Factors affecting metal-metal bonding in the face-shared d(3)d(3) bioctahedral dimer systems,MM'Cl(9)(5-) (M,M' = V,Nb, Ta)

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate the d(3)d(3) bioctahedral complexes, MM'Cl(9)(5-), of the vanadium triad. Broken-symmetry calculations upon these species indicate that the V-containing complexes have optimized metal-metal separations of 3.4-3.5 A, corresponding to essentially localized magnetic electrons. The metal-metal separations in these weakly coupled dimers are elongated as a consequence of Coulombic repulsion, which profoundly influences (and destabilizes) the gas-phase structures for such dimers; nevertheless, the intermetallic interactions in the V-containing dimers involve significantly greater metal-metal bonding character than in the analogous Cr-containing dimers. These observations all show good agreement with existing experimental (solid state) results for the chloride-bridged, face-shared dimers V(2)Cl(9)(5-) and V(2)Cl(3)(thf)(6)(+). In contrast to the V-containing dimers, complexes featuring only Nb and Ta have much shorter intermetallic distances (approximately 2.4 A) consistent with d-electron delocalization and formal metal-metal triple bond formation; again, good agreement is found with available experimental data. Calculations on the complexes V(2)(mu-Cl)(3)(dme)(6)(+), Nb(2)(mu-dms)(3)Cl(6)(2-), and Ta(2)(mu-dms)(3)Cl(6)(2-), which are closely related to compounds for which crystallographic structural data exist, have been pursued and provide an insight into the intermetallic interactions in the experimentally characterized complexes. Analysis of the contributions from d-orbital overlap (E(ovlp)) stabilization, as well as spin polarization (exchange) stabilization of localized d electrons (E(spe)), has also been attempted for the MM'Cl(9)(5-) dimers. While E(ovlp) clearly dominates over E(spe) as a stabilizing factor in those dimers containing only Nb and Ta metal atoms, detailed assessment of the competition between E(ovlp) and E(spe) for V-containing dimers is obstructed by the instability of triply bonded V-containing dimers against Coulombic explosion. On the basis of the periodic trends in E(ovlp) versus E(spe), the V-triad dimers have a greater propensity for metal-metal bonding than do their Cr-triad or Mn-triad counterparts.     

The first example of a nitrile hydratase model complex that reversibly binds nitriles

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) is an iron-containing metalloenzyme that converts nitriles to amides. The mechanism by which this biochemical reaction occurs is unknown. One mechanism that has been proposed involves nucleophilic attack of an Fe-bound nitrile by water (or hydroxide). Reported herein is a five-coordinate model compound ([Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+)) containing Fe(III) in an environment resembling that of NHase, which reversibly binds a variety of nitriles, alcohols, amines, and thiocyanate. XAS shows that five-coordinate [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) reacts with both methanol and acetonitrile to afford a six-coordinate solvent-bound complex. Competitive binding studies demonstrate that MeCN preferentially binds over ROH, suggesting that nitriles would be capable of displacing the H(2)O coordinated to the iron site of NHase. Thermodynamic parameters were determined for acetonitrile (DeltaH = -6.2(+/-0.2) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -29.4(+/-0.8) eu), benzonitrile (-4.2(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -18(+/-3) eu), and pyridine (DeltaH = -8(+/-1) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -41(+/-6) eu) binding to [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) using variable-temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy. Ligand exchange kinetics were examined for acetonitrile, iso-propylnitrile, benzonitrile, and 4-tert-butylpyridine using (13)C NMR line-broadening analysis, at a variety of temperatures. Activation parameters for ligand exchange were determined to be DeltaH(+ +) = 7.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -10(+/-1) eu (acetonitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 5.4(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -17(+/-2) eu (iso-propionitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 4.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -20(+/-3) eu (benzonitrile), and DeltaH(+ +) = 4.7(+/-1.4) kcal/mol DeltaS(+ +) = -18(+/-2) eu (4-tert-butylpyridine). The thermodynamic parameters for pyridine binding to a related complex, [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) (DeltaH = -5.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -24(+/-3) eu), are also reported, as well as kinetic parameters for 4-tert-butylpyridine exchange (DeltaH(+ +) = 3.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -25(+/-3) eu). These data show for the first time that, when it is contained in a ligand environment similar to that of NHase, Fe(III) is capable of forming a stable complex with nitriles. Also, the rates of ligand exchange demonstrate that low-spin Fe(III) in this ligand environment is more labile than expected. Furthermore, comparison of [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) and [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) demonstrates how minor distortions induced by ligand constraints can dramatically alter the reactivity of a metal complex.     

