Layered rare-earth hydroxides as multi-modal medical imaging probes: particle size optimisation and compositional exploration.

Recently, layered rare-earth hydroxides (LRHs) have received growing attention in the field of theranostics. We have previously reported the hydrothermal synthesis of layered terbium hydroxide (LTbH), which exhibited high biocompatibility, reversible uptake of a range of model drugs, and release-sensitive phosphorescence. Despite these favourable properties, LTbH particles produced by the reported method suffered from poor size-uniformity (670 ± 564 nm), and are thus not suitable for therapeutic applications. To ameliorate this issue, we first derive an optimised hydrothermal synthesis method to generate LTbH particles with a high degree of homogeneity and reproducibility, within a size range appropriate for in vivo applications (152 ± 59 nm, n = 6). Subsequently, we apply this optimised method to synthesise a selected range of LRH materials (R = Pr, Nd, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb), four of which produced particles with an average size under 200 nm (Pr, Nd, Gd, and Dy) without the need for further optimisation. Finally, we incorporate Gd and Tb into LRHs in varying molar ratios (1 : 3, 1 : 1, and 3 : 1) and assess the combined magnetic relaxivity and phosphorescence properties of the resultant LRH materials. The lead formulation, LGd1.41Tb0.59H, was demonstrated to significantly shorten the T2 relaxation time of water (r2 = 52.06 mM-1 s-1), in addition to exhibiting a strong phosphorescence signal (over twice that of the other LRH formulations, including previously reported LTbH), therefore holding great promise as a potential multi-modal medical imaging probe.

Inorganic Chemistry of the Tripodal Picolinate Ligand Tpaa with Gallium(III) and Radiolabeling with Gallium-68.

We report here the improved synthesis of the tripodal picolinate chelator Tpaa, with an overall yield of 41% over five steps, in comparison to the previously reported 6% yield. Tpaa was investigated for its coordination chemistry with Ga(III) and radiolabeling properties with gallium-68 (68Ga). The obtained crystal structure for [Ga(Tpaa)] shows that the three picolinate arms coordinate to the Ga(III) ion, fully occupying the octahedral coordination geometry. This is supported by 1H NMR which shows that the three arms are symmetrical when coordinated to Ga(III). Assessment of the thermodynamic stability through potentiometry gives log KGa-Tpaa = 21.32, with a single species being produced across the range of pH 3.5-7.5. Tpaa achieved >99% radiochemical conversion with 68Ga under mild conditions ([Tpaa] = 6.6 µM, pH 7.4, 37 °C) with a molar activity of 3.1 GBq µmol-1. The resulting complex, [68Ga][Ga(Tpaa)], showed improved stability over the previously reported [68Ga][Ga(Dpaa)(H2O)] in a serum challenge, with 32% of [68Ga][Ga(Tpaa)] remaining intact after 30 min of incubation with fetal bovine serum.

Earth Abundant Oxidation Catalysts for Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern from Wastewater: Homogeneous Catalytic Screening of Monomeric Complexes.

Twenty novel Mn, Fe, and Cu complexes of ethylene cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles with potentially copolymerizable allyl and benzyl pendant arms were synthesized and characterized. Multiple X-ray crystal structures demonstrate the cis-folded pseudo-octahedral geometry forced by the rigidifying ethylene cross-bridge and show that two cis coordination cites are available for interaction with substrate and oxidant. The Cu complexes were used to determine kinetic stability under harsh acidic and high-temperature conditions, which revealed that the cyclam-based ligands provide superior stabilization with half-lives of many minutes or even hours in 5 M HCl at 50-90 °C. Cyclic voltammetry studies of the Fe and Mn complexes reveal reversible redox processes indicating stabilization of Fe2+/Fe3+ and Mn2+/Mn3+/Mn4+ oxidation states, indicating the likelihood of catalytic oxidation for these complexes. Finally, dye-bleaching experiments with methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B demonstrate efficient catalytic decolorization and allow selection of the most successful monomeric catalysts for copolymerization to produce future heterogeneous water purification materials.

A Bridge too Far? Comparison of Transition Metal Complexes of Dibenzyltetraazamacrocycles with and without Ethylene Cross-Bridges: X-ray Crystal Structures, Kinetic Stability, and Electronic Properties.

