Correction: Miranda et al. Anion Binding by Fluorescent Ureido-Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Receptors: An NMR, Absorption and Emission Spectroscopic Study. Molecules 2022, 27, 3247.

In the original publication [...].

Critical Analysis of Association Constants between Calixarenes and Nitroaromatic Compounds Obtained by Fluorescence. Implications for Explosives Sensing.

The binding behaviour of two ureido-hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene derivatives bearing naphthyl (1) and pyrenyl (2) fluorogenic units at the lower rim towards selected nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) was evaluated. Their affinity, or lack of it, was determined by UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Different computational methods were also used to further investigate any possible complexation between the calixarenes and the NACs. All the results show no significant interaction between calixarenes 1 and 2 and the NACs in either dichloromethane or acetonitrile solutions. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching observed is only apparent and merely results from the absorption of the NACs at the excitation wavelength (inner filter effect). This evidence is in stark contrast with reports in the literature for similar calixarenes. A naphthyl urea dihomooxacalix[4]arene (3) is also subject to the inner filter effect and is shown to form a stable complex with trinitrophenol; however, the equilibrium association constant is greatly overestimated if no correction is applied (9400 M-1 vs 3000 M-1), again stressing the importance of taking into account the inner filter effect in these systems.

Experimental and Computational Study of a Tetraazamacrocycle Bis(aryloxide) Uranyl Complex and of the Analogues {E═U═NR}2+ (E = O and NR).

The reaction of [U(κ6-{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam})I][I] (H2{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam} = 1,8-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl)-4,11-dimethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) with 2 equiv of NaNO2 in acetonitrile results in the isolation of the uranyl complex [UO2{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam}] (3) in 31% yield, which was fully characterized, including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed to evaluate and compare the level of covalency within the U═E bonds in 3 and in the analogous trans-bis(imido) [U(κ4-{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam})(NPh)2] (1) and trans-oxido-imido [U(κ4-{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam})(O)(NPh)] (2) complexes. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis allowed us to determine the mixing covalency parameter λ, showing that in 2, where both U-Ooxido and U-Nimido bonds are present, the U-Nimido bond registers more covalency with regard to 1, and the opposite is seen for U-Ooxido with respect to 3. However, the covalency driven by orbital overlap in the U-Nimido bond is slightly higher in 1 than in 2. The 15N-labeled complexes [U(κ4-{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam})(15NPh)2] (1-15N) and [U(κ4-{(t-Bu2ArO)2Me2-cyclam})(O)(15NPh)] (2-15N) were prepared and analyzed by solution 15N NMR spectroscopy. The calculated and experimental 15N chemical shifts are in good agreement, displaying the same trend of δN (1-15N) > δN (2-15N) and reveal that the 15N chemical shift may serve as a probe for the covalency of the U═NR bond.

Anion Binding by Fluorescent Ureido-Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Receptors: An NMR, Absorption and Emission Spectroscopic Study.

Fluorescent receptors (4a-4c) based on (thio)ureido-functionalized hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arenes were synthesised and obtained in the partial cone conformation in solution. Naphthyl or pyrenyl fluorogenic units were introduced at the lower rim of the calixarene skeleton via a butyl spacer. The binding of biologically and environmentally relevant anions was studied with NMR, UV-vis absorption, and fluorescence titrations. Fluorescence of the pyrenyl receptor 4c displays both monomer and excimer fluorescence. The thermodynamics of complexation was determined in acetonitrile and was entropy-driven. Computational studies were also performed to bring further insight into the binding process. The data showed that association constants increase with the anion basicity, and AcO-, BzO- and F- were the best bound anions for all receptors. Pyrenylurea 4c is a slightly better receptor than naphthylurea 4a, and both are more efficient than naphthyl thiourea 4b. In addition, ureas 4a and 4c were also tested as ditopic receptors in the recognition of alkylammonium salts.

Conventional vs. Microwave- or Mechanically-Assisted Synthesis of Dihomooxacalix[4]arene Phthalimides: NMR, X-ray and Photophysical Analysis.

