Two new heteroleptic ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamates: synthesis,characterization, DFT calculation and DNA binding

Two ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamates, cis-[Ru(DMP)₂L](BF₄), where L = 4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (1) and 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (2) and DMP = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding affinity of these metal complexes was investigated by UV–visible spectrophotometry with DNA-binding constants of 6.2 × 10⁴ M^?1 (1) and 1.2 × 10⁵ M^?1 (2) and electrostatic binding mode was confirmed by viscometric measurements. For insight into the structural differences, both complexes were studied computationally. B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of Density Functional Theory was used for the computational studies in Gaussian 09. The optimized bond lengths are in agreement with the reported values. Comparative computational studies reveal interesting transformations in bond lengths, angles, Natural Bond Orbital charges, molecular orbitals, Molecular Electro Static Potentials, and global chemical reactivity indices. Based on quantum chemical results a structure–activity relationship has been attempted.     

New 3D and 2D supramolecular heteroleptic palladium(II) dithiocarbamates as potent anticancer agents

Three new heteroleptic palladium(II) dithiocarbamates with better in vitro anticancer activity than cisplatin were synthesized and characterized by different analytical techniques, elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Pd center is chelated by dithiocarbamate ligand {4-benzylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate (1) and (3) or (4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (2)}, triorganophosphine {tris-(4-flourophenyl)-phosphine (1) and (2) or tris-(4-chlorophenyl)phosphine (3)}, and a chloro-group, resulting in a square planar geometry. The packing diagram reveals a 3D network (1 and 2) and a 2D network (3) composed of various 1D chains in which the molecules are linked via hydrogen bonds (1–3) and halide?π (1, 3) interactions. The anticancer activities of complexes against HeLa cell line varies in the sequence 2 (23.438 μM) > 1 (38.293 μM) > 3 (47.554 μM) > cisplatin (78.075 μM). The cytotoxicity of these complexes is due to their strong induction of oxidative stress and DNA-damage ability leading to apoptosis.     

Heteroleptic Pd(II) dithiocarbamates: synthesis,characterization, packing and in vitro anticancer activity against HeLa cell line

Two new heteroleptic Pd(II) dithiocarbamates (1 and 2) have been synthesized by reaction of equimolar quantities of palladium(II) chloride, sodium 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate, and appropriate substituted triphenylphosphines. The synthesized complexes have been characterized by their physical, spectral (IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P NMR), and X-ray crystallographic data. Complexes 1 and 2 showed square-planar geometry both in solution and solid states. The crystal packing of both complexes revealed similar 3-D-supramolecular networks comprised of 1-D chains. However, the nature and strength of various non-covalent interactions of these networks were slightly different. The DNA interaction studies of the complexes have been carried out by UV–visible spectroscopy to evaluate their anticancer potential. The study suggested intercalative interaction with 2.402 × 10⁴ and 2.713 × 10³ M^?1 binding constants, respectively. The complexes have also been evaluated for their anticancer activity against HeLa cell line. Both complexes showed higher activity with IC₅₀ values much lower (22.176 and 26.166 μM for 1 and 2, respectively) than the standard cisplatin (78.075 μM). Furthermore, the complexes induced stronger DNA fragmentation as investigated by DNA ladder assay for apoptosis. Our findings suggested that the anticancer action of these compounds stems from their interaction with DNA leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. The excellent activity of 1 and 2 deserves to be a focus for further research and in vivo studies.     

A New Phosphonium Calix[4]arene for Selective Anion Recognition: Synthesis and Studies in Solution and in Ion Selective Electrodes

The synthesis and characterization of a new tetra (triphenylphosphonium) p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 2 is presented. Its interactions with anions were studied by ¹H and ³¹P NMR and UV absorption spectrophotometry, showing the biggest interaction with ClO₄ ^? , I^?  and SCN^? . Anion selectivity in ion-selective PVC-membrane electrodes (ISEs) plasticized with o-NPOE containing ionophore 2 was also investigated. Compound 2 shows a potentiometric response for various anions with the following selectivity pattern: ClO₄ ^?  > SCN^?  > I^?  > Cr₂O₇ ^2 ?  > NO₃ ^?  > Br^?  > Cl^? .     

