Alkali metal complexes of 6-methyl-2-pyridone: simple formulae, but not so simple structures.

Reaction of 6-methyl-2-pyridone (Hmhp) with Na or K metal, or with Rb or Cs 2-ethylhexoxide, in an appropriate single or mixed solvent, yields a series of solvated polymeric complexes with the empirical formulae M(mhp)(H2O)2 [(1), M = Na; (2), M = K], M(mhp)(H2O) [(3), M = Rb; (4), M = Cs] and Cs(mhp)(ROH) [(5), R = Me; (6), R = Et]. All of the products have been crystallographically characterized and show sheet polymeric structures, except for a double-chain structure for (2). In all of the structures, mhp(-) and solvent molecules function as bridging ligands; two metal ions are bridged (µ2) by each solvent molecule in (1), (5) and (6), while (2) contains both µ2 and µ3 triple bridges, and (3) and (4) display highly unusual µ4 quadruple bridging of metal ions by water molecules. The pyridonate O atom bridges two or three metal ions in each case. Nitrogen is also involved in coordination to the heavier metals; it bonds to a single ion in (3) and (4), but has an almost unprecedented bridging role in (5) and (6). As a result of the extensive bridging by ligands, coordination numbers between 6 and 8 are achieved for the metal ions. In each structure, all solvent OH groups form hydrogen bonds to pyridonate O and, in some cases, N atoms. With one exception, these are the first reported pyridonate complexes of the alkali metals Na-Cs that do not also include transition metals.

Synthesis of and evidence for electronic communication within heteromultimetallic tetrakis(NCN-pincer metal)-(metallo)porphyrin hybrids.

Several heteromultimetallic pincer-porphyrin hybrids have been prepared in excellent yields by stepwise metalation of a general precursor, [2H(Br(NCN))(4)], which was designed in such a way so as to guarantee selectivity for either the porphyrin or pincer sites during the metalation steps. First, a metal was introduced in the porphyrin cavity using a metal(II) salt, followed by metalation of the pincer units through oxidative addition to an appropriate metal(0) complex. The resulting multimetallic complexes show an appreciable amount of intramolecular communication between the meso-pincer metal groups and the central metalloporphyrin component. This was manifested in changes of the optical and ligand-binding properties of the metalloporphyrin part upon reactions at the peripheral pincer sites.

Consequences of N,C,N'- and C,N,N'-coordination modes on electronic and photophysical properties of cyclometalated aryl ruthenium(II) complexes.

The effects of isoelectronic replacement of a neutral nitrogen donor atom by an anionic carbon atom in terpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes on the electronic and photophysical properties of the resulting N,C,N'- and C,N,N'-cyclometalated aryl ruthenium(II) complexes were investigated. To this end, a series of complexes was prepared either with ligands containing exclusively nitrogen donor atoms, that is, [Ru(R(1)-tpy)(R(2)-tpy)](2+) (R(1), R(2) = H, CO(2)Et), or bearing either one N,C,N'- or C,N,N'-cyclometalated ligand and one tpy ligand, that is, [Ru(R(1)-N(/\)C(/\)N)(R(2)-tpy)](+) and [Ru(R(1)-C(/\)N(/\)N)(R(2)-tpy)](+), respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations showed that cyclometalation does not significantly alter the overall geometry of the complexes but does change the bond lengths around the ruthenium(II) center, especially the nitrogen-to-ruthenium bond length trans to the carbanion. Substitution of either of the ligands with electron-withdrawing ester functionalities fine-tuned the electronic properties and resulted in the presence of an IR probe. Using trends obtained from redox potentials, emission energies, IR spectroelectrochemical responses, and the character of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals from DFT studies, it is shown that the first reduction process and luminescence are associated with the ester-substituted C,N,N'-cyclometalated ligand in [Ru(EtO(2)C-C(/\)N(/\)N)(tpy)](+). Cyclometalation in an N,C,N'-bonding motif changed the energetic order of the ruthenium d(zx), d(yz), and d(xy) orbitals. The red-shifted absorption in the N,C,N'-cyclometalated complexes is assigned to MLCT transitions to the tpy ligand. The red shift observed upon introduction of the ester moiety is associated with an increase in intensity of low-energy transitions, rather than a red shift of the main transition. Cyclometalation in the C,N,N'-binding motif also red-shifts the absorption, but the corresponding transition is associated with both ligand types. Luminescence of the cyclometalated complexes is relatively independent of the mode of cyclometalation, obeying the energy gap law within each individual series.

