cis-[Ru(2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine)(DMSO)Cl(2)]: useful precursor for the synthesis of heteroleptic terpyridine complexes under mild conditions

[Ru(II)(terpy)(DMSO)Cl(2)] complexes were synthesized as a 5/1 mixture of cis and trans isomers, and their reactivities with CO and with substituted 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (terpy) moieties have been investigated. The structure of a trans isomer and its CO adduct have been unambiguously assigned by spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The [Ru(terpy)(terpy-Br)](2+) complex prepared either from the cis-[Ru(II)(terpy)(DMSO)Cl(2)] or from the cis-[Ru(II)(terpy-Br)(DMSO)Cl(2)] precursor appeared to be reactive in cross-coupling reactions promoted by low-valent palladium(0) and is an attractive target for the stepwise synthesis of polynuclear complexes bearing vacant coordination sites (terpy-Br for 4'-bromo-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine). Several bipyridine, phenanthroline, and bipyrimidine complexes were prepared this way and their optical and redox properties determined and discussed.     

Highly Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis of Optically Active Dihydropyrones by Chiral Titanium(IV) (5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-Octahydro-1,1'-Bi-2-Naphthol) Complexes

The formal hetero-Diels-Alder reaction between 1-methoxy-3-(trimethyl-silyl)oxy-1,3-butadiene and aldehydes provides useful access to dihydropyrones, a class of compounds with extensive utility in organic synthesis. Asymmetric catalysis of this reaction has been previously reported by a number of investigators. Herein we wish to describe that chiral 5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-octahydro-1, 1'-bi-2-naphthol (H₈-BINOL)/Ti(O-i-Pr)₄ complexes are more effective catalysts than BINOL/Ti(O-i-Pr)₄ and others for the asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reactions.     

New telluride-mediated elimination for novel synthesis of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides

Several 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (ddNs) and 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (d4Ns) are FDA-approved anti-HIV drugs. Via conveniently synthesized 2,2'-anhydronucleosides, we have developed a novel synthesis of d4Ns by discovering and applying a new telluride-mediated elimination reaction. Our experiment results show that after substitution of 2,2'-anhydronucleosides with a telluride monoanion, a telluride intermediate is formed, and its elimination leads to formation of the olefin products (d4Ns). Our mechanistic study indicates that this telluride-assisted reaction consists of two steps: substitution (or addition) and elimination. By using dimethyl ditelluride (0.1 equiv) as the reagent, d4Ns can be synthesized with yields up to 90% via this telluride-mediated elimination. Our novel strategy has great potential to simplify synthesis of these drugs and to further reduce cost of AIDS treatment and will also facilitate development of novel d4N and ddN analogues.     

Two-photon absorption properties of iron(II) and ruthenium(II) trischelate complexes of 2,2':4,4' ':4',4' '-quaterpyridinium ligands

A series of RuII or FeII trischelate complex salts containing N-methyl/aryl-2,2':4,4' ':4',4' '-quaterpyridinium ligands that has previously been subjected to quadratic nonlinear optical studies (Coe, B. J. et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 13399) has now been investigated for two-photon absorbing behavior. Z-scan measurements using a 750 nm laser afford reasonably large two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections sigma2 of ca. 62-180 GM for the RuII complexes, but only very weak 2PA is observed for the FeII compounds. The excited-state and 2PA properties of the representative chromophore [RuII(Me2Qpy2+)3]8+ (Me2Qpy2+=N' ',N' '-dimethyl-2,2':4,4' ':4',4' '-quaterpyridinium) have also been investigated by using semiempirical intermediate neglect of differential overlap/multireference-determinant single and double configuration interaction computations with the optimized geometry obtained via density functional theory. The calculated sigma2 value of ca. 624 GM at 1.70 eV for this metal-to-ligand charge-transfer chromophore is about 10 times larger than that obtained from the Z-scan studies.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes and their biological activity

The synthesis and characterization of Ru(II) terpyridine complexes derived from 4'-functionalized 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine ligands by a multi step procedure have been described. The complexes are redox-active, showing both metal-centred (oxidation) and ligand-centred (reduction) processes. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(attpy)2](PF6)2 (attpy = 4'-(4-acryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 (mttpy = 4'-(4-methacryloyloxymethylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'- terpyridine); [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 (MeOPhttpy = 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine); and [Ru(mttpy)(ttpy)](PF6)2 (ttpy = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) were tested against four human pathogens (Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and five plant pathogens (Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium udum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani) by the well diffusion method and MIC values of the complexes are reported. A biological study of the complexes indicated that the complexes [Ru(mttpy)2](PF6)2 and [Ru(mttpy)(MeOPhttpy)](PF6)2 exhibit very good activity against most of the test pathogens and their activity is better than those of some of the commercially available antibiotics like tetracycline and the fungicide carbendazim.     

