rtl-M-MOFs (M = Cu, Zn) with a T-shaped bifunctional pyrazole-isophthalate ligand showing flexibility and S-shaped Type F-IV sorption isotherms with high saturation uptakes for M = Cu.

Two new rtl-MOFs rtl-[Cu(HIsa-az-dmpz)] and rtl-[Zn(HIsa-az-dmpz)] have been synthesized by using the new bifunctional ligand 5-(4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazolyl)azo)isophthalic acid (H3Isa-az-dmpz). Both frameworks are potentially porous structures with DMF molecules included in the channels of the as synthesized materials. The flexible MOF rtl-[Cu(HIsa-az-dmpz)] undergoes a reversible phase change into a closed form upon activation. Consequently, rtl-[Cu(HIsa-az-dmpz)] shows S-shaped Type F-IV adsorption profiles or a gate-opening effect at cryogenic temperatures with high saturation uptakes of 360 cm3 g-1 for N2 at 77 K and 310 cm3 g-1 for CO2 at 195 K. These profiles together with the reversibility could be reproduced upon repeated measurements on the same materials. The gravimetric high-pressure CO2 adsorption shows a gate-opening at ∼10 bar with an uptake of 332 mg g-1. rtl-[Zn(HIsa-az-dmpz)] undergoes an irreversible transformation into a non-porous phase upon activation.

De Novo Ring-Forming Consecutive Four-Component Syntheses of 4-Pyrazolyl-1,2,3-triazoles from (Triisopropylsilyl)butadiyne as a C4 Building Block.

4-Pyrazolyl-1,2,3-triazoles can be readily synthesized in a one-pot fashion and moderate yield by employing a consecutive four-component process consisting of a sequentially Pd-Cu-catalyzed alkynylation-cyclocondensation-desilylation-CuAAC process. Most distinctly, (triisopropylsilyl)butadiyne is employed as a four-carbon building block in this one-pot de novo formation of both heterocyclic moieties.

Bioactive chemical constituents of Duboscia macrocarpa Bocq., and X-ray diffraction study of 11ß, 12ß-epoxyfriedours-14-en-3α-ol.

A new γ-lactone triterpenoid, Evodoulolide (1) and a new triterpenoid Duboscic acid B (2), along with five known compounds, maslinic acid (3), arboreic acid (4), (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl] prop-2-enamide (5), (E)-heptacos-19-enoic acid (6) and 11ß,12ß-epoxyfriedours-14-en-3α-ol (7) were isolated from the trunk wood of Duboscia macrocarpa. Their structures were elucidated from extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS and by comparison of their spectra with published data. Compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compound 5 was found to be a potent inhibitor (IC50=5.1±0.1µM) of α-glucosidase as compared to acarbose (IC50=625.0±1µM) used as standard drug. These compounds did not show anti-glycation activity using the BSA-MG glycation model or inhibition against the α-chymotrypsin enzyme. The chemotaxonomic connotation of the isolated secondary metabolites is also herein described. The single-crystal X-ray and absolute configuration diffraction analysis of 11α, 12α-epoxyfriedours-14-en-3-ol (7) is also described here for the first time.

Induction of new metabolites from the endophytic fungus Bionectria sp. through bacterial co-culture.

A new alkaloid, 1,2-dihydrophenopyrrozin (1), along with five known compounds (2-6) was isolated from an axenic culture of the endophytic fungus, Bionectria sp., obtained from seeds of the tropical plant Raphia taedigera. Co-cultivation of this fungus either with Bacillus subtilis or with Streptomyces lividans resulted in the production of two new o-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, bionectriamines A and B (7 and 8) as well as of two additional known compounds (9 and 10). None of the latter compounds (7-10) were detected in axenic cultures of the fungus or of the bacteria indicating activation of silent biogenetic gene clusters through co-cultivation with bacteria. The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously determined based on detailed NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with the literature. The crystal structure of agathic acid (6) is reported here for the first time. Penicolinate A (4) exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 with an IC50 value of 4.1µM.

