Cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) complexes with [3(5)]adamanzane, 1,5,9,13-tetraazabicyclo[7.7.3]nonadecane, and [(2.3)(2).2(1)] adamanzane, 1,5,9,12-tetraazabicyclo[7.5.2]hexadecane

Isolation of the free bicyclic tetraamine, [3(5)]adamanzane.H(2)O (1,5,9,13-tetraazabicyclo[7.7.3]nonadecane.H(2)O), is reported along with the synthesis and characterization of a copper(II) complex of the smaller macrocycle [(2.3)(2).2(1)]adamanzane (1,5,9,12-tetraazabicyclo[7.5.2]hexadecane) and of three cobalt(II), four nickel(II), one copper(II), and two zinc(II) complexes with [3(5)]adamanzane. For nine of these compounds (2-8, 10b, and 12) the single-crystal X-ray structures were determined. The coordination geometry around the metal ion is square pyramidal in [Cu([(2.3)(2).2(1)]adz)Br]ClO(4) (2) and trigonal bipyramidal in the isostructural structures [Cu([3(5)]adz)Br]Br (3), [Ni([3(5)]adz)Cl]Cl (5), [Ni([3(5)]adz)Br]Br (6), and [Co([3(5)]adz)Cl]Cl (8). In [Ni([3(5)]adz)(NO(3))]NO(3) (4) and [Ni([3(5)]adz)(ClO(4))]ClO(4) (7) the coordination geometry around nickel(II) is a distorted octahedron with the inorganic ligands at cis positions. The coordination polyhedron around the metal ion in [Co([3(5)]adz)][ZnCl(4)] (10b) and [Zn([3(5)]adz)][ZnCl(4)] (12) is a slightly distorted tetrahedron. Anation equilibrium constants were determined spectrophotometrically for complexes 2-6 at 25 and 40 degrees C and fall in the region 2-10 M(-1) for the halide complexes and 30-65 M(-1) for the nickel(II) nitrate complex (4). Rate constants for the dissociation of the macrocyclic ligand from the metal ions in 5 M HCl were determined for complexes 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12. The reaction rates vary from half-lives at 40 degrees C of 14 min for the dissociation of the Zn([3(5)]adz)(2+) complex (12) to 14-15 months for the Ni([3(5)]adz)Cl(+) ion (5).     

Cobalt(III) complexes of [3(5)] adamanzane, 1,5,9,13-tetraazabicyclo[7.7.3]nonadecane. Report of an inert, chelate hydrogen carbonate ion

Three cobalt(III) complexes of the macrocyclic tetraamine [3(5)]adamanzane (1,5,9,13-tetraazabicyclo[7.7.3]nonadecane) were isolated as salts. The X-ray crystal structures were solved for the compounds [Co([3(5)]adz)(CO(3))]AsF(6) (1b), [Co([3(5)]adz)(HCO(3))]ZnBr(4).H(2)O (2a), and [Co([3(5)]adz)(SO(4))]AsF(6).H(2)O (3a). The coordination geometry around the cobalt(III) ion is a distorted octahedron with the inorganic ligands at cis-positions. Complex 2 is the second example of a cobalt(III) complex for which the X-ray structure shows a chelate binding mode of the hydrogen carbonate entity. The pK(a) value of the [Co([3(5)]adz)(HCO(3))](2+) ion (2) was determined spectrophotometrically to be 0.27 (25 degrees C, I = 5.0 M). The protonation appears to occur at the noncoordinated carbonyl oxygen atom of the carbonate group, with hydrogen bonding to the crystal water molecule. Evidence is presented for this oxygen atom as the site of protonation in solution as well. In 5.0 M CF(3)SO(3)H a slow reaction of the carbonato complex, quantitatively yielding the [Co([3(5)]adz)(H(2)O)(2)](3+) ion, was observed. k(obs) = 7.9(1) x 10(-)(6) s(-)(1) at 25 degrees C.     