Expanded ligands: bis(2,2':6',2'-terpyridine carboxylic acid)ruthenium(ii) complexes as metallosupramolecular analogues of dicarboxylic acids

Ligands in which multiple metal-binding domains are linked by a metal-containing moiety rather than a conventional organic group are described as "expanded ligands". The use of 4,4'-difunctionalised {Ru(tpy)(2)} units provides a linear spacer between metal-binding domains and we have extended this motif to expanded ligands containing two carboxylic acid metal-binding domains. In this paper, we describe the synthesis and structural characterisation of ruthenium(ii) complexes of 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine-4'-carboxylic acid and 4'-carboxyphenyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine. The ability of the ruthenium(ii) centre to charge compensate deprotonation of the carboxylic acid leads to Zwitterionic complexes and three representative compounds have been structurally characterised.     

New synthesis of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides.

The 3'-iodonucleoside 4 and the 3'-O-methylsulfonylthymidine 9 have been synthesized by condensation of silylated uracils 2 with methyl 5-O-tert-butyldiphensilyl-2,3-dideoxy-3-iodo-D-threo-pentofuran oside (3) and methyl 5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2-deoxy-3-methylsulfonyl-D-erythro- pentofuranoside (8), respectively. The nucleoside 4 and 9 produced the corresponding 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides 5 in an elimination reaction on treatment with sodium methoxide. The compounds 5b showed no antiviral activity against HIV-1.     

Syntheses,structures, and fluxionality of blue luminescent zinc(II) complexes: Zn(2,2',2"-tpa)Cl2, Zn(2,2',2"-tpa)2(O2CCF3)2, and Zn(2,2',3"-tpa)4(O2CCF3)2 (tpa = tripyridylamine)

Three novel Zn(II) complexes containing either 2,2',2"-tripyridylamine (2,2',2"-tpa) or 2,2',3"-tripyridylamine (2,2',3"-tpa) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1, Zn(2,2',2"-tpa)Cl2, has a tetrahedral geometry while compounds 2, Zn(2,2',2"-tpa)2(O2CCF3)2, and 3, Zn(2,2',3"-tpa)4(O2CCF3)2, have an octahedral geometry. The 2,2',2"-tpa ligand in 1 and 2 functions as a bidentate ligand, chelating to the zinc center, while the 2,2",3"-tpa ligand in 3 functions as a terminal ligand, binding to the zinc center through the 3-pyridyl nitrogen atom. All three compounds emit a blue color in solution and in the solid state. The emission maxima for the three compounds in solution are at lambda = 422, 426, and 432 nm, respectively. The blue luminescence of the complexes is due to a pi *-->pi transition of the tpa ligand as established by an ab initio calculation on the free ligand 2,2',2"-tpa and complex 1. Compounds 1 and 2 are fluxional in solution owing to an exchange process between the coordinate and noncoordinate 2-pyridyl rings of the 2,2',2"-tpa ligand. Compound 2 is also fluxional owing to a cis-trans isomerization process, as determined by variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis.     

Synthesis of nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine by reactions of alkoxo complexes with acids

Nitrosylruthenium complexes containing 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy) have been synthesized and characterized. The three alkoxo complexes trans-(NO, OCH3), cis-(Cl, OCH3)-[RuCl(OCH3)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([2]PF6), trans-(NO, OC2H5), cis-(Cl, OC2H5)-[RuCl(OC2H5)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([3]PF6), and [RuCl(OC3H7)(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([4]PF6) were synthesized by reactions of trans-(Cl, Cl), cis-(NO, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([1]PF6) with NaOCH3 in CH3OH, C2H5OH, and C3H7OH, respectively. Reactions of [3]PF6 with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and trifluoromethansulforic acid afford nitrosyl complexes in which the alkoxo ligand is substituted. The geometrical isomer of [1]PF6, trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(Cl, Cl)-[RuCl2(NO)(terpy)]PF6 ([5]PF6), was obtained by the reaction of [3]PF6 in a hydrochloric acid solution. Reaction of [3]PF6 with trifluoromethansulforic acid in CH3CN gave trans-(NO, Cl), cis-(CH3CN, Cl)-[RuCl(CH3CN)(NO)(terpy)]2+ ([6]2+) under refluxing conditions. The structures of [3]PF6, [4]PF6.CH3CN, [5]CF3SO3, and [6](PF6)2 were determined by X-ray crystallograpy.     