Direct O-alkylation of p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene (1) with N-(bromopropyl)- or N-(bromoethyl)phthalimides and K2CO3 in acetonitrile was conducted under conventional heating (reflux) and using microwave irradiation and ball milling methodologies. The reactions afforded mono- and mainly distal di-substituted derivatives in the cone conformation, in a total of eight compounds. They were isolated by column chromatography, and their conformations and the substitution patterns were established by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, COSY and NOESY experiments). The X-ray structures of four dihomooxacalix[4]arene phthalimide derivatives (2a, 3a, 3b and 5a) are reported, as well as their photophysical properties. The microwave (MW)-assisted alkylations drastically reduced the reaction times (from days to less than 45 min) and produced higher yields of both 1,3-di-substituted phthalimides (3a and 6a) with higher selectivity. Ball milling did not reveal to be a good method for this kind of reaction.

Dihomooxacalix[4]arene-Based Fluorescent Receptors for Anion and Organic Ion Pair Recognition.

Fluorescent dihomooxacalix[4]arene-based receptors 5a-5c, bearing two naphthyl(thio)ureido groups at the lower rim via a butyl spacer, were synthesised and obtained in the cone conformation in solution. The X-ray crystal structures of 1,3- (5a) and 3,4-dinaphthylurea (5b) derivatives are reported. Their binding properties towards several anions of different geometries were assessed by 1H-NMR, UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence titrations. Structural and energetic insights of the naphthylurea 5a and 5b complexes were also obtained using quantum mechanical calculations. The data showed that all receptors follow the same trend, the association constants increase with the anion basicity, and the strongest complexes were obtained with F-, followed by the oxoanions AcO- and BzO-. Proximal urea 5b is a better anion receptor compared to distal urea 5a, and both are more efficient than thiourea 5c. Compounds 5a and 5b were also investigated as heteroditopic receptors for biologically relevant alkylammonium salts, such as the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA·HCl) and the betaine deoxycarnitine·HCl. Chiral recognition towards the guest sec-butylamine·HCl was also tested, and a 5:2 selectivity for (R)-sec-BuNH3+·Cl- towards (P) or (M) enantiomers of the inherently chiral receptor 5a was shown. Based on DFT calculations, the complex [(S)-sec-BuNH3+·Cl-/(M)-5a] was indicated as the more stable.

Selective Binding of Spherical and Linear Anions by Tetraphenyl(thio)urea-Based Dihomooxacalix[4]arene Receptors.

Three novel tetra(thio)ureido dihomooxacalix[4]arene anion receptors (phenylurea 4a, phenylthiourea 4b, and tert-butylurea 4c) were synthesized and obtained in the cone conformation in solution, as shown by NMR studies. The X-ray crystal structure of 4c is reported. The host-guest properties of these receptors toward several anions were investigated by 1H NMR titrations. Phenylurea 4a displayed a very efficient binding toward the spherical F- and Cl- anions, and the linear CN- (log Kass = 3.46, 3.50, and 4.02, respectively). In comparison to related bidentate phenylurea dihomooxacalix[4]arenes, tetraphenylurea 4a is more preorganized and the higher number of hydrogen bond donor sites provides a remarkable enhancement of its binding efficiency.

Competition between Hydrogen Bonding and Proton Transfer during Specific Anion Recognition by Dihomooxacalix[4]arene Bidentate Ureas.

Competition between hydrogen bonding and proton transfer reactions was studied for systems composed of electrogenerated dianionic species from dinitrobenzene isomers and substituted dihomooxacalix[4]arene bidentate urea derivatives. To analyze this competition, a second-order ErCrCi mechanism was considered where the binding process is succeeded by proton transfer and the voltammetric responses depend on two dimensionless parameters: the first related to hydrogen bonding reactions, and the second one to proton transfer processes. Experimental results indicated that, upon an increase in the concentration of phenyl-substituted dihomooxacalix[4]arene bidentate urea, voltammetric responses evolve from diffusion-controlled waves (where the binding process is at chemical equilibrium) into irreversible kinetic responses associated with proton transfer. In particular, the 1,3-dinitrobenzene isomer showed a higher proton transfer rate constant (∼25 M(-1) s(-1)) compared to that of the 1,2-dinitrobenzene (∼5 M(-1) s(-1)), whereas the 1,4-dinitrobenzene did not show any proton transfer effect in the experimental conditions employed.