Metal-Organic Frameworks with Internal Urea-Functionalized Dicarboxylate Linkers for SO2 and NH3 Adsorption.

Introduction of a urea R-NH-CO-NH-R group as a seven-membered diazepine ring at the center of 4,4'-biphenyl-dicarboxylic acid leads to a urea-functionalized dicarboxylate linker (L12-) from which four zinc metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could be obtained, having a {Zn4(µ4-O)(O2C-)6} SBU and IRMOF-9 topology (compound [Zn4(µ4-O)(L1)3], 1, from dimethylformamide, DMF) or a {Zn2(O2C-)4} paddle-wheel SBU in a 2D-network (compound [Zn2(L1)2(DEF)2·2.5DEF], 2, from diethylformamide, DEF). Pillaring of the 2D-network of 2 with 4,4'-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) gives 3D frameworks with rhombohedrally distorted pcu-a topologies ([Zn2(L1)2(bipy)], 3 and [Zn2(L1)2(bpe)], 4, respectively). The 3D-frameworks 1, 3, and 4 are 2-fold interpenetrated with ∼50% solvent-accessible volume, albeit of apparently dynamic porous character, such that N2 adsorption at 77 K does not occur, while H2 at 77 K (up to ∼1 wt %) and CO2 at 293 K (∼5 wt %) are adsorbed with large hystereses in these flexible MOFs. The urea-functionalized MOF 3 exhibits an uptake of 10.9 mmol g-1 (41 wt %) of SO2 at 293 K, 1 bar, which appears to be the highest value observed so far. Compounds 3 and 4 adsorb 14.3 mmol g-1 (20 wt %) and 17.8 mmol g-1 (23 wt %) NH3, respectively, which is at the top of the reported values. These high uptake values are traced to the urea functionality and its hydrogen-bonding interactions to the adsorbents. The gas uptake capacities follow the specific porosity of the frameworks, in combination with pore aperture size and affinity constants from fits of the adsorption isotherms.

Cytotoxic 14-Membered Macrolides from a Mangrove-Derived Endophytic Fungus, Pestalotiopsis microspora.

Seven new 14-membered macrolides, pestalotioprolides C (2), D-H (4-8), and 7-O-methylnigrosporolide (3), together with four known analogues, pestalotioprolide B (1), seiricuprolide (9), nigrosporolide (10), and 4,7-dihydroxy-13-tetradeca-2,5,8-trienolide (11), were isolated from the mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of NMR and MS data and by comparison with literature data. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was used to confirm the absolute configurations of 1, 2, and 10, while Mosher's method and the TDDFT-ECD approach were applied to determine the absolute configurations of 5 and 6. Compounds 3-6 showed significant cytotoxicity against the murine lymphoma cell line L5178Y with IC50 values of 0.7, 5.6, 3.4, and 3.9 µM, respectively, while compound 5 showed potent activity against the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 with an IC50 value of 1.2 µM. Structure-activity relationships are discussed. Coculture of P. microspora with Streptomyces lividans caused a roughly 10-fold enhanced accumulation of compounds 5 and 6 compared to axenic fungal control.

Synthesis, X-ray, and Spectroscopic Study of Dissymmetric Tetrahedral Zinc(II) Complexes from Chiral Schiff Base Naphthaldiminate Ligands with Apparent Exception to the ECD Exciton Chirality.