Synthesis, luminescence, and electrochemical studies of tris(homoleptic) ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of 6'-tolyl-2,2':4',2'-terpyridine

The synthesis and photophysical and electrochemical properties of tris(homoleptic) complexes [Ru(tpbpy)3](PF6)2 (1) and [Os(tpbpy)3](PF6)2 (2) (tpbpy = 6'-tolyl-2,2':4',2' '-terpyridine) are reported. The ligand tpbpy is formed as the side product during the synthesis of 4'-tolyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine (ttpy) and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: monoclinic, P21/c. The tridentate tpbpy coordinates as a bidentate ligand. The complexes 1 and 2 exhibit two intense absorption bands in the UV region (200-350 nm) assignable to the ligand-centered (1LC) pi-pi* transitions. The ruthenium(II) complex exhibits a broad absorption band at 470 nm while the osmium(II) complex exhibits an intense absorption band at 485 nm and a weak band at 659 nm assignable to the MLCT (dpi-pi*) transitions. A red shifting of the dpi-pi* MLCT transition is observed on going from the Ru(II) to the Os(II) complex as expected from the high-lying dpi Os orbitals. These complexes exhibit ligand-sensitized emission at 732 and 736 nm, respectively, upon light excitation onto their MLCT band through excitation of higher energy LC bands at room temperature. The MLCT transitions and the emission maxima of 1 and 2 are substantially red-shifted compared to that of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 and [Os(bpy)3](PF6)2. The emission of both the complexes in the presence of acid is completely quenched indicating that the emission is not due to the protonation of the coordinated ligands. Our results indicate the occurrence of intramolecular energy transfer from the ligand to the metal center. Both the complexes undergo quasi-reversible metal-centered oxidation, and the E1/2 values for the M(II)/M(III) redox couples (0.94 and 0.50 V versus Ag/Ag+ for 1 and 2, respectively) are cathodically shifted with respect to that of [Ru(bpy)3](PF6)2 and [Os(bpy)3](PF6)2 (E1/2 = 1.28 and 1.09 V versus Ag/Ag+, respectively). The tris(homoleptic) Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes 1 and 2 could be used to construct polynuclear complexes by using the modular synthetic approach in coordination compounds by exploiting the coordinating ability of the pyridine substituent. Furthermore, these complexes offer the possibility of studying the influence of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents on the photophysical properties of Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridine complexes.     

An efficient synthesis of novel benzo[b]pyrido[3',2':4,5] thieno[2,3-e][1,6]naphthy-ridine-8-ones

An efficient method for the synthesis of novel benzo[b]pyrido[3',2':4,5] thieno[2,3-e][1,6] naphthyridine-8-one derivatives has been developed using a Pictet-Spengler reaction between 4-(3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridin-2-yl)quinoline-2-ones, which could be obtained from the alkylation of 4-bromomethylquinoline-2-ones with 3-cyanopyridine-2-thione followed by a Thorpe-Ziegler isomerization, and aromatic aldehydes under p-TsOH as catalysis in good yields.     

Thio effects on the departure of the 3'-linked ribonucleoside from diribonucleoside 3',3'-phosphorodithioate diesters and triribonucleoside 3',3',5'-phosphoromonothioate triesters: implications for ribozyme catalysis

