Synthesis of lanthanide(III) complexes appended with a diphenylphosphinamide and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two DOTA-based proligands bearing a pendant diphenylphosphinamide 4a and 4b were synthesised. Their Eu(III) complexes exhibit sensitised emission when excited at 270 nm via the diphenylphosphinamide chromophore. Hydration states of q = 1.5 were determined from excited state lifetime measurements (Eu.4a $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 1 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 6 4 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ; Eu.4b $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 2. 6 7\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 1 8 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). In the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) (0.1 mM Eu.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA, pH 7.4) q = 0.4 for Eu.4a ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 3 4\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 0. 7 5\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ) and q = 0.6 for Eu.4b ( $ k_{{{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1. 8 3\, {\text{ms}}^{ - 1} ,\;k_{{{\text{D}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}}} = 1.0 5 \,{\text{ms}}^{ - 1} $ ). Relaxivites (pH 7.4, 298 K, 20 MHz) of the Gd(III) complexes in the absence and presence of HSA (0.1 mM Gd.4a/b, 0.67 mM HSA) were: Gd.4a (r ₁ = 7.6 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 11.7 mM^?1s^?1) and Gd.4b. (r ₁ = 7.3 mM^?1s^?1 and r ₁ = 16.0 mM^?1s^?1). These relatively modest increases in r ₁ are consistent with the change in inner-sphere hydration on binding to HSA shown by luminescence measurements on Eu.4a/b. Binding constants for HSA determined by the quenching of luminescence (Eu) and enhancement of relaxivity (Gd) were Eu.4a (27,000 M^?1 ± 12%), Eu.4b (32,000 M^?1 ± 14%), Gd.4a (21,000 M^?1 ± 15%) and Gd.4b (26,000 M^?1 ± 15%).     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of two gadolinium(III) TTDA-like complexes and their interaction with human serum albumin

Two novel derivatives of TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triazadodecanedioic acid), TTDA-BOM and TTDA-N'-BOM, each having a benzyloxymethyl group, were synthesized. (17)O NMR longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates and chemical shifts of aqueous solutions of their Gd(III) complexes were measured at variable temperature with a magnetic field strength of 9.4 T. The water exchange rate (k(ex)(298)) values for [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (117 x 10(6) s(-1)) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (131 x 10(6) s(-1)) are significantly higher than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (4.1 x 10(6) s(-1)) and [Gd(BOPTA)(H(2)O)](2-) (3.45 x 10(6) s(-1)). The rotational correlation time (tau) values for [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (119 ps) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) (125 ps) are higher than those of [Gd(DTPA)(H(2)O)](2-) (103 ps) and [Gd(TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) (104 ps). The stepwise stoichiometric binding constants of [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2)(-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2)(-) bound to HSA are obtained by ultrafiltration studies. Fluorescent probe displacement studies exhibit that [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) can displace dansylsarcosine from HSA with inhibition constants (K(i)) of 1900 and 1600 microM, respectively; however, they are not able to displace warfarin. These results indicate that [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) have a weak binding to site II on HSA. In addition, the mean bound relaxivity (r(1b)) and bound relaxivity (r(1)(b)) values for the [Gd(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA and [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA adducts are obtained by ultrafiltration and relaxivity studies, respectively. The bound relaxivity of these adducts values are significantly higher than those of [Gd(BOPTA)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA and [Gd(DTPA-BOM(3))(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA. These results also suggest that bound relaxivity is site dependent. In binding sites studies of Gd(III) chelates to HSA, a significant decrease of the relaxation rates (R(1obs)) was observed for the [Eu(TTDA-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-) complex which was added to the [Gd(TTDA-N'-BOM)(H(2)O)](2-)/HSA solution, and this indicated that these Gd(III) complexes share the same HSA binding site. Finally, as measured by the Zn(II) transmetalation process, the kinetic stability of these Gd(III) complexes are significantly higher than that of [Gd(DTPA-BMA)(H(2)O)].     

