Platinum(II)–Gadolinium(III) Complexes as Potential Single‐Molecular Theranostic Agents for Cancer Treatment

Theranostic agents are emerging multifunctional molecules capable of simultaneous therapy and diagnosis of diseases. We found that platinum(II)–gadolinium(III) complexes with the formula [{Pt(NH₃)₂Cl}₂GdL](NO₃)₂ possess such properties. The Gd center is stable in solution and the cytoplasm, whereas the Pt centers undergo ligand substitution in cancer cells. The Pt units interact with DNA and significantly promote the cellular uptake of Gd complexes. The cytotoxicity of the Pt–Gd complexes is comparable to that of cisplatin at high concentrations (≥0.1 mM ), and their proton relaxivity is higher than that of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Gd–DTPA. T₁‐weighted MRI on B6 mice demonstrated that these complexes can reveal the accumulation of platinum drugs in vivo. Their cytotoxicity and imaging capabilities make the Pt–Gd complexes promising theranostic agents for cancer treatment.     

Cobalt(III) Complexes of D‐Galactosylamine

The β‐pyranose isomer of D ‐galactosylamine ( 1 ) formed complexes with three different cobalt(III) fragments. Crystals containing the dication [Co(tren)(β‐D ‐Galp1N2H_–1‐κ²N¹,O²)]²⁺ ( 3 ) showed coordination through the anomeric amino group (N1) and the deprotonated hydroxy group (O2) of the ⁴C₁ β‐pyranose form, which is also the major isomer of free galactosylamine. The cationic complexes [Co(fac‐dien)(β‐D ‐Galp1N2H_–1‐κ²N¹,O²)]²⁺ ( 4 ) and [Co(phen)₂(β‐D ‐Galp1N2H_–1‐κ²N¹,O²)]²⁺ ( 5 ) were analysed by NMR spectroscopy and showed the same coordination mode as 3 . In terms of available ligand isomers it was shown that 1 exhibits an anomeric equilibrium in solution of both pyranose and both furanose forms as is typical for the parent glycose, galactose.     

Synthesis of Ethylene‐bridged Heterocyclic Bidentate P(III)N‐Ligands — Oxidation and Complexation Studies

A series of phosphor(III)inanone ligands 4‐7 , linked by ethylene bridges between the nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic rings, were synthesized by the reaction of the bis‐PCl derivative 3 with the appropriate trimethylsilylamines. The bis‐phosphor(V)inanone compounds 8‐11 were obtained by the oxidation of 4‐7 with hexafluoroacetone (HFA). Oxidation of 4 and 6 with tetrachloro‐orthobenzoquinone (TOB) gave the bis‐phosphor(V)inanones 12 and 13 . The reaction of 4‐6 with [Pt(COD)Cl₂] led to the platinum complexes 14‐16 . All the σ³‐phosphorinanone compounds 4‐7 and the σ⁵‐phosphorinanone compounds 8‐10 , 12 and 13 exist as a mixture of two conformers, as indicated by two signals in the ³¹P‐NMR spectra. However, compounds 9 and 11 exist as single conformers, both display only one sharp singlet in the ³¹P‐NMR spectra. The Pt‐complexes 15 and 16 contain two conformers; one conformer of 16 could be isolated by crystallization. X‐ray crystal structure determinations for compounds 8 , 14 and 16 were conducted, revealing inversion symmetry for 8 and cis arrangement for 14 and 16 .     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Structural Comparisons of the First Neodymium(III) Sulfite‐Acetate Crystal Structure

The first lanthanide sulfite compound with a secondary ligand, Nd(SO₃)(C₂H₃O₂), was hydrothermally synthesized and solved with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In order to prevent the facile oxidation of the sulfite to sulfate, careful control of both pH and reaction temperature were required for successful synthesis of the title compound; even slight changes in conditions allow for the facile oxidation of sulfite to sulfate and yields the known [Nd(C₂H₃O₂)(SO₄)(H₂O)₂] structure. This two‐dimensional sheet topology further expands the chemistry of lanthanide sulfite extended structures and also allows for easy structural comparisons to other lanthanide sulfite compounds and the above mentioned neodymium sulfate‐acetate compound.     

