Synthesis of nitrogen mustards on cobalt(III).

Bis(bidentate) and bis(tridentate) Co(III) complexes of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (heen), 2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethan-1-olate (heen-H), or N-(2-chloroethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (ceen) ligands have been synthesised, and a range of reaction conditions established for their syntheses by different routes. They can all be ultimately derived from (OC-6-12')-[Co(heen)2(NO2)2]NO3 and provide access to the trans amine trans chloride nitrogen mustard complex, (OC-6-12')-[Co(ceen)2(Cl)2]Cl. Although complex isomeric mixtures were obtained from the reaction of (OC-6-12')-[Co(heen)2(NO2)2]NO3 under different reaction conditions, ultimately, the trans amine trans chlorido configuration around the Co(III) metal centre of the (OC-6-12')-[Co(ceen)2(Cl)2]Cl complex was favoured.

Enantioselective synthesis of hydantoins by chiral acid-catalysed condensation of glyoxals and ureas.

Hydantoins are important scaffolds in natural products and pharmaceuticals, with only a few synthetic strategies available for their asymmetric preparation. We herein describe a single-step enantioselective synthesis of 5-monosubstituted hydantoins via condensation of glyoxals and ureas in the presence of a chiral phosphoric acid at room temperature. Products were formed in up to 99% yield and 98 : 2 e.r. Using mechanistic and kinetic studies, including time course 1H NMR monitoring, we revealed that the reaction likely proceeds via face-selective protonation of an enol-type intermediate.

Size-activity threshold of titanium dioxide-supported Cu cluster in CO oxidation.

Development of non-noble metal cluster catalysts, aiming at concurrently high activity and stability, for emission control systems has been challenging because of sintering and overcoating of clusters on the support. In this work, we reported the role of well-dispersed copper nanoclusters supported on TiO2 in CO oxidation under industrially relevant operating conditions. The catalyst containing 0.15 wt% Cu on TiO2 (0.15 CT) exhibited a high dispersion (59.1%), a large specific surface area (381 m2/gCu), a small particle size (1.77 nm), and abundant active sites (75.8% Cu2O). The CO oxidation activity measured by the turnover frequency (TOF) was found to be enhanced from 0.60 × 10-3 to 3.22 × 10-3 molCO·molCu-1·s-1 as the copper loading decreased from 5 to 0.15 wt%. A CO conversion of approximately 60% was still observed in the supported cluster catalyst with a Cu loading of 5 wt% at 240 °C. No deactivation was observed for catalysts with low copper loading (0.15 and 0.30 CT) after 8 h of time-on-stream, which compares favorably with less stable Au cluster-based catalysts reported in the literature. In contrast, catalysts with high copper loading (0.75 and 5 CT) showed deactivation over time, which was ascribed to the increase in copper particle size due to metal cluster agglomeration. This study elucidated the size-activity threshold of TiO2-supported Cu cluster catalysts. It also demonstrated the potential of the supported Cu cluster catalyst at a typical temperature range of diesel engines at light-load. The supported Cu cluster catalyst could be a promising alternative to noble metal cluster catalysts for emission control systems.

A Discrete Chloride Monohydrate: A Solid-State Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization.

The solid-state structure of a discrete chloride monohydrate species, [Cl(H2O)]-, is reported for the first time. It was isolated as a salt of the tris(dipropylamino)cyclopropenium cation and has been structurally characterized by X-ray and neutron diffraction. Infrared (IR), far-infrared, and Raman spectroscopic studies were also carried out. Additionally, the D2O and HDO isotopomers were investigated. Of the six fundamental vibrational modes, only the out-of-plane bend ν3 was not observed as it forms an IR- and Raman-inactive local mode phonon.

Pyrazine-bridged Cu(ii) chains: diaquabis(n-methyl-2-pyridone)copper(ii) perchlorate complexes.

A family of pyrazine-bridged, linear chain complexes of Cu(ii) of the formula [CuL2(H2O)2(pz)](ClO4)2 [pz = pyrazine; L = n-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone, n = 3 (1), 5 (2), and 6 (3)] has been prepared. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows six-coordinate, pyrazine-bridged chains with trans-pairs of ancillary ligands. The substituted pyridine molecules exist in their pyridone tautomers and are coordinated through the carbonyl oxygen atom. The structure is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the pyridone and water molecule, and via hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and perchlorate ions. 2 undergoes a crystallographic phase transition between C2/c (high temperature phase) and P1[combining macron] (low temperature phase). Powder EPR spectra reveal that all complexes are rhombic, although differences between gx and gy can only be seen clearly at Q-band. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility data show antiferromagnetic interactions and the data were fit to the uniform chain model yielding J/kB = -9.8, -9.2 and -11 K for 1-3 respectively. Attempts to model an interchain interaction strength indicate that the chains are very well isolated.

