Tetra-hedral zinc in tetra-kis-(1-methyl-1H-imidazole-κN)zinc bis-(tetra-fluorido-borate).

In the title compound, [Zn(C(4)H(6)N(2))(4)](BF(4))(2), the Zn(II) ion is in a slightly distorted tetra-hedral coordination geometry, with Zn-N distances in the range 1.980 (2)-1.991 (2) Å. The tetra-hedral angles are in the range 104.93 (9)-118.81 (9)°.

Discrete tetrairon(III) cluster exhibiting a square-planar Fe4(mu4-O) core: structural and magnetic properties.

The aerobic reaction of the Schiff-base ligand N-(benzimidazol-2-yl)salicylaldimine (Hbisi) with iron(II) perchlorate in methanol leads to the formation of the remarkable coordination compound [Fe(4)(mu(4)-O)(mu-MeO)(4)(bisi)(4)](ClO(4))(2) x 4 MeOH (1), whose single-crystal X-ray structure reveals the presence of a discrete Fe(III)(4)(mu(4)-O) core. Magnetic and Mossbauer studies both show that the exchange interaction within the square tetranuclear iron(III) unit is dominated by the central bridging mu(4)-oxido ligand, the involvement of the mu-methoxido bridges being negligible.

Concurrent anion...pi interactions between a perchlorate ion and two pi-acidic aromatic rings, namely pentafluorophenol and 1,3,5-triazine.

The rational design of a ligand containing two electron-poor pi-rings, i.e. a triazine and a pentafluorophenoxy groups, has allowed the preparation of a copper complex where both the anticipated anion...pi interactions are present.

Mononuclear manganese(III) complexes as building blocks for the design of trinuclear manganese clusters: study of the ligand influence on the magnetic properties of the [Mn3(mu3-O)](7+) core.

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of three new manganese(III) clusters are reported, [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzH) 3(MeOH) 3(OAc)] (1), [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzMe) 3(MeOH) 3(OAc)].1.5MeOH (2), and [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzH) 3(MeOH) 4(N 3)].MeOH (3) (H 2phpzH = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-pyrazole and H 2phpzMe = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5(3)-methylpyrazole). Complexes 1- 3 consist of a triangle of manganese(III) ions with an oxido-center bridge and three ligands, phpzR (2-) (R = H, Me) that form a plane with the metal ions. All the complexes contain the same core with the general formula [Mn 3(mu 3-O)(phpzR) 3] (+). Methanol molecules and additional bridging ligands, that is, acetate (complexes 1 and 2) and azide (complex 3), are at the terminal positions. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility studies indicate the presence of predominant antiferromagnetic intramolecular interactions between manganese(III) ions in 1 and 3, while both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions are operative in 2.

The self-assembly between C2-symmetric (methanol)6 or S6-symmetric (ethanol)6 cyclohexamers and paddle-wheel dinuclear copper units leads to unique 1D polymer chains.

The first crystallographic evidences of the theoretically suggested C2-symmetric cyclohexameric form of liquid methanol and the S6-symmetric cyclohexameric form of liquid ethanol are reported, trapped inside a hydrophilic pocket shielded by tert-butyl groups.

Mononuclear and dinuclear manganese compounds stabilized by supramolecular interactions.

New manganese compounds [Mn(HphpzMe)(2)(H(2)phpzMe)(HCO(2))] (1), [Mn(2)(phpzMe)(2)(HphpzMe)(2)(OCH(3))]·2CH(3)OH (2), Na{[Mn(HphpzPh)(phpzPh)(MeOH)(2)](2)}(HCO(2)) (3), [Mn(HphpzPh)(2)(EtOH)(2)]ClO(4)·2EtOH (4) and [Mn(HphpzPh)(2)N(3)] (5) were synthesized and characterized with various techniques. 1, 4 and 5 are mononuclear manganese(III) compounds, 2 is a mixed-valence dinuclear manganese(III/IV) compound, and 3 is a trinuclear compound containing two manganese(III) ions and a sodium(I) ion. A remarkable feature is the spontaneous formation of the formate ion as a result of the methanol or methoxide oxidation in compounds 1 and 3. Using ethanol precludes the formation of the formate and compound 4 is obtained. The molecular structure of all compounds is stabilized by supramolecular interactions, including strong hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions.

High nuclearity manganese(III) compounds containing phenol-pyrazole ligands: the influence of the ligand on the core geometry.

