Organotransition-Metal Complexes of Multidentate Ligands 6. Electronic and Steric Influences on the Formation of η2-Acyl Complexes

Three new η²-acyl complexes, TMo(CO)₂(η²-COR) (T = Tp', Tp'; R= Me, Buⁿ; Tp' = hydridotris(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)borate; Tp' = hydridotris(3,4,5-trimethylpyrazol-l-yl)borate) prepared from the corresponding alkyl iodides, RI, and the anions, TMo(CO)^?₃. The preparation of Et₄N⁺Tp Mo(CO)₃^? is also described. Using solution IR spectra to monitor the reactions between RI and TMo(CO)₃^?, it was found that Tp'Mo(CO)₂(η²-COMe) was formed more readily than Tp'Mo(CO)₂(η²-COMe) which was obtained more easily than Tp'Mo(CO)₂(η²-COBuⁿ). This finding suggests that the mechanism is probably an ionic substitution rather than a radical mechanism. The different times required for the complete conversion from the anions to TMo(CO)₂(η²-COR) is rationalized in terms of the electronic and steric influences of T and RI.     

A Neutral Tetraphosphacyclobutadiene Ligand in Cobalt(I) Complexes

The unusual reactivity of the newly synthesized β‐diketiminato cobalt(I) complexes, [(L^DepCo)₂] ( 2 a , L^Dep=CH[C(Me)N(2,6‐Et₂C₆H₃)]₂) and [L^DippCo ? toluene] ( 2 b , L^Dipp=CH[CHN(2,6‐ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)]₂), toward white phosphorus was investigated, affording the first cobalt(I) complexes [(L^DepCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)] ( 3 a ) and [(L^DippCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)] ( 3 b ) bearing the neutral cyclo‐P₄ ligand with a rectangular‐planar structure. The redox chemistry of 3 a and 3 b was studied by cyclic voltammetry and their chemical reduction with one molar equivalent of potassium graphite led to the isolation of [(L^DepCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)][K(dme)₄] ( 4 a ) and [(L^DippCo)₂(μ₂:η⁴,η⁴‐P₄)][K(dme)₄] ( 4 b ). Unexpectedly, the monoanionic Co₂P₄ core in 4 a and 4 b , respectively, contains the two‐electron‐reduced cyclo‐P₄^2? ligand with a square‐planar structure and mixed‐valent cobalt(I,II) sites. The electronic structures of 3 a , 3 b , 4 a , and 4 b were elucidated by NMR and EPR spectroscopy as well as magnetic measurements and are in agreement with results of broken‐symmetry DFT calculations.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of ZnII α‐Diimine Complexes with Chloride and Thiocyanate Co‐Ligands

The preparation and spectroscopic and structural characterization of three Zn^II complexes with bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L¹, and with bis[N‐(2‐ethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L², are decribed herein. Two of the complexes were prepared from ZnCl₂ and the third from Zn(NCS)₂. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes are significantly different, with the chloride‐containing species forming distorted tetrahedra around the metal, whereas its thiocyanate analog is dimeric, with each metal at the center of a distorted square pyramid, with bridging and terminal [SCN]^– ligands.     

New epoxy-terminated oligoesters: Precursors to totally biodegradable networks

Two types of novel biodegradable epoxy resins, carrying cycloaliphatic-epoxy and glycidyl ester end-groups, have been synthesized from hydroxy-telechelic oligoesters. The cycloaliphatic-epoxy end-groups were based on either methyl cis-4-cyclohexene-2-(carboxylic acid)-1-carboxylate or 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid. These compounds were reacted with hydroxy-telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone-co-D ,L -lactide) oligoesters, yielding cycloaliphatic-olefin-terminated oligomers. Conversion of the olefin to the epoxide groups was achieved using a phase transfer epoxidation with an inorganic peracid derived from the reaction of phosphoric acid, sodium tungstate, and hydrogen peroxide. Aliquat 336, a quaternary ammonium salt, acted as the phase transfer catalyst. Nearly theoretical conversion of hydroxy to epoxy end-groups was achieved in only one case, however, alternative variations of this method of synthesis show promise. To prepare glycidyl ester-terminated prepolymers, hydroxy-telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone) oligoesters were reacted with succinic anhydride, in 1,2-dichloroethane with 1-methylimidazole as catalyst, resulting in (carboxylic acid)-terminated oligomers. After conversion of the end-groups to the potassium carboxylate salt by titration with methanolic KOH, the isolated salt was dried and reacted with epibromohydrin in acetonitrile at reflux, using an 18-C-6 crown ether as the phase transfer catalyst, thus preparing the (glycidyl ester)-telechelic prepolymer. Epoxide equivalent weights differed by 2.7–7.1% from the theoretical values. These cycloaliphatic-epoxide and glycidyl ester-terminated prepolymers may be crosslinked with anhydrides or amines, respectively, to produce totally bioabsorbable networks. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The Influence of β‐diiminato Ligands on As4 Activation by Cobalt Complexes