Approaching the Kinetic Inertness of Macrocyclic Gadolinium(III)‐Based MRI Contrast Agents with Highly Rigid Open‐Chain Derivatives

A highly rigid open‐chain octadentate ligand (H₄cddadpa) containing a diaminocylohexane unit to replace the ethylenediamine bridge of 6,6′‐[(ethane‐1,2 diylbis{(carboxymethyl)azanediyl})bis(methylene)]dipicolinic acid (H₄octapa) was synthesized. This structural modification improves the thermodynamic stability of the Gd³⁺ complex slightly (log K_GdL=20.68 vs. 20.23 for [Gd(octapa)]^?) while other MRI‐relevant parameters remain unaffected (one coordinated water molecule; relaxivity r₁=5.73 mm ^?1 s^?1 at 20 MHz and 295 K). Kinetic inertness is improved by the rigidifying effect of the diaminocylohexane unit in the ligand skeleton (half‐life of dissociation for physiological conditions is 6 orders of magnitude higher for [Gd(cddadpa)]^? (t_1/2=1.49×10⁵ h) than for [Gd(octapa)]^?. The kinetic inertness of this novel chelate is superior by 2–3 orders of magnitude compared to non‐macrocyclic MRI contrast agents approved for clinical use.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and X‐ray single‐crystal structure study of bis(2‐methoxy‐ethanolato)‐bis(8‐quinolinato)titanium(IV)

Reaction of Ti(OCH₂CH₂OR)₄ (R?CH₃ and C₂H₅) with 8‐hydroxyquinoline in benzene at room temperature resulted in the formation of Ti(C₉H₆NO)₂(OCH₂CH₂OR)₂, characterized by IR, ¹H‐NMR, UV and mass spectroscopies. The molecular structure of Ti(C₉H₆NO)₂(OCH₂CH₂OCH₃)₂ has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The geometry at titanium is a distorted octahedron, with the nitrogen atoms of quinolinate occupying the trans position with respect to oxygens of the 2‐methoxyethoxy groups. The prepared quinolinate derivatives of titanium alkoxides are very stable towards hydrolysis and harsh conditions are required for hydrolytic cleavage. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Gold(III) Complexes of Asymmetrically Aryl‐Substituted 1,2‐Dithiolene Ligands Featuring Potential‐Controlled Spectroscopic Properties

The tetrabutylammonium (TBA⁺) salts of square‐planar monoanionic gold complexes of the unsymmetrically substituted Ar,H‐edt^2? 1,2‐dithiolene ligands (Ar,H‐edt^2?=arylethylene‐1,2‐dithiolato; Ar=phenyl ( 1 ^?), 2‐naphthyl ( 2 ^?), and 1‐pyrenyl ( 3 ^?)) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods and the corresponding neutral species ( 1 , 2 , and 3 , respectively) were obtained in CH₂Cl₂ solution at room temperature by diiodine oxidation. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structural data collected for (TBA⁺)( 2 ^?), supported by DFT theoretical calculations, are consistent with the ene‐1,2‐dithiolate form of the ligand and the Au^III oxidation state. All complexes feature intense near‐IR absorptions (at about 1.5 μm) in their neutral states and Vis‐emitting properties in the 400–550 nm range, the energy of which is controlled by the charge of the complex in the case of the 3 ^?/ 3 couple. The spectroscopic and electrochemical features of 1 ^x? and 2 ^x? (x=0, 1), both in their cis and trans conformations, were investigated by means of DFT and time‐dependent (TD) DFT calculations.     

Synthesis of Di‐ and Trixanthones that Display High Stability and a Visual Fluorescence Response to Strong Acid

Three dixanthones ( 1 – 3 ) and an unprecedented C_3h‐symmetric trixanthone ( 4 ) were synthesized through a three‐step approach in overall yields above 63 %. These compounds possessed a planar π‐conjugated system and formed tight face‐to‐face columnar stacks, as confirmed by single‐crystal structural analysis. In comparison with xanthone, the fluorescence emissions of compounds 1 – 4 showed significant red‐shifts, with improved quantum yields. Moreover, the fluorescence emissions of compounds 1 – 4 could be modulated in a strongly acidic environment without decomposition, which led to a further red‐shift of the emissions, as well as enhancement of the emission intensities. These compounds have potential applications as optoelectronic materials and/or chemosensors.     