Three high-nuclearity manganese(III) clusters have been synthesized and characterized: [Mn8(µ4-O)4(phpzH)8(thf)4] (1), [Mn8(µ4-O)4(phpzH)4(EtOH)4]·2EtOH (2), and [Mn6(µ3-O)4(µ3-Br)2(HphpzEt)6(phpzEt)] (3). Compounds 1 and 2 contain a [Mn8(µ4-O4)(phpzH)8] core in which antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese(III) ions are found. Compound 3 is a hexanuclear manganese(III) cluster in which weak ferromagnetic interactions appear to be operative. The formation and the stability of the cluster cores in relation to the type of phenol-pyrazole ligand and the reaction conditions are discussed.

Cytotoxic activity and cellular processing in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines of a new platinum(II) compound containing a fluorescent substituted propylene diamine ligand.

A new fluorescent platinum(II) compound containing the N,N'-bis-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine as a carrier ligand has been designed, synthesized and characterized. High cytotoxic activity of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] is observed in A2780 and A2780R cells (human ovarian carcinoma sensitive and cisplatin-resistant, respectively). Nevertheless, cross-resistance to platinum from cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] in the A2780R cells was found. To study the role of GSH towards inactivation of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2], GSH-depleted and non-depleted A2780R cells were used in several in vitro studies. The results suggest that cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] is not susceptible to the inactivation by GSH. Cellular processing of bapda and cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] was followed using fluorescence microscopy in the A2780, the A2780R and GSH-depleted A2780R cells. Interestingly, differences in the cellular processing followed by fluorescence microscopy between normal and GSH-depleted A2780R cells have been observed for the carrier ligand. Sequestration of these compounds in acidic lysosomes is visible after incubation in most cases, and no fluorescence was observed in the nucleus. Interaction of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] with calf thymus DNA strongly suggests that the this new platinum(II) compound intercalates between the DNA base pairs. Additionally, the reaction of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] with 9-ethylguanine appears to be very slow, as studied by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy.

Manganese(III) compounds with phenol-pyrazole based-ligands: impact of the co-ligand and the carboxylate ligand on the trinuclear core [Mn3(mu3-O)(phpzR)3(O2CR')n](1-n).

The reaction of H2phpzR (R = Me, Ph; H2phpzMe = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5(3)-methylpyrazole and H2phpzPh = 3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5(3)-phenylpyrazole) with Mn(O2CR').nH2O (R' = Me and Ph) and (nBu4N)MnO4 in ethanol (EtOH) affords three new manganese(III) compounds, [Mn3(mu3-O)(phpzMe)3(O2CMe)(EtOH)].EtOH (1), (nBu4N)[Mn3(mu3-O)(phpzMe)3(O2CPh)2] (2) and (nBu4N)[Mn3(mu3-O)(phpzPh)3(O2CPh)2] (3). Their synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties are reported. Compounds 1-3 are mu3-oxido-centered trinuclear manganese(III) compounds whose edges are bridged by phpzR2- with average intracluster separations of 3.25 A. The three Mn-O-Mn angles are distorted from the equilateral triangle with values in the range of 113 degrees to 124 degrees; 117 degrees to 125 degrees; and 117 degrees to 126 degrees for complexes 1-3, respectively. Hydrogen bonding interactions between the trinuclear units of 1 result in a one-dimensional chain structure. Compounds 2 and 3 have isolated trinuclear units, perhaps as a result of the presence of the bulky nBu4N+ cation. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies indicate the presence of both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions in compound 1 (J1 = -10.3 cm(-1), J2 = +10.9 cm(-1)), while only antiferromagnetic interactions are present in compounds 2 and 3 (J1 = -4.2 cm(-1), J2 = -10.3 cm(-1) for 2; and J1 = -4.8 cm(-1), J2 = -10.2 cm(-1) for 3), with J1 representing the similar Mn-O-Mn angles and J2 representing the unique Mn-O-Mn angle (Mn(1)-O(1)-Mn(2)).

A copper complex bearing a TEMPO moiety as catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols.

A new bifunctional, triazine-based ligand has been designed with the aim to generate a copper(II) complex holding a TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy) moiety. The coordination compound obtained from the ligand 4-(2-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethoxy)-6-(4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)-N,N-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (pypzt-1) and copper(II) bromide (i.e. complex 8) is capable of catalysing the selective, aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to 84% of benzaldehyde in 24 h. This "galactose oxidase activity" of the copper/TEMPO complex is observed as well for the conversion of the non-activated alkyl alcohol octan-1-ol to octanal with a yield of 29% after the same reaction time. The single-crystal X-ray structure of 8 shows that its crystal lattice contains [Cu(I)Br(2)](-) anions which appear to be stabilised by means of both anion-pi and hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, the solid state structure of 8 exhibits (lone-pair)-pi interactions between the nitrogen atom of an acetonitrile molecule and a triazine ring. The magnetic properties of 8 have been investigated by EPR and magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Structure and DNA cleavage properties of two copper(II) complexes of the pyridine-pyrazole-containing ligands mbpzbpy and Hmpzbpya.

