Selective DNA strand scission with binuclear copper complexes: implications for an active Cu2-O2 species

A homologous series of binuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(II)(2)(Nn)(Y)(2)](2+) (1-3) (n = 3-5 and Y = (ClO(4))(-) or (NO(3))(-)) were studied to investigate the intermediate(s) responsible for selective DNA strand scission in the presence of MPA/O(2) (MPA = 3-mercaptopropanoic acid). While the N3 complex does not react, the N4 and N5 analogues show comparable activity with strand scission occurring at a single-strand/double-strand junction. Identical reactivity is also observed in the alternate presence of H(2)O(2). Spectroscopic and reactivity studies with [Cu(II)(2)(N4)(Y)(2)](2+) (2) and H(2)O(2) are consistent with DNA oxidation mediated by formation of a side-on peroxodicopper(II) (Cu(2)-O(2)) complex.     

Reactivity study of a hydroperoxodicopper(II) complex: hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and ligand cross-link reactions

Employing a binucleating phenol-containing ligand PD'OH, a mu-phenoxo-mu-hydroperoxo dicopper(II) complex [Cu(II)2(PD'O-)(-OOH)(RCN)2](ClO4)2 (1, R = CH3, CH3CH2 or C6H5CH2; lambda(max) = 407 nm; nu(O-O) = 870 cm(-1); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 15360) is generated by reacting a precursor dicopper(I) complex [Cu(I)2(PD'OH)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2 (2) with O2 in nitrile solvents at -80 degrees C. Species 1 is unable to oxidize externally added substrates, for instance, PPh3, 2,4-tert-butylphenol, or 9,10-dihydroanthracene. However, upon thermal decay, it hydroxylates copper-bound organocyanides (e.g., benzylcyanide), leading to the corresponding aldehyde while releasing cyanide. This chemistry mimics that known for the copper enzyme dopamine-beta-monooxygenase. The thermal decay of 1 also leads to a product [Cu(II)3(L")2(Cl-)2](PF6)2 (6); its X-ray structure reveals that L" is a Schiff base-containing ligand which apparently derives from both oxidative N-dealkylation and then oxidative dehydrogenation of PD'OH; the chloride presumably derives from the CH2Cl2 solvent. With an excess of PPh3 added to 1, a binuclear Cu(I) complex [Cu(I)2(L')(PPh3)2](ClO4)2 (5) with a cross-linked PD'OH ligand L' has also been identified and crystallographically and chemically characterized. The newly formed C-O bond and an apparent k(H)/k(D) = 2.9 +/- 0.2 isotope effect in the benzylcyanide oxidation reaction suggest a common ligand-based radical forms during compound 1 thermal decay reactions. A di-mu-hydroxide-bridged tetranuclear copper(II) cluster compound [{Cu(II)2(PD'O-)(OH-)}2](ClO4)4 (8) has also been isolated following warming of 1. Its formation is consistent with the generation of [Cu(II)2(PD'O-)(OH-)]2+, with dimerization a reflection of the large Cu...Cu distance and thus the preference for not having a second bridging ligand atom (in addition to the phenolate O) for dicopper(II) ligation within the PD'O- ligand framework.     

Quasi-equilibrium closure hierarchies for the Boltzmann equation

In this paper, explicit method of constructing approximations (the triangle entropy method) is developed for nonequilibrium problems. This method enables one to treat any complicated nonlinear functionals that fit best the physics of a problem (such as, for example, rates of processes) as new independent variables.

The work of the method is demonstrated on the Boltzmann's-type kinetics. New macroscopic variables are introduced (moments of the Boltzmann collision integral, or scattering rates). They are treated as independent variables rather than as infinite moment series. This approach gives the complete account of rates of scattering processes. Transport equations for scattering rates are obtained (the second hydrodynamic chain), similar to the usual moment chain (the first hydrodynamic chain). Various examples of the closure of the first, of the second, and of the mixed hydrodynamic chains are considered for the hard sphere model. It is shown, in particular, that the complete account of scattering processes leads to a renormalization of transport coefficients.

The method gives the explicit solution for the closure problem, provides thermodynamic properties of reduced models, and can be applied to any kinetic equation with a thermodynamic Lyapunov function.     

The rate of expansion of spherical flames

In this paper we investigate the acceleration of the expansion of premixed spherical flames and evolution of the cellular patterns on their surfaces. An asymptotic model is used for the simulations and a spectral numerical algorithm is employed to study flames over large time intervals. Numerous numerical experiments indicate that for large enough time the acceleration of a two-dimensional expanding flame slows down but the expansion rate is still able to reach values significantly exceeding the burning rate of an exactly circular flame. The importance of the effect of forcing was also confirmed and the validity of simulations of sectors of circular flame fronts was studied in order to justify prospective use of the Fourier spectral model for three-dimensional spherical flames.     

Direct Resonance Raman Characterization of a Peroxynitrito Copper Complex Generated from O2 and NO and Mechanistic Insights into Metal‐Mediated Peroxynitrite Decomposition

We report the formation of a new copper peroxynitrite ( PN ) complex [Cu^II(TMG₃tren)(κ¹‐OONO)]⁺ ( PN1 ) from the reaction of [Cu^II(TMG₃tren)(O₂^.?)]⁺ ( 1 ) with NO^._(g) at ?125 °C. The first resonance Raman spectroscopic characterization of such a metal‐bound PN moiety supports a cis κ¹‐(^?OONO) geometry. PN1 transforms thermally into an isomeric form ( PN2 ) with κ²‐O,O′‐(^?OONO) coordination, which undergoes O?O bond homolysis to generate a putative cupryl (LCu^II?O^.) intermediate and NO₂^.. These transient species do not recombine to give a nitrato (NO₃^?) product but instead proceed to effect oxidative chemistry and formation of a Cu^II–nitrito (NO₂^?) complex ( 2 ).