1H and 17O NMR relaxometric study in aqueous solution of Gd(III) complexes of EGTA-like derivatives bearing methylenephosphonic groups

The Gd(III) complexes of three new octadentate chelators, prepared by substitution of four, two, and one carboxylate groups of EGTA with phosphonate groups, have been investigated by 1H and 17O NMR relaxometric techniques in aqueous solutions. The analysis of the solvent proton relaxivity data as a function of pH, temperature, and magnetic field strength (nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles) in combination with the 17O transverse relaxation rate data at variable temperature allowed assessing the hydration state of the complexes, the occurrence of pH-dependent oligomerization processes for the tetraphosphonate derivative, the presence of a well-defined second sphere of hydration that markedly contributes to the relaxivity, and the values of the structural and dynamic relaxation parameters. In addition, in the case of the monophosphonate derivative the presence of a coordinated water molecule has allowed evaluation of the kinetic parameters of the exchange process, highly relevant for the possible use of this Gd(III) complex as an MRI probe. The rate of exchange of the water molecule, (298)k(ex) = 4.2 x 10(8)s(-1), is one of the highest measured so far for a nonacoordinate Gd(III) chelate and optimal for developing contrast-enhancing probes of high efficacy at high magnetic fields.     

A binaphthyl-containing Eu(III) complex and its interaction with human serum albumin: a luminescence study

On binding to human serum albumin (HSA), the Eu(III) luminescent emission enhancement of a complex containing a binaphthyl chromophore enables the determination of binding constants, showing no chiral discrimination for the (R)- (K= 8200 +/- 810 M(-1)) and (S)-enantiomers (K= 7710 +/- 460 M(-1)).     

NMR study on the low-affinity interaction of human serum albumin with diclofenac sodium

The low-affinity interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and Diclofenac sodium (DCF) was studied using NMR techniques. Both 13C-NMR chemical shift and linewidth show that the dichlorophenyl ring in DCF molecule plays a primary role in its interaction with HSA. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was applied to evaluate the association constant K and the number of binding sites n of the drug/HSA complex through (1)H-NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurement. The results indicate that Langmuir isotherm can perfectly explain the capacity of low-affinity binding of proteins for the ligands.     

Synthesis, complexation and water exchange properties of Gd(III)-TTDA-mono and bis(amide) derivatives and their binding affinity to human serum albumin

With the objective of tuning the lipophilicity of ligands and maintaining the neutrality and stability of Gd(III) chelate, we designed and synthesized two bis(amide) derivatives of TTDA, TTDA-BMA and TTDA-BBA, and a mono(amide) derivative, TTDA-N-MOBA. The ligand protonation constants and complex stability constants for various metal ions were determined in this study. The identification of the microscopic sites of protonation of the amide ligand by 1H NMR titrations show that the first protonation site occurs on the central nitrogen atom. The values of the stability constant of TTDA-mono and bis(amide) complex are significantly lower than those of TTDA and DTPA, but the selectivity constants of these ligands for Gd(III) over Zn(II) and Cu(II) are slightly higher than those of TTDA and DTPA. On the basis of the water-exchange rate values available for [Gd(TTDA-BMA)(H2O)], [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] and [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]-, we can state that, in general, the replacement of one carboxylate group by an amide group decreases the water-exchange rate of the gadolinium(III) complexes by a factor of about three to five. The decrease in the exchange rate is explained in terms of a decreased steric crowding and charge effect around the metal ion when carboxylates are replaced by an amide group. In addition, to support the HSA protein binding studies of lipophilic [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] complexes, further protein-complex binding was studied by ultrafiltration and relaxivity studies. The binding constants (KA) of [Gd(TTDA-N-MOBA)(H2O)]- and [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] are 8.6 x 10(2) and 1.0 x 10(4) dm3 mol(-1), respectively. The bound relaxivities (r1(b)) are 51.8 and 52 dm3 mmol(-1) s(-1), respectively. The KA value of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] is similar to that of MS-325 and indicates a stronger interaction of [Gd(TTDA-BBA)(H2O)] with HSA.     