Synthesis,crystal structures,thermal properties,and DNA-binding studies of transition metal complexes with imidazole ligands

A new series of complexes of transition metal (Cu, Zn, Ni) perchlorate with imidazole have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Based on elemental and spectral data, the complexes are M(C₃H₄N₂) _x (ClO₄)₂ (M?=?Cu, Zn, x?=?4; M?=?Ni, x?=?6; C₃H₄N₂?=?imidazole). The crystal structures of Cu(C₃H₄N₂)₄(ClO₄)₂ (1) and Zn(C₃H₄N₂)₄(ClO₄)₂ (2) show metals surrounded by four nitrogens of imidazole, while the nickel complex Ni(C₃H₄N₂)₆(ClO₄)₂ (3) has six nitrogens of imidazole. Intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds exist between hydrogen of imidazole and oxygen of perchlorate. The thermal stabilities of 1, 2, and 3 at different heating rates (β?=?5°C?min^?1, 10°C?min^?1, and 15°C?min^?1) show that all the complexes exhibit two thermal decomposition stages; the sequence of thermal stability is 2?>?1?>?3. 1, 2, 3, and imidazole display DNA binding ability, ascertained by UV-Vis titration.     

Effect of Cobalt(II) and Manganese(II) on the Chemiluminescent Reaction of Peroxymonosulfate with Humic Acid and Some Organic Compounds. Analytical Applications

Abstract

The intensity of the radiation emitted by humic acid (HA) in the presence of SO₅ ^2? in basic medium was used to determine HA in the range up to 20.0 mg l^?1. The detection limit was 0.24 mg l^?1. The addition to the sample of 50 mg l^?1 of Co(II) or Mn(II), as EDTA complexes or chloride salts, enhanced the radiation emission as a result of the formation of strong oxidant radicals such as SO₅ ^??, SO₄ ^??, and HO^?. In the presence of these metal ions, the oxidation of HA and the catalytic decomposition of SO₅ ^2? occur simultaneously. Low concentration of HA in natural waters can be detected. HA was replaced by some model organic compounds. The marked chemiluminescent (CL) signals followed the order: phloroglucinol>fulvic acid>humic acid>resorcinol>pyrogallol>cathecol>hydroquinone.     

Highly Selective Thiocyanate Electrode Based on Bis‐bebzion Schiff Base Binuclear Copper(II) Complex as Neutral Carrier

Abstract

A highly selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane electrode, based on N,N′‐(aminoethyl)ethylenediamide bis(2‐benzoideneimine) binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(II)‐AEBB] as neutral carrier, was prepared for thiocyanate (SCN^?) determination, which displays an anti‐Hofmeister selectivity sequence for a series of anions in the following order: SCN^?>ClO₄ ^?>Sal^? > I^?>NO₃ ^?>Br^?> Cl^?>NO₂ ^?>SO₃ ^2?>F^?>H₂PO₄ ^?>SO₄ ^2?. The electrode exhibited near‐Nernst response for SCN^? with a slope of –59.0 mV/decade over a wide concentration range (8.5×10^?7～6.8×10^?1 mol/L) with a detection limit of –5.0×10^?7 mol/L in pH 5.0 phosphate buffer solution at 25°C. Alternating current (AC) impedance and equivalent circuits were used to investigate the thiocyanate response mechanism of the membrane doped with [Cu(II)‐AEBB].     

Structural diversity for three Zn(II) coordination polymers from 4-nitrobenzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and bispyridyl ligand

Three Zn(II) complexes, [Zn₂(bpp)₂(FNA)₂]·H₂O (1), [Zn(bpp)(FNA)]·H₂O (2), and Zn₂(bpp)₂(FNA)₂ (3) (bpp = 1,3-bi(4-pyridyl)propane, H₂FNA = 4-nitrobenzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods, IR spectroscopy, TG analyses, elemental analyses, and fluorescent analysis. In 1, the Zn(II) ions are linked by FNA anions and bpp into 2-D layers. The Zn(II) ions in 2 are bridged by FNA anions into chiral chains, which are interlinked by bpp into 3-D metal–organic framework with (6⁵·8) CdS topology. Complex 3 features 1-D zigzag chains, which are interconnected by bpp ligands to give a 3-D framework with (6·7⁴·8)(6⁴·7·8) topology. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit significant ferroelectric behavior (for 2 remnant polarization Pr = 0.050 μC cm^?2, coercive field Ec = 1.13 kV cm^?1, saturation of the spontaneous polarization Ps = 0.239 μC cm^?2; for 3 Pr = 0.192 μC cm^?2, Ec = 4.64 kV cm^?1, Ps = 0.298 μC cm^?2).     