Mono‐ and Binuclear Dimethylthallium(III) Complexes with o‐Benzoquinone‐TTF‐o‐Benzoquinone Ligand; Synthesis,Spectroscopy and X‐ray Study

The new mono‐ and binuclear semiquinonato dimethylthallium complexes (Q‐TTF‐SQ)TlMe₂ ( 1 ) and Me₂Tl(SQ‐TTF‐SQ)TlMe₂ ( 2 ) based on di‐o‐quinone with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) bridge, 4,4′,7,7′‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bis‐1,3‐benzodithiol‐5,5′,6,6′‐tetraone Q‐TTF‐Q, were synthesized by the reaction between corresponding mono‐ and di‐sodium semiquinonates (Q‐TTF‐SQ)Na and Na(SQ‐TTF‐SQ)Na and one or two equivalents of Me₂TlCl, respectively. The same products could be obtained by the interaction of Q‐TTF‐Q with one or two equivalents of Me₃Tl. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by IR and electronic absorption spectroscopy, EPR, and magnetic measurements. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It was found that mono‐semiquinonato derivative 1 partially disproportionates into Q‐TTF‐Q and binuclear complex 2 in THF solution. According to variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and EPR data, compound 1 reveals paramagnetic behavior with an S = 1/2 state in the range 50–300 K, whereas compound 2 has an S = 0 ground state as the consequence of antiferromagnetic coupling between semiquinonato moieties realized through the TTF‐bridge.     

Synthesis and X‐ray Crystallography of Two Lead(II) Decahydro‐closo‐Decaborate Hydrates

The reaction of Pb[CO₃] with an aqueous solution of (H₃O)₂[B₁₀H₁₀] in an equimolar ratio leads to two lead(II) decahydro‐closo‐decaborate hydrates both as triclinic, pale yellow single crystals. The water‐rich compound with the formula [Pb(H₂O)₃]₂Pb[B₁₀H₁₀]₃ · 5.5H₂O crystallizes in the space group P1 (a = 711.72(4), b = 1243.14(8), c = 2064.83(12) pm, α = 81.806(3), β = 83.795(3), γ = 80.909(3)°) with Z = 2. The compound with the lower water content, [Pb(H₂O)₃]Pb[B₁₀H₁₀]₂ · 1.5H₂O, also crystallizes in P1 (a = 718.46(4), b = 1288.75(8), c = 1279.91(8) pm, α = 70.145(3), β = 75.976(3), γ = 80.324(3)°) with Z = 2. Both structures can be described as layered arrangements and contain one Pb²⁺ cation each, which is only coordinated by the hydridic hydrogen atoms of the hydroborate anions. All the others are primarily surrounded by three water molecules in a non‐planar fashion and additional hydrogen atoms of [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– anions. The non‐lead‐bonded crystal water molecules in both structures are all connected via hydrogen bonds to the water molecules, which coordinate the Pb²⁺ cations, as well as via non‐classical hydrogen bonds to the cluster anions and reside between the layers. The [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– anions show only slight distortions from their ideal shape as bicapped square antiprisms.     

Poly(9‐undecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) and poly(9‐pentadecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene): Synthesis,solution structure,and effect of side chain asymmetry on aggregation behavior

We report on solution aggregates and backbone conformation of poly(9‐undecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) (PF1‐11) and poly(9‐pentadecyl‐9‐methyl‐fluorene) (PF1‐15), having two different side chains compared with poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PF6) and poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PF8) with two identical side chains. In the poor solvent methylcyclohexane (MCH), X‐ray scattering indicates that PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 appear as three‐dimensional aggregates (5–10 nm wide and thick), forming ribbon‐like agglomerates (correlation lengths of 100 nm). PF6 and PF8 appear as two‐dimensional aggregates (>10 nm wide and 2–3 nm thick) involving ribbon‐like agglomerates (correlation lengths much greater than 100 nm). Upon heating, all aggregates undergo a gel–sol transition which occurs at lower temperatures for PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 (<60°C) than for PF6 and PF8 (>80°C). In the good solvent toluene, PF1‐11 and PF1‐15 form networks of cylindrical particles. The mesh size and the cylinder radius are smaller in 24°C toluene (60 nm, 0.5 nm) than in 60°C MCH (300 nm, 1–2 nm). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in toluene‐d₈ together with density functional theory calculations suggest higher torsion angles between polymer repeat units for PF6, PF8, and PF1‐11 (less planar conformation) and a gauche arrangement of the dihedral angles between the bridge carbon atom and the side chain methylene groups in PF1‐15. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 826–837     

2,6‐Bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine as Meridional Capping Ligand: Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structure of the First Corresponding Hexanuclear Iron(III) Complex

Based on the 2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine ligand (H₂bpp) the hexanuclear iron(III) complex [Fe₆(bpp)₄(μ₃‐O)₂(μ‐OMe)₃(μ‐OH)Cl₂] ( 1 ) was synthesized. The reaction with iron(II) chloride and additional pyridine leads to the exclusive formation of the complex through self‐assembly process. Six octahedrally coordinated iron atoms are linked through the pyrazolido groups of four H₂bpp ligands. These are further linked through bridging hydroxido, methoxido, and oxido groups. The complex has been characterized by IR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X‐ray crystallography. Temperature‐dependent magnetic measurements indicate strong antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the high‐spin iron(III) ions within the complex, which leads to an S = 0 spin ground state. As a result of the two Fe3(μ₃‐O) fragments two frustrated exchange pathways are present. In addition the properties of H₂bpp as a potential capping ligand for the synthesis of heteroleptic trinuclear complexes based on the triaminoguanidine core is investigated.     