Cu(II), Fe(III)与人血清白蛋白相互作用的荧光光谱研究

通过研究Cu(II),Fe(III)对人血清白蛋白(HSA)内源荧光的猝灭,探讨了Cu(II),Fe(III)与人血清白蛋白的结合机理。基于Forster非辐射能量转移机理。获得了人血清白蛋白第一类Cu(II)结合部位与214位色氨酸残基间的距离为1.8nm,并讨论了Cu(II),Fe(III)与HSA结合的差异。     

Electronic energy self-exchange with macrocyclic chromium(III) complexes

The luminescence lifetimes of N-deuterated Cr(III) complexes of macrocyclic tetraamine ligands, trans-CrN(4)X(2)(n)()(+), are substantially longer than those of their undeuterated counterparts in room temperature solution. Thus, excited-state emission quenching of the longer lived species by the shorter lived species may be studied by analyzing the decay profile following pulsed excitation. Flash photolysis experiments were carried out for three deuterated/undeuterated pairs of trans-CrN(4)X(2)(n)()(+) complexes (where X = CN-, NH(3), and F-). For the trans-Cr(cyclam)(CN)(2)(+) system in H(2)O, it was determined that energy transfer was occurring between the deuterated and undeuterated species. Although the rate constant of energy transfer was too fast to measure explicitly, it could be bracketed as k(et) >7 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). For this reaction it was possible to measure an equilibrium constant which was very near 1.0. For trans-Cr(cyclam)(NH(3))(2)(3+) in DMSO, it was also established that energy transfer was occurring and rate constants of 2.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) (mu = 0.1) and 9.7 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) (mu = 1.0) were determined by a Stern-Volmer analysis. For trans-Cr(tet a)F(2+) in H(2)O, no energy transfer was observed, which implies that the rate constant is <3 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). Because these energy-transfer reactions represent self-exchange energy transfer and are thus thermoneutral, we are able to analyze the results using Marcus theory and draw some conclusions about the relative importance of nuclear reorganization and electronic factors in the overall rate.     

Binding and fluorescence study on interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)

Human serum albumin (HSA) is frequently used in biophysical and biochemical studies since it has a well-known primary structure and it has been associated with the binding of many different categories of small molecules. In the present study, results are presented for the binding of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) with HSA at various pH and 25 degrees C, as monitored using ion selective membrane electrodes and fluorescence spectroscopy of intrinsic tryptophan. The obtained binding isotherms were analyzed on basis of binding capacity concept and Hill plot in order to determine the Hill parameters of binding sets. The system behaved as a system with two sets of binding sites in all studied situations. The results represent a positive cooperative behavior and the essential role of hydrophobic interactions in both binding sets. The intrinsic binding affinity of second binding set have a similar values and trends at acidic and neutral pHs, that represents the similar unfolded structure at these pHs. CPC quenched the fluorescence arising from Trp group incorporated to HSA. A biphasic behavior was observed in quenching process that confirmed the results of binding study correspond to the existence of two binding sets. The similarity of unfolded structure in acidic and neutral pH was also confirmed by fluorescence study. The quenching of HSA fluorescence takes place with a Stern-Volmer constant of 0.643 x 10(4), 1.23 x 10(4) and 7.40 x 10(4) at pH 3.5, 6.8 and 9.5, respectively. The Stern-Volmer behavior observed at low molar ratio of [CPC]/[HSA] (about 6), that represents the occurrence of conformational changes after this molar ratio. Comparing, the K(SV) values and binding parameters indicate that the binding is dominated by hydrophobic effects and, in minor degree, by electrostatic interactions.     

Oxidative homolysis of organochromium(III) macrocyclic complexes

Summary Organochromium complexes, [CrRL(H₂O)]²⁺] (L = 1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclopentadecane; R = 1°- or 2°-alkyl, or para-substituted benzyl), are oxidized to [CrRL(H₂O)]³⁺, which rapidly decomposes (k ₃ > 10² s^–1) by homolysis of the Cr-C bond. Rate constants of the oxidation of these complexes by [IrCl₆]^2– range from 2.20 × 10^–1 (R = Me) to 4.60 × 10⁵ (R = 4-MeC₆H₄CH₂)dm³ mol^–1 s^–1. A very negative reaction constant (–4.3) is found for the oxidation of para-substituted benzlchromium(III) complexes which, in conjunction with the results of product analysis, indicates a [Cr^III/R^.] type transition state.     

