Germanium Complexes with ONO Tridentate Ligands: O-H Bond Activation Control According to DFT Calculations.

Polydentate ligands are used for thermodynamic stabilization of tetrylenes-low-valent derivatives of Group 14 elements (E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). This work shows by DFT calculations how the structure (the presence or absence of substituents) and type (alcoholic, Alk, or phenolic, Ar) of tridentate ligands 2,6-pyridinobis(1,2-ethanols) [AlkONOR]H2 and 2,6-pyridinobis(1,2-phenols) [ArONOR]H2 (R = H, Me) may affect the reactivity or stabilization of tetrylene, indicating the unprecedented behavior of Main Group elements. This enables the unique control of the type of the occurring reaction. We found that unhindered [ONOH]H2 ligands predominantly led to hypercoordinated bis-liganded {[ONOH]}2Ge complexes, where an E(+2) intermediate was inserted into the ArO-H bond with subsequent H2 evolution. In contrast, substituted [ONOMe]H2 ligands gave [ONOMe]Ge: germylenes, which may be regarded as kinetic stabilized products; their transformation into E(+4) species is also thermodynamically favorable. The latter reaction is more probable for phenolic [ArONO]H2 ligands than for alcoholic [AlkONO]H2. The thermodynamics and possible intermediates of the reactions were also investigated.

Structural Motifs in Aryl Organogermanium Ge-O Derivatives for Material Design.

The aim of this work was to understand the main structural features and ways of formation of Ge-O bonds in organogermanium compounds under the conditions of ArnGeHal4-n (Hal = halide) hydrolysis. The structural types of these compounds were considered, providing 11 blocks (A-K). The molecular structures of the novel compounds [(p-FC6H4)3Ge]2O (1), [(p-F3CC6H4)3Ge]2O (2), and cyclo-[(p-F3CC6H4)2GeO]4 (3) were studied through XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis. The molecular structure of [(p-F3CC6H4)3GeO]4Ge (4), representing a novel structural type, was also investigated. The data presented in this study will be important in the design of materials with useful properties based on group 14 element derivatives with element-oxygen bonding.

Aluminum Salen Complexes Modified with Unsaturated Alcohol: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Activity towards Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone and D,L-Lactide.

A highly efficient one-step approach to the macromonomer synthesis using modified aluminum complexes as catalysts of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone and D,L-lactide was developed. The syntheses, structures, and catalytic activities of a wide range of aluminum salen complexes, 3a-c, functionalized with unsaturated alcohol (HO(CH2)4OCH=CH2) are reported. X-Ray diffraction studies revealed a tetragonal pyramidal structure for 3c. Among the complexes 3a-c, the highest activity in bulk ROP of ε-caprolactone and D,L-lactide was displayed by 3b, affording polyesters with controlled molecular weights at low monomer to initiator ratios (Mn up to 15,000 g mol-1), relatively high polydispersities (Ð~1.8) and high number-average functionalities (Fn up to 85%).

Oligoorganogermanes: Interplay between Aryl and Trimethylsilyl Substituents.

Derivatives of main group elements containing element-element bonds are characterized by unique properties due to σ-conjugation, which is an attractive subject for investigation. A novel series of digermanes, Ar3Ge-Ge(SiMe3)3, containing aryl (Ar = p-C6H4Me (1), p-C6H4F (2), C6F5 (3)) and trimethylsilyl substituents, was synthesized by the reaction of germyl potassium salt, [(Me3Si)3GeK*THF], with triarylchlorogermanes, Ar3GeCl. The optical and electronic properties of such substituted oligoorganogermanes were investigated spectroscopically by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and theoretically by DFT calculations. The molecular structures of compounds 1 and 2 were studied by XRD analysis. Conjugation between all structural fragments (Ge-Ge, Ge-Si, Ge-Ar, where Ar is an electron-donating or withdrawing group) was found to affect the properties.

