Synthesis, structural and magnetic properties of cobalt(ii) complexes with pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand containing two pyridine pendant arms.

With the aim of tuning the magnetic anisotropy, a series of Co(ii) complexes with the general formula of complex cations [Co(L)X]+, where X = Br- (1); I- (2); NCO- (3); NCS- (4a); N3 - (5), and [Co(L)(NCS)2] (4b), (L = a 17-membered pyridine-based N3O2-macrocyclic ligand containing two pyridin-2-ylmethyl pendant arms) were prepared and thoroughly characterized. The molecular structures for all complexes showed strongly distorted geometry in between octahedral and trigonal prismatic. The magnetic studies confirmed substantial magnetic anisotropy with positive values of D, the axial zero-field splitting parameter, but E/D ratios close to 1/3. This was supported by theoretical CASSCF calculations showing no significant effect of the co-ligands. Complex 4b was found to behave as a field-induced SMM.

Trigonal prismatic coordination geometry imparted by a macrocyclic ligand: an approach to large axial magnetic anisotropy for Co(II).

Large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, expressed by a negative value of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D, has been achieved in a series of trigonal prismatic Co(II) complexes with the general formula [Co(L)X]Y, where L = 1,5,13,17,22-pentaazatricyclo[15.2.2.17,11]docosa-7,9,11(22)-triene, X = Cl-(1a,b), Br-(2), N3-(3), NCO-(4), NCS-(5), NCSe-(6), and Y = Cl-(1), Br-(2), NCS-(4), NCSe-(5), ClO4-(3,6). Complexes 1-6 are six-coordinate with the distorted trigonal prismatic geometry imparted by the pentadentate pyridine-/piperazine-based macrocyclic ligand L and by one monovalent coligand X-. Based on magnetic studies, all complexes 1-6 exhibit strong magnetic anisotropy with negative D-values ranging from about -20 to -41 cm-1. This variation in D (i.e. the increase of magnetic anisotropy) parallels the trend obtained by theoretical calculations and the lesser distortion of the coordination sphere with respect to the trigonal prismatic reference geometry. AC magnetic susceptibility investigations revealed field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour for all complexes except Cl- derivative 1. The series investigated represents a rare example of Co(II) complexes with a robust trigonal prismatic geometry.

A seven-coordinate Mn(II) complex with a pyridine-based 15-membered macrocyclic ligand containing one acetate pendant arm: structure, stability and relaxation properties.

A new 15-membered pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand containing one acetate pendant arm (N-carboxymethyl-3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene, L1) was synthesized and its Mn(II) complex MnL1 was investigated in the context of MRI contrast agent development. The X-ray molecular structure of MnL1 confirmed a coordination number of seven with an axially compressed pentagonal bipyramidal geometry and one coordination site available for an inner-sphere water molecule. The protonation constants of L1 and the stability constants of Mn(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ca(II) complexes were determined by potentiometry, and revealed higher thermodynamic stabilities in comparison with complexes of 15-pyN3O2, the parent macrocycle without an acetate pendant arm. The MnL1 complex is fully formed at physiological pH 7.4, but it shows fast dissociation kinetics, as followed by relaxometry in the presence of an excess of Zn(II). The short dissociation half-life estimated for physiological pH (ca. 3 minutes) is related to fast spontaneous dissociation of the non-protonated complex. At lower pH values, the proton-assisted dissociation pathway becomes important, while the Zn(II) concentration has no effect on the dissociation rate. 17O NMR and 1H NMRD data indicated the presence of one inner-sphere water molecule with a rather slow exchange (k298ex = 4.5 × 106 s-1) and provided information about other microscopic parameters governing relaxation. The relaxivity (r1 = 2.45 mM-1 s-1 at 20 MHz, 25 °C) corresponds to typical values for monohydrated Mn(II) chelates. Overall, the acetate pendant arm in L1 has a beneficial effect with respect to 15-pyN3O2 in increasing the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of its Mn(II) complex, but leads to a reduced number of inner-sphere water molecules and thus lower relaxivity.

