antimicrobial activities of copper(II) complexes of Schiff bases containing a 2,4-disubstituted thiazole

Six Cu(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands of arylidene-2-(4-(4-bromo/methoxy-phenyl)thiazol-2-yl) hydrazines have been synthesized, characterized and screened for DNA cleavage and antimicrobial activities. The chemical structures of the complexes were deduced by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Elemental analyses indicated that the stoichiometry of the complexes is CuL₂ (L = Schiff base ligand). The DNA cleavage activities of the complexes were evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of oxidant (H₂O₂) and free radical scavenger (DMSO). All the six complexes showed significant nuclease activity in the presence of H₂O₂, and two of the complexes showed moderate nuclease activity even in the absence of oxidant. The complexes did not show nuclease activity in the presence of free radical scavenger. The compounds were tested for activity against selected bacteria and fungi.     

Synthesis and characterisation of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes of furfural derived from aroylhydrazones bearing aliphatic groups and their interactions with DNA

Two new Schiff base-hydrazones bearing furan ring, (Z)-4-butoxy-N′-(furan-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (IV) and (Z)-N′-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-4-(hexyloxy)benzohydrazide (V), as well as their Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesised and characterised. The DNA-binding and DNA-cleavage activities of both aroylhydrazone ligands and their transition metal complexes were examined using UV-VIS titration and agarose gel electrophoresis in the presence of an oxidative agent (H₂O₂). The results indicate that the copper complexes bind significantly to calf thymus DNA and effectively cleave pBR322 DNA whereas the nickel and zinc complexes interact slightly with DNA.     

Hydrogen peroxide and dioxygen activation by dinuclear copper complexes in aqueous solution: hydroxyl radical production initiated by internal electron transfer

Dinuclear Cu(II) complexes, CuII2Nn (n = 4 or 5), were recently found to specifically cleave DNA in the presence of a reducing thiol and O2 or in the presence of H2O2 alone. However, CuII2N3 and a closely related mononuclear Cu(II) complex exhibited no selective reaction under either condition. Spectroscopic studies indicate an intermediate is generated from CuII2Nn (n = 4 or 5) and mononuclear Cu(II) solutions in the presence of H2O2 or from CuI2Nn (n = 4 or 5) in the presence of O2. This intermediate decays to generate OH radicals and ligand degradation products at room temperature. The lack of reactivity of the intermediate with a series of added electron donors suggests the intermediate discharges through a rate-limiting intramolecular electron transfer from the ligand to the metal peroxo center to produce an OH radical and a ligand-based radical. These results imply that DNA cleavage does not result from direct reaction with a metal-peroxo intermediate but instead arises from reaction with either OH radicals or ligand-based radicals.     

Carbon radical generation by d0 tantalum complexes with α-diimine ligands through ligand-centered redox processes

High-valent tantalum complexes having redox-active α-diimine ligands, (α-diimine)TaCl(n) (n = 3, 4), are prepared by the reaction of TaCl(5), α-diimine ligands, and an organosilicon-based reductant, 1-methyl-3,6-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-cyclohexadiene. Reductive cleavage of the C-Cl bond of polyhaloalkanes is accomplished by trichlorotantalum complexes having dianionic α-diimine ligands via electron transfer from the dianionic ligands, whereas oxidative decomposition of tetraphenylborate is observed using tetrachlorotantalum complexes with monoanionic α-diimine ligands through electron transfer to the monoanionic ligands. Chemically oxidized or reduced complexes of (α-diimine)TaCl(4) are isolated as ligand-centered redox products, [Cp(2)Co][(α-diimine)TaCl(4)] and [(α-diimine)TaCl(4)][WCl(6)], where the α-diimine ligand coordinates to the metal center as a dianionic or neutral ligand, respectively. On the basis of EPR measurements of (α-diimine)TaCl(4) complexes (which are key intermediates for reductive cleavage of C-Cl bond and oxidative decomposition of tetraphenylborate), two redox isomers--a tantalum-centered radical and ligand-localized radical--are present in solution.     

