Reactivity of Nitric Oxide and Nitrosonium Ion with Copper(II/I) Schiff Base Complexes: Mechanistic Aspects of Imine C═N Bond Cleavage and Oxidation of Pyridine-2-aldehyde to Pyridine-2-carboxylic Acid.

Four Schiff base ligands of the general formulas [6-(R)-2-pyridyl-N-(2'-methylthiophenyl)methylenimine] (RL1) and 6-p-chlorophenyl-2-pyridyl-N-(2'-phenylthiophenyl)methylenimine (RL2), where R = H, Me, p-ClPh, and their bis-ligand copper(II) and copper(I) complexes, 1-4 and 1'-4', respectively, were synthesized and characterized. The reactivities of 1-4 with nitric oxide (NO) gas and of 1'-4' with solid NOBF4 (NO+) were examined in dry acetonitrile in the presence and absence of water (H2O). The results revealed that, in the absence of H2O, complexes 1-4 (or 1'-4') reacts with NO (or NOBF4), leading to imine C═N bond cleavage of both (or one) Schiff base(s) that generates 2 (or 1) equiv of 2-(methyl/phenyl)thiobenzenediazonium perchlorates (5/6) and the corresponding picolaldehyde (RPial) via a copper nitrosyl of a {CuNO}10-type intermediate. In the presence of H2O, the in situ formed RPial get oxidized to the corresponding picolinic acid (RPicH) via an in situ formed LCuIOH intermediate (LCuI + HO-NO → LCuIOH + NO+; L = RL1/RL2/RPic- and νO-H of CuIOH = 3650 cm-1) and subsequently produces, with the aid of NO+ oxidant, the picolinate-ligated copper(II) complexes (i) [(HPic)2Cu] (7), [(MePic)4Cu3(NO3)2]n·H2O (8·H2O), or [(ClPhPic)2Cu] (9) when NO reacts with 1-4 or (ii) [(RPic)CuII(RL1/RL2)]+ when NO+ reacts with 1'-4'. The CuII to CuI reduction of [(RPic)CuII(RL1/RL2)]+ is essential for C═N cleavage of the remaining RL1/RL2 Schiff base; excess NO can do it. The X-ray structures (1, 1', 3', 5, 7, and 8) and spectroscopic results revealed the role of CuII/I, NO, NO+, and H2O, shedding light on the mechanism of C═N bond cleavage and the oxidation of pyridine-2-aldehyde to pyridine-2-carboxylic acid. The reaction of 1 with 15NO revealed that the terminal N of the N2+ group of 5 originates from 15NO [ν14N14N- = 2248 cm-1 and ν15N14N- = 2212 cm-1].

Field-Induced Single Molecular Magnetism and Photoluminescence in Rare Cocrystals of Isomorphic Lanthanide(III) Coordination Compounds with Fully Substituted Pyridine-4-carboxamide Ligand.

A series of four isomorphous, 1:2 (complex/L) rare cocrystals of coordination compounds of Ln(III) ions as [Ln(L)(NO3)3(H2O)]2[L]2 (Ln(III) = Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), and Ho (4)), were synthesized with N,N-diisobutylisonicotinamide (L) using a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:1. All compounds are dimeric in nature with two cocrystallized L molecules centro-symmetrically interspersed between two dimeric units with H-bonded bridges between them to form interesting, self-assembled H-bonded tapes along the c-axis. Detailed Shape analysis and Hirshfeld analysis are done to demonstrate geometry around the metal centers and various noncovalent interactions present in the systems, respectively. Magnetic studies show that compound 3 is a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) for which the magnetization relaxes through a combination of Orbach (Δ = 51 K and τ0 = 3.1 × 10-7 s) and Raman mechanisms. Solid-state luminescence studies reveal that compounds 1, 2, and 3 are photoluminescent in the visible range, while 4 exhibits luminescence in the NIR region. Compound 3 shows cold white-light emission with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates (0.31, 0.30) and correlated color temperature (CCT) value of 6942 K.

Bismuth(III) Complexes with Bis(dimethylphenyl) Dithiophosphates: Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure of [{(3,5-CH3)2C6H3O}2PS2]3Bi.

