A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono-Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: A Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Kristin Bartik, Olivia Reinaud and co-workers at the Université libre de Bruxelles and Université Paris Descartes. The image depicts a Zn protein and highlights the role that a single water molecule can play in catalysing ligand exchange. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202102184.

Closing a Calix[6]arene-Based Funnel Zn2+ Complex at Its Large Rim Entrance: Consequences on Metal Ion Affinity and Host-Guest Properties.

A molecular capsule based on a calix[6]arene core closed at the small rim by a three-point coordinated metal ion and at the large rim by a three-point covalent capping is described. It is derived from a trisimidazole funnel complex capped by a trenamide unit that prevents in/out exchange of guest molecules through the large rim. A detailed comparative study with three different calixarenes provides a unique opportunity for (i) comparing the binding ability of two different coordination sites in well three-dimensional (3D)-structured macrocyclic receptors and (ii) evaluating the impact of a covalent closing of one rim of a funnel receptor while the other rim is closed by weaker coordination bonds. Indeed, this study allowed for highlighting various interesting new features. It is first shown that the trenamide site can bind a metal ion such as Zn2+ by itself. This involves a 1:1 coordination of the metal ion to the three carbonyl groups of the amide functions, which undergo trans-to-cis isomerization and are partially embedded in the calix core. When the trisimidazole core is present, the Zn2+ ion preferentially binds at the small rim, thus closing the cavity. Guest ligand exchange must then occur through a decoordination/recoordination process of the metal ion. The modification and rigidification of the calixarene conformation induced by the large rim capping strengthen the metal ion coordination at the small rim. This also leads to a selective metallo-receptor that readily binds EtNH2 under conditions where PrNH2 is not recognized at all. The increased rigidity of the receptor, however, weakens the host-guest interactions, precluding important induced-fit behaviors that are at work in the parent, large rim opened, funnel complex.

A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono-Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: a Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins.

In this study, the ligand exchange mechanism at a biomimetic ZnII centre, embedded in a pocket mimicking the possible constrains induced by a proteic structure, is explored. The residence time of different guest ligands (dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and ethanol) inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene-based tris(imidazole) tetrahedral zinc complex was probed using 1D EXchange SpectroscopY NMR experiments. A strong dependence of residence time on water content was observed with no exchange occurring under anhydrous conditions, even in the presence of a large excess of guest ligand. These results advocate for an associative exchange mechanism involving the transient exo-coordination of a water molecule, giving rise to 5-coordinate ZnII intermediates, and inversion of the pyramid at the ZnII centre. Theoretical modelling by DFT confirmed that the associative mechanism is at stake. These results are particularly relevant in the context of the understanding of kinetic stability/lability in Zn proteins and highlight the key role that a single water molecule can play in catalysing ligand exchange and controlling the lability of ZnII in proteins.

Antiproliferative activity of a new xanthone derivative from leaves of Garcinia nobilis Engl.

A new xanthone, mboudiexanthone (1), together with five known compounds, euxanthone (2), isogarcinol (3), garcinol (4), betulinic acid (5) and zeorin (6) were isolated from the leaves of Garcinia nobilis Engl. The structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR techniques and X-ray diffraction for 6. The in vitro antiproliferative properties of isolated compounds were evaluated against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. All compounds showed an antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value down to ∼11 µM for isogarcinol.

Tuning the Fluorescence Through Reorientation of the Axle in Calix[6]arene-Based Pseudorotaxanes.

This work describes a calix[6]arene-based wheel that binds, in non-polar media, a stilbazolium salt to yield a mixture of pseudorotaxane orientational isomers. The isomer's abundance ratio evolves with time and can be reversibly tuned by adjusting the temperature. The spectroscopic properties, and notably the emission spectrum, of the bound guest depend on its orientation inside the non-palindromic wheel, suggesting such a system as a switch with spectroscopic readout.

Synthesis and Binding Properties of a Tren-Capped Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene.

The straightforward synthesis of a new hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene-based ligand capped by a tren subunit was developed and the binding properties of the corresponding zinc complex were explored by NMR spectroscopy. Similarly to the closely related calix[6]tren-based systems, the homooxacalixarene core ensures the mononuclearity of the zinc complex and the metal center displays a labile coordination site for exogenous guests. However, very different host-guest properties were observed: i) in CDCl3 , the zinc complex strongly binds a water molecule and is reluctant to recognize other neutral guests, ii) in CD3 CN, the exo-coordination of anions prevails. Thus, in strong contrast to the calix[6]tren-based systems, the coordination of neutral guests that thread through the small rim and fill the polyaromatic cavity was not observed. This unique behaviour is likely due to the fact that the 18-membered ethereal macrocycle is too small to let a molecule threading through it. This work illustrates the key role played by the second coordination sphere in the binding properties of metal complexes.