Structure of two azide salts of a copper(II) macrocycle and magnetic properties of Cu(14ane)Cu(N3)4

Synthesis of azide complexes with the copper(II) macrocycle complex Cu(14ane)(2+) (where 14ane = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclothetradecane) has yielded two compounds. Cu(14ane)Cu(N(3))(4) contains micro(1,3)-azido bridged chains of Cu(14ane)(2+) cations and Cu(N(3))(4)(2)(-) anions. Magnetic studies reveal the presence of ferromagnetic interactions within the chains with J/k = 0.635(4) K. [Cu(14ane)N(3)]BF(4) contains [Cu(14ane)N(3)]+ cations with elongated square pyramidal geometry. The BF(4)(-) anions are weakly coordinated in the sixth coordination site of the cations.     

Trinuclear copper complexes with triplesalen ligands: geometric and electronic effects on ferromagnetic coupling via the spin-polarization mechanism

A series of trinuclear Cu(II) complexes with the tris(tetradentate) triplesalen ligands H(6)talen, H(6)talen(tBu(2) ), and H(6)talen(NO(2) ), namely [(talen)Cu(II) (3)] (1), [(talen(tBu(2) ))Cu(II) (3)] (2), and [(talen(NO(2) ))Cu(II) (3)] (3), were synthesized and their molecular and electronic structures determined. These triplesalen ligands provide three salen-like coordination environments bridged in a meta-phenylene arrangement by a phloroglucinol backbone. The structure of [(talen)Cu(II) (3)] (1) was communicated recently. The structure of the tert-butyl derivative [(talen(tBu(2) ))Cu(II) (3)] (2) was established in three different solvates. The molecular structures of these trinuclear complexes show notable differences, the most important of which is the degree of ligand folding around the central Cu(II)-phenolate bonds. This folding is symmetric with regard to the central phloroglucinol backbone in two structures, where it gives rise to bowl-shaped overall geometries. For one solvate two trinuclear triplesalen complexes form a supramolecular disk-like arrangement, hosting two dichloromethane molecules like two pearls in an oyster. The FTIR spectra of these complexes indicate the higher effective nuclear charge of Cu(II) in comparison to the trinuclear Ni(II) complexes by the lower C--O and higher C=N stretching frequencies. The UV/Vis/NIR spectra of 1-3 reflect the stronger ligand folding in the tert-butyl complex 2 by an intense phenolate-to-Cu(II) LMCT. This absorption is absent in 1 and is obscured by the nitro chromophore in 3. The more planar molecular structures cause orthogonality of the Cu(II) d(x(2)-y(2) ) orbital and the phenolate O p(z) orbital, which leads to small LMCT dipole strengths. Whereas 1 and 3 exhibit only irreversible oxidations, 2 exhibits a reversible one-electron oxidation at +0.26 V, a reversible two-electron oxidation at +0.59 V, and a reversible one-electron oxidation at +0.81 V versus Fc(+)/Fc. The one-electron oxidized form 2(+) is strongly stabilized with respect to reference mononuclear salen-like Cu complexes. Chemical one-electron oxidation of 2 to 2(+) allows the determination of its UV/Vis/NIR spectrum, which indicates a ligand-centered oxidation that can be assigned to the central phloroglucinol unit by analogy with the trinuclear Ni triplesalen series. Delocalization of this oxidation over three Cu(II)-phenolate subunits causes the observed energetic stabilization of 2(+). Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal ferromagnetic couplings for all three trinuclear Cu(II) triplesalen complexes. The trend of the coupling constants can be rationalized by two opposing effects: 1) electron-withdrawing terminal substituents stabilize the central Cu(II)-phenolate bond, which results in a stronger coupling, and 2) ligand folding around the central Cu(II)-phenolate bond opens a bonding pathway between the magnetic Cu(II) d(x(2)-y(2) ) orbital and the phenolate O p(z) orbital, which results in a stronger coupling. Density functional calculations indicate that both spin-polarization and spin-delocalization are operative and that slight geometric variations alter their relative magnitudes.     