One-pot synthesis,characterization, DNA binding and enzymatic studies of 4-methyl trans-cinnamate zinc(II)-mixed ligand complexes

Four new zinc(II) complexes formulated as [Zn(L)₂] (1), [Zn(L)₂(phen)] (2), [Zn(L)₂(bipy)H₂O] (3), and [Zn(en)₂(H₂O)₂](L)₂(H₂O)₂ (4), where HL = 4-methyl trans-cinnamic acid, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and en = ethylenediamine, have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal XRD revealed distorted square-pyramidal structure for 3 and octahedral for 4. The complexes were screened for DNA interaction via viscommetry and UV–visible spectroscopy. The apparent binding constants were calculated to be 1.18 × 10⁴, 1.26 × 10⁵, 4.64 × 10⁴_, and 1.89 × 10⁴ for 1–4, respectively. The binding propensity to salmon sperm DNA was in the order: K₂ > K₃ > K₄ > K₁. Furthermore, these complexes demonstrated efficient inhibition of alkaline phosphatase, which was attributed to the binding of zinc(II) to the enzyme’s active site.     

New Zn(II) complexes based on biologically active substituted acetic acid and nitrogen donor ligands: synthesis,crystal structure and biological applications

The complexes [Zn(phenylacetato)₂(2-aminopyridin)₂] (3), [Zn(phenylacetato)₂(1,10-phenanthroline)]·H₂O (4), and [Zn(phenylacetato)₂(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)]·0.5 H₂O (5) were prepared and characterized by IR-, UV–Visible, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. BNPP hydrolysis of the complexes and their parent nitrogen ligands showed that the hydrolysis rate of bis-(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) was 1.7 × 10⁵ L mol^?1 s^?1 for 3, 3.1 × 10⁵ L mol^?1 s^?1 for 4 and 4.3 × 10⁴ L mol^?1 s^?1 for 5. Antibacterial activities show the effect of complexation on activity against Gram-positive (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, E. faecalis, M. luteus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (K. pneumonia, E. coli, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa) bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Complex 4 showed good activity against G? bacteria except P. aeruginosa, and against G+ bacteria except E. ferabis. Complex 5 showed no activity against G? bacteria, low activity against M. luteus and B. subtilis bacteria and high activity against S. epidemidis and S. aureus. Complex 3 did not show any activity against G? or G+ bacteria.     

Synthesis,binding and fluorescence studies of a new neutral H-bonding receptor for anions based on 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylurea

The synthesis and anion binding studies of the new neutral receptor 1,1′-(2,2′-(4,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diyl)bis(2-oxoethane-2,1-diyl))bis(3-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)urea) (L1) are reported. L1 is a macrocyclic ligand containing the 3,5-trifluoromethylphenylureido-binding fragment attached as a side arm on the tetraazacyclododecane. L1 is soluble in numerous organic solvents; the binding properties of L1 towards several simple anions (G) were investigated by NMR, UV–vis and fluorescence techniques in DMSO and CH₃CN solutions. L1 is able to bind F^? , Cl^?  and AcO^?  in both solvents; in addition, it binds Br^?  in CH₃CN. Fluoride shows the highest constant values in the halide series (F^?  > Cl^?  > Br^? ) and AcO^?  is the most strongly bound among all the anions investigated. L1 is able to signal the presence of the anions in solution by fluorescence change; in the case of acetate, this occurs in the visible range.     

NMR and theoretical study on the linking properties of peroxovanadium(V) complexes with the 3-aminomethyl-pyridine derivatives

To understand the substitution effects of 3-aminomethyl-pyridine on the reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of 3-aminomethyl-pyridine derivatives and peroxovanadium(V) complex [OV(O₂)₂(D₂O)]^?/[OV(O₂)₂(HOD)]^? in solution were explored by the combined use of multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, and ⁵¹V) magnetic resonance spectroscopy together with HSQC in 0.15 M NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological conditions. Some direct NMR data are given for the first time. The relative reactivity among the 3-aminomethyl-pyridine derivative ligands are N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)acetamide (1) ≈ N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)propionamide (2) > N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)pivalamide (3) > t-butyl(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)carbamate (4). The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinate peroxovanadium species [OV(O₂)₂L]^? (L = 1–4). The results of density functional calculations indicated that the solvation effects play an important role in these reactions, providing a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the 3-aminomethyl-pyridine derivatives.     