Synthesis,Reactions, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of 2,3′‐Bipyridine Derivatives (III)

1‐Pyridin‐3‐yl‐3‐(2‐thienyl of 2‐furyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones 1a , 1b reacted with 2‐cyanoethanethioamide 2 to afford the corresponding 4‐(thiophen‐2‐yl or furan‐2‐yl)‐6‐sulfanyl‐2,3′‐bipyridine‐5‐carbonitriles 3a , 3b . The synthetic potentiality of compounds 3a , 3b were investigated in the present study via their reactions with several active halogen containing compounds 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h , 5 , 5a , 5b . Our aim here is the synthesis of 4‐(2‐thienyl or 2‐furyl)‐6‐pyridin‐3‐ylthieno[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐amines 6a , 6b , 6c , 6d , 6e , 6g , 6h , 6i , 6j , 6k , 6l , 6m , 6n ,via 6‐(alkyl‐thio)‐4‐(2‐thienyl or 2‐furyl)‐2,3′‐bipyridine‐5‐carbonitriles 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5i , 5j , 5k , 5l , 5m . The structures of all newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds were elucidated by considering the data of IR, ¹H‐NMR, mass spectra, as well as that of elemental analyses. Anti‐cancer, anti‐Alzheimer, and anti‐COX‐2 activities were investigated for all the newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds.     

Synthesis and Properties of Lanthanide Ruthenium(III) Oxide Perovskites

An extensive series of new LnRuO₃ perovskites has been synthesized at high pressure. These ruthenium(III)‐based oxides are ruthenium deficient, and high‐pressure samples have compositions close to LnRu_0.9O₃. These phases stabilize ruthenium(III) which is very unusual in oxides. X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction studies show that the materials adopt orthorhombic perovskite superstructures in which the RuO₆ octahedra are tetragonally compressed. These distortions, and the Mott insulator properties of the materials, are driven by strong spin‐orbit coupling.     

Synthesis and Structures of N‐Alkyl‐1,13‐dimethoxychromeno‐ [2,3,4‐kl]acridinium Salts: The Missing Azaoxa[4]helicenium

Helical structures are interesting due to their inherent chirality. Helicenium ions are triarylmethylium structures twisted into configurationally stable helicenes through the introduction of two heteroatom bridges between the three aryl substituents. Of the configurationally stable [4]helicenium ions, derivatives with sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen bridges have already been synthesised. However, one [4]helicenium ion has proven elusive, until now. We present herein the first synthesis of the 1,13‐dimethoxychromeno[2,3,4‐kl]acridinium (DMCA⁺) [4]helicenium ion. A series of six differently N‐substituted DMCA⁺ ions as their hexafluorophosphate salts are reported. Their cation stability was evaluated and it was found that DMCA⁺ is ideally suited as a phase‐transfer catalyst with a pK_R+ of 13.0. The selectivity of nucleophilic addition to the central carbon atom of DMCA⁺ has been demonstrated with diastereotopic ratios of up to 1:10. The single‐crystal structures of several of the DMCA⁺ salts were determined, and structural differences between N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyl‐substituted cations were observed. The results of a comparative study of the photophysics of the [4]helicenium ions are presented. DMCA⁺ is found to be a potent red‐emitting dye with a fluorescence quantum yield of 20 % in apolar solvents and a fluorescence lifetime of 12 ns. [4]Helicenium ions, including DMCA⁺, all suffer from solvent‐induced quenching, which reduces the fluorescence quantum yields significantly (?_fl<5 %) in polar solvents. A difference in photophysical properties is observed between N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyl‐substituted DMCA⁺, which has tentatively been attributed to a difference in molecular conformation.     