Reporting a unique example of electronic bistability observed in the form of valence tautomerism with a copper(II) helicate of a redox-active nitrogenous heterocyclic ligand

Valence tautomeric compounds involving nondixolene-type ligands are rare. The triple-helicate copper(II) complex [Cu(II)(2)(L)(3)](ClO(4))(4)·3CH(3)CN (1) containing a redox-active N-heterocyclic ligand (L) has been prepared and displays VT equilibrium in solution, as established by electronic spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry carried out at variable temperatures. The process involves intramolecular transfer of an electron from one of the L ligands to a copper(II) center, leading to the oxidation of L to an L(?+) radical with concomitant reduction of the Cu(II) center to Cu(I), as shown by the equilibrium [Cu(II)Cu(I)L(?+)L(2)](4+) ? [Cu(II)(2)L(3)](4+).     

Determination of copper(I) and copper(II) ions after complexation with bicinchoninic acid by CE

A facile, sensitive, and selective method was developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of copper(I) [Cu(+)] and copper(II) [Cu(2+)] ions using CE with direct UV detection. The copper ions were complexed with a 1.5 mM bicinchoninic acid disodium salt solution at pH 8.7 prior to analysis. Acetate buffer (2 mM) was used as the CE running buffer. Parameters affecting CE separation such as sample pH, applied voltage, concentration of complexing agent, nature of the buffer solution, and interferences by other metal ions, were evaluated. The LODs for Cu(+) and Cu(2+) were 3.0 and 2.5 microg/mL (S/N = 3), respectively. The developed method allows the simultaneous determination of Cu(+) and Cu(2+) in less than 5 min with RSDs of between 5.3 and 9.5% for migration time and between 3.4 and 9.7% for peak areas, respectively. At optimum conditions, the percentage recoveries of Cu(+) and Cu(2+) were found to be 99.4 and 99.5%.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,X-ray structure and magnetic properties of [Cu(hmquin-7-COOH)2(MeOH)] complex

The reaction of copper(II) chloride dihydrate and 8-hydroxy-2-methylquinoline-7-carboxylic acid (Hhmquin-7-COOH) leads to [Cu(hmquin-7-COOH)₂(MeOH)]. The compound has been studied by IR, UV–Vis, EPR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. X-ray studies confirm bidentate coordination mode of the hmquin-7-COOH anions via the pyridine nitrogen atom and deprotonated hydroxyl group. The COOH groups of the hmquin-7-COOH ligands are potentially available for further conjugation. The title complex has been additionally studied by magnetic measurement. The TDDFT/PCM calculations have been employed to discuss the electronic spectrum of [Cu(hmquin-7-COOH)₂(MeOH)] in more detail.     

Electrochemical Behavior of Copper in a Water-Ethanolamine Medium

Dependences of the copper etching rate in a water-monoethanolamine medium on the solution pH and concentration of Cu(II) in the presence and absence of chloride ions are determined. An increase in the stability of univalent species and in the diffusion coefficient of Cu(I) at pH 10.30 is attributed to chelation. The mechanism of copper etching in the medium is proposed. The copper etching deceleration at pH > 10.30 is attributed to the metal blockage by surface compounds.     

A perchlorate-selective membrane electrode based on a Cu(II) complex of the ligand 1,4,8,11-tetra(n-octyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane

The new cyclic polyazacycloalkane 1.4,8,11-tetra(n-octyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L1) was synthesised and the copper(II) complex [Cu(L1)]2+ characterised. Different electrodes were prepared using the [Cu(L1)]2+ complex as ionophore, PVC as plastic matrix and o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (BEHS) or dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as plasticizers. The electrode containing DBP showed a Nernstian response over a wide pH range and a fast response time (ca. 3 s) whereas NPOE and BEHS gave near-Nernstian slopes. Selectivity coefficients for the different anions with respect to perchlorate were calculated. The response of the electrodes basically followed the Hofmeister sequence, suggesting that interaction of the ionophore with the anions is via electrostatic forces rather than due to anion coordination to the axial sites of the square-planar [Cu(L1)]2+ complex.     