Tetraazamacrocycles, cyclic molecules with four nitrogen atoms, have long been known to produce highly stable transition metal complexes. Cross-bridging such molecules with two-carbon chains has been shown to enhance the stability of these complexes even further. This provides enough stability to use the resulting compounds in applications as diverse and demanding as aqueous, green oxidation catalysis all the way to drug molecules injected into humans. Although the stability of these compounds is believed to result from the increased rigidity and topological complexity imparted by the cross-bridge, there is insufficient experimental data to exclude other causes. In this study, standard organic and inorganic synthetic methods were used to produce unbridged dibenzyl tetraazamacrocycle complexes of Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn that are analogues of known cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles and their transition metal complexes to allow direct comparison of molecules that are identical except for the cross-bridge. The syntheses of the known tetraazamacrocycles and the new transition metal complexes were successful with high yields and purity. Initial chemical characterization of the complexes was conducted by UV-Visible spectroscopy, while cyclic voltammetry showed more marked differences in electronic properties from bridged versions. Direct comparison studies of the unbridged and bridged compounds' kinetic stabilities, as demonstrated by decomposition using high acid concentration and elevated temperature, showed that the cyclen-based complex stability did not benefit from cross-bridging. This is likely due to poor complementarity with the Cu2+ ion while cyclam-based complexes benefited greatly. We conclude that ligand-metal complementarity must be maintained in order for the topological and rigidity constraints imparted by the cross-bridge to contribute significantly to complex robustness.

Bn2DT3A, a Chelator for 68Ga Positron Emission Tomography: Hydroxide Coordination Increases Biological Stability of [68Ga][Ga(Bn2DT3A)(OH)].

The chelator Bn2DT3A was used to produce a novel 68Ga complex for positron emission tomography (PET). Unusually, this system is stabilized by a coordinated hydroxide in aqueous solutions above pH 5, which confers sufficient stability for it to be used for PET. Bn2DT3A complexes Ga3+ in a hexadentate manner, forming a mer-mer complex with log K([Ga(Bn2DT3A)]) = 18.25. Above pH 5, the hydroxide ion coordinates the Ga3+ ion following dissociation of a coordinated amine. Bn2DT3A radiolabeling displayed a pH-dependent speciation, with [68Ga][Ga(Bn2DT3A)(OH)]- being formed above pH 5 and efficiently radiolabeled at pH 7.4. Surprisingly, [68Ga][Ga(Bn2DT3A)(OH)]- was found to show an increased stability in vitro (for over 2 h in fetal bovine serum) compared to [68Ga][Ga(Bn2DT3A)]. The biodistribution of [68Ga][Ga(Bn2DT3A)(OH)]- in healthy rats showed rapid clearance and excretion via the kidneys, with no uptake seen in the lungs or bones.

pH-dependent concatenation of an inorganic complex results in solid state helix formation.

Growth of the library of tetraaza macrocyclic pyridinophane ligands is a result of the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases by binding unregulated redox active metal-ions, scavenging radicals, and reducing oxidative stress. As part of this work, the copper complex of OH PyN 3 Cu (3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]penta-deca-1(15),11,13-trien-13-ol) was previously identified as a discrete molecule in the solid state when isolated at lower pH values. However, here we report that OH PyN 3 Cu forms a helical structure upon crystallization around pH 6.5. Several properties of the ligand and complex were evaluated to understand the driving forces that led to the concatenation and formation of this solid-state helix. DFT studies along with a comparison of keto/enol tautomerization stability and bond lengths were used to determine the keto-character of the C=O within each subunit. This pH dependent keto-enol tautomerization is responsible for the solid state intermolecular C=O···Cu bonds observed in this metallohelix (Cu1 H ) when produced around pH 6.5. Perchlorate templating that occurs through hydrogen bonding between perchlorate counter ions and each Cu1 H unit is the primary driving factor for the twist that leads to the helix structure. Cu1 H does not exhibit the typical factors that stabilize the formation of helices, such as intra-strand hydrogen bonding or π-stacking. The helix structure further highlights the diversity of inorganic metallohelices and demonstrates the importance of tautomerization and pH that occurs with the pyridinophane ligand used in this study. To our knowledge and although these phenomenon have been observed individually, this is the first example of a pH dependent keto-enol tautomerization in an azamacrocycle being the driving force for the formation of a metallohelix solid state structure and is a particularly unique observation for pyridinophane complexes.

Heterometallic cobalt(ii) calix[6 and 8]arenes: synthesis, structure and electrochemical activity.