The DNA-cleavage properties of the two copper(II) complexes, [Cu(mbpzbpy)Br(2)](H(2)O)(2.5) (1) and [Cu(mpzbpya)Cl](CH(3)OH) (2), obtained from the ligands 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) (mbpzbpy) and 6'-(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid) (Hmpzbpya), respectively, are reported. Upon coordination to Cu(II) chloride in methanol, one arm of the ligand mbpzbpy is hydrolyzed to form mpzbpya. Under the same experimental conditions, the reaction of mbpzbpy with CuBr(2) does not lead to ligand hydrolysis. The ligand mpzbpya is coordinated to a copper(ii) ion generating a CuN(3)OCl chromophore, resulting in a distorted square-pyramidal environment, whereas with the N(4) mbpzbpy ligand, the Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted square planar geometry. Both complexes promote the oxidative DNA cleavage of phiX174 phage DNA in the absence of reductant. The oxidative nature of the DNA cleavage reaction has been confirmed by religation and cell-transformation experiments. Studies using standard radical scavengers suggest the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative cleavage of DNA. Although both compounds do convert form I (supercoiled) DNA to form II (nicked, relaxed form), only complex 1 is able to produce small amounts of form III (linearized DNA). This observation may be explained either by the attack of the copper(ii) complexes to only one single strand of DNA, or by a single cleavage event. Statistical analysis of relative DNA quantities present after the treatment with both copper(ii) complexes supports a random mode of DNA cleavage.

Controlled copper-mediated chlorination of phenol rings under mild conditions.

The very unusual case of copper-mediated chlorination of phenol rings under mild conditions at room temperature is reported. Reaction of the ligand 1,7-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,6-diaza-4-hydroxylheptane (H3L1) with CuCl2 in acetonitrile leads to either the formation of a tetranuclear copper(II) complex [Cu4(HL3)2(mu-Cl)2Cl2](CH3CN) (1) or a linear trinuclear complex [Cu3(HL1)2Cl2(CH3CN)2](CH3CN)2 (2), depending on the reaction conditions. Both compounds have been fully characterized, including the determination of their 3D structures by X-ray diffraction. The unprecedented tetranuclear compound 1 is constituted of a dichlorido-bridged dimer of di-mu-phenoxido-dinuclear species, whereas the trinuclear complex 2 presents a linear array of copper(II) ions, held together through di-mu-phenoxido bridges of the central and external ions. The magnetic susceptibility of the two compounds was investigated, revealing either very strong (J<-500 cm-1) or strong (J value around -370(1) cm-1) antiferromagnetic dominant interactions among the CuII ions for 1 and 2, respectively. The tetranuclear complex 1 is obtained, under dry conditions, through the in situ formation of ligand HL3 (H3L3=1,7-bis(2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl)-2,6-diaza-4-hydroxylheptane) by oxidative chlorination of (HL1)2-. In the presence of traces of water, 1 is partially hydroxylated at the ortho position of one of the phenyl rings. The use of trimethylorthoformate as the dehydrating agent prevents the formation of hydroxylated ligands. Several partly chlorinated/hydroxylated products (identified as H3L2) have also been obtained through slight variations of the synthetic procedures (presence or absence of water and/or triethylamine in the reaction mixtures). These partially chlorinated and/or hydroxylated coordination species are mutually isomorphous to either 1 or 2. Several "modified" ligands have been isolated and characterized by 1H NMR and MS, after reaction with sodium sulfide of the complexes formed.

Remarkable steric effects and influence of monodentate axial ligands l on the spin-crossover properties of trans-[FeII(N4 ligand)L] complexes.

Iron(II) complexes obtained from tetradentate, rigid, linear N4 ligands have been investigated to appraise the influence of steric effects and the impact of trans-coordinated anions on the spin-transition behavior. As expected, the well-designed ligands embrace the metal center, resulting in octahedral iron(II) complexes where the basal plane is fully occupied by the pyridine/pyrazole N4 ligand, while anions or solvent molecules are exclusively axially coordinated. Precursor complexes, namely, [Fe(bpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where bpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(N-pyrazolylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Fe(mbpzbpy)(MeOH)2](BF4)2 (where mbpzbpy symbolizes the ligand 6,6'-bis(3,5-dimethyl-N-pyrazolmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine), have been used for the in situ preparation of a series of structural analogues via the exchange of the weakly coordinated trans methanol molecules by various anions, such as thiocyanate, selenocyanate, or dicyanamide. The magnetic properties of all seven iron(II) compounds thus obtained have been investigated. Two iron(II) complexes, i.e., [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCS)2] and [Fe(bpzbpy)(NCSe)2], exhibit gradual spin-crossover (SCO) properties typical of isolated mononuclear species with weak cooperative interaction. These two SCO materials have been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, and the light-induced excited spin state trapping effect has been investigated, revealing the possibility to induce the spin-transition both by temperature variation and by light irradiation. A correlation between steric/anion effect and SCO behavior is suggested.