From homoleptic to heteroleptic double stranded Copper(I) helicates: the role of self-recognition in self-assembly processes

The ligands 2,9-bis[(6-methyl-2, 2'-bipyridin-6'-yl)methyleneoxymethylenyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (6), 6' ',6' "-bis[(6-methyl-2, 2'-bipyridin-6'-yl)methyleneoxymethylenyl)]-2' ',2' "-bipyridine (2), 5,5'-bis[(6-methyl-2,2'-bipyridin-6'yl)methyleneoxymethylenyl]-2, 2'-bithiophene (7), and 6,6'-bis[(6-methyl-2, 2'-bipyridin-6'-yl)methyleneoxymethylenyl]-2,2'-biphenyl (8) and their respective homo- and heteroleptic double-stranded copper(I) complexes were prepared and characterized in order to estimate the importance of self-recognition in the self-assembly processes of double-stranded copper complexes. The homoleptic double-stranded copper complexes of 2, 6, 7, and 8 were characterized by NMR, FAB-MS, and electrochemistry. It was found that 6 and 2 each form a single double-stranded helicate having the structure of [(L)(2)Cu(3)](3+) (L = 2 or 6), 7 forms two double-stranded [(7)(2)Cu(3)](3+) complexes, and 8 results in a mixture of at least two [(8)(2)Cu(2)](2+) complexes. The potential shift, DeltaE degrees (,) of the Cu(+)/Cu(2+) redox process of these complexes reflects the binding affinity of the different binding sites to the copper cation. The electrochemical data show that the central units have a higher affinity to Cu(+) as compared to the off-center binding sites. NMR was used to determine the actual complex composition obtained from different mixtures of 2, 6, or 7 with Cu(+). Interestingly, we have found that, although 6, 2, and 7 each form homoleptic double-stranded complexes, no heteroleptic double-stranded copper complexes were formed from the mixtures of 7 with either 6 or 2. However, when mixtures of 6 and 2 are used, helicate distributions seem to follow simple statistics. These results are discussed in terms of the relative importance of self-recognition in the self-assembly of double-stranded helicates.     

Galactose oxidase models: solution chemistry, and phenoxyl radical generation mediated by the copper status

Galactose oxidase (GO) is an enzyme that catalyzes two-electron oxidations. Its active site contains a copper atom coordinated to a tyrosyl radical, the biogenesis of which requires copper and dioxygen. We have recently studied the properties of electrochemically generated mononuclear Cu(II)-phenoxyl radical systems as model compounds of GO. We present here the solution chemistry of these ligands under various copper and dioxygen statuses: N(3)O ligands first chelate Cu(II), leading, in the presence of base, to [Cu(II)(ligand)(CH(3)CN)](+) complexes (ortho-tert-butylated ligands) or [(Cu(II))(2)(ligand)(2)](2+) complexes (ortho-methoxylated ligands). Excess copper(II) then oxidizes the complex to the corresponding mononuclear Cu(II)-phenoxyl radical species. N(2)O(2) tripodal ligands, in the presence of copper(II), afford directly a copper(II)-phenoxyl radical species. Addition of more than two molar equivalents of copper(II) affords a Cu(II)-bis(phenoxyl) diradical species. The donor set of the ligand directs the reaction towards comproportionation for ligands possessing an N(3)O donor set, while disproportionation is observed for ligands possessing an N(2)O(2) donor set. These results are discussed in the light of recent results concerning the self-processing of GO. A path involving copper(II) disproportionation is proposed for oxidation of the cross-linked tyrosinate of GO, supporting the fact that both copper(I) and copper(II) activate the enzyme.     