DNA cleavage on photoexposure at the d-d band in ternary copper(II) complexes using red-light laser

Ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)B](ClO4) (1, 2) and [Cu(L2)B](ClO4) (3, 4), where HL1 and HL2 are tridentate NSO- and ONO-donor Schiff bases and B is a heterocyclic base, viz. dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 1 and 3) or dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz, 2 and 4), were prepared and their DNA binding and photoinduced DNA cleavage activity studied. Complex 1, structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, shows an axially elongated square-pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination geometry in which the monoanionic L1 binds at the equatorial plane. The NN-donor dpq ligand exhibits an axial-equatorial binding mode. The complexes display good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA, giving a relative order 2 (NSO-dppz) > 4 (ONO-dppz) > 1 (NSO-dpq) > 3 (ONO-dpq). They cleave supercoiled pUC19 DNA to its nicked circular form when treated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) by formation of hydroxyl radicals as the cleavage active species under dark reaction conditions. The photoinduced DNA cleavage activity of the complexes was investigated using UV radiation of 365 nm and red light of 633, 647.1, and 676.4 nm (CW He-Ne and Ar-Kr mixed gas ion laser sources) in the absence of MPA. Complexes 1 and 2, having photoactive NSO-donor Schiff base and dpq/dppz ligands, show dual photosensitizing effects involving both the photoactive ligands in the ternary structure with significantly better cleavage properties when compared to those of 3 and 4, having only photoactive dpq/dppz ligands. Involvement of singlet oxygen in the light-induced DNA cleavage reactions is proposed. A significant enhancement of the red-light-induced DNA cleavage activity is observed for the dpq and dppz complexes containing the sulfur ligand when compared to their earlier reported phen (1,10-phenanthroline) analogue. Enhancement of the cleavage activity on photoexposure at the d-d band indicates the occurrence of metal-assisted photosensitization processes involving the LMCT and d-d band in the ternary structure.     

DNA binding, nuclease activity and cytotoxicity studies of Cu(II) complexes of tridentate ligands

Cu(II) complexes of three tridentate ligands, L(1), L(2) and L(3), [L(1), N-((1H-imidazole-2-yl)methyl)-2-(pyridine-2-yl)ethanamine; L(2), N-((1-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-yl)methyl)-2-(pyridine-2-yl)ethanamine; L(3), 2-(pyridine-2-yl)-N-((pyridine-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine] respectively, were synthesized and characterized. The single crystal X-ray structure of complex 1 reveals the pseudo octahedral coordination geometry around the copper center. Absorption and fluorescence experimental evidence show good DNA binding propensity (in the order of 10(5) M(-1)) of the complexes. Thermal denaturation and circular dichroism (CD) analyses reveal minor structural changes of calf thymus (CT) DNA in presence of complexes and groove and/or surface binding of the complexes to CT-DNA. Kinetic DNA cleavage assay shows pseudo-first-order kinetic reaction between the complex and supercoiled (SC) DNA. In addition, mechanistic SC DNA cleavage results show higher DNA cleavage activity in presence of reducing agent, due to the presence of hydroxyl radicals. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of the complexes demonstrate that the complexes have low toxicity for different cancer cell lines and IC(50) values were between 37 and 156 μM.     

Structures and interaction with DNA of ternary palladium(II) complexes: [Pd(Gly)(X)] (Gly=glycine; X=2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2'-bi-pyridylamine)

The structures of the ternary palladium(II) complexes of the formulations [Pd(Gly)(bpy)](+)Cl(-).4H(2)O (Gly=glycine; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) (1), [Pd(Gly)(phen)](+)Cl(-).4H(2)O (2) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) and {[Pd(Gly)(bpa)](+)Cl(-)}(2).6H(2)O (3) (bpa=2,2'-bipyridylamine) were determined. All complexes are positively charged and neutralized by the chloride anion located nearby the complexes. The central Pd(II) atoms of the complexes 1, 2 and 3 have a similar distorted square planar coordination geometry, in which each Pd(II) atom is coordinated to two N atoms of the bidentate heterocyclic ligand, and N and O atoms of the bidentate glycine ligand. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus (CT) DNA was also studied using the fluorescence method. All complexes showed the inhibition of ethidium bromide binding to CT DNA, and the DNA-binding strengths were reflected as the relative order 2>1>3. The remarkable reduction of UV absorption intensity of 2 caused in the presence of DNA suggests the presence of pi-pi stacking interaction between the heterocyclic ring of the phen ligand and nucleobases. The intercalative DNA-binding of 2 is suggested by UV and CD measurements. DNA cleavage studies indicated that the cleavage of the plasmid supercoiled pBR322 DNA in the presence of H(2)O(2) and ascorbic acid could be enhanced by the complexes.     