This work presents four complexes with general formula [(ArO)2PS23Bi] (1-4), where Ar = 2,4-(CH3)2C6H3, 2,5-(CH3)2C6H3, 3,4-(CH3)2C6H3 and 3,5-(CH3)2C6H3, respectively. Reaction of [(ArO)2PS2Na] with Bi(NO3)3 · 5H2O in toluene in 3:1 molar stoichiometry afforded the complexes [(ArO)2PS23Bi]. These newly synthesized complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) NMR. The crystal structure of [(3,5-CH3)2C6H3O2PS2]3Bi (4) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic P21/c space group and Bi(III) centre is surrounded by six sulfur atoms from three symmetrically chelating bidentate diphenyl dithiophosphate ligands in a distorted octahedron environment. Screening these complexes for their antifungal activity against Pencillium chrysogenum gave positive results.

A catalytic chemodosimetric approach for detection of nanomolar cyanide ions in water, blood serum and live cell imaging.

Naphthimidazolium based monocationic chemodosimeters CD-1 and CD-2 undergo cyanide mediated catalytic transformation in the presence of cyanide ions (0.01% to 1% of CD-1/CD-2 concentrations) with a turnover number from 70 to 360. These chemodosimeters can detect as low as 0.5 nM and 1 nM cyanide ions under nearly physiological conditions (HEPES buffer-DMSO (5%), pH 7.4). The structures of CD-1 and its cyanide induced hydrolyzed product 4 have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. CD-1 can also be used for the determination of 2 nM cyanide in the presence of blood serum. CD-1 and CD-2 also find applications in live cell imaging of 10 nM cyanide ions in rat brain C6 glioma cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where high sensitivity towards cyanide ions has been achieved through catalytic hydrolysis of the fluorescent chemodosimeter.

Extraordinary stability of naphthalenediimide radical ion and its ultra-electron-deficient precursor: strategic role of the phosphonium group.

Stabilization of radical ions and highly electron-deficient systems under ambient conditions is of great significance. A new design concept is presented that applies the multifaceted features of the phosphonium group to achieve isolation of (a) the first naphthalenediimide (NDI) radical ion [(1a•+)BPh4(­)] as single crystals and (b) an ultra-electron-deficient NDI [(1a(2+))2BF4(­)] having the lowest LUMO level recorded for an NDI, overwhelming the formative tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) molecule. Both 1a•+ and 1a(2+) exhibit unprecedented stability to normal workup procedures, chromatography, and anion metathesis in open air. To our knowledge, this is the first instance where radical ions stable toward chromatography have been obtained, which is a noteworthy development in the field of synthetic radical chemistry. The crucial components of thermodynamic and kinetic stabilization, namely, the nonbonded P···O interaction, hypervalency, and propeller-like shape of the phosphonium groups in 1a(2+) and 1a•+, were substantiated by crystallography and theoretical studies. Natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations validated the P···O contact to be an nO → σP­C* orbital interaction. Spontaneous electron transfer reactions of 1a(2+) even in nonpolar solvents, anion−π interactions of 1a(2+) with the naphthalene core, and panchromism of 1a•+ are the other emergent properties. The high-yielding (∼90%) in situ synthesis of 1a•+ and the extraordinary stability fostered by the phosphonium group have the potential to turn hitherto unstable organic systems into a new genre of stable off-the-shelf systems.

Copper(II)-catalyzed disulfide scission--stepwise aerobic oxidative cleavage to sulfinate and sulfonate and reductive anaerobic cleavage to thiols.

The Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidative and reductive cleavage of the disulfide bond of N-(2-(2-(2-picolinamido)phenyl)disulfanyl)phenyl)picolinamide, L, is reported for the first time. Aerobic oxidation with Cu(II) gives complete oxidation of S-S bond to sulfonates, whereas Ag(I) gives only partial oxidation up to sulfinates, in the absence of any other oxidizing agent, in tetrahydrofuran/water solution. The in situ generated sulfonate product forms a thermally stable, two-dimensional H-bonded polymeric complex with Cu(II) ions in two polymorphic forms. L in the presence of Cu(II), in an inert atmosphere, results in a reductive cleavage of the disulfide bond and an in situ formation of a new C-S bond. The latter forms a unique tetranuclear complex with Cu(II) employing deprotonated amide groups and bridging thiol and chloride atoms. The disulfide precursor and the products were characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques.

Nanomolar fluorogenic detection of Al(III) by a series of Schiff bases in an aqueous system and their application in cell imaging.

Three positional isomers of a Schiff base containing -OH as end groups have been synthesized and evaluated for selective Al(III) detection due to inhibition of ESIPT, PET and activation of CHEF in 70% aqueous medium. Devoid of any conventional fluorophore, these sensors have nanomolar detection limits with high quantum yields and naked eye sensing of Al(III). Moreover, these probes have been demonstrated to enable the Al(III) detection in live human HeLa cells and rat C6 glioma cells using a confocal microscope.

