Development of Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-Based A3 Receptor Ligands: Closing the Gaps in the Structure–Affinity Relationships

The adenosine A₃ receptor is a promising target for treating and diagnosing inflammation and cancer. In this paper, a series of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-based nucleosides was synthesized and evaluated for their P1 receptor affinities in radioligand binding studies. The study focused on modifications at 1-, 2-, and 6-positions of the purine ring and variations of the 5′-position at the bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane moiety, closing existing gaps in the structure–affinity relationships. The most potent derivative 30 displayed moderate A₃AR affinity (Ki of 0.38 μM) and high A₃R selectivity. A subset of compounds varied at 5′-position was further evaluated in functional P2Y₁R assays, displaying no off-target activity.     

Involvement of the γ Isoform of cPLA2 in the Biosynthesis of Bioactive N-Acylethanolamines

Arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) acts as an endogenous ligand of cannabinoid receptors, while other N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), such as palmitylethanolamide and oleylethanolamide, show analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-suppressing effects through other receptors. In mammalian tissues, NAEs, including anandamide, are produced from glycerophospholipid via N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE). The ɛ isoform of cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) functions as an N-acyltransferase to form NAPE. Since the cPLA₂ family consists of six isoforms (α, β, γ, δ, ɛ, and ζ), the present study investigated a possible involvement of isoforms other than ɛ in the NAE biosynthesis. Firstly, when the cells overexpressing one of the cPLA₂ isoforms were labeled with [¹⁴C]ethanolamine, the increase in the production of [¹⁴C]NAPE was observed only with the ɛ-expressing cells. Secondly, when the cells co-expressing ɛ and one of the other isoforms were analyzed, the increase in [¹⁴C]N-acyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoNAPE) and [¹⁴C]NAE was seen with the combination of ɛ and γ isoforms. Furthermore, the purified cPLA₂γ hydrolyzed not only NAPE to lysoNAPE, but also lysoNAPE to glycerophospho-N-acylethanolamine (GP-NAE). Thus, the produced GP-NAE was further hydrolyzed to NAE by glycerophosphodiesterase 1. These results suggested that cPLA₂γ is involved in the biosynthesis of NAE by its phospholipase A₁/A₂ and lysophospholipase activities.     

Detecting the Subtle Photo-Responsive Conformational Bistability of Monomeric Azobenzene Functionalized Keggin Polyoxometalates by Using Ion-Mobility Mass Spectrometry

Accurately characterizing the conformational variation of novel molecular assemblies is important but often ignored due to limited characterization methods. Herein, we reported the use of ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IMS/MS) to investigate the conformational changes of four azobenzene covalently functionalized Keggin hybrids (azo-Keggins, compounds 1–4). The as-prepared azo-Keggins showed the general molecular formula of [C₁₆H₃₆N]₄[SiW₁₁O₄₀(Si(CH₂)₃NH–CO(CH₂)_nO–C₆H₄N=NC₆H₄–R)₂] (R = H, n = 0 (1); R = NO₂, n = 0 (2); R = H, n = 5 (3); R = H, n = 10 (4)). The resultant azo-Keggins maintained stable monomeric states in the gas phase with intact molecular structures. Furthermore, the subtle photo-responsive trans-cis conformational variations of azo-Keggins were clearly revealed by the molecular shape-related collision cross-section value difference ranging from 2.44 Ų to 6.91 Ų. The longer the alkyl chains linkers were, the larger the conformational variation was. Moreover, for compounds 1 and 2, higher stability in trans-conformation can be observed, while for compounds 3 and 4, bistability can be achieved for both of them.     