Cover Feature: Copper and Nickel Complexes of Oxamate−Phenol Containing Ligands: A Structural Dichotomy in Oxidized Species (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 15/2023)

The copper and nickel complexes of two tetradentate ligands derived from bis(aminophenol) and bis(phenol) architectures connected by an oxamate linker were isolated. Depending on the metal and ligand, the complex is isolated with either an intact (deprotonated) ligand ( 1²⁻ ), one-electron oxidized ligand ( 2⁻ ) or quinone form ( 3 ). Surprisingly, the Mannich base is easier to oxidize than the amidophenol derivatives. The complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR and EPR spectroscopies. Complex 1 shows two reversible oxidation waves assigned to the successive iminosemiquinone/aminophenolate redox systems. Complex 2⁻ shows an intense NIR feature, as well as an EPR signal at g_iso=2.043, consistent with a metallic contribution to the main ligand radical SOMO. Complex 3 shows the typical feature of an isolated Cu(II) complex. Spectro-electrochemistry coupled to DFT calculations demonstrate a ligand-centered oxidative redox chemistry for all the complexes.     

Structural and spectroscopic study of reactions between chelating zinc-binding groups and mimics of the matrix metalloproteinase and disintegrin metalloprotease catalytic sites: the coordination chemistry of metalloprotease inhibition

To understand the coordination chemistry of zinc-binding groups (ZBGs) with catalytic zinc centers in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and disintegrin metalloproteases (ADAMs), we have undertaken a model compound study centered around tris(3,5-methylphenypyrazolyl)hydroboratozinc(II) hydroxide and aqua complexes ([Tp(Ph,Me)ZnOH] and [Tp(Ph,Me)Zn(OH2)]+, respectively, wherein (Tp(Ph,Me))- = hydrotris(3,5-methylphenylpyrazolyl)borate) and the products of their reactions with a class of chelating Schiff's base ligands. The results show that the protic ligands, HL (HL = N-propyl-1-(5-methyl-2-imidazolyl)methanimine (5-Me-4-ImHPr), N-propyl-1-(4-imidazolyl)methanimine (4-ImHPr), and N-propyl-1-(2-imidazolyl)methanimine (2-ImHPr)), react with [Tp(Ph,Me)ZnOH] and give products with the general formula [Tp(Ph,Me)ZnL], whereas reactions with neutral aprotic ligands, L' (L' = N-propyl-1-(1-methyl-2-imidazolyl)methanimine (1-Me-2-ImPr) and N-propyl-1-(2-thiazolyl)methanimine (2-TaPr)), yield the corresponding [Tp(Ph,Me)ZnL]+ complexes. Although the phenol group of N-propyl-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methanimine (2-HOPhPr) is protic, this ligand forms a cationic four-coordinate complex containing an intraligand hydrogen bond. The solid-state structures of these complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the results showed that the protic ligands form five-membered chelates of the Zn2+ ion. All ligands displace the aqua ligand in [Tp(Ph,Me)Zn(OH2)]+ to yield complexes having 1H NMR spectra consistent with the formation of five membered chelates. The 1H resonance frequencies of the chelating ligands typically shift upfield upon coordination to the zinc center, due to ring current effects from the pendant phenyl groups of the (Tp(Ph,Me))- ligand. Thus, the 1H NMR spectra provide a convenient and sensitive means of tracking the solution reactions by titration. The resulting series of spectra showed that the stabilities of the chelates in solution depend on the propensity of the ligands to deprotonate upon chelation of the zinc center. The behaviors of these bidentate ZBGs provide insight into the structural and electronic factors that contribute to the stabilities of inhibited MMPs and ADAMs and suggest that the proton acidity of the coordinated ZBG may be a crucial criterion for inhibitor design.     

Structure, cytotoxicity, and DNA-cleavage properties of the complex [Cu(II)(pbt)Br2

The reactions of the ligand 2-(2-pyridyl)benzthiazole (pbt) with CuBr 2 and ZnCl 2 in acetonitrile produce the complexes [Cu(pbt)Br 2] ( 1) and [Zn(pbt)Cl 2] ( 3), respectively. When complex 1 is dissolved in DMF, complex 2 is obtained as light-green crystals. The reaction of pbt with CuBr 2 in DMF also yields the complex [Cu(pbt)Br 2(dmf)] ( 2) (dmf = dimethylformamide). Complexes 1- 3 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 3 have distorted tetrahedral coordination environments, and complex 2 is constituted of two slightly different copper centers, both exhibiting distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. Complexes 1 and 2 cleave phiX174 phage DNA, both in the presence and the absence of reductant. The free ligand pbt does not show any DNA-cleaving abilities. The poor solubility of complex 3 makes it not applicable for biological tests. The occurrence of DNA breaks in the presence of various radical scavengers suggests that no diffusible radicals are involved in the DNA cleavage by complex 1, as none of the scavengers inhibit the cleavage reaction. The DNA-cleavage products are not religated with the enzyme T4 DNA ligase, which is an additional proof that the cleavage is nonhydrolytic. Most probably the cleaving reaction involves reactive oxygen species, which could not be trapped, leading to an oxidative mechanism. An easy oxidation of Cu (II)(pbt)Br 2 to Cu (III) in DMF and the reduction of the same to Cu (I), under similar electrochemical conditions may lead to the in situ activation of molecular oxygen, resulting in the formation of metal solvated nondiffusible radicals able to prompt the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Complex 1 and the pure ligand exhibit remarkable cytotoxic effects against the cancer cell lines L1210 and A2780 and also against the corresponding cisplatin-resistant mutants of these cell lines.     