In a systematic study of the activation of As₄, three [LCo(tol)] (L=β‐diiminato) complexes have revealed different steric and electronic influences. 2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl (Dipp) and 2,6‐dimethylphenyl (dmp) flanking groups were used, one of the ligands with H backbone substituents (β‐dialdiminate L⁰) and two with Me substituents (β‐diketiminates L³ and L¹). In the reaction with As₄, different dinuclear products [(LCo)₂As₄] (LM=L⁰ ( 1 ), L¹ ( 2 ), L³ ( 3 )) were isolated, with all showing differently shaped [Co₂As₄] cores in the solid state: octahedral in 1 , prismatic in 2 , and asterane‐like in 3 . Thermal treatment of 3 leads to the abstraction of one arsenic atom to yield [(L³Co)₂As₃] ( 4 ). All products were comprehensively characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, FD‐MS, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. A rational explanation for the different reactivity is also proposed and DFT calculations shed light on the nature of the highly flexible [Co₂As₄] cores.     

Diffusion Measurements vs. Chemical Shift Titration for Determination of Association Constants on the Example of Camphor–Cyclodextrin Complexes

Measurements on camphor–cyclodextrin complexes reveal that precise association constants are more easily determined by chemical shift titration. Diffusion measurements using HR-DOSY allow easy following of the complex composition at different concentration ratios and estimation of the binding energy. Linear dependence of the diffusion coefficients on the molecular mass of free and associated cyclodextrins has been observed in D₂O. The solution structures of α- and β-cyclodextrin complexes of camphor in D₂O were deduced from intermolecular cross-relaxation data. Different preferential orientation in the 2:1 α-CD and 1:1 β-CD species have been derived in contrast to the loose 1:1 complex with γ-CD. Proton NMR chemical shift values proved to be much more sensitive to diastereomeric complex formation than diffusion coefficients.     

Preparation and Characterization of Disulfiram and Beta Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Potential Application in the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 via Nebulization

Disulfiram (DS), known as an anti-alcoholism drug, has shown a potent antiviral activity. Still, the potential clinical application of DS is limited by its low water solubility and rapid metabolism. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been widely used to improve the solubility of drugs in water. In this study, five concentrations of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP) and sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin (SBE) were used to form inclusion complexes of DS for enhanced solubility. Solutions were freeze-dried, and the interaction between DS and CD was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the nebulization properties of the DS–CD solutions were studied. The aqueous solubility of DS increased significantly when loaded to either of both CDs. The phase solubility of both complexes was a linear function of the CD concentration (A_L type). Furthermore, physicochemical characterization studies showed a potent inclusion of the drug in the CD–DS complexes. Aerosolization studies demonstrated that these formulations are suitable for inhalation. Overall, the CD inclusion complexes have great potential for the enhancement of DS solubility. However, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of DS–CD inclusion complexes against SARS-CoV-2 via nebulization.     

Copper–Boxmi Complexes as Highly Enantioselective Catalysts for Electrophilic Trifluoromethylthiolations

The enantioselective trifluoromethylthiolation of β‐ketoesters using chiral copper–boxmi complexes as catalysts is reported. A number of α‐SCF₃‐substituted β‐ketoesters have been obtained with up to >99 % enantiomeric excess (ee), and the trifluoromethylthiolated products were then transformed diastereoselectively to α‐SCF₃‐β‐hydroxyesters with two adjacent quaternary stereocenters.     

Methylene Blue as a Photosensitizer and Redox Agent: Synthesis of 5‐Hydroxy‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones from Furans

A highly efficient and general singlet‐oxygen‐initiated one‐pot transformation of readily accessible furans into 5‐hydroxy‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones has been developed. The methodology was extended to the synthesis of other high‐value α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams. This useful set of transformations relies not only on the photosensitizing ability of methylene blue, but also on its redox properties: properties that have until now been virtually ignored in a synthetic context.     