Design and Synthesis of Arylpiperazine Serotonergic/Dopaminergic Ligands with Neuroprotective Properties

Long-chain arylpiperazine scaffold is a versatile template to design central nervous system (CNS) drugs that target serotonin and dopamine receptors. Here we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten new arylpiperazine derivatives designed to obtain an affinity profile at serotonin 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₇ receptor, and dopamine D₂ receptor of prospective drugs to treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychosis. Besides the structural features required for affinity at the target receptors, the new compounds incorporated structural fragments with antioxidant properties to counteract oxidative stress connected with ASD and psychosis. All the new compounds showed CNS MultiParameter Optimization score predictive of desirable ADMET properties and cross the blood–brain barrier. We identified compound 12a that combines an affinity profile compatible with antipsychotic activity (5-HT_1A K_i = 41.5 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 315 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 42.5 nM, D₂ K_i = 300 nM), and compound 9b that has an affinity profile consistent with studies in the context of ASD (5-HT_1A K_i = 23.9 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 39.4 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 45.0 nM). Both compounds also had antioxidant properties. All compounds showed low in vitro metabolic stability, the only exception being compound 9b, which might be suitable for studies in vivo.     

Bis-Amiridines as Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors: N-Functionalization Determines the Multitarget Anti-Alzheimer’s Activity Profile

Using two ways of functionalizing amiridine—acylation with chloroacetic acid chloride and reaction with thiophosgene—we have synthesized new homobivalent bis-amiridines joined by two different spacers—bis-N-acyl-alkylene (3) and bis-N-thiourea-alkylene (5) —as potential multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All compounds exhibited high inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with selectivity for BChE. These new agents displayed negligible carboxylesterase inhibition, suggesting a probable lack of untoward drug–drug interactions arising from hydrolytic biotransformation. Compounds 3 with bis-N-acyl-alkylene spacers were more potent inhibitors of both cholinesterases compared to compounds 5 and the parent amiridine. The lead compounds 3a–c exhibited an IC₅₀(AChE) = 2.9–1.4 µM, IC₅₀(BChE) = 0.13–0.067 µM, and 14–18% propidium displacement at 20 μM. Kinetic studies of compounds 3a and 5d indicated mixed-type reversible inhibition. Molecular docking revealed favorable poses in both catalytic and peripheral AChE sites. Propidium displacement from the peripheral site by the hybrids suggests their potential to hinder AChE-assisted Aβ₄₂ aggregation. Conjugates 3 had no effect on Aβ₄₂ self-aggregation, whereas compounds 5c–e (m = 4, 5, 6) showed mild (13–17%) inhibition. The greatest difference between conjugates 3 and 5 was their antioxidant activity. Bis-amiridines 3 with N-acylalkylene spacers were nearly inactive in ABTS and FRAP tests, whereas compounds 5 with thiourea in the spacers demonstrated high antioxidant activity, especially in the ABTS test (TEAC = 1.2–2.1), in agreement with their significantly lower HOMO-LUMO gap values. Calculated ADMET parameters for all conjugates predicted favorable blood–brain barrier permeability and intestinal absorption, as well as a low propensity for cardiac toxicity. Thus, it was possible to obtain amiridine derivatives whose potencies against AChE and BChE equaled (5) or exceeded (3) that of the parent compound, amiridine. Overall, based on their expanded and balanced pharmacological profiles, conjugates 5c–e appear promising for future optimization and development as multitarget anti-AD agents.     

The Effect of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Type on the Gas-Phase Deprotonation of ortho-Substituted Benzenesulfonic Acids. A Density Functional Theory Study