Synthetic models for the cysteinate-ligated non-heme iron enzyme superoxide reductase: observation and structural characterization by XAS of an Fe(III)-OOH intermediate

Superoxide reductases (SORs) belong to a new class of metalloenzymes that degrade superoxide by reducing it to hydrogen peroxide. These enzymes contain a catalytic iron site that cycles between the Fe(II) and Fe(III) states during catalysis. A key step in the reduction of superoxide has been suggested to involve HO(2) binding to Fe(II), followed by innersphere electron transfer to afford an Fe(III)-OO(H) intermediate. In this paper, the mechanism of the superoxide-induced oxidation of a synthetic ferrous SOR model ([Fe(II)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))](+) (1)) to afford [Fe(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren)(solv))](2+) (2-solv) is reported. The XANES spectrum shows that 1 remains five-coordinate in methanolic solution. Upon reaction of 1 with KO(2) in MeOH at -90 degrees C, an intermediate (3) is formed, which is characterized by a LMCT band centered at 452(2780) nm, and a low-spin state (S = 1/2), based on its axial EPR spectrum (g(perpendicular) = 2.14; g(parallel) = 1.97). Hydrogen peroxide is detected in this reaction, using both (1)H NMR spectroscopy and a catalase assay. Intermediate 3 is photolabile, so, in lieu of a Raman spectrum, IR was used to obtain vibrational data for 3. At low temperatures, a nu(O-O) Fermi doublet is observed in the IR at 788(2) and 781(2) cm(-)(1), which collapses into a single peak at 784 cm(-1) upon the addition of D(2)O. This vibrational peak diminishes in intensity over time and essentially disappears after 140 s. When 3 is generated using an (18)O-labeled isotopic mixture of K(18)O(2)/K(16)O(2) (23.28%), the vibration centered at 784 cm(-1) shifts to 753 cm(-1). This new vibrational peak is close to that predicted (740 cm(-1)) for a diatomic (18)O-(18)O stretch. In addition, a nu(O-O) vibrational peak assigned to free hydrogen peroxide is also observed (nu(O-O) = 854 cm(-1)) throughout the course of the reaction between Fe(II)-1 and superoxide and is strongest after 100 s. XAS studies indicate that 3 possesses one sulfur scatterer at 2.33(2) A and four nitrogen scatterers at 2.01(1) A. Addition of two Fe-O shells, each containing one oxygen, one at 1.86(3) A and one at 2.78(3) A, improved the EXAFS fits, suggesting that 3 is an end-on peroxo or hydroperoxo complex, [Fe(III)(S(Me2)N(4)(tren))(OO(H))](+). Upon warming above -50 degrees C, 3 is converted to 2-MeOH. In methanol and methanol:THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran) solvent mixtures, 2-MeOH is characterized by a LMCT band at lambda(max) = 511(1765) nm, an intermediate spin-state (S = 3/2), and, on the basis of EXAFS, a relatively short Fe-O bond (assigned to a coordinated methanol or methoxide) at 1.94(10) A. Kinetic measurements in 9:1 THF:MeOH at 25 degrees C indicate that 3 is formed near the diffusion limit upon addition of HO(2) to 1 and converts to 2-MeOH at a rate of 65(1) s(-1), which is consistent with kinetic studies involving superoxide oxidation of the SOR iron site.     

Metabonomics: the use of electrospray mass spectrometry coupled to reversed-phase liquid chromatography shows potential for the screening of rat urine in drug development

The application of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) followed by principal components analysis (PCA) has been successfully applied to the screening of rat urine following the administration of three candidate pharmaceuticals. With this methodology it was possible to differentiate the control samples from the dosed samples and to identify the components of the mass spectrum responsible for the separation. These data clearly show that LC/MS is a viable alternative, or complementary, technique to proton NMR for metabonomics applications in drug discovery and development.     

Studies on the mechanism of action of azinomycin B: definition of regioselectivity and sequence selectivity of DNA cross-link formation and clarification of the role of the naphthoate

Evaluation of the sequence selectivity, noncovalent association, and orientation of the DNA cross-linking agent azinomycin B on its duplex DNA receptor is described. A strong correlation between sequence nucleophilicity and cross-linking yield was observed, and steric effects due to the thymine C5-methyl group were identified. Detailed studies on the role of the azinomycin naphthoate using viscometry, fluorescence contact energy transfer, and DNA unwinding assays point to a nonintercalative binding mode for this group. A kinetic assay for agent regioselectivity was used to determine the orientation of binding and covalent cross-link formation.     

Ground vs. excited state electron transfer: adsorbed monolayers and trimers in solution