To provide a solid chemical basis for the mechanistic interpretations of the thio effects observed for large ribozymes, the cleavage of triribonucleoside 3',3',5'-phosphoromonothioate triesters and diribonucleoside 3',3'-phosphorodithioate diesters has been studied. To elucidate the role of the neighboring hydroxy group of the departing 3'-linked nucleoside, hydrolysis of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenosin-5'-yl bis[5'-O-methyluridin-3'-yl] phosphoromonothioate (1 a) has been compared to the hydrolysis of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenosin-5'-yl 5'-O-methyluridin-3'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methyluridin-3'-yl phosphoromonothioate (1 b) and the hydrolysis of bis[uridin-3'-yl] phosphorodithioate (2 a) to the hydrolysis of uridin-3'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methyluridin-3'-yl phosphorodithioate (2 b). The reactions have been followed by RP HPLC over a wide pH range. The phosphoromonothioate triesters 1 a,b undergo two competing reactions: the starting material is cleaved to a mixture of 3',3'- and 3',5'-diesters, and isomerized to 2',3',5'- and 2',2',5'-triesters. With phosphorodithioate diesters 2 a,b, hydroxide-ion-catalyzed cleavage of the P--O3' bond is the only reaction detected at pH >6, but under more acidic conditions desulfurization starts to compete with the cleavage. The 3',3'-diesters do not undergo isomerization. The hydroxide-ion-catalyzed cleavage reaction with both 1 a and 2 a is 27 times as fast as that compared with their 2'-O-methylated counterparts 1 b and 2 b. The hydroxide-ion-catalyzed isomerization of the 3',3',5'-triester to 2',3',5'- and 2',2',5'-triesters with 1 a is 11 times as fast as that compared with 1 b. These accelerations have been accounted for by stabilization of the anionic phosphorane intermediate by hydrogen bonding with the 2'-hydroxy function. Thio substitution of the nonbridging oxygens has an almost negligible influence on the cleavage of 3',3'-diesters 2 a,b, but the hydrolysis of phosphoromonothioate triesters 1 a,b exhibits a sizable thio effect, k(PO)/k(PS)=19. The effects of metal ions on the rate of the cleavage of diesters and triesters have been studied and discussed in terms of the suggested hydrogen-bond stabilization of the thiophosphorane intermediates derived from 1 a and 2 a.     

Hydrolysis of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenos-5'-yl bis(2',5'-di-O-methylurid-3'-yl) phosphate, a sugar O-alkylated trinucleoside 3',3',5'-monophosphate: implications for the mechanism of large ribozymes

Hydrolytic reactions of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenos-5'-yl bis(2',5'-di-O-methylurid-3'-yl) phosphate (1), a sugar O-alkylated trinucleoside 3',3',5'-monophosphate, have been followed by RP HPLC over a wide pH range. Under neutral and mildly acidic conditions, the only reaction observed was a pH-independent cleavage of the O-C5' bond of the 5'-linked nucleoside. Under more alkaline conditions nucleophilic attack by hydroxide ion starts to compete. The reaction is first order in [OH(-)] and becomes predominant at pH 10. Each of the 3'-linked nucleosides is displaced 2.9 times as readily as the 5'-linked one. To determine the beta(lg) value for the hydroxide ion catalyzed hydrolysis of 1, two diesters (2a,b) having 2',3'-O-methyleneadenosine (7) and 2',5'-di-O-methyluridine (4) as leaving groups were hydrolyzed under alkaline conditions. Since the beta(lg) value for this reaction is known, DeltapK(a) between 4 and 7 could be calculated. The beta(lg) for the hydrolysis of 1 was estimated to be -0.5 with use of this information. The mechanisms of the partial reactions and the role of leaving group properties in ribozyme reactions of large ribozymes are discussed.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with improved photophysical properties based on planar 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands

A series of new tridentate polypyridine ligands, made of terpyridine chelating subunits connected to various substituted 2-pyrimidinyl groups, and their homoleptic and heteroleptic Ru(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The new metal complexes have general formulas [(R-pm-tpy)Ru(tpy)]2+ and [Ru(tpy-pm-R)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; R-pm-tpy = 4'-(2-pyrimidinyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine with R = H, methyl, phenyl, perfluorophenyl, chloride, and cyanide). Two of the new metal complexes have also been characterized by X-ray analysis. In all the R-pm-tpy ligands, the pyrimidinyl and terpyridyl groups are coplanar, allowing an extended delocalization of acceptor orbital of the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the new Ru(II) complexes have been investigated. In particular, the photophysical properties of these species are significantly better compared to those of [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and well comparable with those of the best emitters of Ru(II) polypyridine family containing tridentate ligands. Reasons for the improved photophysical properties lie at the same time in an enhanced MLCT-MC (MC = metal centered) energy gap and in a reduced difference between the minima of the excited and ground states potential energy surfaces. The enhanced MLCT-MC energy gap leads to diminished efficiency of the thermally activated pathway for the radiationless process, whereas the similarity in ground and excited-state geometries causes reduced Franck Condon factors for the direct radiationless decay from the MLCT state to the ground state of the new complexes in comparison with [Ru(tpy)2]2+ and similar species.     