Structural factors have been identified that determine the gas-phase acidity of ortho-substituted benzenesulfonic acid, 2-XC₆H₄–SO₃H, (X = –SO₃H, –COOH, –NO₂, –SO₂F, –C≡N, –NH₂, –CH₃, –OCH₃, –N(CH₃)₂, –OH). The DFT/B3LYP/cc-pVTZ method was used to perform conformational analysis and study the structural features of the molecular and deprotonated forms of these compounds. It has been shown that many of the conformers may contain anintramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) between the sulfonic group and the substituent, and the sulfonic group can be an IHB donor or an acceptor. The Gibbs energies of gas-phase deprotonation Δ_rG⁰₂₉₈ (kJ mol^–1) were calculated for all compounds. It has been set that in ortho-substituted benzenesulfonic acids, the formation of various types of IHB is possible, having a significant effect on the Δ_rG⁰₂₉₈ values of gas-phase deprotonation. If the –SO₃H group is the IHB donor, then an ion without an IHB is formed upon deprotonation, and the deprotonation energy increases. If this group is an IHB acceptor, then a significant decrease in Δ_rG⁰₂₉₈ of gas-phase deprotonation is observed due to an increase in IHB strength and the A⁻ anion additional stabilization. A proton donor ability comparative characteristic of the –SO₃H group in the studied ortho-substituted benzenesulfonic acids is given, and the Δ_rG⁰₂₉₈ energies are compared with the corresponding values of ortho-substituted benzoic acids.     

Pathophysiological Role and Medicinal Chemistry of A2A Adenosine Receptor Antagonists in Alzheimer’s Disease

The A_2A adenosine receptor is a protein belonging to a family of four GPCR adenosine receptors. It is involved in the regulation of several pathophysiological conditions in both the central nervous system and periphery. In the brain, its localization at pre- and postsynaptic level in striatum, cortex, hippocampus and its effects on glutamate release, microglia and astrocyte activation account for a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This ailment is considered the main form of dementia and is expected to exponentially increase in coming years. The pathological tracts of AD include amyloid peptide-β extracellular accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, causing neuronal cell death, cognitive deficit, and memory loss. Interestingly, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that A_2A adenosine receptor antagonists may counteract each of these clinical signs, representing an important new strategy to fight a disease for which unfortunately only symptomatic drugs are available. This review offers a brief overview of the biological effects mediated by A_2A adenosine receptors in AD animal and human studies and reports the state of the art of A_2A adenosine receptor antagonists currently in clinical trials. As an original approach, it focuses on the crucial role of pharmacokinetics and ability to pass the blood–brain barrier in the discovery of new agents for treating CNS disorders. Considering that A_2A receptor antagonist istradefylline is already commercially available for Parkinson’s disease treatment, if the proof of concept of these ligands in AD is confirmed and reinforced, it will be easier to offer a new hope for AD patients.     

Competition between N and O: use of diazine N-oxides as a test case for the Marcus theory rationale for ambident reactivity

The preferred site of alkylation of diazine N-oxides by representative hard and soft alkylating agents was established conclusively using the ¹H–¹⁵N HMBC NMR technique in combination with other NMR spectroscopic methods. Alkylation of pyrazine N-oxides (1 and 2) occurs preferentially on nitrogen regardless of the alkylating agent employed, while O-methylation of pyrimidine N-oxide (3) is favoured in its reaction with MeOTf. As these outcomes cannot be explained in the context of the hard/soft acid/base (HSAB) principle, we have instead turned to Marcus theory to rationalise these results. Marcus intrinsic barriers (ΔG^‡₀) and Δ_rG° values were calculated at the DLPNO-CCSD(T)/def2-TZVPPD/SMD//M06-2X-D3/6-311+G(d,p)/SMD level of theory for methylation reactions of 1 and 3 by MeI and MeOTf, and used to derive Gibbs energies of activation (ΔG^‡) for the processes of N- and O-methylation, respectively. These values, as well as those derived directly from the DFT calculations, closely reproduce the observed experimental N- vs. O-alkylation selectivities for methylation reactions of 1 and 3, indicating that Marcus theory can be used in a semi-quantitative manner to understand how the activation barriers for these reactions are constructed. It was found that N-alkylation of 1 is favoured due to the dominant contribution of Δ_rG° to the activation barrier in this case, while O-alkylation of 3 is favoured due to the dominant contribution of the intrinsic barrier (ΔG^‡₀) for this process. These results are of profound significance in understanding the outcomes of reactions of ambident reactants in general.