Photochemically initiated oxidative carbon-carbon bond-cleavage reactivity in chlorodiketonate Ni(II) complexes

Three mononuclear Ni(II) complexes containing a 2-chloro-1,3-diketonate ligand and supported by the 6-Ph(2)TPA chelate, as well as analogues that lack the 2-chloro substituent on the β-diketonate ligand, have been prepared and characterized. Upon irradiation at 350 nm under aerobic conditions, complexes containing the 2-chloro-substituted ligands undergo reactions to generate products resulting from oxidative cleavage, α-cleavage, and radical-derived reactions involving the 2-chloro-1,3-diketonate ligand. Mechanistic studies suggest that the oxidative cleavage reactivity, which leads to the production of carboxylic acids, is a result of the formation of superoxide, which occurs through reaction of reduced nickel complexes with O(2). The presence of the 2-chloro substituent was found to be a prerequisite for oxidative carbon-carbon bond-cleavage reactivity, as complexes lacking this functional group did not undergo these reactions following prolonged irradiation. The approach toward investigating the oxidative reactivity of metal β-diketonate species outlined herein has yielded results of relevance to the proposed mechanistic pathways of metalloenzyme-catalyzed β-diketonate oxidative cleavage reactions.     

Bis(dipyridophenazine)copper(II) complex as major groove directing synthetic hydrolase

The copper(II) complex [Cu(dppz)(2)Cl]Cl () has been prepared, structurally characterized and its DNA binding and cleavage properties studied (dppz, dipyridophenazine). Crystal structure of 1xdppzxH(2)O shows the presence of the monocationic copper(II) complex containing two dppz ligands and one chloride in the five coordinate structure. While one bidentate chelating dppz ligand occupies the basal plane, the other dppz ligand shows an axial/equatorial mode of bonding. The chloride ligand binds at the basal plane. The complex crystallizes with dppz and water as lattice molecules. The dppz moieties in the metal-bound and free forms are involved in pi-pi stacking interactions. The one-electron paramagnetic complex shows a visible spectral d-d band at 707 nm in DMF and displays quasireversible cyclic voltammetric response for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple near 0.1 V vs. SCE in DMF-0.1 M TBAP. The complex which is an avid binder to calf thymus DNA giving a binding constant (K(b)) value of 2.0 x 10(4) M(-1) in DMF-Tris buffer, cleaves supercoiled pUC19 DNA in an oxidative manner in the presence of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as a reducing agent or on photo irradiation at 312 nm. Control experiments show major groove binding and DNA cleavage via the formation of hydroxyl radical in the presence of MPA and by singlet oxygen in the photocleavage reaction. The complex exhibits significant hydrolytic cleavage of DNA in the dark in the absence of any additives at a rate of approximately 3.0 h(-1). The hydrolytic nature of the DNA cleavage is evidenced from the T4 ligase experiments converting the nicked circular form to its original supercoiled form quantitatively. Complex presents a rare example of copper-based major groove directing efficient synthetic hydrolase.     

Synthesis, structure and spectroscopy of new thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione transition-metal complexes

The coordination chemistry of several O,S mixed donor ligands, namely thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione chelators, with a variety of middle and late first-row transition-metal ions is described. Complexes of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-thiopyrone (thiomaltol) with cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II); 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridinethione (3,4-HOPTO) with iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II); and 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinethione (3,2-HOPTO) with iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures, absorbance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and superconducting quantum interferometer device (SQUID) measurements of selected metal complexes, as well as ligand protonation constants, are reported. Most of the metal complexes show coordination geometries indicative of a strong trans influence by the O,S chelators. The data presented herein provide the most detailed study of the transition-metal coordination chemistry of both thiopyrone and hydroxypyridinethione O,S donor ligands to date, and provide the basis for the investigation of these ligands in realm of biological inorganic chemistry.     