Heterometallic cobalt p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arenes have been generated from the in situ reaction of lithium reagents (n-BuLi or t-BuOLi) or NaH with the parent calix[n]arene and subsequent reaction with CoBr2. The reverse route, involving the addition of in situ generated Li[Co(Ot-Bu)3] to p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arene, has also been investigated. X-ray crystallography reveals the formation of complicated products incorporating differing numbers of cobalt and lithium or sodium centers, often with positional disorder, as well as, in some cases, the retention of halide. The electrochemical analysis revealed several oxidation events related to the subsequent oxidation of Co(ii) centers and the reduction of the metal cation at negative potentials. Moreover, the electrochemical activity of the phenol moieties of the parent calix[n]arenes resulted in dimerized products or quinone derivatives, leading to insoluble oligomeric products that deposit and passivate the electrode. Preliminary screening for electrochemical proton reduction revealed good activity for a number of these systems. Results suggest that [Co6Na(NCMe)6(µ-O)(p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH)2Br]·7MeCN (6·7MeCN) is a promising molecular catalyst for electrochemical proton reduction, with a mass transport coefficient, catalytic charge transfer resistance and current magnitude at the catalytic turnover region that are comparable to those of the reference electrocatalyst (Co(ii)Cl2).

Pd-Immobilized Schiff Base Double-Layer Macrocycle: Synthesis, Structures, Peroxidase Mimic Activity, and Antibacterial Performance.

Di-, tri-, and tetra-aldehydes have been employed to access new [2 + 2] [2 + 3] and [2 + 4] double-layer Schiff base macrocycles. The [2 + 3] compound has been used for the immobilization of Pd and the resulting composite has been employed as a peroxidase-like mimetic using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as the substrate; the optimum conditions together with the catalytic kinetics of the enzyme-like activity is discussed. Based on the peroxidase-like catalytic activity, the Pd@Schiff base composite was found to exhibit excellent bactericidal activity against both Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium) in the presence of relatively low concentrations of H2O2. Furthermore, cytotoxicity measurements illustrate the biosafety of the Pd composite. The above-mentioned findings have the potential to guide the innovation of new Pd-based composites as enzyme mimetics and antibacterial materials.

Synthesis and Characterization of Late Transition Metal Complexes of Mono-Acetate Pendant Armed Ethylene Cross-Bridged Tetraazamacrocycles with Promise as Oxidation Catalysts for Dye Bleaching.

Ethylene cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles are known to produce kinetically stable transition metal complexes that can act as robust oxidation catalysts under harsh aqueous conditions. We have synthesized ligand analogs with single acetate pendant arms that act as pentadentate ligands to Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. These complexes have been synthesized and characterized, including the structural characterization of four Co and Cu complexes. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrates that multiple oxidation states are stabilized by these rigid, bicyclic ligands. Yet, redox potentials of the metal complexes are modified compared to the "parent" ligands due to the pendant acetate arm. Similarly, gains in kinetic stability under harsh acidic conditions, compared to parent complexes without the pendant acetate arm, were demonstrated by a half-life seven times longer for the cyclam copper complex. Due to the reversible, high oxidation states available for the Mn and Fe complexes, the Mn and Fe complexes were examined as catalysts for the bleaching of three commonly used pollutant model dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and Rhodamine B) in water with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The efficient bleaching of these dyes was observed.

Lead calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8): structures and ring opening homo-/co-polymerization capability for cyclic esters.

Reaction of [LiPb(OiPr)3]2 (generated in situ) with either p-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH4 (L4H4) or p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH6 (L6H6) resulted in the heterometallic lithium/lead complexes [Pb4Li2(L4)4H6(MeCN)3]·4.5MeCN (1·4.5MeCN) and [Pb8Li10Cl2(L6H2)3(L6)(OH)2(O)2(H2O)2(MeCN)4]·14MeCN (2·14MeCN), respectively. Use of the dimethyleneoxa-bridged p-tert-butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]areneH6 (L6'H6) with five equivalents of [Pb(OiPr)2] afforded [Pb13(L6')3O4(iPrOH)]·11MeCN (3·11MeCN). Use of the larger p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneH8 (L8H8) with [Pb(OtBu)2] or {Pb[N(TMS)2]} (TMS = SiMe3) afforded the products [Pb12(L8)2O4]·8.7C7H8 (4·8.7C7H8) or [Pb6(SiMe3)2(L8)O2Cl2] (5), respectively. Reaction of {Pb[N(TMS)2]} (generated in situ from (Me3Si)2NH, nBuLi and PbCl2) with L6H6 afforded, after work-up (MeCN), the mixed-metal complex [Pb10Li2(L6)2(OH)Cl(O)4]·9.5MeCN (6·9.5MeCN). Reaction of distilled {Pb[N(TMS)2]} (six equivalents) with L8H8 resulted in the complex [Pb12(L8)2O4]·12MeCN (7·12MeCN). Complexes 1-7, Pb(OiPr)2 and [Pb(N(TMS)2)2] have been screened for their potential to act as pre-catalysts in the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) and the copolymerization thereof. Generally, the lithiated complexes 1 and 2 exhibited better activities than the other pre-catalysts screened herein. For ε-CL and δ-VL, moderate activity at 130 °C over 24 h was observed for 1-7. In the case of the co-polymerization of ε-CL with δ-VL, 1-7, Pb(OiPr)2 and [Pb(N(TMS)2)2] afforded reasonable conversions and high molecular weight polymers. The systems 1-7, Pb(OiPr)2 and [Pb(N(TMS)2)2] also proved to be active in the ROP of the rac-lactide (r-LA); the activity trend was found to be 1 > 2 ≈ Pb(OiPr)2 ≈ [Pb(N(TMS)2)2] > 4 > 5 ≈ 6 ≈ 7 > 3.