Marcus theory enables rationalisation and quantification of selectivities in reactions of ambident nucleophiles for which the HSAB principle cannot operate.     

Therapeutic Potential of Highly Selective A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligands in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System

Ligands of the G_i protein-coupled adenosine A₃ receptor (A₃R) are receiving increasing interest as attractive therapeutic tools for the treatment of a number of pathological conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS, respectively). Their safe pharmacological profiles emerging from clinical trials on different pathologies (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and fatty liver diseases) confer a realistic translational potential to these compounds, thus encouraging the investigation of highly selective agonists and antagonists of A₃R. The present review summarizes information on the effect of latest-generation A₃R ligands, not yet available in commerce, obtained by using different in vitro and in vivo models of various PNS- or CNS-related disorders. This review places particular focus on brain ischemia insults and colitis, where the prototypical A₃R agonist, Cl-IB-MECA, and antagonist, MRS1523, have been used in research studies as reference compounds to explore the effects of latest-generation ligands on this receptor. The advantages and weaknesses of these compounds in terms of therapeutic potential are discussed.     

Cancer-Associated Mutations of the Adenosine A2A Receptor Have Diverse Influences on Ligand Binding and Receptor Functions

The adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AAR) is a class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). It is an immune checkpoint in the tumor micro-environment and has become an emerging target for cancer treatment. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of cancer-patient-derived A_2AAR mutations on ligand binding and receptor functions. The wild-type A_2AAR and 15 mutants identified by Genomic Data Commons (GDC) in human cancers were expressed in HEK293T cells. Firstly, we found that the binding affinity for agonist NECA was decreased in six mutants but increased for the V275A mutant. Mutations A165V and A265V decreased the binding affinity for antagonist ZM241385. Secondly, we found that the potency of NECA (EC₅₀) in an impedance-based cell-morphology assay was mostly correlated with the binding affinity for the different mutants. Moreover, S132L and H278N were found to shift the A_2AAR towards the inactive state. Importantly, we found that ZM241385 could not inhibit the activation of V275A and P285L stimulated by NECA. Taken together, the cancer-associated mutations of A_2AAR modulated ligand binding and receptor functions. This study provides fundamental insights into the structure–activity relationship of the A_2AAR and provides insights for A_2AAR-related personalized treatment in cancer.     

GABAA Receptor-Mediated Sleep-Promoting Effect of Saaz–Saphir Hops Mixture Containing Xanthohumol and Humulone

Hops contain flavonoids that have sedative and sleep-promoting activities such as α-acid, β-acid, and xanthohumol. In this study, the sleep-enhancing activity of a Saaz–Saphir hops mixture was measured. In the caffeine-induced insomnia model, the administration of a Saaz–Saphir mixture increased the sleep time compared to Saaz or Saphir administration alone, which was attributed to the increase in NREM sleep time by the δ-wave increase. Oral administration of the Saaz–Saphir mixture for 3 weeks increased the γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) content in the brain and increased the expression of the GABA_A receptor. As the GABA antagonists picrotoxin and bicuculline showed a decrease in sleep activity, it was confirmed that the GABA_A receptor was involved in the Saaz–Saphir mixture activity. In addition, the GABA_A receptor antagonist also reduced the sleep activity induced by xanthohumol and humulone contained in the Saaz–Saphir mixture. Therefore, xanthohumol and humulone contained in the Saaz–Saphir mixture showed sleep-promoting activity mediated by the GABA_A receptors. The mixture of the Saaz and Saphir hop varieties may thus help mitigate sleep disturbances compared to other hop varieties.     

Can acyclic conformational control be achieved via a sulfur–fluorine gauche effect?