Bistable copper complexes of bis-thia-bis-quinoline ligands

The new ligands R,R-trans-S,S'-bis[methyl(2'-quinolyl)]-1,2-dithiacyclohexane, cis-S,S'-bis[methyl(2'-quinolyl)]-1,2-dithiacyclohexane, and 1,6-bis(2'-quinolyl)-2,5-dithiahexane have been synthesized and their complexes with Cu(I) and Cu(II) prepared. The ligand/metal systems are bistable, as the complexes with copper in both its oxidation states are stable under the same conditions as solids and in solution. The crystal and molecular structure of [Cu(I)(1,6-bis(2'-quinolyl)-2,5-dithiahexane)]ClO(4) has been determined by X-ray diffraction and reveals that the complex is monomeric, with the ligand folding around the Cu(+) cation, imparting to it a tetrahedral coordination. UV-vis, MS-ESI, and NMR data indicate that the same is found for the Cu(I) complexes of all three ligands. Also, the Cu(II) complexes are monomeric, but with a square arrangement of the ligands around Cu(2+). On changing the oxidation state, the change in the geometrical arrangement is fast and complete in less than 80 ms, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry experiments. In the CV profiles, the oxidation and reduction events take place at separated E(ox) and E(red) values, with no return wave even at the fastest scan rates. In the E(ox)-E(red) interval (which ranges from 450 to 650 mV, depending on the ligand), the ligand/copper system can thus exist in one of its two states, depending on its history, and thus display electrochemical hysteretical behavior. The electrochemical cycle leading from the tetrahedral [Cu(I)(ligand)](+) to the square [Cu(II)(ligand)](2+) complex (and vice versa) is reversible and repeatable without degradation, as checked by coupled UV-vis-controlled potential coulometry experiments.     

Redox-driven intramolecular anion translocation between a metal centre and a hydrogen-bond-donating compartment

Dicationic ligands incorporating two 2,2'-bipyridine units and two imidazolium moieties, [1](2+) and [2](2+), form stable chelate complexes with Cu(II) and Cu(I) in acetonitrile solution. Each Cu(II) complex binds two X(-) ions according to two stepwise equilibria, the first involving the Cu(II) centre and the second involving the bis-imidazolium compartment. Cu(I) complexes are able to host only one NO(3)(-) ion in the bis-imidazolium cavity, while other anions induce demetallation. Thus, in the presence of one equivalent of NO(3)(-), the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox change makes the anion translocate quickly and reversibly from one binding site to the other within the [Cu(II,I)(1)](4+/3+) system, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis experiments.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Thermal, Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties of a 2D Grid‐like Copper(II) μ‐1,1 Isocyanato Coordination Polymer with Pyrazine Bridges

Reaction of copper(II) cyanate with pyrazine leads to the formation of [Cu(NCO)₂(pyrazine)]_n ( 1 ), in which the Cu²⁺ cations are coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of the pyrazine ligands, as well as by four nitrogen atoms of the cyanate anions within a slightly distorted octahedral coordination. In the crystal structure the Cu²⁺ cations are connected by the pyrazine ligands into chains which are further linked by the cyanate anions through asymmetric μ‐1,1‐NCO coordination into layers. On heating compound 1 transforms quantitatively to copper(II) cyanate which decompose to elemental copper on further heating. No ligand deficent intermediates are observed. Magnetic measurements reval an antiferromagnetic ordering at lower temperatures mediated by the π‐system of the aromatic pyrazine ligand as well as net ferromagnetic interactions mediated by the μ‐1,1‐NCO bridging cyanato anions. A search in the Cambridge Crystal Structure Database shows that the terminal coordination mode in cyanato complexes as well as their azido and thiocyanato analogs is obviously energetically favored. In addition, a comparison of their symmetric and asymmetric end‐on (μ‐1,1) as well as end‐to‐end (μ‐1,3) bridging modes reveal interesting correlations.     