1H NMR study of the interaction of trans-resveratrol with soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a well-known natural derivative with a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. Despite of these demonstrated properties, it exhibits low both aqueous solubility and chemical stability and therefore low bioavailability. Consequently, the major concern of the technological research is to exploit delivery systems able to overcome bioavailability problems. In the recent past liposomes have been successfully studied for these purposes. In this paper, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY) as well as Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancements (PRE) experiments have been carried out to quantitatively investigate the incorporation of resveratrol, at both the liposome preparation stage and by preformed liposomes, also with the aim to characterize resveratrol- soybean phosphatidylcholine (P90G) lipid bilayer interactions. Overall results of 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis suggest that RSV is located nearby the phosphocholine headgroups and also provide quantitative data on the incorporation of RSV (5% w/w), which corresponds to a 150-fold increase with respect to the solubility of RSV in water. Beside, considering that the same level of RSV incorporation was obtained via spontaneous uptake by preformed P90G liposomes, it can be concluded that RSV easily diffuses through the lipid bilayer.

Selective EPR Detection of Primary Amines in Water with a Calix[6]azacryptand-Based Copper(II) Funnel Complex.

A water-soluble calix[6]arene-based azacryptand was synthesized. The corresponding tren [tris(2-aminoethyl)amine] cap grafted at the small rim coordinates strongly a copper(II) ion over a wide range of pH. The host-guest properties of the complex were explored by EPR spectroscopy. Due to second coordination sphere effects and the hydrophobic effect ascribed to the calixarene cavity, this funnel complex selectively binds neutral molecules (alcohols, nitriles, amines) versus anions in water near physiological pH. Among the coordinating guests, hydrophobic primary amines are preferentially recognized thanks to the combined effect of the better metal-ligand interaction and hydrogen bonding to the oxygen atoms present at the small rim. Hence, this Cu(II) calix[6]arene-based funnel complex behaves as a sensitive and selective EPR probe for primary amines, including biologically important molecules such as tyramine and tryptamine, in water, over a large pH window.

Photo-CIDNP Reveals Different Protonation Sites Depending on the Primary Step of the Photoinduced Electron-/Proton-Transfer Process with Ru(II) Polyazaaromatic Complexes.

The excited-state quenching of [Ru(TAP)2(HAT)]2+ (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene, HAT= 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene) by hydroquinone (H2Q), N-acetyl-tyrosine (N-Ac-Tyr) or guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP) was investigated at various pH values. The quenching occurs via electron/proton transfer, as evidenced by transient absorption spectroscopy and confirmed by 1H photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP). Reductive quenching also occurs in strongly acidic solution despite a much shorter lifetime of the protonated excited-state complex. Photo-CIDNP revealed a different mechanism at low pH, involving protonation before electron transfer and yielding a distinct protonated monoreduced complex. The experimental photo-CIDNP patterns are consistent with density functional theory calculations. This work highlights the power of 1H photo-CIDNP for characterizing, at the atomic level, transient species involved in electron-transfer processes.

Encapsulation and solid state sequestration of gases by calix[6]arene-based molecular containers.

Two calix[6]arene-based molecular containers were synthesized in high yields. These containers can encapsulate small guests through a unique "rotating door" complexation process. The sequestration of greenhouse gases is clearly demonstrated. They can be stored in the solid state for long periods and released via dissolution of the inclusion complex.

NMR Study of the Reductive Decomposition of [BMIm][NTf2 ] at Gold Electrodes and Indirect Electrochemical Conversion of CO2.

Potential controlled electrolyses of [BMIm][NTf2 ] ionic liquid were performed at a gold cathode under nitrogen atmosphere. The structures of the major conversion products of the BMIm+ cation were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses and gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the volatile compounds. Recombination of the imidazol-2-yl radicals, generated at the electrode by single electron transfer, leads to neutral diastereomeric dimers in equal proportions, with a faradaic efficiency of 80 %, while disproportionation of these radicals and/or reaction with hydrogen atoms adsorbed at the electrode generates a neutral monomer with 20 % faradaic efficiency. Both pathways also yield the N-heterocyclic carbene imidazolin-2-ylidene, which is involved in fast proton exchange with the parent BMIm+ cation. The reductive decomposition products of the BMIm+ cation are no longer detected if the pre-electrolysed sample is reacted with CO2 , which undergoes an indirect reduction and generates the carboxylate adduct.

pH Dependence of Photoinduced Electron Transfer with [Ru(TAP)3]2.