The gauche conformation of the 1,2-difluoroethane motif is known to involve stabilising hyperconjugative interactions between donor (bonding, σ_C–H) and acceptor (antibonding, σ*C–F) orbitals. This model rationalises the generic conformational preference of F–C_β–C_α–X systems (φ_FCCX ≈ 60°), where X is an electron deficient substituent containing a Period 2 atom. Little is known about the corresponding Period 3 systems, such as sulfur and phosphorus, where multiple oxidation states are possible. Conformational analyses of β-fluorosulfides, -sulfoxides and -sulfones are disclosed here, thus extending the scope of the fluorine gauche effect to the 3rd Period (F–C–C–S(O)_n; φ_FCCS ≈ 60°). Synergy between experiment and computation has revealed that the gauche effect is only pronounced in structures bearing an electropositive vicinal sulfur atom (S⁺–O^–, SO₂).     

Cooperative B–H bond activation: dual site borane activation by redox active κ2-N,S-chelated complexes

Cooperative dual site activation of boranes by redox-active 1,3-N,S-chelated ruthenium species, mer-[PR₃{κ²-N,S-(L)}₂Ru{κ¹-S-(L)}], (mer-2a: R = Cy, mer-2b: R = Ph; L = NC₇H₄S₂), generated from the aerial oxidation of borate complexes, [PR₃{κ²-N,S-(L)}Ru{κ³-H,S,S′-BH₂(L)₂}] (trans–mer-1a: R = Cy, trans–mer-1b: R = Ph; L = NC₇H₄S₂), has been investigated. Utilizing the rich electronic behaviour of these 1,3-N,S-chelated ruthenium species, we have established that a combination of redox-active ligands and metal–ligand cooperativity has a big influence on the multisite borane activation. For example, treatment of mer-2a–b with BH₃·THF led to the isolation of fac-[PR₃Ru{κ³-H,S,S′-(NH₂BSBH₂N)(S₂C₇H₄)₂}] (fac-3a: R = Cy and fac-3b: R = Ph) that captured boranes at both sites of the κ²-N,S-chelated ruthenacycles. The core structure of fac-3a and fac-3b consists of two five-membered ruthenacycles [RuBNCS] which are fused by one butterfly moiety [RuB₂S]. Analogous fac-3c, [PPh₃Ru{κ³-H,S,S′-(NH₂BSBH₂N)(SC₅H₄)₂}], can also be synthesized from the reaction of BH₃·THF with [PPh₃{κ²-N,S-(SNC₅H₄)}{κ³-H,S,S′-BH₂(SNH₄C₅)₂}Ru], cis–fac-1c. In stark contrast, when mer-2b was treated with BH₂Mes (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethyl phenyl) it led to the formation of trans- and cis-bis(dihydroborate) complexes [{κ³-S,H,H-(NH₂BMes)Ru(S₂C₇H₄)}₂], (trans-4 and cis-4). Both the complexes have two five-membered [Ru–(H)₂–B–NCS] ruthenacycles with κ²-H–H coordination modes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the activation of boranes across the dual Ru–N site is more facile than the Ru–S one.

Redox-active ruthenium complexes supported by hemilabile κ²-N,S-chelated ruthenacycles undergo unusual dual site B–H bond activation through metal–ligand cooperation with free and bulky boranes.     

Nanoparticles and single atoms of cobalt synergistically enabled low-temperature reductive amination of carbonyl compounds

Low-temperature and selective reductive amination of carbonyl compounds is a highly promising approach to access primary amines. However, it remains a great challenge to conduct this attractive route efficiently over earth-abundant metal-based catalysts. Herein, we designed several Co-based catalysts (denoted as Co@C–N(x), where x represents the pyrolysis temperature) by the pyrolysis of the metal–organic framework ZIF-67 at different temperatures. Very interestingly, the prepared Co@C–N(800) could efficiently catalyze the reductive amination of various aldehydes/ketones to synthesize the corresponding primary amines with high yields at 35 °C. Besides non-noble metal and mild temperature, the other unique advantage of the catalyst was that the substrates with different reduction-sensitive groups could be converted into primary amines selectively because the Co-based catalyst was not active for these groups at low temperature. Systematic analysis revealed that the catalyst was composed of graphene encapsulated Co nanoparticles and atomically dispersed Co–N_x sites. The Co particles promoted the hydrogenation step, while the Co–N_x sites acted as acidic sites to activate the intermediate (Schiff base). The synergistic effect of metallic Co particles and Co–N_x sites is crucial for the excellent performance of the catalyst Co@C–N(800). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on efficient synthesis of primary amines via reductive amination of carbonyl compounds over earth-abundant metal-based catalysts at low temperature (35 °C).