Visible-near-infrared and fluorescent copper sensors based on julolidine conjugates: selective detection and fluorescence imaging in living cells

We present novel Schiff base ligands julolidine-carbonohydrazone 1 and julolidine-thiocarbonohydrazone 2 for selective detection of Cu(2+) in aqueous medium. The planar julolidine-based ligands can sense Cu(2+) colorimetrically with characteristic absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR, 700-1000 nm) region. Employing molecular probes 1 and 2 for detection of Cu(2+) not only allowed detection by the naked eye, but also detection of varying micromolar concentrations of Cu(2+) due to the appearance of distinct coloration. Moreover, Cu(2+) selectively quenches the fluorescence of julolidine-thiocarbonohydrazone 2 among all other metal ions, which increases the sensitivity of the probe. Furthermore, quenched fluorescence of the ligand 2 in the presence of Cu(2+) was restored by adjusting the complexation ability of the ligand. Hence, by treatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), thus enabling reversibility and dual-check signaling, julolidine-thiocarbonohydrazone (2) can be used as a fluorescent molecular probe for the sensitive detection of Cu(2+) in biological systems. The ligands 1 and 2 can be utilized to monitor Cu(2+) in aqueous solution over a wide pH range. We have investigated the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the ligands using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) combined with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The observed absorption band in the NIR region is attributed to the formation of a charge-transfer complex between Cu(2+) and the ligand. The fluorescence-quenching behavior can be accounted for primarily due to the excited-state ligand 2 to metal (Cu(2+)) charge-transfer (LMCT) processes. Thus, experimentally observed characteristic NIR and fluorescence optical responses of the ligands upon binding to Cu(2+) are well supported by the theoretical calculations. Subsequently, we have employed julolidine-thiocarbonohydrazone 2 for reversible fluorescence sensing of intracellular Cu(2+) in cultured HEK293T cells.     

New pyridine carboxamide ligands and their complexation to copper(II). X-Ray crystal structures of mono-, di, tri- and tetranuclear copper complexes

Seven new pyridine dicarboxamide ligands H2L(1-7) have been synthesised from condensation reactions involving pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2dipic), pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl dichloride or 2,6-diaminopyridine with heterocyclic amine or carboxylic acid precursors. Crystallographic analyses of N,N'-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide monohydrate (H2L8 x H2O), N,N'-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)methyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide and N,N'-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide monohydrate revealed extensive intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. 2,6-Bis(pyrazine-2-carboxamido)pyridine (H2L6) and 2,6-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)pyridine (H2L7) reacted with copper(II) acetate monohydrate to give tricopper(II) complexes [Cu3(L)2(mu2-OAc)2]. X-Ray crystallography confirmed deprotonation of the amidic nitrogen atoms and that the (L6,7)2- ligands and acetate anions hold three copper(II) ions in approximately linear fashion. H2L8. Reacted with copper(II) tetrakis(pyridine) perchlorate to give [Cu(L8)(OH2)]2 x 2H2O, in which (L8)2- was tridentate through the nitrogen atoms of the central pyridine ring and the deprotonated carboxamide groups at one copper centre, with one of the terminal pyridyl rings coordinating to the other copper atom in the dimer. The corresponding reaction using H2L7 gave [Cu3(L7)2(py)2][ClO4]2, which transformed during an attempted recrystallisation from ethanol under aerobic conditions to a tetracopper(II) complex [Cu4(L7)2(L7-O)2].     

Synthesis, crystal structure and antiradical effect of copper(II) Schiff base complexes containing five-, six- and unusual seven-membered rings

The synthesis and solid-state structure of mononuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(SAIB)(H(2)O)(2)] (1), [Cu(SBAIB)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O (2) and [Cu(SGABA)(H(2)O)(2)] (3) are described. Schiff base ligands H(2)SAIB, H(2)SBAIB and H(2)SGABA chelate the copper(II) ion in an O,N,O tridentate fashion. The square-pyramidal geometry of the final complexes is completed by two water ligands. The formation of an unusual seven-membered ring in the set of copper(II) N-salicylidene-aminoacidates is reported. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated by the antiradical activity assay.     