Ternary dinuclear copper(II) complexes of a hydroxybenzamide ligand with diimine coligands: the 5,6-dmp ligand enhances DNA binding and cleavage and induces apoptosis

The dinuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(2)(LH)(2)(diimine)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1-4), where LH = 2-hydroxy-N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzamide and diimine = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy; 1), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen; 2), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmp; 3), and dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq; 4), have been isolated and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of complex 1 contains two copper(II) centers bridged by the phenolate moiety of the amide ligand. All of the complexes display a ligand-field band (630-655 nm) and the PhO(-)-to-Cu(II) ligand-to-metal charge-transfer band (405-420 nm) in solution. Absorption and emission spectral studies and viscosity measurements indicate that complex 4 interacts with calf thymus DNA more strongly than all of the other complexes through strong partial intercalation of the extended planar ring (dpq) with a DNA base stack. Interestingly, 3 exhibits a DNA binding affinity higher than 2, suggesting the involvement in hydrophobic interaction of coordinated 5,6-dmp with the DNA surface. In contrast to the increase in relative viscosities of DNA bound to 2-4, a decrease in viscosity of DNA bound to 1 is observed, indicating a shortening of the DNA chain length through formation of kinks or bends. All of the complexes exhibit an ability to cleave DNA (pUC19 DNA) in a 5% DMF/5 mM Tris-HCl/50 mM NaCl buffer at pH 7.1 in the absence of an oxidant at 100 μM complex concentration, which varies as 4 > 2 > 1 > 3. The order of DNA the cleavage ability at 30 μM concentration in the presence ascorbic acid is 4 > 2 > 1 > 3, and, interestingly, 4 alone shows an ability to convert supercoiled DNA into nicked-coiled DNA even at 6 μM concentration, beyond which complete degradation is observed and the pathway of oxidative DNA cleavage involves hydroxyl radicals. In the presence of distamycin, all of the complexes, except 3, show decreased DNA cleavage activity, suggesting that the complexes prefer to bind in the DNA minor groove. All of the complexes exhibit prominent DNA cleavage even at very low concentrations (nM) in the presence of H(2)O(2) as an activator, with the order of cleavage efficiency being 3 > 2 > 4 > 1. Studies on the anticancer activity toward HEp-2 human larynx cell lines reveal that the ability of the complexes to kill the cancer cell lines varies as 3 > 4 > 2 > 1. Also, interestingly, the IC(50) value of 3 is lower than that of cisplatin, suggesting that the hydrophobicity of methyl groups on the 5 and 6 positions of the complex enhances the anticancer activity. The mode of cell death effected by the complex has been explored by using various biochemical techniques like comet assay, mitochondrial membrane potency, and Western blotting. The complex has been found to induce nuclear condensation and fragmentation in cell lines. Also, it triggers activation of caspases by releasing cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, suggesting that it induces apoptosis in cells via the mitochondrial pathway.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological activities of homo-binuclear Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes derived from 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,3-benzenedicarboxaldehyde derivatives

Few novel binuclear Schiff base metal complexes [M₂LCl₃], where M = Cu(II) and Zn(II); L= 2,6-bis-({2-[(3-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzylidene)amino]ethylimino}methyl)-4-methylphenol (BHEM), 2,6-bis-({2-[(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)amino]ethylimino} methyl)-4-methylphenol (BDEM) and 2,6-bis-({2-[(2,3,5-trichlorobenzylidene)amino]ethylimino}methyl)-4-methylphenol (BTEM), have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral data. The data suggest that BHEM/BDEM/BTEM ligands afford square-pyramidal/distorted square-pyramidal geometry on metalation with Zn(II)/Cu(II). The binding behaviour of these complexes with DNA has been investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopy as well as viscosity and voltammetric measurements; the results show that they interact with DNA through intercalating way. From the DNA cleavage study of these complexes, investigated by gel electrophoresis, we found that they efficiently cleave supercoiled pUC19 DNA in the presence of a reducing agent (3-mercaptopropionic acid) and on irradiation with UV light of 360 nm wavelength. The mechanism reveals that singlet oxygen (¹O₂) plays a significant role in the photo cleavage. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity of the synthesized complexes demonstrates that most of the complexes have promising SOD-mimetic activity. The antimicrobial study indicates that the complexes inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi more than the free ligands.