The heterometallic cadmium–silver complex cis‐bis[dicyanidoargentato(I)‐κN]bis(5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl‐κ2N,N′)cadmium(II) monohydrate

In the title complex, [Ag₂Cd(CN)₄(C₁₂H₁₂N₂)₂]·H₂O or cis‐[Cd{Ag(CN)₂}₂(5,5′‐dmbpy)₂]·H₂O, where 5,5′‐dmbpy is 5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl, the asymmetric unit consists of a discrete neutral [Cd{Ag(CN)₂}₂(5,5′‐dmbpy)₂] unit and a solvent water molecule. The Cd^II cation is coordinated by two bidentate chelate 5,5′‐dmbpy ligands and two monodentate [Ag^I(CN)₂]⁻ anions, which are in a cis arrangement around the Cd^II cation, leading to an octahedral CdN₆ geometry. The overall structure is stabilized by a combination of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and Ag^I...Ag^I and π–π interactions, forming a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

Design of Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes Based on Arene–Metal‐Ion Interactions and Their Application to CdII and Hydrogen Sulfide Imaging in Living Cells

Non‐coordinative interactions between a metal ion and the aromatic ring of a fluorophore can act as a versatile sensing mechanism for the detection of metal ions with a large emission change of fluorophores. We report the design of fluorescent probes based on arene–metal‐ion interactions and their biological applications. This study found that various probes having different fluorophores and metal binding units displayed significant emission redshift upon complexation with metal ions, such as Ag^I, Cd^II, Hg^II, and Pb^II. X‐ray crystallography of the complexes confirmed that the metal ions were held in close proximity to the fluorophore to form an arene–metal‐ion interaction. Electronic structure calculations based on TDDFT offered a theoretical basis for the sensing mechanism, thus showing that metal ions electrostatically modulate the energy levels of the molecular orbitals of the fluorophore. A fluorescent probe was successfully applied to the ratiometric detection of the uptake of Cd^II ions and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in living cells. These results highlight the utility of interactions between arene groups and metal ions in biological analyses.     

How Outer Coordination Sphere Modifications Can Impact Metal Structures in Proteins: A Crystallographic Evaluation

A challenging objective of de novo metalloprotein design is to control of the outer coordination spheres of an active site to fine tune metal properties. The well-defined three stranded coiled coils, TRI and CoilSer peptides, are used to address this question. Substitution of Cys for Leu yields a thiophilic site within the core. Metals such as Hg^II, Pb^II, and As^III result in trigonal planar or trigonal pyramidal geometries; however, spectroscopic studies have shown that Cd^II forms three-, four- or five-coordinate Cd^IIS₃(OH₂)_x (in which x=0–2) when the outer coordination spheres are perturbed. Unfortunately, there has been little crystallographic examination of these proteins to explain the observations. Here, the high-resolution X-ray structures of apo- and mercurated proteins are compared to explain the modifications that lead to metal coordination number and geometry variation. It reveals that Ala substitution for Leu opens a cavity above the Cys site allowing for water excess, facilitating Cd^IIS₃(OH₂). Replacement of Cys by Pen restricts thiol rotation, causing a shift in the metal-binding plane, which displaces water, forming Cd^IIS₃. Residue d -Leu, above the Cys site, reorients the side chain towards the Cys layer, diminishing the space for water accommodation yielding Cd^IIS₃, whereas d -Leu below opens more space, allowing for equal Cd^IIS₃(OH₂) and Cd^IIS₃(OH₂)₂. These studies provide insights into how to control desired metal geometries in metalloproteins by using coded and non-coded amino acids.     

The Correlation of 113Cd NMR and 111mCd PAC Spectroscopies Provides a Powerful Approach for the Characterization of the Structure of CdII‐Substituted ZnII Proteins

The powerful combination of ¹¹³Cd NMR and ^111mCd PAC (perturbed angular correlation) spectroscopies has been critical to determine the coordination geometry of Cd^II bound to thiolate‐rich centers. We have obtained important linear correlations between ¹¹³Cd NMR and ^111mCd PAC spectroscopic data and the acid/base properties of the metal binding site that illustrate the presence of a dynamic model for metal binding (see figure). These unique results can give new insight into Cd^II‐substituted Zn^II proteins.