Solvent Dependent Spin-Crossover and Photomagnetic Properties in an Imidazolylimine FeII Complex.

The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of an FeII complex [Fe(L1)3 ](ClO4 )2 ⋅CH3 CN⋅0.5H2 O, 1, incorporating a bidentate imidazolylimine-based ligand are reported. Complex 1 crystallises as the mer-isomer and the crystal lattice is replete with hydrogen bonding interactions between ClO4 - anions, solvent molecules and imidazole N-H groups. Variable-temperature structural, magnetic, photomagnetic and optical reflectivity techniques have been deployed to fully characterise the spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour in 1 along with its desolvated phase, 1⋅desolv. Variable-temperature (1.8-300 K) magnetic-susceptibility measurements reveal a broad two-step full SCO for 1 (T1/2 =158 and 184 K) and photomagnetic experiments at 10 K under white-light irradiation revealed complete photo-induced SCO. 1⋅desolv displays considerably different magnetic behaviour with sharp single-step SCO accompanied by a thermal hysteresis (T1/2↑ =105 K, T1/2↓ =95 K) in addition to full photo-induced SCO at lower temperatures.

Clinical Utility of Multi-Energy Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography in Crystal Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether novel multi-energy spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) imaging can detect and differentiate between monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), and hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposits ex vivo. METHODS: A finger with a subcutaneous gouty tophus and a calcified knee meniscus excised at the time of surgery were obtained. The finger was imaged using plain x-ray, dual-energy CT (DECT), and multi-energy SPCCT. Plain x-ray and multi-energy SPCCT images of the meniscus were acquired. For validation purposes, samples of the crystals were obtained from the tophus and meniscus, and examined by polarized light microscopy and/or x-ray diffraction. As further validation, synthetic crystal suspensions of MSU, CPP, and HA were scanned using multi-energy SPCCT. RESULTS: Plain x-ray of the gouty finger revealed bone erosions with overhanging edges. DECT and multi-energy SPCCT both showed MSU crystal deposits; SPCCT was able to show finer detail. Plain x-ray of the calcified meniscus showed chondrocalcinosis consistent with CPP, while SPCCT showed and differentiated CPP and HA. CONCLUSION: Multi-energy SPCCT can not only detect, differentiate, and quantify MSU crystal deposits in a gouty finger ex vivo, but also specifically detect, identify, and quantify CPP within an osteoarthritic meniscus, and distinguish them from HA crystal deposits. There is potential for multi-energy SPCCT to become useful in the diagnosis of crystal arthropathies.

Nanostructured TiO2 anatase-rutile-carbon solid coating with visible light antimicrobial activity.

TiO2 photocatalyst is of interest for antimicrobial coatings on hospital touch-surfaces. Recent research has focused on visible spectrum enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Here, we report TiO2 with a high degree of nanostructure, deposited on stainless steel as a solid layer more than 10 µm thick by pulsed-pressure-MOCVD. The TiO2 coating exhibits a rarely-reported microstructure comprising anatase and rutile in a composite with amorphous carbon. Columnar anatase single crystals are segmented into 15-20 nm thick plates, resulting in a mille-feuilles nanostructure. Polycrystalline rutile columns exhibit dendrite generation resembling pine tree strobili. We propose that high growth rate and co-deposition of carbon contribute to formation of the unique nanostructures. High vapor flux produces step-edge instabilities in the TiO2, and solid carbon preferentially co-deposits on certain high energy facets. The equivalent effective surface area of the nanostructured coating is estimated to be 100 times higher than standard TiO2 coatings and powders. The coatings prepared on stainless steel showed greater than 3-log reduction in viable E coli after 4 hours visible light exposure. The pp-MOCVD approach could represent an up-scalable manufacturing route for supported catalysts of functional nanostructured materials without having to make nanoparticles.

Varied spin crossover behaviour in a family of dinuclear Fe(ii) triple helicate complexes.

Dinuclear triple-helicate complexes of the formula [Fe2L3](BF4)4·solv (solv = CH3CN, CHCl3, H2O) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The bis-bidentate ligands, L, present either strong-field 2-pyridylimine (1) or weaker-field 2-imidazolylimine (2) and 4-imidazolylimine (3) coordination spheres about Fe(ii) centres in an octahedral geometry. Whereas 1 is pervasively diamagnetic, spin crossover (SCO) behaviour is observed in 2 and 3 and has been studied using variable-temperature structural, UV-visible spectroscopic, magnetic and photo-magnetic techniques. Variable-temperature (1.8-400 K) magnetic-susceptibility measurements reveal the T1/2 values of 2 and 3 to be strongly dependent upon the solvent and degree of solvation. Photomagnetic studies at 10 K under white-light irradiation revealed an inefficient photo-induced SCO in 2, but full switching in 3.