Nuclease activity of redox/non-redox active binuclear transition metal mixed-polypyridine complexes: [M2(1,4-tpbd)(diimine)2(H2O)2]4+, M = Zn,Co, Ni,Cd, diimine = phen,bpy, dafo

Seven new transition metal complexes formulated as [M₂(1,4-tpbd)(diimine)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ [M = Zn, Co, Ni, Cd; 1,4-tpbd = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)benzene-1,4-diamine; diimine is a N,N-donor heterocyclic base like 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (dafo)] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography: [Zn₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (1), [Zn₂(1,4-tpbd)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (2), [Co₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (3), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (4), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (5), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(dafo)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (6) and [Cd₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (7). Single crystal diffraction reveals that the metals in the complexes are all in a distorted octahedral geometry. The interactions of the seven complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The apparent binding constants (K_app) are calculated to be 5.2?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 1, 1.05?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 2, 5.76?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 3, 4.57?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 4, 1.29?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 5, 1.7?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 6, 2.53?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 7, the binding propensity to the calf thymus DNA in the order: 3 (Co-phen) > 1 (Zn-phen) > 4 (Ni-phen) > 7 (Cd-phen) > 6 (Ni-dafo) > 5 (Ni-bpy) > 2 (Zn-bpy). Furthermore, these complexes display efficient oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA; the Zn(II)/H₂O₂ and Cd(II)/H₂O₂ systems efficiently cleave DNA attributed to the peroxide ion coordinated to the Zn(II) and Cd(II), which enhanced their nucleophilicity, this is rare.     

Experimental and computational investigations on the high binding-selectivity of pyrimidine derivatives by a pillar[5]arene

The binding selectivity of an adenine-monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene (H) with a series of pyrimidine derivatives were investigated through ¹H NMR experiments and density functional theory (DFT) study. High binding-selectivity was demonstrated. Typically, H displayed very strong binding strength with 6-(2,4-dioxo-3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-1 (2H)-yl)hexanenitrile (G1) [K_a >10⁵ M^?1], up to about 3000-fold as compared with 1-hexylpyrimidine-2,4(1H, 3H)-dione (G5) [K_a = 31 M^?1]. The strong binding ability of H with G1 was due to the cooperative multiple hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, C-H···π and π···π interactions. The high binding-selectivity was also verified by calculation results. The calculated interaction energy (ΔE_i) of G1?H was ?12.92 Kcal·mol^?1 while that of G5?H was ?2.85 Kcal·mol^?1.     

Importance of aliphatic C–H hydrogen bonding on anion recognition

We have designed and synthesised new anion receptors 1 and 2, both of their C–H groups were at the α positions to carbonyl groups and further polarised by the attached polarising substituents. This enabled us to study hydrogen bonding donor ability of C–H bonds. The polarising substituents are electron withdrawing cyano group for host 1, while charged pyridinium group for host 2. As expected from charge effects, host 2 shows roughly an order of magnitude higher binding constants against various anion guests than those of receptor 1. Since the magnitude of polarisation change should be greatest for C–H group among various hydrogen bonding groups, this indicates the importance of C–H hydrogen bonding. In contrast, the relative order of binding constants was the same for both host 1 and 2. The order of association constants was found to be (CH₃)₂POO^? > CH₃COO^? > C₆H₅COO^? > Cl^? > Br^?. DFT calculation results were in good agreement with experimental binding constants and confirmed the importance of charged group substitution. In addition, receptor 1 showed the highest association constant for dimethyl phosphinate, which is implicated in many metabolic diseases.     

Supramolecular organotin(IV) dithiocarboxylates as potential antimicrobial agents

A series of tri-, chlorodi-, and diorganotin(IV) derivatives of 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (L) {R?=?n-C₄H₉ (1), C₆H₁₁ (2), CH₃ (3) and C₆H₅ (4)}, (n-C₄H₉)₂SnClL (5) and R₂SnL₂ {R?=?n-C₄H₉ (6), C₂H₅ (7), CH₃ (8)} have been synthesized by refluxing organotin(IV) chlorides with the ligand-salt in the appropriate molar ratio. Elemental analysis, Raman, IR, multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn), mass spectroscopic, and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies were undertaken to elucidate the structures of the new compounds both in solution and in the solid state. The X-ray diffraction work reveals supramolecular structures for 4 and 6, with distorted trigonal-bipyramidal and distorted octahedral geometries around Sn, respectively. The ligand and several of the new compounds are good antimicrobial agents.     