Effective tuning of magnetic anisotropy in distorted pentagonal bipyramidal Ni(II) complexes via substitution of axial coligands.

A series of Ni(II) complexes with pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand L (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) with general formula [Ni(L)(X)2]0/2+ (X = Br- (1), I- (2), CH3CN (3), NCS- (4), imidazole (5)) was prepared and thoroughly investigated. X-ray molecular structures confirmed pentagonal bipyramidal geometry for all studied complexes with a strong Jahn-Teller distortion in the pentagonal equatorial plane and significantly elongated Ni-O distance(s) with a decrease of this distortion by varying axial coligands (CH3CN > Br- > I- > NCS- > imidazole). Direct current magnetic measurements revealed the easy-axis type of magnetic anisotropy with negative as well as positive axial zero-field-splitting parameter D ranging from +6.8 to -14.5 cm-1, which remains not affected in the halogenido series Cl- → Br- → I-, but which increases in the series with N-axial ligands in order CH3CN → NCS- → imidazole. Theoretical calculations helped to elucidate (i) the final coordination numbers 6 + 1 for 1 and 2, and 5 + 2 for 2-5, (ii) the pattern of splitting of d-orbitals, contributions of excited states to the final D-values and their final signs, and (iii) the complexity in the variation of the D and E parameters with elongation of axial bond distances in such strongly distorted systems. The studied complexes did not show any alternating magnetic susceptibility signal, but it was clearly documented that the magnetic anisotropy of the pentagonal bipyramidal Ni(II) complexes can be modulated/tuned by variation of axial coligands. Nevertheless, great care has to be taken for symmetry of the equatorial ligand field.

Stability of a half-sandwich Os(II) complex with indomethacin-functionalized ligand in the presence of carboxypeptidase A.

In the presence of carboxypeptidase, the hydrolytically stable complex [Os(η6-pcym)(L2)Cl]PF6 (2) partially released the bioactive substituent indomethacin, bound through the amide bond to the chelating 2-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)pyridine-based moiety of L2. Stability in the presence of other relevant biomolecules (GSH, NADH, GMP) and cancer cell viability were also studied.

A multifunctional magnetic material based on a solid solution of Fe(ii)/Co(ii) complexes with a macrocyclic cyclam-based ligand.

In order to prepare a multifunctional magnetic material combining spin crossover together with single-molecular magnetism, co-crystallization of Fe(ii) and Co(ii) complexes of the pyridine derivative of cyclam (Py2-C = 1,8-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) was performed. Complexes with the general formula [MII(Py2-C)](ClO4)2·H2O (MII = Fe (1), Co (2) or Fe0.4Co0.6 (3)) were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Based on X-ray molecular structures, they formed octahedral complexes with cis-arrangement of the coordinated pyridine moieties. Magnetic data revealed that the Fe(ii) complex 1 shows complete SCO with the transition temperature T1/2 = 141 K, which is preserved also in the mixed Fe/Co system 3 (T1/2 = 128 K). Co(ii) complex 2 behaves as a field-induced single-molecule magnet as well as the mixed system 3 with a direct and phonon bottleneck relaxation process, respectively. This is the first example of such Fe/Co solid solution providing SCO in combination with field-induced SMM properties. Unfortunately, the light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect was not observed either for the Fe(ii) complex 1 or the mixed system 3 and thus, the effect of SCO on SMM properties at low temperature could not be investigated in detail. Nevertheless, the obtained results clearly document the success of the solid solution methodology for the preparation of multifunctional magnetic materials.

An unexpected in-solution instability of diiodido analogue of picoplatin complicates its biological characterization.

Complex cis-[PtI2(NH3)(pic)] (1; pic = 2-methylpyridine), a diiodido analogue of clinically studied picoplatin (2), is unstable in solution, which is intriguingly connected with the release of its pic ligand. This observation complicates the biological testing of e.g. cytotoxicity in human cancer cells for 1.

Late first-row transition metal complexes of a 17-membered piperazine-based macrocyclic ligand: structures and magnetism.