Synthesis and physical properties of tris(dialkylamino)cyclopropenium dicyanamide ionic liquids.

The synthesis and properties of 16 tris(dialkylamino)cyclopropenium (TDAC) cations with the dicyanamide (DCA) anion, [N(CN)2]-, are described. D 3h- and C 3h-symmetric cations ([C3(NR2)3]DCA (R = Me, Et, Pr, Bu, Pent, Hex, Dec) and [C3(NRMe)3]DCA (R = Bu, St), respectively) were synthesised by reaction of C3Cl5H with the corresponding amine. Reaction of the alkoxydiaminocyclopropenium salt [C3(NEt2)2(OMe)]+ with amines led to a series of C 2v-symmetric salts [C3(NEt2)2(NR2)]DCA (R = Me, Bu, Hex) and two C s-symmetric salts and [C3(NEt2)2(NRMe)]DCA (R = Me, Bu). Similarly, [C3(NMe2)2(OMe)]+, was used to prepare the C s-symmetric salts [C3(NMe2)2(NRMe)]DCA (R = Pr, Bu). In addition to characterisation by NMR, mass spectrometry and microanalysis, the salts were characterised by DSC, TGA, density, viscosity, conductivity and miscibility/solubility studies. Comparisons have been made with similar series of bistriflimide (NTf2 -) salts that have been previously reported to see whether the same trends are observed with a different anion.

Ferromagnetic Exchange in Bichloride Bridged Cu(II) Chains: Magnetostructural Correlations between Ordered and Disordered Systems.

The synthesis, structure, magnetic properties, and theoretical analysis of a new phase of dichloro(2-chloro-3-methylpyridine)copper(II) (2) and its isomorphous analogue dichloro(2-bromo-3-methylpyridine)copper(II) (3) are reported. Both complexes crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca and present square pyramidal Cu(II) ions bridged into chains by chloride ions with each copper(II) bearing a single pyridine ligand. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were well fit by a uniform one-dimensional ferromagnetic chain model with 2, J = 69.0(7) K, C = 0.487 emu-K/mol-Oe; 3, J = 73.9(4) K, C = 0.463 emu-K/mol-Oe (H = -JΣSi·Sj Hamiltonian). The experimental J-values were confirmed via theoretical calculations. Comparison to a known disordered polymorph of dichloro(2-chloro-3-methylpyridine)copper(II), 1, shows marked differences as there are significant antiferromagnetic next-nearest neighbor interactions in 1 in addition to randomness induced by the disorder which provide a distinctly different magnetic response. The differences in magnetic behavior are attributed principally to the structural difference in the Cu(II) coordination sphere, 1 being significantly closer to trigonal-bipyramidal, whose difference changes both the nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions.

Cyclopropenium Cations Break the Rules of Attraction to Form Closely Bound Dimers.

The crystal structures of tris(ethylmethylamino)-cyclopropenium chloride and tris(diethylamino)-cyclopropenium iodide reveal the presence of closely bound dicationic dimers formed from two closed-shell monomer units. The distances between the C3 centroids of the staggered monomers are at the short end of those normally found in π-stacked neutral arenes, let alone charged aromatic rings. Computational analysis reveals that short-range interactions are dominated by strong dispersion forces, enabling metastable dicationic dimers to form without covalent intermolecular bonding. Surrounding counterions then provide a background source of charge balance, imparting strong thermodynamic stability to the system. Additionally, these counterions form a weak but attractive electrostatic bridge between the monomer units, contributing to the surprisingly short observed intermolecular C3-C3 centroid distance.

Unexpected furanose/pyranose equilibration of N-glycosyl sulfonamides, sulfamides and sulfamates.

De-protected arabino N-glycosyl sulfamides, sulfonamides and sulfamates were found to mutarotate and convert from the furanose to the thermodynamically more stable pyranose form in aqueous solution. The presence of a strongly electron withdrawing group in the alkyl chain stopped mutarotation and furanose/pyranose equilibration, allowing the isolation of the first unprotected furanose N-glycosyl sulfonamide.

Deliberate boxes and accidental wheels.

This report describes systems which combine the structural and reactive motifs of a dinucleating terpyridine-aminomethylpyridine ligand, L, with the coordination preferences and flexibilities of particular divalent metal ions to form a series of closely related box structures in a deliberate fashion. The ligand also produces unprecedented decanickel wheel complexes. Halogen to aromatic hydrogen interactions may be important in stabilising the decanickel wheel structures.

2-Amino-5-iodopyridinium bromide hemihydrate and 2-amino-5-iodopyridinium chloride monohydrate.