Optical Properties of Soil Dissolved Organic Matter Are Related to Acidic Functions of Its Components as Revealed by Fractionation, Selective Deuteromethylation, and Ultrahigh Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

The goal of this study was to establish a relationship between the optical properties of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) and acidic functions carried out by its individual constituents. We obtained 12 fractions of DOM samples using sequential solid phase extraction on nonionic sorbent at steadily lowered pH values: 7, 5, 3, 2, which correspond to low bounds of pKa values of phenols, aliphatic, and aromatic carboxylic acids, and ketoacids. The structural studies were conducted with the use of NMR and selective deuteromethylation of isolated fractions coupled to ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. First, a gradual shift of molecular compositions was observed from reduced components to aromatic oxidized compounds isolated at pH 7 and 2, respectively. Changes in molecular compositions were accompanied by a red shift of fluorescence spectra. Further application of deuteromethylation enabled us to distinguish DOM constituents with different amounts of carboxylic groups. Moreover, identification of structural isomers in a single DOM sample was achieved. Statistical analysis revealed that red shift of fluorescence is facilitated by the increase of a contribution of aromatic poly(carboxylic acid)s with high conjugation lengths. Additionally, analysis of the labeled fractionated permafrost thaw DOM directly showed carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules, while the same components from lower-latitude DOM were assigned to lignin-like species.

Austalides V and W, new meroterpenoids from the fungus Aspergillus ustus and their antitumor activities.

Two new austalide meroterpenoids, named austalides V and W (1 and 2), were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus ustus VKM F-4692. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with related known compounds. The main structural feature of both compounds is a tetrahydrofuranyl ring (G), a structural fragment, first found in austalides. Austalides V (1) and W (2) were able to inhibit the propagation of prostate and bladder cancer cells; this biologic activity is possibly related to the inhibition of a number of key pathways regulating cell growth and migration.

Enumeration of carboxyl groups carried on individual components of humic systems using deuteromethylation and Fourier transform mass spectrometry.

Here, we report a novel approach to enumeration of carboxylic groups carried by individual molecules of humic substances using selective chemical modification and isotopic labeling (deuteromethylation) and high-resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FTICR MS). Esterification was conducted with a use of thionyl chloride-deuteromethanol reagent under mild conditions to avoid transesterification. The deuteromethylated products were subjected to solid phase extraction using PPL Bond Elute cartridges prior to FTICR MS analysis. An amount of carboxyl groups in the individual molecular component was estimated from the length of identified deuteromethylation series. The method allowed for discerning between compounds with close elemental compositions possessing different protolytic properties. We found that different carboxylic moieties occupy distinct regions in molecular space of humic substances (HS) projected onto Van Krevelen diagram. These locations do not depend on the source of the humic material and can be assigned to carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (5 to 6 COOH), hydrolyzable tannins (3-4 COOH), lignins (1 to 2 COOH), condensed tannins and lignans (0 to 1 COOH), and carbohydrates (0 COOH). At the same time, the alignment pattern of these carboxylated species along the structural evolution lines in Van Krevelen diagrams was characteristic to the specific transformation processes undergone by the humic materials in the different environments. The obtained data enable mapping of molecular ensemble of HS with regards to their specific acidic compartments and might be used for directed fractionation of HS. Graphical abstract Selective isotopic labeling followed by FTICR MS enables discerning between humic molecules with close elemental compositions carrying different numbers of carboxylic groups.

Synthesis of carboxylated styrene polymer for internal calibration of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass-spectrometry of humic substances.

We report synthesis and application of the novel carboxylated styrene for internal calibration of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass-spectra of humic substances. The calibrant was synthesized in five steps from acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) followed by spontaneous polymerization of vinyl salicylic acid. Aromatic nature of the prepared polymer enabled its simultaneous analysis in the presence of the Suwannee River fulvic acid without using dual-spray approach. The major advantage of the calibrant proposed in this study is a lack of suppression of humic substances signals and maintenance of peak intensity distribution. The appropriate calibration resulted in an increased number of unambiguous identification in Suwannee River fulvic acid. Thanks to the higher mass accuracy, it was also possible to refine attribution of the CHOS species to hydrolysable tannins as opposed to the erroneous previous assignment to the condensed tannins.