A 17-membered piperazine-based macrocyclic ligand LdiProp (1,5,13,17,22-pentaazatricyclo[15.2.2.17,11]docosa-7,9,11(22)-triene) was resynthesized in high yield by using a linear pump. Its Mn(ii), Fe(ii), Co(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes of the general formula [MnLdiProp(ClO4)2] (1), [FeLdiProp(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (2), [CoLdiProp(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (3), [NiLdiProp](ClO4)2 (4) were prepared and thoroughly characterized. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that Mn(ii) complex 1 has capped trigonal prismatic geometry with a coordination number of seven, Fe(ii) and Co(ii) complexes 2 and 3 are trigonal prismatic with a coordination number of six and Ni(ii) complex 4 has square pyramidal geometry with a coordination number of five. The decrease of the coordination number is accompanied by a shortening of M-N distances and an increase of torsion of the piperazine ring from the equatorial plane. Magnetic measurement reveals moderate anisotropy for 4 and rather large magnetic anisotropy for 2 and 3 (axial zero-field splitting parameter D(Ni) = 9.0 cm-1, D(Fe) = -14.4 cm-1, D(Co) = -25.8 cm-1, together with rather high rhombicity). Co(ii) complex 3 behaves as a field-induced SMM with a combination of Raman and direct or Orbach and direct relaxation mechanisms. Obtained magnetic data were extensively supported by theoretical CASSCF calculations. The flexibility and rather large 17-membered macrocyclic cavity of ligand LdiProp could be responsible for the variation of coordination numbers and geometries for the investigated late-first row transition metals.

Structural, magnetic, redox and theoretical characterization of seven-coordinate first-row transition metal complexes with a macrocyclic ligand containing two benzimidazolyl N-pendant arms.

A structurally new heptadentate derivative of a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle containing two benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl N-pendant arms (L = 3,12-bis((1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)-6,9-dioxa-3,12,18-triazabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) was synthesized and its complexes with the general formula [M(L)](ClO4)2·1.5CH3NO2 (M = MnII (1), FeII (2), CoII (3) and NiII (4)) were thoroughly investigated. X-ray crystal structures confirmed that all complexes are seven-coordinate with axially compressed pentagonal bipyramidal geometry having the largest distortion for NiII complex 4. FeII, CoII and NiII complexes 2, 3 and 4 show rather large magnetic anisotropy manifested by moderate to high obtained values of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D (7.9, 40.3, and -17.2 cm-1, respectively). Magneto-structural correlation of the FeII, CoII and NiII complexes with L and with previously studied structurally similar ligands revealed a significant impact of the functional group in pendant arms on the magnetic anisotropy especially that of the CoII and NiII complexes and some recommendations concerning the ligand-field design important for anisotropy tuning in future. Furthermore, complex 3 showed field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior described with the Raman (C = 507 K-n s-1 for n = 2.58) relaxation process. The magnetic properties of the studied complexes were supported by theoretical calculations, which very well correspond with the experimental data of magnetic anisotropy. Electrochemical measurements revealed high positive redox potentials for M3+/2+ couples and high negative redox potentials for M2+/+ couples, which indicate the stabilization of the oxidation state +ii expected for the σ-donor/π-acceptor ability of benzimidazole functional groups.

Mixed-Valence Single-Atom Catalyst Derived from Functionalized Graphene.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) aim at bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The challenge is the development of materials with ligands enabling coordination of metal atoms in different valence states, and preventing leaching or nanoparticle formation. Graphene functionalized with nitrile groups (cyanographene) is herein employed for the robust coordination of Cu(II) ions, which are partially reduced to Cu(I) due to graphene-induced charge transfer. Inspired by nature's selection of Cu(I) in enzymes for oxygen activation, this 2D mixed-valence SAC performs flawlessly in two O2 -mediated reactions: the oxidative coupling of amines and the oxidation of benzylic CH bonds toward high-value pharmaceutical synthons. High conversions (up to 98%), selectivities (up to 99%), and recyclability are attained with very low metal loadings in the reaction. The synergistic effect of Cu(II) and Cu(I) is the essential part in the reaction mechanism. The developed strategy opens the door to a broad portfolio of other SACs via their coordination to various functional groups of graphene, as demonstrated by successful entrapment of FeIII /FeII single atoms to carboxy-graphene.