Bidentate enantiopure Schiff base ligands, (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminate (R- or S-N^O), diastereoselectively provide Λ- or Δ-chiral-at-metal four-coordinated Zn(R- or S-N^O)2 {Ar = C6H5; Zn-1R or Zn-1S and p-C6H4OMe; Zn-2R or Zn-2S}. Two R- or S-N^O-chelate ligands coordinate to the zinc(II) in a tetrahedral mode and induce Λ- or Δ-configuration at the zinc metal center. In the solid state, the R- or S-ligand diastereoselectively gives Λ- or Δ-Zn configuration, respectively, and forms enantiopure crystals. Single crystal structure determinations show two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B) in each asymmetric unit to give Z' = 2 structures. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra show the expected mirror image relationship resulting from diastereomeric excess toward the Λ-Zn for R-ligands and Δ-Zn for S-ligands in solution. ECD spectra are well reproduced by TDDFT calculations, while the application of the exciton chirality method, in the common point-dipole approximation, predicts the wrong sign for the long-wavelength couplet. A dynamic diastereomeric equilibrium (Λ vs Δ) prevails for both R- and S-ligand-metal complexes in solution, respectively, evidenced by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Variable temperature (1)H NMR spectra show a temperature-dependent shift of the diastereomeric equilibrium and confirm Δ-Zn configuration (for S-ligand) to be the most stable one and favored at low temperature. DSC analyses provide quantitative diastereomeric excess in the solid state for Zn-2R and Zn-2S, which is comparable to the results of solution studies.

Chirality at metal and helical ligand folding in optical isomers of chiral bis(naphthaldiminato)nickel(II) complexes.

Enantiopure bis[{(R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ(2)N,O}]nickel(ii) complexes {Ar = C6H5 ( or ), p-OMeC6H4 ( or ), and p-BrC6H4 ( or )} are synthesized from the reactions between (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldimine and nickel(ii) acetate. Circular-dichroism spectra and their density-functional theoretical simulation reveal the expected mirror image relationship between the enantiomeric pairs / and / in solution. CD spectra are dominated by the metal-centered Λ- or Δ-chirality of non-planar four-coordinated nickel, this latter being in turn dictated by the ligand chirality. Single crystal structure determination for and shows that there are two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B) in each asymmetric unit that give a Z' = 2 structure. Two asymmetric and chiral bidentate N^O-chelate Schiff base ligands coordinate to the nickel atom in a distorted square planar N2O2-coordination sphere. The conformational difference between the symmetry-independent molecules arises from the "up-or-down" folding of the naphthaldiminato ligand with respect to the coordination plane, which creates right- (P) or left-handed (M) helical conformations. Overall, the combination of ligand chirality, chirality at the metal and ligand folding gives rise to discrete metal helicates of preferred helicity in a selective way. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) show an oxidation wave at ca. 1.30 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2](+) couple, and a reduction wave at ca. -0.35 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2](-) couple in acetonitrile.

Novel C,N-Cyclometalated Benzimidazole Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes as Antitumor and Antiangiogenic Agents: A Structure-Activity Relationship Study.

A series of novel C,N-cyclometalated benzimidazole ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes of the types [(η(6)-p-cymene)RuCl(κ(2)-N,C-L)] and [(η(5)-C5Me5)IrCl(κ(2)-N,C-L)] (HL = methyl 1-butyl-2-arylbenzimidazolecarboxylate) with varying substituents (H, Me, F, CF3, MeO, NO2, and Ph) in the R4 position of the phenyl ring of 2-phenylbenzimidazole chelating ligand of the ruthenium (3a-g) and iridium complexes (4a-g) have been prepared. The cytotoxic activity of the new ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) compounds has been evaluated in a panel of cell lines (A2780, A2780cisR, A427, 5637, LCLC, SISO, and HT29) in order to investigate structure-activity relationships. Phenyl substitution at the R4 position shows increased potency in both Ru and Ir complexes (3g and 4g, respectively) as compared to their parent compounds (3a and 4a) in all cell lines. In general, ruthenium complexes are more active than the corresponding iridium complexes. The new ruthenium and iridium compounds increased caspase-3 activity in A2780 cells, as shown for 3a,d and 4a,d. Compound 4g is able to increase the production of ROS in A2780 cells. Furthermore, all the new compounds are able to overcome the cisplatin resistance in A2780cisR cells. In addition, some of the metal complexes effectively inhibit angiogenesis in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926 at 0.5 µM, the ruthenium derivatives 3g (Ph) and 3d (CF3) being the best performers. QC calculations performed on some ruthenium model complexes showed only moderate or slight electron depletion at the phenyl ring of the C,N-cyclometalated ligand and the chlorine atom on increasing the electron withdrawing effect of the R substituent.