Binding N2, N2H2, N2H4, and NH3 to transition-metal sulfur sites: modeling potential intermediates of biological N2 fixation

In the quest for low-molecular-weight metal sulfur complexes that bind nitrogenase-relevant small molecules and can serve as model complexes for nitrogenase, compounds with the [Ru(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] fragment were found ('N(2)Me(2)S(2)'(2-)=1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-benzenethiolate)(2-)). This fragment enabled the synthesis of a first series of chiral metal sulfur complexes, [Ru(L)(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] with L=N(2), N(2)H(2), N(2)H(4), and NH(3), that meet the biological constraint of forming under mild conditions. The reaction of [Ru(NCCH(3))(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] (1) with NH(3) gave the ammonia complex [Ru(NH(3))(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] (4), which readily exchanged NH(3) for N(2) to yield the mononuclear dinitrogen complex [Ru(N(2))(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] (2) in almost quantitative yield. Complex 2, obtained by this new efficient synthesis, was the starting material for the synthesis of dinuclear (R,R)- and (S,S)-[micro-N(2)[Ru(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')](2)] ((R,R)-/(S,S)-3). (Both 2 and 3 have been reported previously.) The as-yet inexplicable behavior of complex 3 to form also the R,S isomer in solution has been revealed by DFT calculations and (2)D NMR spectroscopy studies. The reaction of 1 or 2 with anhydrous hydrazine yielded the hydrazine complex [Ru(N(2)H(4))(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')] (6), which is a highly reactive intermediate. Disproportionation of 6 resulted in the formation of mononuclear diazene complexes, the ammonia complex 4, and finally the dinuclear diazene complex [micro-N(2)H(2)[Ru(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')](2)] (5). Dinuclear complex 5 could also be obtained directly in an independent synthesis from 1 and N(2)H(2), which was generated in situ by acidolysis of K(2)N(2)(CO(2))(2). Treatment of 6 with CH(2)Cl(2), however, formed a chloromethylated diazene species [[Ru(PiPr(3))('N(2)Me(2)S(2)')]-micro-N(2)H(2)[Ru(Cl)('N(2)Me(2)S(2)CH(2)Cl')]] (9) ('N(2)Me(2)S(2)CH(2)Cl'(2-) =1,2-ethanediamine-N,N'-dimethyl-N-(2-benzenethiolate)(1-)-N'-(2-benzenechloromethylthioether)(1-)]. The molecular structures of 4, 5, and 9 were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis, and the labile N(2)H(4) complex 6 was characterized by NMR spectroscopy.     

Enantiomeric syntheses of conformationally restricted D- and L-2', 3'-dideoxy-2',3'-endo-methylene nucleosides from carbohydrate chiral templates

D- and L-2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-endo-methylene nucleosides were synthesized as potential antiviral agents. The key intermediates 5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-D- and L-2,3-dideoxy-2, 3-endo-methylenepentofuranoses (20 and 33, respectively) were obtained by selective protection of the D- and L-2,3-dideoxy-2, 3-endo-methylenepentose derivatives 19 and 32 which were prepared from 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-mannitol and L-gulonic gamma-lactone, respectively, and converted to 5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-D- and L-2,3-dideoxy-2, 3-endo-methylenepentofuranosyl acetates (21 and 34, respectively) or the chlorides 22 and 35. The acetates and chlorides were condensed with pyrimidine and purine bases by Vorbrüggen conditions or S(N)2-type condensation. Vorbrüggen conditions using the acetates gave mostly alpha-isomers. In contrast, S(N)2-type condensation using the chlorides greatly improved the beta/alpha ratio. From the synthesis, several D- and L-2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-endo-methylene nucleoside analogues have been obtained, and their structures have been elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The synthesized D- and L-adenine derivatives were tested as substrates of adenosine deaminase, which indicated that the D-adenosine derivative 4a was a good substrate of a mammalian adenosine deaminase from calf intestinal mucosa (EC 3.5.4.4) while its L-enantiomer 10a was a poor substrate. Either the D-adenine derivative 4a or its L-enantiomer 10a did not serve as an inhibitor of the enzyme.     