     

N‐Methyl‐2, 2'‐Dipicolylamine Complexes as Potential Models for Metal‐Mediated Base Pairs

Metal‐mediated base pairs can be used to insert metal ions into nucleic acids at precisely defined positions. As structural data on the resulting metal‐modified DNA are scarce, appropriate model complexes need to be synthesized and structurally characterized. Accordingly, the molecular structures of nine transition metal complexes of N‐methyl‐2, 2'‐dipicolylamine (dipic) are reported. In combination with an azole‐containing artificial nucleoside, this tridentate ligand had recently been used to generate metal‐mediated base pairs (Chem. Commun. 2011 , 47, 11041–11043). The Pd^II and Pt^II complexes reported here confirm that the formation of planar complexes (as required for a metal‐mediated base pair) comprising N‐methyl‐2, 2'‐dipicolylamine is possible. Two Hg^II complexes with differing stoichiometry indicate that a planar structure might also be formed with this metal ion, even though it is not favored. In the complex [Ag₂(dipic)₂](ClO₄)₂, the two Ag^I ions are located close to one another with an Ag ··· Ag distance of 2.9152(3) Å, suggesting the presence of a strong argentophilic interaction.     

Structure Determination of an AgI‐Mediated Cytosine–Cytosine Base Pair within DNA Duplex in Solution with 1H/15N/109Ag NMR Spectroscopy

The structure of an Ag^I‐mediated cytosine–cytosine base pair, C–Ag^I–C, was determined with NMR spectroscopy in solution. The observation of 1‐bond ¹⁵N‐¹⁰⁹Ag J‐coupling (¹J(¹⁵N,¹⁰⁹Ag): 83 and 84 Hz) recorded within the C–Ag^I–C base pair evidenced the N3–Ag^I–N3 linkage in C–Ag^I–C. The triplet resonances of the N4 atoms in C–Ag^I–C demonstrated that each exocyclic N4 atom exists as an amino group (?NH₂), and any isomerization and/or N4–Ag^I bonding can be excluded. The 3D structure of Ag^I–DNA complex determined with NOEs was classified as a B‐form conformation with a notable propeller twist of C–Ag^I–C (?18.3±3.0°). The ¹⁰⁹Ag NMR chemical shift of C‐Ag^I‐C was recorded for cytidine/Ag^I complex (δ(¹⁰⁹Ag): 442 ppm) to completed full NMR characterization of the metal linkage. The structural interpretation of NMR data with quantum mechanical calculations corroborated the structure of the C–Ag^I–C base pair.     

Chromatographic study of metal ammines

Summary The movement of metal ammines through filter paper strips has been studied. Mixtures of solutions of the metal salts with NH₄Cl and NH₄OH were prepared and spotted on strips. 50% ethanol was used as the solvent. It was noted that excess of NH₄Cl when present, gave better chromatograms. Increase of NH₃ concentration resulted in a change of R_f values. In the case of Cu^II and Ni^II the R_f value decreases, while in the case of Ag^I, Cd^II and Co^II it increases with increasing concentrations of NH₄OH added. With progressive increase in the concentration of NH₄OH the R_f values finally tend to become constant.     

Structural Basis for Copper–Oxygen Mediated C−H Bond Activation by the Formylglycine‐Generating Enzyme

The formylglycine‐generating enzyme (FGE) is a unique copper protein that catalyzes oxygen‐dependent C−H activation. We describe 1.66 Å‐ and 1.28 Å‐resolution crystal structures of FGE from Thermomonospora curvata in complex with either Ag^I or Cd^II providing definitive evidence for a high‐affinity metal‐binding site in this enzyme. The structures reveal a bis‐cysteine linear coordination of the monovalent metal, and tetrahedral coordination of the bivalent metal. Similar coordination changes may occur in the active enzyme as a result of Cu^I/II redox cycling. Complexation of copper atoms by two cysteine residues is common among copper‐trafficking proteins, but is unprecedented for redox‐active copper enzymes or synthetic copper catalysts.     