Proton conduction and long-range ferrimagnetic ordering in two isostructural Copper(II) mesoxalate metal-organic frameworks.

Two compounds of formula {(H3O)[Cu7(Hmesox)5(H2O)7]·9H2O}n (1a) and {(NH4)0.6(H3O)0.4[Cu7(Hmesox)5(H2O)7]·11H2O}n (1b) were prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (H4mesox = mesoxalic acid, 2-dihydroxymalonic acid). The compounds are crystalline functional metal-organic frameworks exhibiting proton conduction and magnetic ordering. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that the copper(II) ions are strongly ferro- and antiferromagnetically coupled by the alkoxide and carboxylate bridges of the mesoxalate linker to yield long-range magnetic ordering with a Tc of 17.6 K, which is reached by a rare mechanism known as topologic ferrimagnetism. Electric conductivity, measured by impedance methods, shows values as high as 6.5 × 10(-5) S cm(-1) and occurs by proton exchange among the hydronium/ammonium and water molecules of crystallization, which fill the voids left by the three-dimensional copper(II) mesoxalate anionic network.

Solvation-induced helicity inversion of pseudotetrahedral chiral copper(II) complexes.

The helicity of four-coordinated nonplanar complexes is strongly correlated to the chirality of the ligand. However, the stereochemical induction of either the Δ- or the Λ-configuration at the metal ion is also modulated by environmental factors that change the conformational distribution of ligand rotamers. Calculation of the potential energy surface of bis{(R)-N-(1-(4-X-phenyl)ethyl)salicylaldiminato-κ(2)N,O}copper(II) with X = Cl at the density functional theory level showed a clear dependence of the helicity-determining angle θ between the two coordination planes on the relative population of different ligand conformers. The influence of different substituents (X = H, Cl, Br, and OCH3) on complex helicity was studied by determination of the absolute configuration at the metal ion in complexes with either (R)- or (S)-configured ligands. X-ray single-crystal analysis showed that (R)-configured ligands with H, Cl, Br induce Δ, while OCH3-substituted (R)-configured ligands induce Λ in the solid state. According to vibrational circular dichroism and electronic circular dichroism studies in solution, however, all tested complexes with (R)-ligands exhibited a propensity for Δ, with high diastereomeric ratio for X = Cl and X = Br and moderate diastereomeric ratio for X = H and X = OCH3 substituted ligands. Therefore, solvation of copper complexes with X = OCH3 goes along with helicity inversion. This solid-state versus solution study demonstrates that it is not sufficient to determine the chiral-at-metal configuration of a compound by X-ray crystallography alone, because the solution structure can be different. This is particularly important for the use of chiral-at-metal complexes as catalysts in stereoselective synthesis.

Charge-density distribution and electrostatic flexibility of ZIF-8 based on high-resolution X-ray diffraction data and periodic calculations.

The electron-density distribution in a prototypical porous coordination polymer ZIF-8 has been obtained in an approach combining high-resolution X-ray diffraction data and Invariom refinement. In addition, the periodic quantum-chemical calculation has been used to describe the theoretical density features of ZIF-8 in the same geometry (m1) and also in a "high-pressure" form of ZIF-8 (m2) characterized by conformational change with respect to the methylimidazolate linker. A thorough comparison of the electronic and electrostatic properties in two limiting structural forms of ZIF-8 proposes additional aspects on diffusion and adsorption processes occurring within the framework. The dimensions of the four-membered (FM) and six-membered (SM) apertures of the ß cage are reliably determined from the total electron-density distribution. The analysis shows that FM in m2 becomes competitive in size to the SM aperture and should be considered for the diffusion of small molecules and cations. Bader's topological analysis (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) shows similar properties of both ZIF-8 forms. On the other hand, analysis of their electrostatic properties reveals tremendous differences. The study suggests exceptional electrostatic flexibility of the ZIF-8 framework, where small conformational changes lead to a significantly different electrostatic potential (EP) distribution, a feature that could be important for the function and dynamics of the ZIF-8 framework. The cavity surface in m1 contains 38 distinct regions with moderately positive, negative, or neutral EP and weakly positive EP in the cavity volume. In contrast to m1, the m2 form displays only two regions of different EP, with the positive one taking the whole cavity surface and the strong negative one localized entirely in the FM apertures. The EP in the cavity volume is also more positive than that in m1. A pronounced influence of the linker reorientation on the EP of the ZIF-8 forms is related to the high symmetry of the system and to an amplification of the electrostatic properties by cooperative effects of the proximally arranged structural fragments.