Single-Chain Magnet Based on 1D Polymeric Azido-Bridged Seven-Coordinate Fe(II) Complex with a Pyridine-Based Macrocyclic Ligand.

Peculiar magnetic behavior was found for 1D-polymeric seven-coordinate pentagonal bipyramidal Fe(II) complex {[Fe(L)(µ1,3-N3)](ClO4)} n (1) with a pentadentate macrocyclic ligand L (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) coordinated in the pentagonal equatorial plane and with end-to-end bridging azido ligands in axial positions. The static and dynamic magnetic data revealed that spin-canting in the 1D-chain of 1 results in the single-chain magnet (SCM) behavior with high spin-reversal energy barrier Ueff (Δτ) = 87.5 K, exhibiting magnetic hysteresis below 4 K and coexistence with the metamagnetism altogether resulting in weak 3D-ferromagnetic behavior. This is the first reported example of the exclusively azido-bridged homospin Fe(II)-based SCM.

Spin crossover Fe(ii) complexes of a cross-bridged cyclam derivative.

A cross-bridged cyclam derivative containing two 2-pyridylmethyl pendant arms (L = 4,11-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraaza-bicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane) was synthesized by dialkylation of the cross-bridged cyclam with 2-chloromethylpyridine. A series of Fe(ii) complexes with L and different counter-anions of the formulas [Fe(L)][FeCl4]·H2O (1·H2O), [Fe(L)]Cl2·4H2O (2·4H2O), [Fe(L)](BF4)2·0.5CH3CN (3·0.5CH3CN) and [Fe(L)](BPh4)2·CH3OH (4·CH3OH) was prepared and thoroughly characterized. In all the cases, the [Fe(L)]2+ cation adopts a cis-V configuration with a distorted octahedral geometry, and with the FeN6 donor set. The magnetic measurements within the temperature interval of 5-400 K revealed the spin crossover (SCO) behaviour of all the complexes with the transition temperature T1/2 increasing with the counter anion in the order BF4- (3) < [FeCl4]2- (1) < BPh4- (4). However, the SCO process was complete in the case of compound 3 only, with T1/2 = 177 K, which proceeded after removal of co-crystallized CH3CN molecules accompanied by a change of the crystallographic phase. The SCO behaviour of 3 was also confirmed by a single crystal X-ray analysis providing the average Fe-N distances of 2.086 Å at 120 K and 2.197 Å at 293 K typical of low-spin, and high-spin FeII complexes, respectively. The obtained results clearly showed that the nature of the counter anion and the presence/absence of co-crystallized solvent molecule(s) significantly affected the temperature as well as the abruptness of the spin transition. This is the first report of SCO behaviour observed for iron complexes containing a cross-bridged cyclam derivative.

Impact of Halogenido Coligands on Magnetic Anisotropy in Seven-Coordinate Co(II) Complexes.

The structural and magnetic features of a series of mononuclear seven-coordinate CoII complexes with the general formula [Co(L)X2], where L is a 15-membered pyridine-based macrocyclic ligand (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene) and X = Cl- (1), Br- (2), or I- (3), were investigated experimentally and theoretically in order to reveal how the corresponding halogenido coligands in the apical positions of a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination polyhedron may affect the magnetic properties of the prepared compounds. The thorough analyses of the magnetic data revealed a large easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy (D > 0) for all three compounds, with the D-values increasing in the order 35 cm-1 for 3 (I-), 38 cm-1 for 1 (Cl-), and 41 cm-1 for 2 (Br-). Various theoretical methods like the Angular Overlap Model, density functional theory, CASSCF/CASPT2, CASSCF/NEVPT2 were utilized in order to understand the observed trend in magnetic anisotropy. The D-values correlated well with the Mayer bond order (decreasing in order Co-I > Co-Cl > Co-Br), which could be a consequence of two competing factors: (a) the ligand field splitting and (b) the covalence of the Co-X bond. All the complexes also behave as field-induced single-molecule magnets with the spin reversal barrier Ueff increasing in order 1 (Cl-) < 2 (Br-) < 3 (I-); however, taking into account the easy-plane type of the magnetic anisotropy, the Raman relaxation process is most likely responsible for slow relaxation of the magnetization. The results of the work revealed that the previously suggested and fully accepted strategy employing heavier halogenido ligands in order to increase the magnetic anisotropy has some limitations in the case of pentagonal-bipyramidal CoII complexes.