Metal-directed synthesis and photophysical studies of trinuclear v-shaped and pentanuclear x-shaped ruthenium and osmium metallorods and metallostars based upon 4'-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine divergent units

A new series of V-shaped trinuclear metallorods and X-shaped pentanuclear metallostars has been prepared by the reaction of metal complexes bearing pendant phenolic functionalities with complexes containing electrophilic ligands. Specifically, {M(tpy)2} motifs (M=Ru or Os; tpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) bearing one or two pendant 3,5-dihydroxyphenyl substituents at the 4-position of the central ring of the tpy have been reacted with the complexes [Ru(tpy)(Xtpy)]2+ (X=Cl or Br) to form new ether-linked species. The energy transfer from ruthenium to osmium in these complexes has been investigated in detail and the efficiency of transfer shown to be highly temperature dependent; the energy transfer is highly efficient at low temperature, whereas at room temperature nonradiative and nontransfer deactivation of the excited {Ru(tpy)2}* domains is most significant.     

Total synthesis of 2',3',4',5',5' '-(2)h(5)-ribonucleosides: the key building blocks for NMR structure elucidation of large RNA

The diastereospecific chemical syntheses of uridine-2',3',4',5',5' '-(2)H(5) (21a), adenosine-2',3',4',5',5' '-(2)H(5) (21b), cytidine-2',3',4',5',5' '-(2)H(5)(2)H(5) (21c), and guanosine-2',3',4',5',5' '-(2)H(5) (21d) (>97 atom % (2)H at C2', C3', C4', and C5'/C5' ') have been achieved for their use in the solution NMR structure determination of oligo-RNA by the Uppsala "NMR-window" concept (refs 4a-c, 5a, 6), in which a small (1)H segment is NMR-visible, while the rest is made NMR-invisible by incorporation of the deuterated blocks 21a-d. The deuterated ribonucleosides 21a-d have been prepared by the condensation of appropriately protected aglycone with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-(4-toluoyl)-alpha/beta-D-ribofuranose-2,3,4,5,5'-(2)H(5) (19), which has been obtained via diastereospecific deuterium incorporation at the C2 center of appropriate D-ribose-(2)H(4) derivatives either through an oxidation-reduction-inversion sequence or a one-step deuterium-proton exchange in high overall yield (44% and 24%, respectively).     

First Total Synthesis of (-)-4-O-(6'-Hydroxy-7'(9')-Dehydro-6',7,-Dihydrogeranyl)-Coniferyl Alcohol

Some Ligularia species have long used as folk remedies due to their antibiotic, antiphlogistic and antitumor activities.¹ Compound 1,² a novel coniferyl alcohol, was isolated from ligularia duciformis(Compoitae). The geometrical structure of 1,determined by spectroscopic techniques, was corresponded to 4-o-(6,-hydroxy-7'(9')-dehydro-6',7'-dihydrogeranyl)-coniferyl alcohol. But its absolute configuration at C-₆,has not yet been determined. Herein, we report the total synthesis of (6'S)-(-)-1 from Geraniol 2 through 9 steps (Scheme 1).     

Synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical, electrochemical, and anion-sensing studies of luminescent homo- and heteroleptic ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes based on terpyridyl-imidazole ligand

A series of hetero- and homoleptic tridentate ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of compositions [(tpy-PhCH(3))Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [(H(2)pbbzim)Ru(tpy-HImzphen)](ClO(4))(2) (2), and [M(tpy-HImzphen)(2)](ClO(4))(2) [M = Ru(II) (3) and Os(II) (4)], where tpy-PhCH(3) = 4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, H(2)pbbzim = 2,6-bis(benzimidazole-2-yl)pyridine and tpy-HImzphen = 2-(4-[2,2':6',2"]terpyridine-4'-yl-phenyl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole, have been synthesized and characterized by using standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques. X-ray crystal structures of three complexes 2, 3, and 4 have been determined. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, and luminescence properties of the complexes have been thoroughly investigated. All of the complexes display moderately strong luminescence at room temperature with lifetimes in the range of 10-55 ns. The effect of solvents on the absorption and emission spectral behavior of the complexes has also been studied in detail. The anion sensing properties of all the complexes have been studied in solution using absorption, emission, and (1)H NMR spectral studies and by cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements. It has been observed that the complexes 1, 3, and 4 act as sensors for F(-)only, whereas 2 acts as sensor for F(-), AcO(-), and to some extent for H(2)PO(4)(-). It is evident that in the presence of excess of anions deprotonation of the imidazole N-H fragment(s) occurs in all cases, an event which is signaled by the development of vivid colors visible with the naked eye. The receptor-anion binding/equilibrium constants have been evaluated.