Synthesis of model humic substances: a mechanistic study using controllable H/D exchange and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

The products of the oxidative coupling of phenols are frequently used as synthetic analogues to natural humic substances (HS) for biomedical research. However, their molecular compositions and exact structures remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to develop a novel approach for the molecular-level analysis of phenolic polymerisates that is capable of inventorying molecular constituents and resolving their distinct structural formulas. For this purpose, we have synthesized the model HS using the oxidative coupling of a specifically designed phenylpropanoic monomer, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid, to hydroquinone. We have characterized the synthesized model HS using high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS), (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and controllable hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange. We succeeded in the molecular inventory of the model HS. The assigned molecular formulas occupied the substantial space of CHO compositions in the Van Krevelen diagram with a maximum density found in the regions of tannins and lignins, resembling those of natural HS. To identify the exact structural formulas of the individual constituents in the model HS, we have applied selective H/D exchange of non-labile backbone protons by a choice of basic or acidic catalytic conditions followed by FTICR MS. The determined formulas allowed us to verify the proposed pathways of hydroxylation and carboxylation in the course of the phenolic coupling and to identify the acetylation of aromatic rings as an important side reaction. We conclude that the proposed analytical approach may be used to identify the molecular carriers of biological activity within the phenolic polymerisates and eventually within natural HS.

Crystal structure of a mixed-valence µ-oxide Sn12 cluster.

The mixed-valence µ-oxide Sn12 cluster, deca-carbonyl-tetra-µ4-oxido-hexa-µ3-oxido-tetra-kis-[µ-2,2'-(pyridine-2,6-di-yl)bis(1,1-di-phenyl-ethano-lato)]deca-tin(II)ditin(IV)dimolyb-denum(O)(2 Mo-Sn) toluene hepta-solvate, [Mo2Sn12(C33H27NO2)4O10(CO)10]·7C7H8, has a crystallographically imposed inversion centre. The asymmetric unit also contains three and a half toluene solvent mol-ecules, one of which is disordered about a centre of symmetry. The complex mol-ecule comprises six distinct Sn atom species with four different coordination numbers, namely 3, 4, 5, and 6. The Sn(II) atoms forming the central Sn10O10 core adopt distorted trigonal-pyramidal, square-pyramidal and octa-hedral coordination geometries provided by the µ-oxide atoms and by the O- and N-donor atoms of two pyridinedi-ethano-late ligands. The terminal Sn(IV) atoms have distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination geometries, with a µ4-oxide atom and the N atom of a pyridinedi-ethano-late ligand occupying the axial positions, and the Mo atom of a Mo(CO)5 group and the alk-oxy O atoms of a ligand forming the equatorial plane. In the crystal, weak intra- and inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed.

Crystal structure of 2,2,3,3-tetra-methyl-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexa-phenyl-tetra-germane.

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C40H42Ge4, lies with its central Ge-Ge bond on an inversion centre giving rise to a zigzag backbone of four tetra-hedrally coordinated Ge atoms. The symmetrically independent Ge-Ge bonds are slightly shorter than in other organo-tetra-germanes whereas the Ge-CPh (Ph = phen-yl) and Ge-CMe (Me = meth-yl) distances have their usual values. In the crystal, (010) layers of Ph6Me4Ge4 mol-ecules with a parallel orientation of the Ge4 backbone exist, held together by van der Waals forces only. Main bond lengths in organo-substituted oligogermanes are compared.

Solid-Phase Extraction at High pH as a Promising Tool for Targeted Isolation of Biologically Active Fractions of Humic Acids.

A search for novel sources of biologically active compounds is at the top of the agenda for biomedical technologies. Natural humic substances (HSs) contain a large variety of different chemotypes, such as condensed tannins, hydrolyzable tannins, terpenoids, lignins, etc. The goal of this work was to develop an efficient separation technique based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) for the isolation of narrow fractions of HS with higher biological activity compared to the initial material. We used lignite humic acid as the parent humic material, which showed moderate inhibition activity toward beta-lactamase TEM 1 and antioxidant activity. We applied two different SPE techniques: the first one was based on a gradient elution with water/methanol mixtures of the humic material sorbed at pH 2, and the second one implied separation by a difference in the pKa value by the use of sequential sorption of HS at pH from 8 to 3. SPE cartridges Bond Elute PPL (Agilent) were used in the fractionation experiments. The first and second techniques yielded 9 and 7 fractions, respectively. All fractions were characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry and biological assays, including the determination of beta-lactamase (TEM 1) inhibition activity and antioxidant activity. The acidity-based separation technique demonstrated substantial advantages: it enabled the isolation of components, outcompeting the initial material at the first step of separation (sorption at pH 8). It showed moderate orthogonality in separation with regard to the polarity-based technique. Good perspectives are shown for developing a 2D separation scheme using a combination of polarity and acidity-based approaches to reduce structural heterogeneity of the narrow fractions of HS.