The quenching of the excited state of [Ru(TAP)3]2+ (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene) by guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP), N-acetyltyrosine (N-Ac-Tyr), and hydroquinone (H2Q) has been studied in aqueous solution over a wide range of pH values including, for the first time, strongly acidic media. This quenching by electron transfer was examined by steady-state 1H photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) as well as by more conventional techniques, among which are pulsed laser-induced transient absorption and emission experiments. A deeper knowledge of the photochemical behavior of [Ru(TAP)3]2+ has been gained thanks to the combined use of these two approaches, photo-CIDNP and electronic spectroscopies, highlighting their complementarity. In contrast to what was believed, it is found that the protonated excited state of [Ru(TAP)3]2+ may give rise to an electron transfer with N-Ac-Tyr and H2Q. Such a photoinduced electron transfer does not occur with protonated GMP, however. 1H photo-CIDNP experiments are expected to be particularly promising for characterization of the reductive quenching of excited-state ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes comprising several nonequivalent protonation sites.

A nano-sized container for specific encapsulation of isolated water molecules.

A calix[4]arene-based molecular box was synthesized. Its properties were characterized through XRD and extensive NMR studies. This receptor is able to encapsulate specifically two isolated water molecules in both non-protic and protic solvents. This is a consequence of high size, geometric and electronic complementarity between the host and the water molecules.

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Stabilization of Metal Complexes by Introverted Coordination in a Calix[6]azacryptand.

The Huisgen thermal reaction between an organic azide and an acetylene was employed for the selective monofunctionalization of a X6 -azacryptand ligand bearing a tren coordinating unit [X6 stands for calix[6]arene and tren for tris(2-aminoethyl)amine]. Supramolecular assistance, originating from the formation of a host-guest inclusion complex between the reactants, greatly accelerates the reaction while self-inhibition affords a remarkable selectivity. The new ligand possesses a single amino-leg appended at the large rim of the calixarene core and the corresponding Zn(2+) complex was characterized both in solution and in the solid state. The coordination of Zn(2+) not only involves the tren cap but also the introverted amino-leg, which locks the metal ion in the cavity. Compared with the parent ligand deprived of the amino-leg, the affinity of the new monofunctionalized X6 tren ligand 6 for Zn(2+) is found to have a 10-fold increase in DMSO, which is a very competitive solvent, and with an enhancement of at least three orders of magnitude in CDCl3 /CD3 OD (1:1, v/v). In strong contrast with the fast binding kinetics, decoordination of Zn(2+) as well as transmetallation appeared to be very slow processes. The monofunctionalized X6 tren ligand 6 fully protects the metal ion from the external medium thanks to the combination of a cavity and a closed coordination sphere, leading to greater thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities.

Triflate-functionalized calix[6]arenes as versatile building-blocks: application to the synthesis of an inherently chiral Zn(ii) complex.

Cavity-based metal complexes can find many applications notably in the fields of catalysis and biomimicry. In this context, it was shown that metal complexes of calix[6]arenes bearing three aza-coordinating arms at the small rim provide excellent structural models of the poly-imidazole sites found in the active site of many metallo-enzymes. All these N-donor ligands were synthesized from the 1,3,5-tris-methoxy-p-tBu-calix[6]arene platform, which presents some limitations in terms of functionalization. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new calix[6]arene-based building-blocks selectively protected at the small rim. Herein we describe the regioselective one step synthesis of two calix[6]arenes decorated with triflate groups, i.e. X6H4Tf2 and X6H3Tf3, from the parent calix[6]arene X6H6. It is shown that the triflate groups can either act as protecting or deactivating groups, allowing the elaboration of sophisticated calixarene-based systems selectively functionalized at the large and/or at the small rim. In addition, X6H3Tf3 is functionalized on the A, B, and D rings and thus gives access to inherently chiral compounds, as demonstrated by the synthesis of a rare example of inherently chiral cavity-based metal complex.

Selective recognition of neutral guests in an aqueous medium by a biomimetic calix[6]cryptamide receptor.

The design of artificial receptors that can efficiently work in water is a challenging research area. A possible biomimetic approach for the elaboration of such receptors consists of associating a hydrophobic cavity with a polar polyfunctional binding site. On this basis, a hydrophilic calix[6]cryptamide decorated with oligo(ethylene glycol) units (i.e. 8) was synthesized through an efficient [1 + 1] macrocyclization reaction as the key-step. The complexation of neutral molecules was evaluated by NMR spectroscopy through competition experiments either in apolar or aqueous media. In both media, host 8 can bind neutral species that display H-bonding acceptor and donor groups such as amides or ureas. Interestingly, the most polar and acidic molecule is the best guest in chloroform and the worst one in an aqueous medium, highlighting the importance of the environment. As shown by NMR and X-ray diffraction data, the mode of recognition involves a complementary DAAAD-ADDDA quintuple H-bonding array between the binding partners as well as multiple CH-π interactions. A comparison of this calix[6]arene-based host-guest system with the binding site of biotin-binding proteins shows strong similarities. Besides, the acid-base control of the binding properties of receptor 8 in aqueous media is highly reminiscent of allosteric processes encountered in natural systems.