In Vitro Antitumor Active Gold(I) Triphenylphosphane Complexes Containing 7-Azaindoles.

A series of gold(I) complexes of the general composition [Au(naza)(PPh3)] (1-8) was prepared and thoroughly characterized (e.g., electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry and multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy). The N1-deprotonated anions of 7-azaindole or its derivatives (naza) are coordinated to the metal centre through the N1 atom of their pyrrole ring, as proved by a single crystal X-ray analysis of the complexes [Au(3I5Braza)(PPh3)] (7) and [Au(2Me4Claza)(PPh3)]·½H2O (8'). The in vitrocytotoxicity of the complexes 1-8 was studied against both the cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant variants of the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line, as well as against the MRC-5 human normal fibroblast cell line. The complexes 4, 5, and 8, containing deprotonated 3-iodo-7-azaindole, 5-bromo-7-azaindole, and 2-methyl-4-chloro-7-azaindole (2Me4Claza), respectively, showed significantly higher potency (IC50 = 2.8-3.5 µM) than cisplatin (IC50 = 20.3 µM) against the A2780 cells and markedly lower effect towards the MRC-5 non-cancerous cells (IC50 = 26.0-29.2 µM), as compared with the mentioned A2780 cancer cells. The results of the flow cytometric studies of the A2780 cell cycle perturbations revealed a G2-cell cycle phase arrest of the cells treated by the representative complexes 1 and 5, which is indicative of a different mechanism of action from cisplatin (induced S-cell cycle phase arrest). The stability of the representative complex 8 in the water-containing solution as well as its ability to interact with the reduced glutathione, cysteine and bovine serum albumin was also studied using ¹H and 31P-NMR spectroscopy (studied in the 50% DMF-d7/50% D2O mixture) and ESI+ mass spectrometry (studied in the 50% DMF/50% H2O mixture); DMF = dimethylformamide. The obtained results are indicative for the release of the N-donor azaindole-based ligand in the presence of the used biomolecules.

Muffin-like lanthanide complexes with an N5O2-donor macrocyclic ligand showing field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour.

Three mononuclear lanthanide complexes of a 2-pyridylmethyl pendant-armed 15-membered ligand {(3,12-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo-[12.3.1]octadeca-1,14,16-triene); L} with general formula [Ln(L)(H2O)(NO3)](NO3)2 (Ln = Tb (1), Dy (2), and Er (3)) are reported. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 and 2, the central lanthanide atoms are nine-coordinated with the N5O4 donor set originating from the ligand L and one coordinated water molecule and one monodentate-bonded nitrato ligand. The coordination geometry of the [LnN5O4] cores can be described as a muffin-like shape. Magnetic measurements revealed that all three compounds show field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour, with estimated energy barriers U ≈ 44-82 K. The experimental study was complemented by CASSCF calculations showing a trend of an increasing first excited energy gap (Tb → Dy → Er) within the muffin-like geometry with the lowest magnetization tunnelling probability for the DyIII complex 2.

Late First-Row Transition-Metal Complexes Containing a 2-Pyridylmethyl Pendant-Armed 15-Membered Macrocyclic Ligand. Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Seven-Coordinate Cobalt(II) Compound.