Di-µ-oxido-bis-({2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]diphenolato}titanium(IV)) chloro-form disolvate.

In the title compound, [Ti2(C16H14N2O2)2O2]·2CHCl3, the Ti(IV) atom in the centrosymmetric complex has a distorted octa-hedral N2O4 coordination environment and is linked via two µ2-oxido bridges into a dinuclear centrosymmetric com-plex, with a Ti⋯Ti separation of 2.7794 (8) Å. In the salen (N,N'-ethyl-enebis(salicyl-imine)) ligand, the two salicyl-imine units make a dihedral angle of 45.31 (5)°. The complex mol-ecules are stacked parallel to [100], forming channels in which the solvent chloro-form mol-ecules are located. C-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between the complex mol-ecules and the solvent mol-ecules consolidate the crystal packing.

{2,2'-[Ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methan-yl-yl-idene)]diphenolato}(iso-propano-lato)aluminium di-chloro-methane hemisolvate.

In the title compound, [Al(C16H14N2O2)(C3H7O)]·0.5CH2Cl2, the salen complex is monomeric and the dichlormethane solvent mol-ecule lies on a crystallographic twofold axis. The central Al atom is fivefold coordinated and possesses a square-based pyramidal environment. The Al-OAlk( (i) prop-yl) bond [1.7404 (14) Å] is much shorter than the Al-OAr(salen) bond lengths [1.7974 (15) and 1.8094 (14) Å]. The iso-propyl-oxo group forms an intra-molecular C-H⋯N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, the complex mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O inter-actions.

Di-µ-oxido-bis-({2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]diphen-olato}titanium(IV)) chloro-form disolvate.

In the title structure, [Ti2(C16H16N2O2)2O2]·2CHCl3, the Ti atom is coordinated in a distorted octa-hedral geometry by the O,N,N',O' donor set of the salalen ligand and by two µ2-oxide O atoms, which bridge two Ti(salalen) fragments into a centrosymmetric dimeric unit. In the central Ti2(µ2-O)2 fragment, the metal-oxygen distances are significantly different [1.7962 (19) and 1.9292 (19) Å]. In the crystal, the chloro-form mol-ecule is anchored via an N-H⋯Cl and a bifurcated C-H⋯(O,O) hydrogen bond. Slipped π-π stacking [shortest C⋯C distance = 3.585 (4) Å] and C-H⋯π inter-actions contribute to the coherence of the structure.

1,2-Bis(triazolyl)tetraphenyldigermanes: Synthesis, Structure and Properties.

Using the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of [HC≡C-GePh2 -]2 (1) and a number of RCH2 N3 , this work described the synthesis of a series of novel heterocyclic digermanes, bitriazoles [1,4-C2 HN3 (CH2 R)GePh2 -]2 , 2-12 (R=Ph, p-Tol, p-C6 H4 NMe2 , p-C6 H4 OMe, p-C6 H4 Br, m-C6 H4 NO2 , 2-Naphth, CH2 -p-OC6 H4 CHO, CH2 -p-OC6 H4 COOMe, CH2 P(O)(OEt)2 , COOEt), difficult to produce by other methods. The structural peculiarities of these compounds were studied in detail by NMR spectroscopy and by XRD analysis (for 6, 9 and 10). The properties of 1-12 were studied by UV/vis and luminescence emission spectroscopy, electrochemistry and DFT calculations, indicating an effective conjugation in their molecules.

6-Benzyl-2-methyl-1,3-bis-(penta-fluoro-phen-yl)-1,3,6,2-triaza-alumocane.