Synthesis of four novel pendant armed macrocyclic ligands and their interaction with lanthanide(III) cations

The ability of La³⁺ ions to form stable complexes with four novel pendant-armed N_xO_y-macrocycles derived from 2,6-bis(2-formylphenoxymethyl)pyridine, L¹, L², L³, and L⁴, has been studied. The corresponding (unsubstituted) parent ligands were prepared by the reaction between 2,6-bis(2-formylphenoxymethyl)pyridine and three different amines: 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)propane (L¹), diethylenetriamine (L²), and 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanediamine (L³ and L⁴). This was followed for the parent ligands of L¹, L³, and L⁴ by in situ reduction with sodium borohydride. The pendant-armed ligands were then synthesized by the alkylation of the free-NH groups with p-(L¹ and L³) and o-nitrobenzyl bromide (L⁴), and 2-chloromethylpyridine chlorohydrate (L²). A series of Ln(III) complexes were prepared for the four ligands by the direct synthesis between the corresponding macrocycle and Ln(III) hydrated nitrates and perchlorates. The number of complexes obtained from the pendant-armed macrocycles is lower than that of the (unsubstituted) parent ones, suggesting that the introduction of pendant arms in the macrocyclic skeletons increases the selectivity of the ligands. More complexes were synthesized when using nitrate as the counterion, showing the important role of the counterion in the complexation reaction. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Photochemistry and photophysics of Cr(III) macrocyclic complexes

The phosphorescence and photochemical behavior of the macrocyclic complexes (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane)chromium(III) (Cr([18]-aneN(6))(3+); 1) and (4,4',4'-ethylidynetris(3-azabutan-1-amine)) chromium(III) (Cr(sen)(3+); 2) have been compared to each other and to the complex Cr(en)(3)(3+). For both macrocyclic complexes, phosphorescence from room temperature aqueous solutions is too weak to be observed, contrasting with Cr(en)(3)(3+), though both had somewhat longer 77 K lifetimes than Cr(en)(3)(3+). Phosphorescence lifetimes for these macrocyclics decreased with increasing temperature much faster than for Cr(en)(3)(3+) and a conventional extrapolation based on a fit of reciprocal lifetimes (corrected for the low-temperature contribution) to the Arrhenius equation gave estimated room temperature phosphorescence lifetimes of a few nanoseconds, consistent with the failure to observe room temperature emission. Fitting of the nonlinearity of the data seen in these plots suggested that two high-temperature processes were occurring with estimated activation parameters (E in kJ mol(-1) and A in s(-1)) for Cr([18]-aneN(6))(3+): E(1) = 40, A(1) = 1 x 10(16); E(2) = 24, A(2) = 1 x 10(14): Cr(sen)(3+); E(1) = 45, A(1) = 2 x 10(15); E(2) = 29, A(2) = 7 x 10(11). Cr([18]-aneN(6))(3+) was photochemically inert on irradiation. On irradiation into the lowest quartet ligand field absorption band, Cr(sen)(3+) photolyzes with a quantum yield of 0.098 +/- 0.001 at room temperature. Laser flash photolysis with conductivity detection showed that this photoreaction occurred faster than protonation of the liberated amine ligand at all practical proton concentrations. The quantum yield for irradiation directly into the doublet absorption band of Cr(sen)(3+) was 0.077 +/- 0.003. Photoaquation of Delta-Cr(sen)(3+) led to loss of optical activity and product analysis by capillary electrophoresis showed that both racemic and Delta-Cr(sen)(3+) photoaquate to a single main product, trans-Cr(sen-NH)(H(2)O)(4+). The product stereochemistry is shown to be consistent with predictions based on the angular overlap model for Cr(III) photochemistry, recognizing the additional constraints imposed by the ligand. The abnormally short room temperature solution lifetime of the doublet state is a result of a radiation-less process that competes with other processes depleting the doublet state. However, this doublet-state deactivation process does not lead to photoaquation but competes with BISC and photoaquation via the quartet state, resulting in an unprecedented reduction in photoaquation quantum yield on direct irradiation into the doublet state.     