The 2-pyridylmethyl N-pendant-armed heptadentate macrocyclic ligand {3,12-bis(2-methylpyridine)-3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1,14,16-triene = L} and [M(L)](ClO4)2 complexes, where M = Mn(II) (1), Fe(II) (2), Co(II) (3), Ni(II) (4), and Cu(II) (5), were prepared and thoroughly characterized, including elucidation of X-ray structures of all the compounds studied. The complexes 1-5 crystallize in non-centrosymmetric Sohncke space groups as racemic compounds. The coordination numbers of 7, 6 + 1, and 5 were found in complexes 1-3, 4, and 5, respectively, with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal (1-4) or square pyramidal (5) geometry. On the basis of the magnetic susceptibility experiments, a large axial zero-field splitting (ZFS) was found for 2, 3, and 4 (D(Fe) = -7.4(2) cm(-1), D(Co) = 34(1) cm(-1), and D(Ni) = -12.8(1) cm(-1), respectively) together with a rhombic ZFS (E/D = 0.136(3)) for 4. Despite the easy plane anisotropy (D > 0, E/D = 0) in 3, the slow relaxation of the magnetization below 8 K was observed and analyzed either with Orbach relaxation mechanism (the relaxation time τ0 = 9.90 × 10(-10) s and spin reversal barrier Ueff = 24.3 K (16.9 cm(-1))) or with Raman relaxation mechanism (C = 2.12 × 10(-5) and n = 2.84). Therefore, compound 3 enlarges the small family of field-induced single-molecule magnets with pentagonal-bipyramidal chromophore. The cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile revealed reversible redox processes in 1-3 and 5, except for the Ni(II) complex 4, where a quasi-reversible process was dominantly observed. Presence of the two 2-pyridylmethyl pendant arms in L with a stronger σ-donor/π-acceptor ability had a great impact on the properties of all the complexes (1-5), concretely: (i) strong pyridine-metal bonds provided slight axial compression of the coordination sphere, (ii) substantial changes in magnetic anisotropy, and (iii) stabilization of lower oxidation states.

High-valent iron (Fe(VI), Fe(V), and Fe(IV)) species in water: characterization and oxidative transformation of estrogenic hormones.

This paper presents solid state synthesis and characterization of tetra-oxy iron(iv) and iron(v) species in their salt forms (Na4FeO4-Fe(IV) and K3FeO4-Fe(V)). Stability of the synthesized salts, commonly called ferrates, in water was determined by applying the (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy technique. Within 2 s in water, Fe(IV) converted into Fe(III) while Fe(V) transformed into Fe(VI) and Fe(III) at pH = 8.2. Comparatively, Fe(VI) (bought as K2FeO4) remained stable in aqueous solution during the short time period. The oxidative removal efficiency of the high-valent iron species was then tested against five environmentally important estrogenic hormones (estron (E1), 17-ß-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and diethylstibestrol (DES)) in effluent water of a wastewater treatment plant. Three dosages of iron species (1, 10, and 100 mg L(-1)) were applied to the effluent water. An increase in the concentration of dosages enhanced the removal of estrogens. Both Fe(V) and Fe(VI) were effective in degrading estrogens, but Fe(IV) showed limited oxidation capacity to transform estrogens. The oxidized products of the estrogens were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) techniques. Results demonstrated the transformation of estrogens into low molecular weight oxygenated compounds such as quinone-like and opened-aromatic ring species. A detailed study on E1 by using excess Fe(VI) showed the mineralization of the parent compound. The results demonstrate great potential of high-valent iron species in the degradation of endocrine disruptor chemicals like estrogens with several superior aspects including fast reactions, complete degradation and/or formation of benign organic species, and environmentally-acceptable iron oxide by-products.

Novel cationic coating agent for protein separation by capillary electrophoresis(†).

A novel positively charged surfactant N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-(1,2-propandiol) ammonium chloride was used for the dynamic coating of the inner wall of a silica capillary. This paper covers the evaluation of dynamic coating and study of the influence of the analysis conditions for the magnitude and direction of electroosmotic flow as well as for the effective and selective separation of chosen proteins (ribonuclease A, cytochrome c, lysozyme, and myoglobin). The concentration of 0.1 mM of N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-(1,2-propandiol) ammonium chloride enabled the reversal of the electro-osmotic flow, however, to separate basic as well as neutral proteins the higher concentration of the studied surfactant was necessary. The final conditions for the separation of studied proteins were set at 100 mM sodium acetate pH 5.5 with 10.0 mM of the studied surfactant. The results were also compared with those of two commercially available cationic surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Additionally, the developed method for protein separation was applied for the determination of lysozyme in a cheese sample. The limits of detection and quantification of lysozyme were 0.9 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively. The mean concentration of lysozyme found in the cheese sample was 167.3 ± 10.3 mg/kg.