EPR‐spektroskopische Charakterisierung (X‐, Q‐Band) monomerer AgII‐ und AuII‐Komplexe der Thiakronenether [12]anS4, [16]anS4, [18]anS6 und [27]anS9

EPR Spectroscopic Characterization (X‐, Q‐Band) of Monomeric Ag^II‐ and Au^II‐Complexes of the Thiacrownethers [12]aneS₄, [16]aneS₄, [18]aneS₆ and [27]aneS₉ The reaction of the prepared Ag^I complexes of the thiacrownethers [12]aneS₄, [16]aneS₄, [18]aneS₆ and [27]aneS₉ with c. H₂SO₄ as well as the reaction of [Au^IIICl₄]^‐ with [18]aneS₆ and [27]aneS₉ leads to labile Ag^II‐ (4d⁹, ^{107, 109}Ag: I=1/2) and Au^II‐ (5d⁹, ¹⁹⁷Au: I=3/2) thiacrownether complexes, respectively, which were characterized by X‐ and Q‐band EPR. The EPR spectra of [Ag^II([12]anS₄)]²⁺ and [Ag^II([18]anS₆)]²⁺ were reinvestigated. According to an analysis of the spin‐density distribution only 20 ‐ 25 % is located on the Ag or Au atoms. Most of the spin‐density was found to be on the S donor atoms of the thiacrownethers. The high delocalization of the spin‐density leads certainly to a noticeable reduction of the Ag^I/Ag^II redox potential and is considered as being mainly responsible for the easy accessibility of the Ag^II compounds.     

Structural Basis for Copper–Oxygen Mediated C−H Bond Activation by the Formylglycine-Generating Enzyme

The formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE) is a unique copper protein that catalyzes oxygen-dependent C−H activation. We describe 1.66 Å- and 1.28 Å-resolution crystal structures of FGE from Thermomonospora curvata in complex with either Ag^I or Cd^II providing definitive evidence for a high-affinity metal-binding site in this enzyme. The structures reveal a bis-cysteine linear coordination of the monovalent metal, and tetrahedral coordination of the bivalent metal. Similar coordination changes may occur in the active enzyme as a result of Cu^I/II redox cycling. Complexation of copper atoms by two cysteine residues is common among copper-trafficking proteins, but is unprecedented for redox-active copper enzymes or synthetic copper catalysts.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

A Tray‐Shaped,PdII‐Clipped Au3 Complex as a Scaffold for the Modular Assembly of [3×n] Au Ion Clusters

A tray‐shaped Pd^II₃Au^I₃ complex ( 1 ) is prepared from 3,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)pyrazole by means of tricyclization with Au^I followed by Pd^II clipping. Tray 1 is an efficient scaffold for the modular assembly of [3×n] Au^I clusters. Treatment of 1 with the Au^I₃ tricyclic guest 2 in H₂O/CH₃CN (7:3) or H₂O results in the selective formation of a [3×2] cluster ( 1 ⋅ 2 ) or a [3×3] cluster ( 1 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 1 ), respectively. Upon subsequent addition of Ag^I ions, these complexes are converted to an unprecedented Au₃–Au₃–Ag–Au₃–Au₃ metal ion cluster.     

A Tray‐Shaped,PdII‐Clipped Au3 Complex as a Scaffold for the Modular Assembly of [3×n] Au Ion Clusters

A tray‐shaped Pd^II₃Au^I₃ complex ( 1 ) is prepared from 3,5‐bis(3‐pyridyl)pyrazole by means of tricyclization with Au^I followed by Pd^II clipping. Tray 1 is an efficient scaffold for the modular assembly of [3×n] Au^I clusters. Treatment of 1 with the Au^I₃ tricyclic guest 2 in H₂O/CH₃CN (7:3) or H₂O results in the selective formation of a [3×2] cluster ( 1 ? 2 ) or a [3×3] cluster ( 1 ? 2 ? 1 ), respectively. Upon subsequent addition of Ag^I ions, these complexes are converted to an unprecedented Au₃–Au₃–Ag–Au₃–Au₃ metal ion cluster.     