Dual channel chromo/fluorogenic chemosensors for cyanide and fluoride ions--an example of in situ acid catalysis of the Strecker reaction for cyanide ion chemodosimetry.

Two mesitylene based probes, having catechol/phenol units in conjunction to the Schiff base have been synthesized. The probe with a catechol unit can be used to sense and discriminate between F(-) and CN(-) through different colorimetric and fluorimetric responses using DMSO as solvent. However in DMSO:water (2:1) solution it responds selectively to CN(-) ion. The probe with a phenol unit is highly selective and sensitive for CN(-) and can be used for naked eye, semiquantitative sensing of CN(-) ion in DMSO:water (2:1) solution. The chemodosimetry has been attributed to the acid catalyzed Strecker's reaction of an imine bond and is being reported for the first time in a Schiff's base.

Phase selectivity in the synthesis of cobalt(II) 4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylates under microwave irradiation.

Different phases in hybrid complexes of Co(II) with cis-4-cyclohexene-1-2-dicarboxylicacid (C6H8-1,2-CO2H=Cy-H2) have been generated depending on the reaction conditions. By microwave-irradiation of the same reaction mixtures at different temperatures we have obtained two new phases Co(C8H8O4) x H2O and [Co2(OH)2.8(Cy-H)1.2]. These phases have been established by XRD, UV-DRS, IR and thermo-gravimetric studies as well as by comparison with the reported phases. In these phases the Cy is found in a cis conformation. It has been seen that microwave synthesis proves to be a rapid and clean method of obtaining new high temperature phases in high purity which are obtained, in an impure state after a long time of hydrothermal synthesis.

New bis[cis-{MoO2}] complexes with dihydrazone ligands: synthesis, characterization, theoretical investigation and their peroxidase mimicking activity.

Three binuclear dioxidomolybdenum complexes designated as [{MoVIO2}2(L1)(H2O)2] 1, [{MoVIO2}2(L2)(H2O)2] 2, and [{MoVIO2}2(L3)(H2O)2] 3 with dihydrazone ligands, H4L1I, H4L2II, and H4L3III, have been prepared by the process with ligands and MoO2(acac)2 in a ratio of 1 : 2. Many analytical techniques have been used to describe these complexes, including elemental (CHN) analysis, spectroscopy (FT-IR, UV-vis, 1H, and 13CNMR), and TGA analysis. SC-XRD analysis has been employed to study the structures of these complexes 1a, 2a, and 3a revealing the octahedral geometry and the binding of one molybdenum atom to each side of azomethine nitrogen, enolate oxygen, and a phenolic oxygen atom. The second molybdenum is bound to donor atoms similarly to the first. Powder X-ray investigations of the complexes are also performed to ensure the purity of the bulk material, and it was discovered that the single crystal reflects the bulk material. DFT was used to calculate the theoretical properties of ligands at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of the model. In contrast, the LANL2DZ level of the model was used to compute the theoretical properties of the synthesised complexes. Frequency, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR calculations were also attempted, and the calculated results were found to correspond well with the experimental data. Furthermore, the peroxidase-mimicking activity of these complexes was investigated, followed by the oxidation of pyrogallol and dopamine. The Kcat values observed in the pyrogallol oxidation were 0.44 h-1, 0.52 h-1, and 0.54 h-1 for catalysts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. However, high Kcat values of 5.2 h-1, 4.8 h-1, and 3.7 h-1 were achieved in dopamine oxidation employing catalysts 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

New bis[MoO2] and [MoO(O2)] compounds: An artificial enzyme with peroxidase activity against o-phenylenediamine and dopamine.

In this study, two binuclear dioxido- and oxidoperoxido molybdenum (VI) complexes, [{MoVIO2}2(L)(H2O)2] 1 and [{MoVIO(O2)}2(L)(H2O)2] 2, were synthesized. Complex 1 was obtained through a 1:2 reaction of ligand I with MoO2(acac)2, while complex 2 was synthesized in situ by reacting MoO3 with H2O2 in a 1:2 ratio. The structures and characteristics of the complexes were examined employing several techniques such as elemental (CHN) analysis, spectroscopy (FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H, and 13CNMR), and thermal study (TGA). SC-XRD analysis of complex 1a revealed that the molybdenum central atom adopts an octahedral geometry and is bonded to phenolic oxygen, enolate oxygen, and azomethine nitrogen atoms. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to determine the purity of the bulk material, and the results were compared to single crystal data. Computational calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) level of theory for the ligand and the LANL2DZ level of theory for the complexes, yielding geometry optimized structures that were then employed in frequency and NMR-calculations. These theoretical findings were compared to the experimental results and showed a good correlation. Furthermore, the complexes exhibited peroxidase-like activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as evidenced by the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine and dopamine.