Scandium calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8): structural, cytotoxicity and ring opening polymerization studies.

Interaction of [Sc(OR)3] (R = iPr or triflate) with p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes, where n = 4, 6, or 8, affords a number of intriguing structural motifs, which are relatively non-toxic (cytotoxicity evaluated against cell lines HCT116 and HT-29) and a number were capable of the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclohexene oxide.

Coordination chemistry of [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocycles derived from the dianilines [(2-NH2C6H4)2X] (X = CH2CH2, O): structural studies and ROP capability towards cyclic esters.

Reaction of the [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocycles {[2-(OH)-5-(R)-C6H2-1,3-(CH)2][CH2CH2(2-C6H4N)2]}2 (R = Me, L1H2; tBu, L2H2) with FeBr2 afforded the complexes [FeBr(L1H2)]2[(FeBr3)2O]·2MeCN (1·2MeCN), [FeBr(L2H2)][X] (X = 0.5(FeBr3)2O, 2·0.5MeCN, X = Br, 3·5.5MeCN), respectively. Reaction of L2H2 with [KFe(OtBu)3(THF)] (formed in situ from FeBr2 and KOtBu), following work-up, led to the isolation of the complex [Fe(L2)(L2H)]·3MeCN (4·3MeCN), whilst with [CuBr2] afforded [CuBr(L2H2)][CuBr2]·2MeCN (5·2MeCN). Attempts to form mixed Co/Ti species by reaction of [CoBrL2][CoBr3(NCMe)] with TiCl4 resulted in [L2H4][CoBr4]·2MeCN (6·2MeCN). Use of the related oxy-bridged Schiff-base macrocycles {[2-(OH)-5-(R)-C6H2-1,3-(CH)2][O(2-C6H4N)2]}2 (R = Me, L3H2; tBu, L4H2) with CoBr2 led to the isolation of the complexes [(CoBr)2(L3)]·2C3H6O (7·2C3H6O), [Co(NCMe)2(L4H2)][CoBr4]·5MeCN (8·5MeCN), [Co(NCMe)6][CoBr3(MeCN)]2·2MeCN (9·2MeCN). For comparative structural/polymerisation studies, the complexes {CoBr(NCMe)L5}2·2MeCN (10·2MeCN) and [Co(NCMe)2L5]2[CoBr3(NCMe)]2 (11), [FeBr(NCMe)L5]2·2MeCN (12·2MeCN) where L5H = 2,6-(CHO)2-4-tBu-C6H2OH, as well as the chelate-free salt [Fe(NCMe)6][FeBr3OFeBr3] (13) have been isolated and structurally characterized. The ability of these complexes to act as catalysts for the ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) was investigated, as well as co-polymerisation of ε-CL with rac-lactide (r-LA) and vice versa.

Titanium complexes bearing oxa- and azacalix[4, 6]arenes: structural studies and use in the ring opening homo-/co-polymerization of cyclic esters.