In the title compound, [Al(CH(3))(C(23)H(15)F(10)N(3))], the Al(III) atom is coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by three N atoms from the tridentate amine and by one C atom of the methyl substituent. Further, there is a short intra-molecular Al⋯F contact [2.5717 (11) Å], leading to an overall distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment around Al(III).

Formation of Azaphilone Pigments and Monasnicotinic Acid by the Fungus Aspergillus cavernicola.

Due to the ever-increasing demand for healthy and safe food, much attention has been gained by natural food colorants. This study showed the culture fluid extract of the fungus Aspergillus cavernicola VKM F-906 to contain red pigment and monasnicotinic acid (MNA) in predominant amounts. The structure of the pigment corresponded to cis-cavernamine (red pigment, RP). Two tautomers, NH and OH forms, in rapid equilibrium were present in a solution of RP. The critical factors for RP to form were the presence of NH4+ salt and pH 6.3-6.5. In vitro experiments showed that MNA was synthesized from RP as a result of chemical transformations without the participation of enzymes. In this case, the main influence on the reaction rate is exerted by the pH of the medium, which is associated with the keto-enol tautomerism of RP in solution. The culture broth extract and MNA exhibited antifungal activity against Fusarium fungi.

Crystal packing in the structures of diethanolamine derivatives.

Four distinct hydrogen-bonding topologies were observed in the structures of six diethanolamine ligands. These compounds are (1R*,2R*)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]-1,2-diphenylethanol, C(17)H(21)NO(2), (I), 1-[(2S)-2-(hydroxydiphenylmethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]-2-methylpropan-2-ol, C(21)H(27)NO(2), (II), 2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]-1,1-diphenylethanol, C(17)H(21)NO(2), (III), 1-{(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]amino}-2-methylpropan-2-ol, C(16)H(27)NO(2), (IV), 1-{[(2R)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl][(1S)-1-phenylethyl]amino}-2-methylpropan-2-ol, C(20)H(27)NO(2), (V), and (1R*,2S*)-2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(methyl)amino]-1,2-diphenylethanol, C(17)H(21)NO(2), (VI). In each compound, all ;active' hydroxy H atoms are engaged in hydrogen bonding, but the N atoms are not involved in intermolecular hydrogen bonding. In the structures of (I), (II) and (IV)-(VI), molecules are linked into chains by intermolecular O-H...O interactions. These chains are organized in such a way as to hide the hydrophilic groups inside, and so the outer surfaces of the chains are hydrophobic. The structure of (VI) contains two distinct non-equivalent systems of intermolecular O-H...O hydrogen bonds formed by disordered hydroxy H atoms.

Hypercoordinated Oligosilanes Based on Aminotrisphenols.

The hypercoordinated silicon chlorides ClSi[(o-OC6H4)3N] (3) and ClSi[(OC6H2Me2CH2)3N] (5) were used for the synthesis of catenated derivatives (Me3Si)3SiSi[(o-OC6H4)3N] (9), (Me3Si)3SiSiMe2SiMe2Si(SiMe3)2Si[(o-OC6H4)3N] (11), and (Me3Si)3SiSi[(OC6H2Me2CH2)3N] (13) in reactions with (Me3Si)3SiK·THF (7) or (Me3Si)3SiK·[18-crown-6] (8). It was found that the nature of the (Me3Si)3SiK solvate determines the product of interaction, resulting in the formation of (Me3Si)3Si(CH2)4OSi[(OC6H2Me2CH2)3N] (12) or 13. Compounds obtained were characterized using multinuclear NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of 3, 9, and 11-13 were investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, featuring hypercoordinated Si atoms in a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination environment with O atoms in the equatorial plane. The structure of the side product [N(CH2C6H2Me2O)3Si]2O (6) was also studied, indicating highly tetrahedrally distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment at the Si atoms, which was confirmed by crystal density functional theory calculations indicating the very weak Si ← N interaction. The Si···N interatomic distances span a broad range (2.23-2.78 Å). The dependence of structural and NMR parameters for hypercoordinated catenated compounds from the type of the ligand was established.