The Ugi four-component reaction as a concise modular synthetic tool for photo-induced electron transfer donor-anthraquinone dyads.

Phenothiazinyl and carbazolyl-donor moieties can be covalently coupled to an anthraquinone acceptor unit through an Ugi four-component reaction in a rapid, highly convergent fashion and with moderate to good yields. These novel donor-acceptor dyads are electronically decoupled in the electronic ground state according to UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. However, in the excited state the inherent donor luminescence is efficiently quenched. Previously performed femtosecond spectroscopic measurements account for a rapid exergonic depopulation of the excited singlet states into a charge-separated state. Calculations of the Gibbs energy of photo-induced electron transfer from readily available UV-vis spectroscopic and cyclovoltammetric data applying the Weller approximation enables a quick evaluation of these novel donor-acceptor dyads. In addition, the X-ray structure of a phenothiazinyl-anthraquinone dyad supports short donor-acceptor distances by an intramolecular π-stacking conformation, an important assumption also implied in the calculations of the Gibbs energies according to the Weller approximation.

Induced chirality-at-metal and diastereoselectivity at Δ/Λ-configured distorted square-planar copper complexes by enantiopure Schiff base ligands: combined circular dichroism, DFT and X-ray structural studies.

Bidentate enantiopure Schiff base ligands, (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ(2)N,O, diastereoselectively yield Δ/Λ-chiral four-coordinated, non-planar Cu(N^O)2 complexes [Ar = C6H5 R/S-L1, m-C6H4OMe R-L2, p-C6H4OMe R/S-L3, and p-C6H4Br R/S-L4]. Two N,O-chelate ligands coordinate to the copper(II) atom in distorted square-planar mode, and induce metal-centered Δ/Λ-chirality at the copper atom in the C2-symmetric complexes. In the solid state, the R-L1 (or R-L4) ligand chirality diastereoselectively induces a Λ-Cu configuration in Λ-Cu-R-L1 (or Λ-Cu-R-L4), the S-L1 ligand a Δ-Cu configuration in Δ-Cu-S-L1, forming enantiopure crystals upon crystallization. Conversely, the R-L2 ligand combines both Λ/Δ-Cu-R-L2 as a diastereomeric pair in the crystals. In solution, electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra show full or partial diastereoselectivity towards Λ-Cu for R ligands and towards Δ-Cu for S ligands. The electronic CD spectra measured on all complexes obtained from R ligands (or S ligands), e.g. Cu-R-L1, Cu-R-L2, Cu-R-L3, and Cu-R-L4 (or Cu-S-L1, Cu-S-L3, and Cu-S-L4), show consistent spectral features. TDDFT calculations of the electronic CD spectra for the diastereomers Λ-Cu-R-L1 and Δ-Cu-R-L1 suggest that the CD spectra are largely dominated by the configuration at the metal center (Λ vs. Δ). The experimental CD spectrum of Cu-R-L1 agrees well with the one calculated for the Λ-Cu-R-L1 configuration. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu-R-L1 reveals a quasi-reversible redox wave corresponding to one-electron transfer for the [Cu(II)L2](0)/[Cu(I)L2](-1) couple in acetonitrile. DSC analyses for the complexes show an exothermic peak between 377 and 478 K (ΔH = -12 to -43 kJ mol(-1)), corresponding to a phase transformation from distorted square-planar/tetrahedral to regular tetrahedral geometry on heating.