Site-Specific Description of the Enhanced Recognition Between Electrogenerated Nitrobenzene Anions and Dihomooxacalix[4]arene Bidentate Ureas.

Electron transfer controlled hydrogen bonding was studied for a series of nitrobenzene derivative radical anions, working as large guest anions, and substituted ureas, including dihomooxacalix[4]arene bidentate urea derivatives, in order to estimate binding constants (Kb) for the hydrogen-bonding process. Results showed enhanced Kb values for the interaction with phenyl-substituted bidentate urea, which is significantly larger than for the remaining compounds, e.g., in the case of 4-methoxynitrobenzene a 28-fold larger Kb value was obtained for the urea bearing a phenyl (Kb ∼ 6888) vs tert-butyl (Kb ∼ 247) moieties. The respective nucleophilic and electrophilic characters of the participant anion radical and urea hosts were parametrized with global and local electrodonating (ω(-)) and electroaccepting (ω(+)) powers, derived from DFT calculations. ω(-) data were useful for describing trends in structure­activity relationships when comparing nitrobenzene radical anions. However, ω(+) for the host urea structures lead to unreliable explanations of the experimental data. For the latter case, local descriptors ωk(+)(r) were estimated for the atoms within the urea region in the hosts [∑kωk(+)(r)]. By compiling all the theoretical and experimental data, a Kb-predictive contour plot was built considering ω(-) for the studied anion radicals and ∑kωk(+)(r) which affords good estimations.

Bidentate urea derivatives of p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene: neutral receptors for anion complexation.

Three new bidentate ureidodihomooxacalix[4]arene derivatives (phenyl 5a, n-propyl 5b, and tert-butyl 5c) were synthesized in four steps from the parent compound p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene and obtained in the cone conformation, as shown by NMR studies. The binding ability of these neutral receptors toward spherical, linear, trigonal planar, and tetrahedrical anions was assessed by (1)H NMR and UV-vis titrations. The structures and complexation energies of some complexes were also studied by DFT methods. The data showed that the association constants are strongly dependent on the nature of the substituent (aryl/alkyl) at the urea moiety. In general, for all the receptors, the association constants decrease with decrease of anion basicity. Ph-urea 5a is the best anion receptor, showing the strongest complexation for F(-) (log K(assoc) = 3.10 in CDCl3) and also high binding affinity for the carboxylates AcO(-) and BzO(-). Similar results were obtained by UV-vis studies and were also corroborated by DFT calculations.

Alkylammonium cation complexation into the narrow cavity of dihomooxacalix[4]arene macrocycle.

How big should a calixarene macrocycle be for endo-cavity complexation to occur or to allow through-the-annulus threading? To answer these questions, a complete study on the complexation of primary and secondary (di)alkylammonium cations by 18-membered p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene macroring has been performed in the presence of the "superweak" TFPB counterion. Thus, it was found that this macrocycle is currently the smallest calixarene able to host linear and branched alkylammonium guests inside its aromatic cavity. Molecular mechanics calculations revealed that this recognition event is mainly driven by a H-bonding interaction between the guest ammonium group and the host CH(2)OCH(2) bridge. The endo-cavity complexation of chiral s-BuNH(3)(+) guest results in an asymmetric complex in the NMR time scale. The chirality transfer from guest to host is likely due to a restricted guest motion inside the tight cavity. The complexation study with secondary di-n-alkylammonium·TFPB salts revealed that the 18-membered dihomooxacalix[4]arene macroring cannot give the through-the-annulus threading with them because of its small dimension. However, the macrocycle is able to complex such ions, which can only be accommodated in an hook-like conformation characterized by two unfavorable gauche interactions around the CH(2)-NH(2)(+) bonds. The strain generated by this unfavorable folding is very likely compensated by stronger H-bonds and more favorable CH/π interactions between guest and host.