A folded π-system with supramolecularly oriented dipoles: single-component piezoelectric relaxor with NLO activity.

Organic molecules with an active dipole moment have a natural propensity to align in an antiparallel fashion in the solid state, resulting in zero macroscopic polarization. This primary limitation makes the material unresponsive to switching with electric fields, mechanical forces, and to intense laser light. A single-component organic material that bestows macroscopic dipole-driven electro-mechanical and optical functions, e.g., piezoelectric, ferroelectric and nonlinear optical (NLO) activity, is unprecedented due to the design challenges imparted by crystal symmetry and dipole orientations. Herein we report a crystalline organic material that self-assembles with a polar order (P 1), and is endowed with a high piezoelectric coefficient (d 33-47 pm V-1), as well as ferroelectric and Debye-type relaxor properties. In addition, it shows second harmonic generation (SHG) activity, which is more than five times that of the benchmark potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) images validated electro-mechanical deformations. Piezoresponse force spectroscopy (PFS) studies confirmed a signature butterfly-like amplitude and a phase loop. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a folded supramolecular π-system that manifests unidirectionally oriented dipoles and exhibits piezoelectricity, ferroelectricity, and has excellent ability to generate second harmonic light. These findings can herald new design possibilities based on folded architectures to explore opto-, electro- and mechano-responsive multifaceted functions.

A fluorescent chemosensor for detection of perchlorate ions in water.

1-(4-Biphenyl)benzimidazolium based dipodal system acts as a highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for determination of perchlorate ions in aqueous buffer and in drinking water at concentrations lower than that permissible by EPA. (1)H NMR titration studies, Job's plot, X-ray crystal structure and theoretical studies reveal cavity based recognition.

Fabrication of a Hydrazone-Based Al(III)-Selective "Turn-On" Fluorescent Chemosensor and Ensuing Potential Recognition of Picric Acid.

A hydrazone-based N'1,N'3-bis((E)-4-(diethylamino)-2 -hydroxybenzylidene)isophthalohydrazide (NDHIPH), has been synthesized, characterized, and assessed for its highly selective and sensitive (limit of detection, 2.53 nM) response toward Al(III) via fluorescence enhancement in 95% aqueous medium. All experimental results of analytical studies are in good consonance with the theoretical studies performed. Further, this NDHIPH-Al(III) ensemble is used for selective and sensitive (12.15 nM) detection of explosive picric acid (PA) via fluorescence quenching. This reversible behavior of NDHIPH toward Al(III) and PA is used for the creation of a molecular logic gate.

Structural and magnetic investigations of a binuclear coordination compound of dysprosium(iii) dinitrobenzoate.

A centro-symmetric binuclear compound of formula [Dy(L)·(CH3COO)2·(H2O)2]2 (1) was isolated from the reaction between the 2,4-dinitrobenzoate anion (L) and the tris(acetate) of Dy(iii). Single crystal diffraction studies reveal a µ1-κ2,η1:η1 chelating binding mode of L while the binuclear compound is formed by the two bridging (µ2-κ3,η1:η2) acetate anions. The nona-coordinated sphere of each Dy(iii) ion is filled with a chelating (κ2,η1:η1) acetate anion and two terminal water molecules. Static magnetic measurements combined with ab initio SA-CASSCF/RASSI-SO calculations lead to two intramolecular competitive interactions i.e. ferromagnetic exchange interactions (0.04 cm-1) and antiferromagnetic dipolar interactions (-0.5 cm-1). Finally, dynamic magnetic measurements revealed a Single-Molecule Magnet behaviour in a zero-applied magnetic field with an effective energy barrier Δ = 21.5(2) cm-1 and τ0 = 7(3) × 10-6 s through Orbach and Quantum Tunnelling of the Magnetization relaxation mechanisms.

Structural diversity and photo-physical and magnetic properties of dimeric to 1D polymeric coordination polymers of lighter lanthanide(iii) dinitrobenzoates.