Transient emission spectroscopy has been used to probe the rate of photoinduced electron transfer between metal centres within a novel trimeric complex [[Os(bpy)2(bpe)2][Os(bpy)2Cl]2]4+, where bpy is 2,2'-bipyridyl and bpe is trans-1,2-bis-(4-pyridyl)ethylene. Transient emission experiments on the trimer, and on [Os(bpy)2 (bpe)2]2+ in which the [Os(bpy)2 Cl]+ quenching moieties are absent, reveal that the rate of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) across the bpe bridge is 1.3 +/- 0.1 x 10(8) s(-1). Investigations into the driving forces for oxidation and reduction of the electronically excited state within the trimer indicate that quenching of the [Os(bpy)2 (bpe)2]2+ centre within the trimer involves electron transfer from the [bpe Os(bpy)2 Cl]+ centres to the electronically excited state with a driving force of -0.3 eV. Monolayers of the complex, [Os(bpy)2 bpe pyridine]2+, have been formed by spontaneous adsorption onto platinum microelectrodes and used to probe the dynamics of electron transfer across the trans-1,2-bis-(4-pyridyl)ethylene bridge in the ground state. These monolayers are stable and exhibit well defined voltammetric responses for the Os2+/3+ redox reaction. Cyclic voltammograms recorded at high scan rates can be accurately modelled according to a non-adiabatic electron transfer model based on the Marcus theory using a standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant, k(o), of 3.1 +/- 0.2 x 10(4) s(-1) and a reorganization energy of 0.4 +/- 0.1 eV. This rate constant is a factor of approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than that found for photoinduced electron transfer across the same bpe bridge for identical driving forces. This significant difference is interpreted in terms of both the nature of the orbitals involved in electrochemically and optically driven electron transfer, as well as the strength of electronic coupling between two molecular components as opposed to a molecular component and a metal electrode.     

SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF CUTANEOUS PHOTOSENSITIZING AGENTS. XVIII. INDOMETHACIN

Abstract— The photochemistry, photophysics, and photosensitization (Type I and II) of indomethacin (IN) (N-[p-chlorobenzoyl]-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid) has been studied in a variety of solvents using NMR, high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, transient spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance in conjunction with the spin trapping technique, and the direct detection of singlet molecular oxygen (^l O₂) luminescence. Photodecomposition of IN (λ_ex > 330 nm) in degassed or air-saturated benzene proceeds rapidly to yield a major (2; N-[p-chlorobenzoyl]-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-methylene-indoline) and a minor (3; N-[p-chlorobenzoyl]-5-methoxy-2, 3-dimethyl-indole) decarboxylated product and a minor indoline (5; 1-en-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-methylene-in-doline), which is formed by loss of the p-chlorobenzoyl moiety. In air-saturated solvents two minor oxidized products 4 (N-[p-chlorobenzoyl]-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-aldehyde) and 6 (5-methoxy-2-methyl-indole-3-aldehyde) are also formed. When photolysis was carried out in ¹⁸O₂-saturated benzene, the oxidized products 4 and 6 contained ¹⁸O, indicating that oxidation was mediated by dissolved oxygen in the solvent. In more polar solvents such as acetonitrile or ethanol, photodecomposition is extremely slow and inefficient. Phosphorescence of IN at 77 K shows strong solvent dependence and its emission is greatly reduced as polarity of solvent is increased. Flash excitation of IN in degassed ethanol or acetonitrile produces no transients. A weak transient is observed at 375 nm in degassed benzene, which is not quenched by oxygen. Irradiation of IN (λ_ex > 325 nm) in N₂-gassed C₆H₆ in the presence of 5, 5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) results in the trapping of two carbon-centered radicals by DMPO. One adduct was identified as DMPO/^.COC₆H₄-p-CI, while the other was probably derived from a radical formed during IN decarboxylation. In air-saturated benzene, (hydro) peroxyl and alkoxyl radical adducts of DMPO are observed. A very weak luminescence signal from ¹O₂ at 1268 nm is observed initially upon irradiation (λ_ex= 325 nm) of IN in air-saturated benzene or chloroform. The intensity of this ¹O₂ signal increases as irradiation is continued suggesting that the enhancement in ¹O₂ yield is due to photoproduct(s). Accordingly, when 2 and 3 were tested directly, 2 was found to be a much better sensitizer of ¹O₂ than IN. In air-saturated ethanol or acetonitrile no IN ¹O₂ luminescence is detected even on continuous irradiation. The inability of IN to cause phototoxicity may be related to its photo stability in polar solvents, coupled with the low yield of active oxygen species (¹O₂, O₂^?_-) upon UV irradiation.     

Fully aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters of substituted 4,4′-biphenols. IV. Homopolyesters with terephthalic acid and copolyesters with terephthalic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid

A series of fully aromatic thermotropic polyesters based on mono-, di-, and tetra-substituted biphenols was prepared by the melt polycondensation method and examined for their thermotropic behavior by a variety of experimental techniques. The homopolyesters obtained from substituted biphenols containing either one phenyl or two phenyl groups as substituent(s) and TA formed nematic melts, but the homopolymers of the substituted biphenols containing either four sec-butyl groups or two tert-butyl groups with TA had melting transitions, T_m, above 400°C. Thus, it was not possible to determine whether they formed nematic melts. On copolymerization with 30 mol % HBA most of the resulting copolyesters had much lower T_m values, compared to those of respective homopolyesters, and the copolymers of the biphenol monomer containing the tert-butyl groups formed a nematic melt at an observable temperature. However, the copolymer of the biphenol with sec-butyl groups still had a T_m above 400°C. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.