Synthesis of (Homooxa)calixarene-Monoquinones through the "All-but-One" Methodology.

The iteroselective "all-but-one" carbamatation methodology has been successfully extended to homooxacalixarenes and used for the selective and controlled synthesis of homooxacalixarene-monoquinones and calixarene-monoquinones. These moquinone derivatives constitute interesting molecular platforms that, until now, were inaccessible through any efficient means.

Insights into the structure-activity relationships of chiral 1,2-diaminophenylalkane platinum(II) anticancer derivatives.

The structure-activity relationships of chiral 1,2-diaminophenylalkane platinum(II) anticancer derivatives are studied, including interactions with telomeric- and genomic-like DNA sequences, the pKa of their diaqua species, structural properties obtained from DFT calculations and resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy. The binding modes of the compounds to telomeric sequences were elucidated, showing no major differences with conventional cis-platinum(II) complexes like cisplatin, supporting that the cis-square planar geometry governs the binding of small Pt(II) complexes to G4 structures. Double-stranded DNA platination kinetics and acid-base constants of the diaqua species of the compounds were measured and compared, highlighting a strong steric dependence of the DNA-binding kinetics, but independent to stereoisomerism. Structural features of the compounds are discussed on the basis of dispersion-corrected DFT, showing that the most active series presents conformers for which the platinum atom is well devoid of steric hindrance. If reactivity indices derived from conceptual DFT do not show evidences for different reactivity between the compounds, RXES experiments provide new insight into the availability of platinum orbitals for binding to nucleophiles.

Effect of magnetic field and iron content on NMR proton relaxation of liver, spleen and brain tissues.

Iron accumulation is observed in liver and spleen during hemochromatosis and important neurodegenerative diseases involve iron overload in brain. Storage of iron is ensured by ferritin, which contains a magnetic core. It causes a darkening on T2 -weighted MR images. This work aims at improving the understanding of the NMR relaxation of iron-loaded human tissues, which is necessary to develop protocols of iron content measurements by MRI. Relaxation times measurements on brain, liver and spleen samples were realized at different magnetic fields. Iron content was determined by atomic emission spectroscopy. For all samples, the longitudinal relaxation rate (1/T1 ) of tissue protons decreases with the magnetic field up to 1 T, independently of iron content, while their transverse relaxation rate (1/T2 ) strongly increases with the field, either linearly or quadratically, or a combination thereof. The extent of the inter-echo time dependence of 1/T2 also varies according to the sample. A combination of theoretical models is necessary to describe the relaxation of iron-containing tissues. This can be due to the presence, inside tissues, of ferritin clusters of different sizes and densities. When considering all samples, a correlation (r(2) = 0.6) between 1/T1 and iron concentration is observed at 7.0 T. In contrast the correlation between 1/T2 and iron content is poor, even at high field (r(2) = 0.14 at 7.0 T). Our results show that MRI methods based on T1 or T2 measurements will easily detect an iron overloading at high magnetic field, but will not provide an accurate quantification of tissue iron content at low iron concentrations.

17O NMR study of diamagnetic and paramagnetic lanthanide(III)-DOTA complexes in aqueous solution.

The complexes between the polyaminocarboxylate DOTA ligand and the whole series of stable lanthanide(III) metal ions, except Gd(3+), were studied in aqueous solution by (17)O NMR. For all of the paramagnetic systems, the (17)O NMR signals of both the nonchelating (O1) and chelating (O2) oxygen atoms could be detected, and for some of them, the signals of both the SAP and TSAP (TSAP') conformational isomers were also observed. Line width data analysis reveals that signal broadening is not dominated by paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, as it was believed to be. The data indicate that quadrupole relaxation and, for some complexes, chemical exchange between the SAP and TSAP isomers are the major contributions to the (17)O NMR line width at 25 °C. Besides, the Fermi contact and pseudocontact contributions to the observed lanthanide-induced shifts could be extracted. The (17)O hyperfine coupling constants determined for O2 in the SAP and TSAP isomers are similar to each other and to the values reported for several Gd(III) complexes comprising fast-exchanging ligands. Interestingly, the results suggest that (17)O NMR should prove to be useful for the study of highly paramagnetic Gd(III) complexes of nonlabile ligands.