Single crystal diffraction studies reveal the formation of the following 10 new complexes of lighter Ln(iii) ions with general formulas {[Ln(µ2-L1)3·(H2O)2]·H2O}n (Ln = Nd (1) and Eu (2)), [Nd(µ2-L2)2·(CH3COO)·(H2O)2]n (3), [Ln2(µ2-L2)5·(L2)·(H2O)4]n (Ln = Sm (4), Ce (5), and Pr (6)), [La2(µ2-L2)6·(H2O)3·(DMF)]n (7) (DMF = dimethylformamide), [Ln(µ2-L2)2·(L2)·(H2O)3]2 (Ln = Eu (8) and Gd (9)) and [Gd(L2)·(CH3COO)2·(H2O)2]2 (10), where L1 and L2 are anions of 3,5- and 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, respectively. Complexes 1-7 are 1D coordination polymers, while 8-10 are dinuclear complexes. The luminescence properties of Nd(iii) and Eu(iii) analogues displayed metal-centred emission with L1 exhibiting weak but more efficient sensitization than L2. A study of the magnetic properties of the compounds clearly demonstrated the field-induced single ion magnet behaviour of the Nd(iii) compounds 1 and 3. Their behaviour has been compared to previously reported analogous Nd(iii) complexes and the role of the lattice solvent and polymorphism on the magnetic behaviour has been evaluated.

Correction: Variable coordination and C-S bond cleavage activity of N-substituted imidazolidine-2-thiones towards copper: synthesis, spectroscopy, structures, ESI-mass and antimicrobial studies.

Correction for 'Variable coordination and C-S bond cleavage activity of N-substituted imidazolidine-2-thiones towards copper: synthesis, spectroscopy, structures, ESI-mass and antimicrobial studies' by Jaspreet K. Aulakh, et al., Dalton Trans., 2017, 46, 1324-1339.

Variable coordination and C-S bond cleavage activity of N-substituted imidazolidine-2-thiones towards copper: synthesis, spectroscopy, structures, ESI-mass and antimicrobial studies.

An equimolar reaction of copper(i) iodide with N-ethyl-imidazolidine-2-thione (l-Et) in acetonitrile formed black prismatic crystals over a period of three weeks. The X-ray structure determination of black crystals revealed that the thio-ligand l-Et has transformed into a new thio-ligand, 1-ethyl-3-(1-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)imidazolidine-2-thione (l-NEt), through C-S rupture/C-N bond formation which was coordinated in the unusual 2D polymer, {(CuII(κ2-N,S-l-NEt)2)·(CuI4)·(CuI2)}n1. An ESR spectrum supported the presence of divalent CuII in the polymer. In contrast, reaction of copper(i) iodide with N-phenyl-imidazolidine-2-thione (l-Ph) in 1 : 1 molar ratio yielded a polymer, [-Cu(µ-I)2Cu(µ-S-l-Ph)2Cu-]n2, with alternate Cu2I2 and Cu2S2 cores. Further, a series of reactions of copper(i) halides with N-substituted imidazolidine-2-thiones, namely, l-R in 1 : 2 metal to ligand molar ratio (M : L) in acetonitrile have yielded different type of complexes: trigonal planar {CuX(κ1-S-l-R)2, R, X : Et, I, 4; Me, I, 5; Bun, I,6; Me, Br,7; Bun, Br, 8; Me, Cl, 9; Prn, Cl, 10; Ph, Cl, 11}, dinuclear [Cu2Br2(µ-S-l-Ph)2(κ1-S-l-Ph)2] 12, tetranuclear, [Cu4I2(µ-I)2(µ-S-l-Ph)4(κ1-S-l-Ph)2] 3 and hexanuclear [Cu6Cl6(µ-S-l-Bun)6] 13. All these complexes have been characterized using analytical data, IR and proton NMR spectroscopy, ESI-mass studies and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The antimicrobial activity of these complexes has been investigated against Gram positive bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC740), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Gram negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC109), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC741) and Candida albicans (MTCC227)- a yeast. It is significant to add that among various complexes tested for cytotoxicity toward living cells, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 complexes were toxic, while complex 12 was non-toxic.

Alkaloids from Toddalia aculeata.

Two alkaloids N-methyl-4-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2,3-epoxy-3-methylbutyl)-1H-quinolin-2-one (1) and 3-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-4,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-1H-quinolin-2-one (2a) have been isolated from CH(2)Cl(2):methanol (1:1) and methanol extracts of leaves and stems of Toddalia aculeata. Their structures along with that of 15 other compounds, of which three are isolated for the first time from genus Toddalia, were established by their detailed spectral studies including 2D NMR viz. (1)H-(1)H COSY, (1)H-(13)C COSY, and HMBC.