A novel one‐dimensional double‐chain‐like ZnII coordination polymer: poly[bis(1‐benzyl‐1H‐imidazole‐κN3)tris(μ‐cyanido‐κ2C:N)(cyanido‐κC)disilver(I)zinc(II)]

One of most interesting systems of coordination polymers constructed from the first‐row transition metals is the porous Zn^II coordination polymer system, but the numbers of such polymers containing N‐donor linkers are still limited. The title double‐chain‐like Zn^II coordination polymer, [Ag₂Zn(CN)₄(C₁₀H₁₀N₂)₂]_n, presents a one‐dimensional linear coordination polymer structure in which Zn^II ions are linked by bridging anionic dicyanidoargentate(I) units along the crystallographic b axis and each Zn^II ion is additionally coordinated by a terminal dicyanidoargentate(I) unit and two terminal 1‐benzyl‐1H‐imidazole (BZI) ligands, giving a five‐coordinated Zn^II ion. Interestingly, there are strong intermolecular Ag^I…Ag^I interactions between terminal and bridging dicyanidoargentate(I) units and C—H…π interactions between the phenyl rings of BZI ligands of adjacent one‐dimensional linear chains, providing a one‐dimensional linear double‐chain‐like structure. The supramolecular three‐dimensional framework is stabilized by C—H…π interactions between the phenyl rings of BZI ligands and by Ag^I…Ag^I interactions between adjacent double chains. The photoluminescence properties have been studied.     

Silver-palladium alloyed clusters synthesized by radiolysis

Bimetallic Ag—Pd clusters have been synthesized by radiation-induced reduction of aqueous solutions of metal sulfate salts with different Ag^I/Pd^II ratios in the presence of polyacrylic acid. The mixed clusters have been characterized by TEM and UV-visible spectra. The evolution of the optical absorption spectrum with the dose absorbed and the electron diffractograms support the conclusion of the formation of an intimately alloyed cluster of Ag_xPd_1-x. The maximum wavelengths of the experimental absorption spectra at variable x coincide with those calculated from the electron density in an alloyed cluster.     

Poly[μ7‐sulfanediyldiacetato‐disilver(I)]

In the title coordination polymer, [Ag₂(C₄H₄O₄S)], each Ag^I cation is four‐coordinated by three of the four carboxylate O atoms and the S atom from symmetry‐related sulfanediyldiacetate ligands, thus defining a distorted tetrahedral geometry at the metal centre. The Ag^I cations are bridged by sulfanediyldiacetate groups, leading to a two‐dimensional layer structure. These layers are interconnected via Ag—S bonds to form a three‐dimensional coordination polymer network overall.     

Silver(II) Complexes of Tetraazamacrocycles: Studies on e.p.r. and Electron Transfer Kinetics with Thiosulfate Ion

The e.p.r. studies of Ag^II complexes of three tetraazamacrocycles, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane (cyclam)(I), 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-teradecane-4,11-diene (Me₆CD)(II) and 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-teradecane (Me₆Cy)(III) and the electron transfer between [Ag^II(cyclam)]²⁺ and thiosulfate ion are described. The e.p.r. studies reveal that the spectra are almost the same as those reported earlier, particularly, for polycrystalline material and are typical of a d ⁹ planar Ag^II complexes. Previous e.p.r. studies on these square planar polycrystalline complexes showed no ligand hyperfine splitting. Reinvestigation of the e.p.r. spectra of these complexes in both the solid state and in solution at room (T 297 K) and at low (T= 120 K) temperature reveals resolved hyperfine structures in solution for [Ag(Me₆CD)]²⁺ and [Ag(Me₆Cy)]²⁺ complexes. Surprisingly, such a structure was not observed in solutions of [Ag(cyclam)]²⁺. Computer simulations of the hyperfine structure observed in solutions are in good agreement with structural formulae proposed. The oxidation of thiosulfate ion by [Ag(cyclam)]²⁺ follows the rate law:–d/dt[Ag^II(cyclam)²⁺]=(k ₁ Q ₁[H+]+k ₂ Q ₂ K _a2)/([H+]+K _a2)[Ag^II(cyclam)²⁺][S₂O₃ ^2–] and an inner-sphere mechanism is proposed, based on the spectral and kinetic evidence.