An earth-abundant Co-based catalyst, Co@C–N(800), could efficiently catalyze the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds into primary amines at 35 °C owing to the synergistic effect of Co nanoparticles and atomically dispersed Co–N_x sites.     

IR-Spectroscopic Study of Complex Formation of Nitrogen Oxides (NO,N2O) with Cationic Forms of Zeolites and the Reactivity of Adsorbed Species in CO and CH4 Oxidation

The formation of complexes and disproportionation of nitrogen oxides (NO, N₂O) on cationic forms of LTA, FAU, and MOR zeolites was investigated by diffuse-reflectance IR spectroscopy. N₂O is adsorbed on the samples under study in the molecular form and the frequencies of the first overtone of the stretching vibrations ν¹_0–2 and the combination bands of the stretching vibrations with other vibrational modes for N₂O complexes with cationic sites in zeolites (ν³_0–1 + ν¹_0–1, ν¹_0–1 + δ_0–2) are more significantly influenced by the nature of the zeolite. The presence of several IR bands in the region of 2400–2600 cm⁻¹ (the ν¹_0–1 + δ_0–2 transitions) for different zeolite types was explained by the availability of different localization sites for cations in these zeolites. The frequencies in this region also depend on the nature of the cation (its charge and radius). The data can be explained by the specific geometry of the N₂O complex formed, presumably two-point adsorption of N₂O on a cation and a neighboring oxygen atom of the framework. Adsorption of CO or CH₄ on the samples with preliminarily adsorbed N₂O at 20–180 °C does not result in any oxidation of these molecules. NO⁺ and N₂O₃ species formed by disproportionation of NO are capable of oxidizing CO and CH₄ molecules to CO₂, whereas NO_x is reduced simultaneously to N₂ or N₂O. The peculiarities in the behavior of cationic forms of different zeolites with respect to adsorbed nitrogen oxides determined by different density and localization of cations have been established.     

Linear and convergent approaches to 2-substituted adenosine-5′-N-alkylcarboxamides

Herein we report both linear and convergent pathways for the preparation of 2-alkynyl substituted adenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamides via the versatile synthetic intermediate, 2-iodoadenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamide (13). The linear approach afforded 13 in an overall yield of 30% from guanosine over eight synthetic steps. The convergent approach was shorter, but proceeded in lower yield (five steps, 20% yield). Both approaches compare favourably with previously reported syntheses of 13, which has been prepared in 15% yield from guanosine over nine steps. 2-Iodoadenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamide (13) was subsequently converted to HENECA (2) and PHPNECA (3) to exemplify the utility of this approach for the preparation of potent A_2A adenosine receptor agonists. The linear approach was also amenable to the synthesis of 2-fluoropurine ribosides, which were subsequently elaborated into 2-alkylaminoadenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamides. Furthermore, both of these synthetic approaches are readily amenable to the synthesis of adenosine analogues with varied 2-, 6- and 5′-substitution patterns.     