Structural, magnetic, and redox diversity of first-row transition metal complexes of a pyridine-based macrocycle: well-marked trends supported by theoretical DFT calculations.

A series of first-row transition metal complexes with 15-membered pyridine-based macrocycle (3,12,18-triaza-6,9-dioxabicyclo[12.3.1]octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene = L) was prepared ([M(II)(L)Cl2], where M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn (1, 3, 4, 6); [Fe(III)(L)Cl2]Cl (2), [Cu(II)(L)Cl]Cl (5)) and thoroughly characterized. Depending on the complexated metal atom, the coordination number varies from 7 (Mn, Fe, Co), through 5 + 2 for Ni and 4 + 1 for Cu, to 5 for Zn accompanied by changes in the coordination geometry from the pentagonal bipyramid (1-4) to the square pyramid (5 and 6). Along the series, the metal-oxygen distances were prolonged in such manner that their bonding character was investigated, apart from X-ray structural analysis, also by ab initio calculations (Mayer's bond order, electron localization function), which confirmed that, in 4 and 5, two and one oxygen donor atoms are semicoordinated, respectively, and one and two oxygen atoms are uncoordinated in 5, and 6, respectively. On the basis of the temperature variable magnetic susceptibility measurements, 1 and 2 behave as expected for 3d(5) high-spin configuration with negligible zero-field splitting (ZFS). On the other hand, a large axial ZFS (D(Co) ≈ 40 cm(-1), D(Ni) ≈ -6.0 cm(-1)) was found for 3 and 4, and rhombic ZFS (E/D ≈ 0.15) for 4. Antiferromagnetic exchange coupling was observed for 4 and 5 (J(Ni) = -0.48 cm(-1), and J(Cu) = -2.43 cm(-1), respectively). The obtained results correlate well with ab initio calculations of ZFS parameters as well as J-values, which indicate that the antiferromagnetic exchange is mediated by hydrogen bonds. The complexes were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry in water or acetonitrile. A quasi-reversible couple Mn(II)/Mn(III) at 1.13/0.97 V, an almost reversible couple Fe(II)/Fe(III) at 0.51/0.25 V, and a one-step/multistep reduction/oxidation of Cu(II) complex 5 at -0.33 V/0.06-0.61 V were detected.

Synthesis of a versatile building block combining cyclen-derivative DO3A with a polyamine via a rigid spacer.

The five-step synthesis of a polydentate building block combining a cyclen-based macrocycle (DO3A) with N-(2-aminoethyl)propane-1,3-diamine, which are linked through the xylylen moiety as a rigid C-spacer is described. These two molecular parts were coupled by subsequent bromine atom substitution in 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene. First, N-(2-aminoethyl)propane-1,3-diamine was protected by phthaloyl moieties and then it was reacted with 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene to form (2-phthalimidoethyl)(3-phthalimido-prop-1-yl)(4-bromomethylbenzyl)amine (2). This compound underwent a substitution reaction with DO3A in the form of its tert-butyl esters leading to the intermediate 1-{4-[(2-phthalimidoethyl)(3-phthalimidoprop-1-yl)aminomethyl]phenylmethyl}-4,7,10-tris(t-butoxy-carbonylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (3). The phthaloyl as well as the t-butyl protecting groups were removed in the next two reaction steps to form the final product 1-{4-[(2-aminoethyl)(3-aminoprop-1-yl)aminomethyl]phenylmethyl}-4,7,10-tris(carboxy-methyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (5). The intermediates 1-4 as well as the final product 5 were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and multinuclear (1H and 13C) and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The final product 5 could serve as a potential building block in subsequent syntheses of binuclear complexes of lanthanides and/or transition metals.