Cobalt Complexes with Pyrazole Ligands as Catalyst Precursors for the Peroxidative Oxidation of Cyclohexane: X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies and Biological Applications

[CoCl(μ‐Cl)(Hpz^Ph)₃]₂ ( 1 ) and [CoCl₂(Hpz^Ph)₄] ( 2 ) were obtained by reaction of CoCl₂ with HC(pz^Ph)₃ and Hpz^Ph, respectively (Hpz^Ph=3‐phenylpyrazole). The compounds were isolated as air‐stable solids and fully characterized by IR and far‐IR spectroscopy, MS(ESI+/?), elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), controlled potential electrolysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Electrochemical studies showed that 1 and 2 undergo single‐electron irreversible Co^II→Co^III oxidations and Co^II→Co^I reductions at potentials measured by CV, which also allowed, in the case of dinuclear complex 1 , the detection of electronic communication between the Co centers through the chloride bridging ligands. The electrochemical behavior of models of 1 and 2 were also investigated by density functional theory (DFT) methods, which indicated that the vertical oxidation of 1 and 2 (that before structural relaxation) affects mostly the chloride and pyrazolyl ligands, whereas adiabatic oxidation (that after the geometry relaxation) and reduction are mostly metal centered. Compounds 1 and 2 and, for comparative purposes, other related scorpionate and pyrazole cobalt complexes, exhibit catalytic activity for the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone under mild conditions (room temperature, aqueous H₂O₂). In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy studies indicated that the species derived from complexes 1 and 2 during the oxidation of cyclohexane (i.e., Ox‐ 1 and Ox‐ 2 , respectively) are analogous and contain a Co^III site. Complex 2 showed low in vitro cytotoxicity toward the HCT116 colorectal carcinoma and MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines.     

Syntheses,and Crystal Structures of Indium Complexes with η2‐Piperidinyldithiocarbamate and η2‐Pyridine‐2‐Thionate Containing Ligands: Structures of [In(η2‐S2CNC5H10)3] and [In(η2‐pyS)3]

The η²‐thio‐indium complexes [In(η²‐thio)₃] (thio = S₂CNC₅H₁₀, 2 ; SNC₄H₄, (pyridine‐2‐thionate, pyS, 3 ) and [In(η²‐pyS)₂(η²‐acac)], 4 , (acac: acetylacetonate) are prepared by reacting the tris(η²‐acac)indium complex [In(η²‐acac)₃], 1 with HS₂CNC₅H₁₀, pySH, and pySH with ratios of 1:3, 1:3, and 1:2 in dichloromethane at room temperature, respectively. All of these complexes are identified by spectroscopic methods and complexes 2 and 3 are determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Crystal data for 2 : space group, C2/c with a = 13.5489(8) Å, b = 12.1821(7) Å, c = 16.0893(10) Å, β = 101.654(1)°, V = 2600.9(3) ų, and Z = 4. The structure was refined to R = 0.033 and Rw = 0.086; Crystal data for 3 : space group, P2₁ with a = 8.8064 (6) Å, b = 11.7047 (8) Å, c = 9.4046 (7) Å, β = 114.78 (1)°, V = 880.13(11) ų, and Z = 2. The structure was refined to R = 0.030 and Rw = 0.061. The geometry around the metal atom of the two complexes is a trigonal prismatic coordination. The piperidinyldithiocarbamate and pyridine‐2‐thionate ligands, respectively, coordinate to the indium metal center through the two sulfur atoms and one sulfur and one nitrogen atoms, respectively. The short C‐N bond length in the range of 1.322(4)–1.381(6) Å in 2 and C‐S bond length in the range of 1.715(2)–1.753(6) Å in 2 and 3 , respectively, indicate considerable partial double bond character.     