Electrophilic reactivity of tetrabromorhodamine 123 is bromine induced: convergent interpretation through complementary molecular descriptors.

Nucleophilic addition of water and of methanol to 3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-[2-(methoxycarbonyl) phenyl]-9H-xanthen-9-ylium, 4BrR123, yields respectively 2-(3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-hydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-yl)xanthyl benzoate, HO4BrR123 and 2-(3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-methoxy-9H-xanthen-9-yl)xanthyl benzoate, MeO4BrR123. The novel experimental results are addressed theoretically. The linear free energy relationship, LFER, second-order perturbation theory analysis of the natural bond orbital, NBO, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM, lead to the same conclusion: the electron-withdrawing effect of bonded Br atoms in 4BrR123 extremely enhances the molecular electrophilicity, as compared to 3,6-diamino-9-[2-(methoxycarbonyl) phenyl]-9H-xanthen-9-ylium, R123. The reactivity of these diaminoxanthylium cations is discussed in the context of local and global softness in extended conjugated systems.

Ditopic Receptors Based on Dihomooxacalix[4]arenes Bearing Phenylurea Moieties With Electron-Withdrawing Groups for Anions and Organic Ion Pairs.

Two bidentate dihomooxacalix[4]arene receptors bearing phenylurea moieties substituted with electron-withdrawing groups at the lower rim via a butyl spacer (CF3-Phurea 5b and NO2 Phurea 5c) were obtained in the cone conformation in solution, as shown by NMR. The X-ray crystal structure of 5b is reported. The binding affinity of these receptors toward several relevant anions was investigated by 1H NMR, UV-Vis absorption in different solvents, and fluorescence titrations. Compounds 5b and 5c were also tested as ditopic receptors for organic ion pairs, namely monoamine neurotransmitters and trace amine hydrochlorides by 1H NMR studies. The data showed that both receptors follow the same trend and, in comparison with the unsubstituted phenylurea 5a, they exhibit a significant enhancement on their host-guest properties, owing to the increased acidity of their urea NH protons. NO2-Phurea 5c is the best anion receptor, displaying the strongest complexation for F-, closely followed by the oxoanions BzO-, AcO-, and HS O 4 - . Concerning ion pair recognition, both ditopic receptors presented an outstanding efficiency for the amine hydrochlorides, mainly 5c, with association constants higher than 109 M-2 in the case of phenylethylamine and tyramine.

Synthesis and Characterization of Isosorbide-Based Polyurethanes Exhibiting Low Cytotoxicity Towards HaCaT Human Skin Cells.

The synthesis of four samples of new polyurethanes was evaluated by changing the ratio of the diol monomers used, poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and D-isosorbide, in the presence of aliphatic isocyanates such as the isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (HMDI). The thermal properties of the four polymers obtained were determined by DSC, exhibiting Tg values in the range 55⁻70 °C, and their molecular structure characterized by FTIR, ¹H, and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The diffusion coefficients of these polymers in solution were measured by the Pulse Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE) NMR method, enabling the calculation of the corresponding hydrodynamic radii in diluted solution (1.62⁻2.65 nm). The molecular weights were determined by GPC/SEC and compared with the values determined by a quantitative 13C NMR analysis. Finally, the biocompatibility of the polyurethanes was assessed using the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line by the MTT reduction assay method showing values superior to 70% cell viability.

Chemical, radiochemical and biological studies of new gallium(III) complexes with hexadentate chelators.