A Series of Novel Pentagonal-Bipyramidal Erbium(III) Complexes with Acyclic Chelating N3O2 Schiff-Base Ligands: Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetism

A series of six seven-coordinate pentagonal-bipyramidal (PBP) erbium complexes, with acyclic pentadentate [N₃O₂] Schiff-base ligands, 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-(4-methoxybenzoylhydrazone) [H₂DAPMBH], or 2,6-diacethylpyridine bis(salicylhydrazone) [H₄DAPS], and various apical ligands in different charge states were synthesized: [Er(DAPMBH)(C₂H₅OH)Cl] (1); [Er(DAPMBH)(H₂O)Cl]·2C₂H₅OH (2); [Er(DAPMBH)(CH₃OH)Cl] (3); [Er(DAPMBH)(CH₃OH)(N₃)] (4); [(Et₃H)N]⁺[Er(H₂DAPS)Cl₂]⁻ (5); and [(Et₃H)N]⁺[Y₀.₉₅Er₀.₀₅(H₂DAPS)Cl₂]⁻ (6). The physicochemical properties, crystal structures, and the DC and AC magnetic properties of 1–6 were studied. The AC magnetic measurements revealed that most of Compounds 1–6 are field-induced single-molecule magnets, with estimated magnetization energy barriers, U_eff ≈ 16–28 K. The experimental study of the magnetic properties was complemented by theoretical analysis based on ab initio and crystal field calculations. An experimental and theoretical study of the magnetism of 1–6 shows the subtle impact of the type and charge state of the axial ligands on the SMM properties of these complexes.     

Crystal Structure of Isoform CBd of the Basic Phospholipase A2 Subunit of Crotoxin: Description of the Structural Framework of CB for Interaction with Protein Targets

Crotoxin, from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, is a potent heterodimeric presynaptic β-neurotoxin that exists in individual snake venom as a mixture of isoforms of a basic phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) subunit (CBa₂, CBb, CBc, and CBd) and acidic subunit (CA_1–4). Specific natural mutations in CB isoforms are implicated in functional differences between crotoxin isoforms. The three-dimensional structure of two individual CB isoforms (CBa₂, CBc), and one isoform in a crotoxin (CA₂CBb) complex, have been previously reported. This study concerns CBd, which by interaction with various protein targets exhibits many physiological or pharmacological functions. It binds with high affinity to presynaptic receptors showing neurotoxicity, but also interacts with human coagulation factor Xa (hFXa), exhibiting anticoagulant effect, and acts as a positive allosteric modulator and corrector of mutated chloride channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), implicated in cystic fibrosis. Thus, CBd represents a novel family of agents that have potential in identifying new drug leads related to anticoagulant and anti-cystic fibrosis function. We determined here the X-ray structure of CBd and compare it with the three other natural isoforms of CB. The structural role of specific amino acid variations between CB isoforms are analyzed and the structural framework of CB for interaction with protein targets is described.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Exploration of Mononuclear Mo(VI) Dioxido Complexes of (Z)-1-R-2-(4′,4′-Dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ates

The coordination chemistry of the title ligands with Mo metal centers was investigated. Thus, the synthesis and characterization (NMR, X-ray diffraction) of four mononuclear formally Mo(6+) complexes of (Z)-1-R-2-(4′,4′-dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ates (L: R = –Ph, –Ph-p-NO₂, –Ph-p-OMe and –t-Bu), derived from the part enols (LH), is described. The resulting air-stable MoO₂L₂ complexes (1–4) exist, as shown by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, in the cis-dioxido-trans(N)-κ²-N,O-L conformation in the solid state for all four examples. This situation was further probed using semi-empirical PM6(tm) calculations. Complexes 1–4 represent the first Mo complexes of this ligand class and, indeed, of Group 6 metals in general. Structural and spectroscopic comparisons were made between these and related Mo(6+) compounds. Complex 1 (R = –Ph) was studied for its ability to selectively catalyze the production of poly-norbornene from the monomer in the presence of MAO. This, unfortunately, only resulted in the synthesis of insoluble, presumably highly cross-linked, polymeric and/or oligomeric materials. However, complexes 1–4 were demonstrated to be highly effective for catalyzing benzoin to benzil conversion using DMSO as the O-transfer agent. This catalysis work is likewise put into perspective with respect to analogous Mo(6+) complexes.