The assembly of supramolecular boxes and coordination polymers based on bis-zinc-salphen building blocks.

We report the assembly of supramolecular boxes and coordination polymers based on a rigid bis-zinc(II)-salphen complex and various ditopic nitrogen ligands. The use of the bis-zinc(II)-salphen building block in combination with small ditopic nitrogen ligands gave organic coordination polymers both in solution as well as in the solid state. Molecular modeling shows that supramolecular boxes with small internal cavities can be formed. However, the inability to accommodate solvent molecules (such as toluene) in these cavities explains why coordination polymers are prevailing over well-defined boxes, as it would lead to an energetically unfavorable vacuum. In contrast, for relatively longer ditopic nitrogen ligands, we observed the selective formation of supramolecular box assemblies in all cases studied. The approach can be easily extended to chiral analogues by using chiral ditopic nitrogen ligands.

One-dimensional, cofacial porphyrin polymers formed by self-assembly of meso-tetrakis(ERE donor) zinc(II) porphyrins.

A series of meso-tetrakis-(ERE donor) zinc(II) porphyrins nZn (ERE donor = 4-R-3,5-bis[(E)-methyl]phenyl; 1Zn: E = NMe2, R = Br; 2Zn: E = NMe2, R = H; 3Zn: E = OMe, R = Br; 4Zn: E = OMe, R = H) have been synthesized in excellent yields. As a result of the combination of a Lewis acidic site and eight Lewis basic sites within one molecule, monomeric molecules of nZn self-assemble to form one-dimensional porphyrin polymers [nZn](infinity) in the solid state, as confirmed for 1Zn and 3Zn by X-ray crystallography. The coordination environment around the zinc(II) ions in these polymers is octahedral. They are ligated by four equatorial nitrogen atoms of the porphyrin and two apical E atoms (E = N, O) provided by the EBrE donor groups of adjacent nZn molecules. Complexes 2Zn and 4Zn did not form single crystals, but solid-state UV/Vis analysis points to the formation of similar structures. Solution UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy indicated that interactions between 1Zn and 2Zn monomers in the polymers are stronger than between 3Zn and 4Zn monomers. Interestingly, they also revealed that the presence of a neighboring bromine atom in the EBrE donor groups has a considerable influence on the coordination properties of the benzylic N or O atoms. The zinc(II) ions of the porphyrins most likely adopt only hexacoordination in the solid state, owing to the unique predisposition of Lewis acidic and basic sites in the nZn molecules. Several parameters of the aggregates, for example, the interplanar separation between porphyrins and the zinc-zinc distances, change as a function of the coordinating E groups. The high degree of modularity in their synthesis makes these zinc(II) porphyrins an interesting new entry in noncovalent multiporphyrin assemblies.

Metal-directed self-assembly of a Zn(II)-salpyr complex into a supramolecular vase structure.

A new type of supramolecular building block, Zn(II)-salpyr [salpyr = N,N'-3-pyridylenebis(salicylideneimine)], is described that contains both a pyridyl donor and a Lewis acidic Zn(II) acceptor site in the salen framework. As a consequence, this building block self-organizes into a stable tetrameric vase structure via cooperative intermolecular Zn-N(pyr) interactions.

Rigid bis-zinc(II) salphen building blocks for the formation of template-assisted bidentate ligands and their application in catalysis.

The template-induced formation of chelating bidentate ligands by the selective self-assembly of two monodentate pyridyl phosphorus ligands on a rigid bis-zinc(II) salphen template with two identical binding sites was studied. Using UV-vis, NMR-spectroscopy and X-ray analysis the formed structures were unambiguously proven. The application of these templated bidentate ligands in transition metal catalysis showed, in most cases, typical bidentate character. Compared to previous work based on a more flexible bis-zinc(II) porphyrin template, the current catalytic data suggest that the rigidity of the template is not an important factor for the improvement of the regio- and enantioselectivity under the applied reaction conditions.