Versatility in the binding of 2-pyrazinecarboxylate with iron. Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of two new iron(II) complexes, [Fe(pca)2(py)2].py (1) and {[Fe(pca)2(H2O)].H2O}n (2) and one new iron(III) complex, Na2{[Fe(pca)()]2O}.2H2O.2CH3CN (3) (pca- stands for 2-pyrazinecarboxylate), are reported. Complex 1 is obtained from the reaction of iron powder with 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid. The reaction of Fe(ClO4)3.10H2O with Hpca in the presence of 3 equiv. of Bu4NOH yields 2, whereas the presence of NaOH yields 3. The molecular structure of 1 contains an iron(II) ion with a pseudo-octahedral environment resulting from the coordination of two pca- ligands in a bidentate chelating fashion and two pyridine molecules; pi-pi stacking interactions between pyridine and pyrazine rings lead to a one-dimensional chain. Complex 2 is an iron(II) coordination polymer with an infinite zig-zag motif and an Fe...Fe separation of 7.1 A. In 2, the pi-pi stacking interactions involving the pyrazine rings and the strong hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water molecule and the carboxylate oxygens of two pca- ligands result in a three-dimensional network structure. Complex 3 consists of an anionic micro-oxo-bridged diiron(III) core with two crystallographically distinct iron(iii) ions; the negative charge is compensated by two sodium cations. Complex 3 is assembled in a three dimensional network structure through coordination of Na(I) and hydrogen bond interactions. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies indicate that 1 and 2 have similar magnetic properties. Both complexes are paramagnetic above 12 K, whereas antiferromagnetic ordering is observed below 12 K. The magnetic properties of reveal strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions between the two iron(III) ions with a J value of -221 cm(-1); no long range intermolecular magnetic coupling is observed between 295 and 4.2 K.

Moisture-triggered 1,3,5-triazine-based Cu(II) molecular switch: a combined X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction study.

A solvothermal synthetic procedure has been exploited to prepare the new [Cu(3)L(NO(3))(6)](n) coordination polymer (1) by reaction of the polydentate N,N'-{2,4-di-[(di-pyridin-2-yl)amine]-1,3,5-triazine}ethylenediamine ligand (opytrizediam L) with copper(II) nitrate. 1 has been structurally characterized by means of the conventional X-ray single-crystal diffraction technique. It crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group with a = 16.830(3), b = 20.701(4), c = 18.170(4) Angstroms, beta = 113.26(3) degrees, V = 5816(2) Angstroms(3), Z = 4. 1 consists of trinuclear Cu(3)L(NO(3))(5) units connected by means of a nitrato-O,O' bridge. The resulting chains are involved in weak interchain head-to-tail pi-pi stacking interactions. In the presence of moisture, 1 is readily converted into the hydrated [Cu(3)L(NO(3))(5)](NO(3)).H(2)O form (2). This second phase, monoclinic P2(1)/c, consists of isolated [Cu(3)L(NO(3))(5)](+) and (NO(3))(-) ions which accommodate water molecules in the crystal lattice. These subtle chemical and structural modifications accompanying the moisture-triggered 1-to-2 transformation have been demonstrated through a X-ray powder diffraction study. A thermodiffractometric analysis has evidenced that this solid-to-solid transformation is fully reversible, i.e., thermally induced dehydration of 2 restores 1. The analysis of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility for 2 has revealed very weak ferromagnetic interactions, consistent with the large Cu...Cu separation (ca. 7.5 Angstroms) in the trinuclear units.

Aqua[bis(pyrimidin-2-yl-kappa N)amine](carbonato-kappa 2O,O')copper(II) dihydrate.

The title mononuclear complex, [Cu(CO(3))(C(8)H(7)N(5))(H(2)O)] x 2H(2)O, was obtained by fixation of CO(2) by a mixture of copper(II) tetrafluoroborate and the ligand bis(pyrimidin-2-yl)amine in ethanol/water. The Cu(II) ion of the complex has a distorted square-pyramidal environment, with a basal plane formed by two N atoms of the ligand and two chelating O atoms of the carbonate group, while the apical position is occupied by the O atom of the coordinating water molecule. In the solid state, hydrogen-bonding interactions are dominant, the most unusual being the Watson-Crick-type coplanar ligand pairing through two N--H...N bonds. Lattice water molecules also participate in hydrogen bonding.