Synthesis of nucleobase-calix[4]arenes via click chemistry and evaluation of their complexation with alkali metal ions and molecular assembly

In this study, calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) bearing a single nucleobase (adenine, thymine, cytosine or guanine) were synthesised via click chemistry. The complexation ability of the synthesised derivatives with alkali metal ions was measured using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and their molecular assembly in CDCl₃ was determined using ¹H NMR. Calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) formed 1:1 complexes with all alkali metal ions and the rank order for the complexation selectivity was Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ > K⁺ ? Na⁺ > Li⁺. The attachment of nucleobase at the upper rim of calix[4]arene had little effect on its complexation selectivity for alkali metal ions. Thymine-, adenine- and guanine-calix[4]arenes formed self-assembled structures in CDCl₃ via base–base interactions. In addition, adenine-calix[4]arene (11) bound to thymine-calix[4]arene (12) to form a discrete species via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding.     

Thiocyanate: selective membrane electrode based on macrotricyclic binuclear Cu(II)–Schiff base complex

A highly selective PVC membrane electrode was prepared for thiocyanate (SCN^?) determination, based on macrotricyclic binuclear Cu(II)–Schiff base complex as an ionophore. The novel macrotricyclic compound (cryptand) was synthesized by condensation of 4,4′-diamino-dibenzo-18-crown-6 with bis(4-formyl phenyl)terephthalate under high-dilution condition and the structure was confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H NMR,¹³C NMR and MS studies. The Cu(II) complex of the compound was prepared and was examined for use as anion-selective electrode as a carrier which displays an anti-Hofmeister selectivity sequence in following order: SCN^? > ClO₄ ^? > NO₃ ^? > CN^? > I^? > CO₃ ^2? > NO₂ ^? > Br^? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? with a preference for thiocyanate ion over many common anions. The electrode has a linear dynamic range between 1.0 × 10^?7 and 1.0 × 10^?1 M, with a Nernstian slope of ?58.9 mV decade^?1 and detection limit of 3.1 × 10^?8 M. The working pH range of the sensor was found be in the range of 3.0–8.0. It exhibits a fast response time of 20 s and has a lifetime of about 2 months. Application of the electrode for determination of thiocyanate in waste water samples and in human urine samples have also been demonstrated.     

Biamperometric Determination of Tetracycline in Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

A fast, reliable, and low cost biamperometric flow‐injection method, with an error of 1.3% and an analytical throughput of 55 samples h^?1, for determination of tetracycline hydrochloride in pharmaceuticals capsules is proposed. The analytical curve was linear (r=0.998) in the range 10 to 50 mg l^?1 using Fe(CN)₆ ^3? and NaOH solutions as reagent and carrier stream/supporting electrolyte, respectively. A relative standard deviation of 1.6% (10 sequential injections of 30.0 mg l^?1) was verified with detection and quantification limits of 0.6 and 3.4 mg l^?1, respectively.     

Synthesis,characterization, and magnetochemical properties of two Mn4 clusters derived from 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde Schiff base ligands

Two tetranuclear manganese complexes, [Mn₄(L¹)₆](ClO₄)₂?2.75H₂O (1) [HL¹ = 4-methyl-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenol] and [Mn₄(L²)₄(NO₃)₃(OH)]?pz?3H₂O (2) [HL² = (1H-pyrazol-1-yl)(pyridin-2-yl)methanol, pz = pyrazole], have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The structural analysis revealed that the central manganese ion is linked with three apical manganese ions through six phenoxo-bridges creating a Mn₄O₆ core for 1; 2 has a cubane-like topology with the Mn(II) ions and the deprotonated oxygens from L² alternatively occupying vertices. The magnetic studies indicated a weak ferromagnetic coupling interaction (J = 0.48 ± 0.087 cm^?1, g = 2.00, θ = ?0.78 K) for 1 and a weak antiferromagnetic spin-exchange interaction (J₁ = ?0.50 ± 0.075 cm^?1, J₂ = ?0.13 ± 0.082 cm^?1, g = 1.98) between Mn(II) ions for 2. The magnetostructural correlations of the two Mn₄ clusters have been discussed tentatively.