The hydrobromide and hydrochloride salts of 2-amino-5-iodopyridine were prepared from aqueous solutions. The hydrobromide salt, C5H6IN2(+)·Br(-)·0.5H2O, crystallizes as a hemihydrate, and exhibits hydrogen bonding and π-stacking which stabilize the crystal structure. The hydrochloride salt, C5H6IN2(+)·Cl(-)·H2O·0.375HCl, crystallized as the hydrate and exhibits similar hydrogen bonding and π-stacking in the lattice. The most interesting feature of the hydrochloride salt is the presence of an additional fractional HCl molecule which introduces disorder in the location of the water molecule. The additional proton from the fractional HCl molecule is accounted for by the presence of a partial hydronium ion on one of the water sites.

Synthesis, structural and magnetic characterisation of iron(II/III), cobalt(II) and copper(II) cluster complexes of the polytopic ligand: N-(2-pyridyl)-3-carboxypropanamide.

Herein we describe the synthesis, structural and magnetic characterisation of three transition metal cluster complexes that feature the polytopic ligand N-(2-pyridyl)-3-carboxypropanamide (H2L): [Fe3(III)Fe2(II)(HL)6(O)(H2O)3][ClO4]5·3MeCN·4H2O, 1, [Co8(HL)8(O)(OH)4(MeOH)3(H2O)]-[ClO4]3·5MeOH·2H2O, 2, and [Cu6(L(ox))4(MeOH)(H2O)3]·MeOH, 3. Complex 1 is a mixed valence penta-nuclear iron cluster containing the archetypal {Fe3(III)O} triangular basic carboxylate cluster at its core, with two Fe(II) ions above and below the core coordinated to three bidentate pyridyl-amide groups. The structure of the octanuclear Co(II) complex, 2, is based upon a central Co4 square with the remaining four Co(II) centres at the 'wing-tips' of the complex. The cluster core is replete with bridging oxide, hydroxide and carboxylate groups. Cluster 3 contains an oxidised derivative of the ligand, L(ox), generated in situ through hydroxylation of an α-carbon atom. This hexanuclear cluster has a 'barrel-like' core and contains Cu(II) ions in both square planar and square-based pyramidal geometries. Bridging between Cu(II) centres is furnished by alkoxide and carboxylate groups. Magnetic studies on 1-3 reveals dominant antiferro-magnetic interactions for 1 and 2, leading to small non-zero spin ground states, while 3 shows ferro-magnetic exchange between the Cu(II) centres to give an S = 3 spin ground state.

Chemically-synthesised, atomically-precise gold clusters deposited and activated on titania.

Synchrotron XPS was used to investigate a series of chemically-synthesised, atomically-precise gold clusters Au(n)(PPh(3))(y) (n = 8, 9, 11 and 101, with y depending on cluster size) immobilized on titania nanoparticles. The gold clusters were washed with toluene at 100 °C or calcined at 200 °C to remove the organic ligand. From the position of the Au 4f(7/2) peak it is concluded that cluster size is not altered through the deposition. From the analysis of the phosphorous spectra, it can be concluded that the applied heat treatment removes the organic ligands. Washing and calcination leads to partial oxidation and partial agglomeration of the clusters. Oxidation of the clusters is most likely due to the interaction of the cluster core with the oxygen of the titania surface after removal of ligands. The position of the Au 4f(7/2) peak indicates that the size of the agglomerated clusters is still smaller than that of Au(101).

Heterodinuclear ruthenium(II)-cobalt(III) complexes as models for a new approach to selective cancer treatment.

Heterodinuclear ruthenium(II)-cobalt(III) complexes have been prepared as part of investigations into a new approach to selective cancer treatment. A cobalt(III) centre bearing amine ligands, which serve as models for cytotoxic nitrogen mustard ligands, is connected by a bridging ligand to a ruthenium(II)-polypyridyl moiety. Upon excitation of the ruthenium centre by visible light, electron transfer to the cobalt(III) centre results in reduction to cobalt(II) and consequent release of its ligands. We have synthesised several such structures and demonstrated their ability to release ligands upon excitation of the ruthenium centre by visible light.

High diastereoselectivity in borohydride reductions of coordinated imines.

Borohydride reduction of the imine groups in a pyruvate-derived cobalt(III) complex, (OC-6-33')-[Co(Aim(2)trien)](2)[ZnCl(4)], occurs with high diastereoselectivity. The major diastereoisomeric product, (OC-6-33'-ARSSR,CSRRS)-[Co(A(2)trien)]Cl has been isolated and crystallographically characterised. The results from base-induced isomerisation of the major isomer allow us to conclude that most of the remaining material from the reduction reactions (consisting of minor diastereoisomers) differs from the major isomer only in the relative configuration of the coordinated amines. Therefore the initial borohydride attack on the imine groups must have occurred predominantly on the same face of each imine as that which produces the major isomer. The diastereoselectivity of the reaction can be rationalised by proposing hydrogen bonding interactions between the incoming hydride reagent and other donor groups in the complex.