Structure-activity relationships of highly cytotoxic copper(II) complexes with modified indolo[3,2-c]quinoline ligands

A number of indolo[3,2-c]quinolines were synthesized and modified at the lactam unit to provide a peripheral binding site able to accommodate metal ions. Potentially tridentate ligands HL(1a)-HL(4a) and HL(1b)-HL(4b) were reacted with copper(II) chloride in isopropanol/methanol to give novel five-coordinate copper(II) complexes [Cu(HL(1a-4a))Cl(2)] and [Cu(HL(1b-4b))Cl(2)]. In addition, a new complex [Cu(HL(5b))Cl(2)] and two previously reported compounds [Cu(HL(6a))Cl(2)] and [Cu(HL(6b))Cl(2)] with modified paullone ligands HL(5b), HL(6a), and HL(6b), which can be regarded as close analogues of indoloquinolines HL(1b), HL(4a), and HL(4b), in which the pyridine ring was formally substituted by a seven-membered azepine ring, were synthesized for comparison. The new ligands and copper(II) complexes were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR, IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility measurements in solution at 298 K ([Cu(HL(1a))Cl(2)] and [Cu(HL(4b))Cl(2)]), and X-ray crystallography ([Cu(HL(3b))Cl(2)]·3DMF, [Cu(HL(4b))Cl(2)]·2.4DMF, HL(5b) and [Cu(HL(5b))Cl(2)]·0.5CH(3)OH). All complexes were tested for cytotoxicity in the human cancer cell lines CH1 (ovarian carcinoma), A549 (non-small cell lung cancer), and SW480 (colon carcinoma). The compounds are highly cytotoxic, with IC(50) values ranging from nanomolar to very low micromolar concentrations. Substitution of the seven-membered azepine ring in paullones by a pyridine ring resulted in a six- to nine-fold increase of cytotoxicity in SW480 cells. Electron-releasing or electron-withdrawing substituents in position 8 of the indoloquinoline backbone do not exert any effect on cytotoxicity of copper(II) complexes, whereas copper(II) compounds with Schiff bases obtained from 2-acetylpyridine and indoloquinoline hydrazines are 10 to 50 times more cytotoxic than those with ligands prepared from 2-formylpyridine and indoloquinoline hydrazines.     

Examination of the binding behaviour of several proteins with the immobilized copper(II) complexes of o-, m- and p-xylylene bridged bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) macrocycles

Three new IMAC chelating systems, incorporating immobilised xylenyl-bridged bis(1,4,7-triaza-cyclonane) ligands, complexed with Cu(2+) ions to form binuclear species, have been prepared. Their binding properties have been investigated with three small globular proteins (hen egg white lysozyme, horse skeletal muscle myoglobin and horse heart cytochrome c). The effects of buffer pH, ionic strength and composition on the binding behaviour of these proteins to these new IMAC sorbents have been examined and compared with those found for the corresponding immobilized mononuclear copper complex of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn). Higher protein binding affinities were observed with the Cu(2+)-bis(tacn) sorbents compared to the Cu(2+)-tacn system, consistent with the immobilized binuclear copper(II) species undergoing enhanced coordinative interaction with the surface-exposed histidine residues of these proteins. Moreover, the protein binding characteristics of these IMAC sorbents at higher ionic strengths, such as 1M NaCl, also reflect the presence of the aromatic ring in the bis(tacn) ligands, whereby hydrophobic pi/pi stacking interactions can occur with the proteins.     

A sugar discriminating binuclear copper(II) complex

We investigated the complex formation between various underivatized carbohydrates and the binuclear copper(II) complex 1, Cu(2)(bpdpo). A combined approach of UV/vis and CD spectroscopic investigations shows a large discrimination ability of 1 for structurally closely related monosaccharides in alkaline solution. The dominating form of the binuclear copper(II) complex consists of a [Cu(2)L(-)(H)(OH)(2)](+) species between pH 11 and 13, as determined from pH-dependent spectrophotometric titration experiments. The binding strengths of the 1:1 sugar-1 complexes, derived from the biologically important monosaccharides d-mannose (3) and d-glucose (5), is about 1.5 orders of magnitude different at pH 12.40. Moreover, a blue- or a red-shift of the absorption maximum of 1 accompanies the sugar binding and highlights the ability of 1 to discriminate carbohydrates. This phenomenon is due to the number of hydroxyl groups of the particular monosaccharide involved in chelation to the binuclear metal complex.