Reaction of excess [Ti(OiPr)4] with p-tert-butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]areneH6 (L1H6) afforded, after work-up (MeCN), the complex [Ti2(OiPr)2(MeCN)L1]·3.5MeCN (1·3.5MeCN), whilst the oxo complex [Ti4(µ3-O)2(H2O)(L1)2]·MeCN (2·MeCN) was isolated via a fortuitous synthesis involving the use of two equivalents of [Ti(OiPr)4]. Reactions of p-methyl-dimethyldiazacalix[6]areneH6 (L2H6) with [TiF4] (four equivalents), [TiCl4(THF)2] (two equivalents) or [TiBr4] (>four equivalents) resulted in the titanium-based azacalix[n]arene complexes [Ti4F14L2H2(H)2]·2.5MeCN (3·2.5MeCN), [Ti2X4(H2O)2OL2H2(H)2] (X = Cl (4·5MeCN), Br (5·4.5MeCN) and [Ti4Br12L2(H)2(MeCN)6]·7MeCN (6·7MeCN), respectively. Reaction of four equivalents of [TiF4] with L3H4 (L3H4 = p-methyl-dimethyldiazacalix[4]areneH4) afforded the product [Ti2F2(µ-F)3L3(H)2(SiF5)]·2MeCN (7·2MeCN). These complexes have been screened for their potential to act as pre-catalysts in the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) and rac-lactide (r-LA). Generally, the titanium complexes bearing oxacalixarene exhibited better activities than the azacalixarene-based pre-catalysts. For ε-CL, δ-VL and r-LA, moderate activity at 130 °C over 24 h was observed for 1-6. In the case of the co-polymerization of ε-CL with r-LA, 1-6 afforded reasonable conversions and high molecular weight polymers; 7 exhibited lower catalytic performance due to low solubility. None of the complexes proved to be active in the polymerization of ω-pentadecalactone (ω-PDL) under the conditions employed herein.

A Single-Pot Template Reaction Towards a Manganese-Based T1 Contrast Agent.

Manganese-based contrast agents (MnCAs) have emerged as suitable alternatives to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GdCAs). However, due to their kinetic lability and laborious synthetic procedures, only a few MnCAs have found clinical MRI application. In this work, we have employed a highly innovative single-pot template synthetic strategy to develop a MnCA, MnLMe , and studied the most important physicochemical properties in vitro. MnLMe displays optimized r1 relaxivities at both medium (20 and 64 MHz) and high magnetic fields (300 and 400 MHz) and an enhanced r1b =21.1 mM-1 s-1 (20 MHz, 298 K, pH 7.4) upon binding to BSA (Ka =4.2×103  M-1 ). In vivo studies show that MnLMe is cleared intact into the bladder through renal excretion and has a prolonged blood half-life compared to the commercial GdCA Magnevist. MnLMe shows great promise as a novel MRI contrast agent.

Mechanistic Insights into Iron-Catalyzed C-H Bond Activation and C-C Coupling.

Iron-catalyzed C-C coupling reactions of pyrrole provide a unique alternative to the traditional Pd-catalyzed counterpart. However, many details regarding the actual mechanism remain unknown. A series of macrocyclic iron(III) complexes were used to evaluate specifics related to the role of O2, radicals, and µ-oxodiiron-complex participation in the catalytic cycle. It was determined that the mononuclear tetra-azamacrocyclic complex is a true catalyst and not a stoichiometric reagent, while more than one equivalent of a sacrificial oxidant is needed. Furthermore, the reaction does not proceed through an organic radical pathway. µ-Oxodiiron complexes are not involved in the main catalytic pathway, and the dimers are, in fact, off-cycle species that decrease catalytic efficiency.

A Single-Pot Template Reaction Towards a Manganese-Based T1 Contrast Agent.

Manganese-based contrast agents (MnCAs) have emerged as suitable alternatives to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GdCAs). However, due to their kinetic lability and laborious synthetic procedures, only a few MnCAs have found clinical MRI application. In this work, we have employed a highly innovative single-pot template synthetic strategy to develop a MnCA, MnLMe, and studied the most important physicochemical properties in vitro. MnLMe displays optimized r 1 relaxivities at both medium (20 and 64 MHz) and high magnetic fields (300 and 400 MHz) and an enhanced r 1 b=21.1 mM-1 s-1 (20 MHz, 298 K, pH 7.4) upon binding to BSA (K a=4.2×103 M-1). In vivo studies show that MnLMe is cleared intact into the bladder through renal excretion and has a prolonged blood half-life compared to the commercial GdCA Magnevist. MnLMe shows great promise as a novel MRI contrast agent.

Mechanistic In Situ and Ex Situ Studies of Phase Transformations in Molecular Co-Crystals.