Fluorescence study on the interaction of human serum albumin with bromsulphalein

The binding of bromsulphalein (BSP) with human serum albumin was investigated at different temperatures, 298 and 308 K, by the fluorescence spectroscopy at pH 7.24. The binding constant was determined by Stern-Volmer equation based on the quenching of the fluorescence HSA in the presence of bromsulphalein. The effect of various metal ions on the binding constants of BSP with HSA was investigated. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated according to the dependence of enthalpy change on the temperature as follows: DeltaH and DeltaS possess small negative (9.3 kJ mol(-1)) and positive values (22.3 J K(-l)mol(-l)), respectively. The experimental results revealed that BSP has a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching procedure. The binding constants between BSP to HSA were remarkable and independent on temperature. The binding constants between HSA and BSP decreased in the presence of various ions, commonly decreased by 30-55%. The hydrophobic force played a major role in the interaction of BSP with HSA. All these experimental results and theoretical data clarified that BSP could bind to HSA and be effectively transported and eliminated in body, which could be a useful guideline for further drug design.     

Hetero-tripodal hydroxypyridonate gadolinium complexes: syntheses, relaxometric properties, water exchange dynamics, and human serum albumin binding

The synthesis and relaxometric properties of hetero-tripodal hydroxypyridonate-terephthalamide gadolinium (Gd(3+)) chelates with differing structural features for probing human serum albumin (HSA) interactions are reported. The Gd(3+) complexes are divided into two series. The first series (3-5) features a benzyl derivative connected to the hydroxypyridonate (HOPO) moiety. The second series of complexes (6-10) has the common feature of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) attached to the terephthalamide (TAM) moiety and is nonbenzylated. The water exchange of the complexes is in the fast exchange regime with rates (k(ex)) in the range 0.45-1.11 x 10(8) s(-1). The complexes have a moderate interaction with HSA with association constants (K(A)'s) in the range 0.7-8.6 x 10(3) M(-1). Protein binding results in an enhancement in proton relaxivity from 7.7-10.4 mM(-1) s(-1) (r(1p)) to 15-29 mM(-1) s(-1) (r(1p)(b)). It is concluded that the interaction of the complexes with HSA (i) is enhanced by the presence of benzyl groups, (ii) is entropically driven, and (iii) results in a lower hydration number (q).     

Thallium-205 NMR study of ti(I) macrocyclic complexes in nonaqueous solvents

Thallium-205 and carbon-13 NMR measurements were used to determine, in nonaqueous solvents, the stabilities of thallium(I) complexes with macrocyclic ligands of different structures but very nearly the same cavity sizes. In a given solvent the complexing abilities of the ligand vary in the order DA18C6 > 18C6 > DC18C6 > DB18C6 > DT18C6. In all cases the stabilities of the complexes varied inversely with the Gutmann donicities of the solvents.     

用光谱法研究奥硝唑与人血清白蛋白的相互作用

采用荧光光谱法和紫外可见吸收光谱法研究了奥硝唑与人血清白蛋白之间的相互作用;求得了二者在不同温度下的结合常数KA和结合位点数n,以及对应温度下结合反应的热力学参数,同时采用同步荧光分析技术探讨了蛋白质与药物结合时构象的变化.结果表明,在生理条件下奥硝唑对人血清白蛋白的荧光猝灭主要为静态猝灭;奥硝唑与人血清白蛋白主要靠静电作用力结合.     