New N4O2-donor acyclic chelators 2-[[2-[2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethyl-[2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylamino]ethyl]amino]ethylamino]methyl]phenol (H2L(pz*,NH)) and 2-[[2-[2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylamino]ethyl-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]ethylamino]methyl]phenol (H2L(py,NH)) were obtained upon introduction of pyridyl or pyrazolyl coordinating units at the central nitrogen atom of diethylenetriamine (dien) and by functionalization of its terminal amines with phenol groups. The coordination behavior of H2L(pz*,NH) and H2L(py,NH) was evaluated towards (nat)Ga/(67)Ga, aiming to assess their suitability to obtain Ga(iii) chelates relevant for biomedical applications. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes [GaL(pz*,NH)](ClO4) and [GaL(py,NH)](ClO4) confirmed the presence of N4O2-hexadentate chelators with the phenoxide groups coordinated cis relatively to the pyridyl/pyrazolyl arms. Unlike [GaL(pz*,NH)](ClO4), [GaL(py,NH)](ClO4) exists in solution as a mixture of isomers, as confirmed by several NMR techniques. The corresponding radiocomplex [(67)GaL(py,NH)](+) was obtained smoothly in almost quantitative radiochemical yield, contrary to [(67)GaL(pz*,NH)](+) that seems to be (hemi)labile under the same conditions. [(67)GaL(py,NH)](+) presents a high in vivo stability and a favourable biodistribution profile in mice. The imine congeners 2-[(E)-2-[2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethyl-[2-[(E)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyleneamino]ethyl]amino]ethyliminomethyl]phenol (H2L(pz*,C[double bond, length as m-dash]N)) and 2-[(E)-2-[2-[(E)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyleneamino]ethyl-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]ethyliminomethyl]phenol (H2L(py,C[double bond, length as m-dash]N)) were also evaluated but they did not form complexes compatible for biomedical applications owing to their high reactivity.

Synthesis and Conformational Characteristics of Inherently Chiral Monoalkyl Ethers of p-tert-Butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene.

The synthesis of four inherently chiral monoalkyl ethers (methyl, ethyl, allyl, and benzyl), derived from p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene, is described. Their conformational features were studied by variable temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy in solvents with different polarity, such as chloroform (or CDCl(2)CDCl(2)), acetone, DMSO, and pyridine. Coalescence temperatures and DeltaG() were determined in CDCl(2)CDCl(2) and pyridine solutions. Monomethyl ether has a T(c) of 86 degrees C in CDCl(2)CDCl(2) and of -8 degrees C in pyridine, and the other derivatives are conformationally immobilized (DeltaG() >> 20 kcal mol(-1) in both solvents). The cone conformation, obtained for all monoethers, was confirmed by (13)C and NOESY spectra and also from a series of NOE 1D experiments. Complete assignment of both proton and carbon NMR spectra was achieved for the monomethyl ether by a combination of COSY, HMQC, and selective INEPT experiments, in chloroform at room temperature. Inherent chirality for all compounds was demonstrated by the addition of Pirkle's reagent to CDCl(3) solutions of monoethers derivatives, causing duplication of the NMR proton signals.

Quantitative 1H-NMR-metabolomics reveals extensive metabolic reprogramming and the effect of the aquaglyceroporin FPS1 in ethanol-stressed yeast cells.

A metabolomic analysis using high resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was used to characterize the alterations in the endo- and exo-metabolome of S. cerevisiae BY4741 during the exponential phase of growth in minimal medium supplemented with different ethanol concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6% v/v). This study provides evidence that supports the notion that ethanol stress induces reductive stress in yeast cells, which, in turn, appears to be counteracted by the increase in the rate of NAD+ regenerating bioreactions. Metabolomics data also shows increased intra- and extra-cellular accumulation of most amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates in yeast cells growing under ethanol stress suggesting a state of overflow metabolism in turn of the pyruvate branch-point. Given its previous implication in ethanol stress resistance in yeast, this study also focused on the effect of the expression of the aquaglyceroporin encoded by FPS1 in the yeast metabolome, in the absence or presence of ethanol stress. The metabolomics data collected herein shows that the deletion of the FPS1 gene in the absence of ethanol stress partially mimics the effect of ethanol stress in the parental strain. Moreover, the results obtained suggest that the reported action of Fps1 in mediating the passive diffusion of glycerol is a key factor in the maintenance of redox balance, an important feature for ethanol stress resistance, and may interfere with the ability of the yeast cell to accumulate trehalose. Overall, the obtained results corroborate the idea that metabolomic approaches may be crucial tools to understand the function and/or the effect of membrane transporters/porins, such as Fps1, and may be an important tool for the clear-cut design of improved process conditions and more robust yeast strains aiming to optimize industrial fermentation performance.