Co-crystallisation is widely explored as a route to improve the physical properties of pharmaceutical active ingredients, but little is known about the fundamental mechanisms of the process. Herein, we apply a hyphenated differential scanning calorimetry-X-ray diffraction technique to mimic the commercial hot melt extrusion process, and explore the heat-induced synthesis of a series of new co-crystals containing isonicotinamide. These comprise a 1:1 co-crystal with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2:1 and 1:2 systems with 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and a 1:1 crystal with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylactic acid. The formation of co-crystals during heating is complex mechanistically. In addition to co-crystallisation, conversions between polymorphs of the co-former starting materials and co-crystal products are also observed. A subsequent study exploring the use of inkjet printing and milling to generate co-crystals revealed that the synthetic approach has a major effect on the co-crystal species and polymorphs produced.

An ethylene cross-bridged pentaazamacrocycle and its Cu2+ complex: constrained ligand topology and excellent kinetic stability.

Rigid and topologically constrained ethylene cross-bridged tetraazamacrocycles have been increasingly utilised for thirty years as they form remarkably stable transition metal complexes for catalysis, biomedical imaging, and inorganic drug molecule applications. Extending these benefits to pentaazamacrocycles has been achieved and a first transition metal complex prepared and structurally characterized.

Homo- and Hetero-dinuclear Arene-Linked Osmium(II) and Ruthenium(II) Organometallics: Probing the Impact of Metal Variation on Reactivity and Biological Activity.

Dinuclear metallodrugs offer much potential in the development of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics as a result of the distinct interactions possible with bio-macromolecular targets and the unique biological activity that can result. Herein, we describe the development of isostructural homo-dinuclear OsII -OsII and hetero-dinuclear OsII -RuII organometallic complexes formed from linking the arene ligands of [M(η6 -arene)(C2 O4 )(PTA)] units (M=Os/Ru; PTA=1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane). Using these complexes together with the known RuII -RuII analogue, a chromatin-modifying agent, we probed the impact of varying the metal ions on the structure, reactivity and biological activity of these complexes. The complexes were structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction experiments, their stability and reactivity were examined by using 1 H and 31 P NMR spectroscopy, and their biological activity was assessed, alongside that of mononuclear analogues, through MTT assays and cell-cycle analysis (HT-29 cell line). The results revealed high antiproliferative activity in each case, with cell-cycle profiles of the dinuclear complexes found to be similar to that for untreated cells, and similar but distinct profiles for the mononuclear complexes. These results indicate these complexes impact on cell viability predominantly through a non-DNA-damaging mechanism of action. The new OsII -OsII and OsII -RuII complexes reported here are further examples of a family of compounds operating via mechanisms of action atypical of the majority of metallodrugs, and which have potential as tools in chromatin research.

Water-Soluble Rhenium Phosphine Complexes Incorporating the Ph2C(X) Motif (X = O-, NH-): Structural and Cytotoxicity Studies.

Reaction of [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] or [ReO2I(PPh3)2] with 2,2'-diphenylglycine (dpgH2) in refluxing ethanol afforded the air-stable complex [ReO(dpgH)(dpg)(PPh3)] (1). Treatment of [ReO(OEt)I2(PPh3)2] with 1,2,3-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) afforded the complex [ReO(OEt)I2(PTA)2] (2). Reaction of [ReOI2(PTA)3] with dpgH2 led to the isolation of the complex [Re(NCPh2)I2(PTA)3]·0.5EtOH (3·0.5EtOH). A similar reaction but using [ReOX2(PTA)3] (X = Cl, Br) resulted in the analogous halide complexes [Re(NCPh2)Cl2(PTA)3]·2EtOH (4·2EtOH) and [Re(NCPh2)(PTA)3Br2]·1.6EtOH (5·1.6EtOH). Using benzilic acid (2,2'-diphenylglycolic acid, benzH) with 2 afforded the complex [ReO(benz)2(PTA)][PTAH]·EtOH (6·EtOH). The potential for the formation of complexes using radioisotopes with relatively short half-lives suitable for nuclear medicine applications by developing conditions for [Re(NCPh2)(dpg)I(PTA)3] (7)[ReO4]- in a 4 h time scale was investigated. A procedure for the technetium analog of complex [Re(NCPh2)I2(PTA)3] (3) from 99mTc[TcO4]- was then investigated. The molecular structures of 1-7 are reported; complexes 3-7 have been studied using in vitro cell assays (HeLa, HCT116, HT-29, and HEK 293) and were found to have IC50 values in the range of 29-1858 µM.