Thermodynamic study of indoxylsulfate interaction with human serum albumin and competitive binding with p-cresylsulfate

Indoxylsulfate (IS) and p-cresylsulfate (PCS) are natural compounds endowed with toxicity. These molecules are harmful to the environment and removed by the procedure of dialysis. Knowledge of their interaction with biologic compounds such as proteins and particularly human serum albumin (HSA) is limited. This study was therefore designed to determine the thermodynamic parameters of the interaction of IS with HSA and in competition with PCS. Results showed that IS binding is moderate (K _a = 1,750 ± 39 M^?1). The interaction is mainly electrostatic (?H° = ?36.2 ± 1.7 kJ mol^?1) and yields a modification of conformation upon binding (?_conf S° < 0). The thermodynamic parameters obtained at different temperatures show an enthalpy–entropy compensation process. Competition with PCS reveals that affinity for IS decreased by 36 %, with profound modification of the binding forces involved and a release of PCS from the binding site.     

Complete assignments of NMR data of salens and their cobalt (III) complexes

Salens, derived from 1,2‐ethylenediamine and salicylaldehydes, have been widely used as ligands for metal complexes which have been showing enormous potential in chemical properties of asymmetric catalysts as well as biological properties such as anticancer agents. Almost all of the salen–metal complexes with their corresponding metal (II)‐complexes show the evidences of chelation of two oxygens in salens. However, several metal (II) complexes, especially cobalt (II) complexes, could not show NMR spectra due to their paramagnetism. Recently, it has been reported that one of the cobalt (III) complexes was used for NMR spectroscopy to evaluate its stereoselectivity as a catalyst. Even though many salen ligands are known, their NMR data are not assigned completely. It was possible that modification in northern part of salen with 2‐hydroxyphenyl group afforded another oxygen chelation site in salen ligand. Here we report that synthesis and full NMR assignment of new salen ligands, which form meso 1,2‐bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine) and their cobalt (III) complexes. The assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data obtained in this experiment can help us to predict the NMR data of other salen ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new series of dinucleating macrocyclic ligands and their complexes of zinc(II)

A new category of dinucleating macrocyclic Schiff base ligands with ring sizes from 34- to 52-membered have been synthesised employing metal template procedures involving the reaction of o-phenylenediamine with a series of α,ω-bis(3′-hydroxy-4′-formylphenyloxy)alkanes in the presence of calcium(II), barium(II) or manganese(II). The latter cations act as ‘transient’ templates for formation of the corresponding metal-free Schiff base macrocyclic ligands, H₄Lⁿ (where n signifies the number of carbons in each linking bis-alkoxy chain); the macrocycles corresponding to n = 4, 6 and 8 were isolated and characterised while, for n = 1, in which single methylene groups acts as the bridges between salicyl moieties, the cyclic product was used directly for preparation of its dinuclear complex, [Zn₂L¹], without prior isolation. Evidence for the templating role of barium in the preparation of H₄L⁶ and H₄L⁸ was obtained by isolation of the corresponding species of type H₄Lⁿ·2Ba(ClO₄)₂ (n = 6 or 8) as ‘intermediates’ before generation of the respective metal-free macrocycles. Reaction of zinc(II) acetate with the free macrocycles in methanol yielded complexes of type [Zn₂Lⁿ] in all cases. A related non-cyclic ligand, H₂L⁰ and its corresponding mononuclear complex, [ZnL⁰]·H₂O, were also synthesised and its spectral properties compared with those of the macrocyclic derivatives. The elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, IR, UV–Vis and MS spectra of the respective zinc complexes in each case were in accord with the formation of the expected 2:2 condensation product. The results of DFT calculations to probe aspects of the electronic and structural natures of both H₂L¹ and H₄L⁴ are briefly presented.     

New phosphonate-substituted tricarbocyanines and their interaction with bovine serum albumin

New tricarbocyanine dyes with phosphonate groups (2, 3) were synthesized and their binding constants to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were determined. The binding constants of the synthesized tricarbocyanines and cardiogreen (1) (K_b ~ 10⁵ M^–1) are similar, indicating an insignificant contribution of the Coulomb interaction to the complex formation, which is determined by the polymethine chain interaction with BSA. The fluorescence lifetimes attest to the formation of two types of complexes: the lifetime of the dye complex with BSA with a major contribution (~80%) is 740–800 ps, and a lifetime of ~210 ps corresponds to the complex of dye aggregates with BSA.