Amido/amine triazacyclononane-based zirconium complexes: syntheses, reactivity, and structures.

The reactions of [Zr(NMe2)4]2 with triamido-triazacyclonane ligand precursors, {NH(Ph)SiMe2}3tacn (H3N3[9]N3) and {NH(C6H4F)SiMe2}3tacn (H3N3-F[9]N3), led to the formation of complexes [Zr(NMe2)2{N(Ph)SiMe2}2{NH(Ph) SiMe2}tacn], 1, and [Zr(NMe2)2{N(o-C6H4F)SiMe2}2{NH(o-C6H4F)SiMe2} tacn], 2, where the zirconium is coordinated to two remaining dimethylamido ligands and to a dianionic tacn-based ligand, [{N(Ph')SiMe2}2{NH(Ph')SiMe2}tacn]2-, that formed from deprotonation of two amine pendent arms of the ligands' precursors. The third pendent arm of H3N3[9]N3 and H3N3-F[9]N3 remains neutral and not bonded to the zirconium. Treatment of 1 with NaH led to the synthesis of [Zr(NMe2){N(Ph)SiMe2}2tacn], 3, that results from the cleavage of the N-Si bond of the original neutral pendent arm. Complexes [ZrCl{N(Ph')SiMe2}2tacn] (Ph' = C6H5, 4, and C6H4F, 5) have been obtained by reactions of ZrCl4 with {MN(Ph')SiMe2}3tacn.2THF (M = Li, Na). Reactions of 4 and 5 with LiC triple bond CPh led to the syntheses of [Zr(CCPh){N(Ph')SiMe2}2tacn] (Ph' = C6H5, 6, and C6H4F, 7). The solid-state structure of 3 shows a chiral metal center.

Euphoportlandols A and B, tetracylic diterpene polyesters from Euphorbia portlandica and their anti-MDR effects in cancer cells.

Two new tetracyclic diterpene polyesters, euphoportlandols A (1) and B (2), have been isolated along with 12 known tetracyclic triterpenes from an acetone extract of Euphorbia portlandica. Their structures were established as 5alpha,11alpha,14alpha,17-tetraacetoxy-3beta-benzoyloxy-6beta,15beta-dihydroxy-9-oxoseget-8(12)-ene (1) and 5alpha,11alpha,14alpha,17-tetraacetoxy-3beta-benzoyloxy-6beta,15beta-dihydroxy-9-oxosegetane (2), respectively, by spectroscopic data interpretation. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their ability to inhibit multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Both compounds were found to be inhibitors of P-glycoprotein activity.

Titanium(III) trisamidotriazacyclononane: reactions with C60 and radicals.

The reaction of titanium trisamidotriazacyclononane, [Ti{N(Ph)SiMe2}3tacn] (1), with C60 led to the synthesis of [Ti{N(Ph)SiMe2}3tacn]C60 (2) in high yield. Treatment of 2 with PhCH2Br led to the formation of [Ti{N(Ph)SiMe2}3tacn]Br and the radical PhCH2C60 (3). The reaction of CH3I with 1 gives two products. One is [Ti{N(Ph)SiMe2}3tacn]I (4), which results from the oxidation of 1 by an I radical. The other product, 5, resulting from a multistep reaction scheme that involves redox and nucleophilic reactions, presents an imido ligand formed by ligand rearrangement upon C-N bond cleavage. In solution, an exchange process that corresponds to a reversible 1,3-silyl shift between two Ti-bonded N atoms leads to isomers 5a and 5b. This equilibrium transforms an imido (TiNPh) into an amido ligand (Ti{NPh}SiMe2CH2Ph) with concomitant generation of an anionic moiety in the originally neutral triazacyclononane ring. In solution, either 5a or 5b displays additional fluxional processes that consist of its corresponding racemization processes.