Synthesis and Structures of β‐Diketoiminate Complexes of Magnesium

The reaction of the β‐diketoiminate lithium complex (dipp)NacNacLi · OEt₂ ((dipp)NacNac = 2‐((2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)amino)‐4‐((2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino)‐pent‐2‐enyl) with iPrMgCl and MgI₂ yield the corresponding (dipp)NacNacMgiPr · OEt₂ ( 1 ) and (dipp)NacNacMgI · OEt₂ ( 2 ). The reaction of 2 with NaBH₄ in diethylether gives (dipp)NacNacMg(μ‐H)₃BH · OEt₂ ( 3 ). The core element of compounds 1 – 3 is a six‐membered ring formed by N(1)–C(1)–C(2)–C(3)–N(2) and magnesium. The structures of 1 and 2 show the β‐diketoiminate backbone in a boat‐conformation with the tetrahedrally coordinated metal center at the prow and the opposing carbon atom at the stern. The magnesium atom in 3 is octahedrally coordinated and out of the β‐diketoiminate plane.     

Stable Peptides Instead of Stapled Peptides: Highly Potent αvβ6‐Selective Integrin Ligands

The αvβ6 integrin binds the RGD‐containing peptide of the foot and mouth disease virus with high selectivity. In this study, the long binding helix of this ligand was downsized to an enzymatically stable cyclic peptide endowed with sub‐nanomolar binding affinity toward the αvβ6 receptor and remarkable selectivity against other integrins. Computational studies were performed to disclose the molecular bases underlying the high binding affinity and receptor subtype selectivity of this peptide. Finally, the utility of the ligand for use in biomedical studies was also demonstrated here.     

Nucleosides: Synthesis of Some New Naphthimidazole Ribonucleosides as Potential Antibacterial Agents

Reaction of 2-trifluoromethyl- or 2-cyanonaphth[2,3-d] imidazole (1 or 2) with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O- benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranose (3), using the triflate or fusion method afforded 2-trifluoromethyl-1-(2,3,5-tri- O-benzoyl-α-D- or -β-D-ribofuranosyl)naphth[2,3-d]imidazole (4 or 6) and 2-cyano-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D- or β-D-ribofuranosyl)naphth[2,3,-d] imidazole (5 or 7), respectively. The products 4 and 5 or 6 and 7 were separated by chromatography on silica gel. Treatment of the blocked nucleosides 4-7 with methanolic NH₃ at 0 °C furnished the deblocked nucleosides 8-11 respectively. Treatment of 10 with 5% NH₃ (aq) at 60 °C gave 11. Structural elucidation is based on elemental analysis, UV, FAB-MS and ¹H NMR spectra. Compounds 4-11 were subjected to antibacteial testing. Compounds 5, 7 and 10 have significant activity against Staphylococous aureus (gram positive) and Esherichia coli (gram negative) bacteria, whereas the other tested compounds showed no significant activity.     

Discotic Metallomesogens: Effects of Sidechains Density in Transition Metal Bis(β-Diketonate) Complexes

The preparation and mesogenic properties of a series of discotic β-diketonate metal complexes are reported. The results show that the density of side chains, positions of side chains, and the geometries of the metal centers play important roles in determining the mesomorphic behaviors and thermodynamic stability of these complexes. In the series of copper complexes 3, all these disc-like molecules with eight alkoxy side chains exhibit columnar hexagonal disordered (D_hd) mesophases. In the series of copper complexes 2 with six side chains, only compounds substituted with longer alkoxy chains (n = C₁₄ or C₁₆) exhibit discotic columnar mesophase. However, in the series of complexes 1, only crystal-to-isotropic transitions were observed. The results showed that induction of liquid crystallinity not only depends on the numbers of side chains (i.e. side chain density), but also on the degree of distribution over the central core. Palladium complexes analogs exhibit similar discotic mesophases, and due to their greater core-core organization, they also have higher clearing points and wider temperature range of mesophases than copper complexes.     

Synthesis of new optically active α,α′,β‐trisubstituted‐β‐lactones as monomers for stereoregular biopolyesters

Various optically active (4R)‐alkyloxycarbonyl‐3,3‐dialkyl‐2‐oxetanones as monomers were synthesized from L‐(S)‐malic acid in six steps to prepare a new family of stereopolyesters for biomedical applications. The synthesis began with an esterification followed of a dialkylation in the aim to introduce hydrophobic groups as methyl or reactive group as allyl. Then, a saponification has permitted to obtain the corresponding diacids that reacted with appropriate alcohols to furnish different monoesters. The last and most important step was activation of hydroxyl group of monoesters with the asymmetric carbon configuration inversion according to the Mitsunobu reaction. Thus, this reaction has provided lactones from monoesters with 100% enantiomeric excess which was confirmed by ¹H NMR and by the synthesis of corresponding isotactic and semicrystalline homopolyesters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2586–2597