Synthesis and Characterisation of a New Schiff‐Base‐like Ligand and its Iron(II) Complexes

The reaction of iron(II) acetate with the tetradentate Schiff base like ligand H₂L [(E,E)‐[{diethyl 2,2’‐[4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,2‐phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)]bis3‐oxobutanato}]) leads to the formation of the octahedral N₂O₄ coordinated complex [FeL(MeOH)₂] · MeOH ( 1 ). Conversion of 1 with N‐methylimidazole (N‐meim) leads to the N₄O₂ coordinated complex [FeL(N‐meim)₂] · MeOH ( 2 ). Both complexes are pure HS compounds that were characterised using magnetic measurements and X‐ray crystallography. A special attention was given to the role of the two hydroxyl groups at the phenyl ring on the formation of a hydrogen bond network and the influence of this network on the magnetic properties.     

Synthesis and Characterization of N,N‐Di‐substituted Acylthiourea Copper(II) Complexes

A series of six N,N‐di‐substituted acylthiourea ArC(O)NHC(S)NRR′ ligands (denoted as HLⁿ) [Ar = 1‐Naph: NRR′ = NPh₂, HL¹ ( 1 ); N(iPr)Ph, HL² ( 2 ). Ar = Mes: NRR′ = NPh₂, HL⁴ ( 3 ); N(iPr)Ph, HL⁵ ( 4 ); NEt₂, HL⁶ ( 5 ). Ar = Ph: NRR′ = N(iPr)Ph, HL⁸ ( 6 )] were synthesized and characterized. These ligands were deprotonated to form Cu^II complexes through metathesis or combined redox reaction with copper halides. The structures of the complexes were investigated with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The reaction of the 1‐naphthalene derivative HL¹ ( 1 ) with CuBr in the presence of sodium acetate produced cis‐CuL¹₂ ( 7 ), where the deprotonated ligand is bound to the Cu^II atom in a bidentate‐(O, S) coordination mode. Similarly treatment of HL² ( 2 ) with NaOAc and CuCl resulted in the formation of the cis‐arranged product [cis‐CuL²₂ ( 8 )]. The reaction of mesityl derivative HL⁴ ( 3 ) and CuBr with and without the addition of NaOAc gave the cis‐CuL⁴₂ ( 9 ) and cis‐(HL⁴)₂CuBr ( 10 ), respectively. In contrast, reaction of HL⁵ ( 4 ) and CuI in the presence of NaOAc resulted in trans‐CuL⁵₂ ( 11 ). Alternatively trans‐CuL⁶₂ ( 12 ) was obtained by the reaction of diethyl‐substituted HL⁶ ( 5 ) with CuCl₂ in the absence of a base.     

Serum Albumin Targeted,pH‐Dependent Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Agents

The objective of this work was the synthesis of serum albumin targeted, Gd^III‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents exhibiting a strong pH‐dependent relaxivity. Two new complexes ( Gd‐glu and Gd‐bbu ) were synthesized based on the DO3A macrocycle modified with three carboxyalkyl substituents α to the three ring nitrogen atoms, and a biphenylsulfonamide arm. The sulfonamide nitrogen coordinates the Gd in a pH‐dependent fashion, resulting in a decrease in the hydration state, q, as pH is increased and a resultant decrease in relaxivity (r₁). In the absence of human serum albumin (HSA), r₁ increases from 2.0 to 6.0 mM ^?1 s^?1 for Gd‐glu and from 2.4 to 9.0 mM ^?1 s^?1 for Gd‐bbu from pH 5 to 8.5 at 37 °C, 0.47 T, respectively. These complexes (0.2 mM ) are bound (>98.9 %) to HSA (0.69 mM ) over the pH range 5–8.5. Binding to albumin increases the rotational correlation time and results in higher relaxivity. The r₁ increased 120 % (pH 5) and 550 % (pH 8.5) for Gd‐glu and 42 % (pH 5) and 260 % (pH 8.5) for Gd‐bbu . The increases in r₁ at pH 5 were unexpectedly low for a putative slow tumbling q=2 complex. The Gd‐bbu system was investigated further. At pH 5, it binds in a stepwise fashion to HSA with dissociation constants K_d1=0.65, K_d2=18, K_d3=1360 μM . The relaxivity at each binding site was constant. Luminescence lifetime titration experiments with the Eu^III analogue revealed that the inner‐sphere water ligands are displaced when the complex binds to HSA resulting in lower than expected r₁ at pH 5. Variable pH and temperature nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) studies showed that the increased r₁ of the albumin‐bound q=0 complexes is due to the presence of a nearby water molecule with a long residency time (1–2 ns). The distance between this water molecule and the Gd ion changes with pH resulting in albumin‐bound pH‐dependent relaxivity.