Three new asymmetric trans-amine(azole)dichloridoplatinum complexes that overcome cisplatin resistance and their reactions with 5'-GMP.

Three new asymmetric platinum(II) complexes comprising an isopropylamine ligand trans to an azole ligand were synthesized and fully characterized by (1)H NMR, (195)Pt NMR, IR and elemental analysis. In addition the X-ray crystal structure of all three complexes was determined. The reaction kinetics of the complexes with DNA model base guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP) was studied, revealing reaction kinetics comparable to cisplatin. To gain insight in the complexes as potential antitumor agents, cytotoxicity assays were performed on a variety of human tumor cell lines. These assays showed the complexes all to possess cytotoxicity profiles comparable to cisplatin. Furthermore, the complexes largely retain their activity in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line resistant to cisplatin, A2780R, compared to the cisplatin sensitive parent cell line A2780. These results are of fundamental importance, illustrating how platinum complexes of trans geometry can show improved activity compared to cisplatin in both cisplatin sensitive and cisplatin resistant cell lines.

Stoichiometry-dependent structures: an X-ray and neutron single-crystal diffraction study of the effect of reaction stoichiometry on the crystalline products formed in the potassium-cyanurate system.

Reaction of cyanuric acid (C(3)H(3)N(3)O(3); neutral form CYH(3); anionic form CYH_2;-; dianionic form CYH(2-)) with K(2)CO(3) or KOH in aqueous solution gave three different crystalline products, according to the reaction stoichiometry used. The structures of two products were easily determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: [K(CYH(2))(H(2)O)], (1), of which the crystal structure is already known [Marsh, R. E. et al. (2002). Acta Cryst. B58, 62-77], and [K(2)(CYH)], (2), a highly symmetrical and dense structure. Further stoichiometric variation produced another new complex, (3), and reaction of Rb(2)CO(3) with CYH(3) yielded a further product, (4), which was found to be isostructural with (3). Determination of the structures of (3) and (4) by X-ray diffraction gave a result that was chemically unreasonable owing to a charge imbalance, with the asymmetric unit apparently containing 2- against 1.5+ (partial charges as the result of crystallographic mirror symmetry). A single-crystal neutron diffraction analysis carried out on a fully deuterated sample of (3) revealed the presence of a supercell, with the c axis doubled compared with the X-ray result. Subsequent refinement of the structure with this supercell showed that it is the result of just two D atoms breaking crystallographically imposed mirror symmetry, which is otherwise essentially observed by the rest of the structure. This minor deviation from pseudo-symmetry could not be identified by X-ray diffraction. Thus, single-crystal neutron diffraction data revealed that the true chemical formula of the structure of (3) [and presumably also of the isostructural (4) with Rb instead of K and H instead of D], is [K(3)(C(3)D(2)N(3)O(3))(3)(C(3)D(3)N(3)O(3))(D(2)O)(4)], the deuterated form of [K(3)(CYH(2))(3)(CYH(3))(H(2)O)(4)].

New antitumour active platinum compounds containing carboxylate ligands in trans geometry: synthesis, crystal structure and biological activity.

New asymmetric trans-platinum(II) complexes, composed of an isopropylamine, an azole and two carboxylate leaving groups, are presented. The crystal and molecular structures of one of the complexes has been determined and the cytotoxicity and reactivity with 5'-guanosine monophosphate is reported. The complexes show a reduced reactivity, but no decrease in cytotoxic activity compared to their chloro-counterparts. Furthermore the complexes largely overcome cisplatin resistance, they therefore present an interesting class of antitumour active trans-platinum complexes.

Template-assisted ligand encapsulation; the impact of an unusual coordination geometry on a supramolecular pyridylphosphine-Zn(II)porphyrin assembly.

The tris(para-pyridyl)phosphine template (1) has been used in conjunction with a series of meso-substituted Zn(II)-tetraphenylporphyrins complexes (2-10) to create supramolecular encapsulated ligand assemblies via Zn-N(pyr) interactions. The structural features of supramolecular ligand 1.[2](3) have been investigated in detail using X-ray crystallography, NMR specroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The pyridylphosphine-porphyrin stoichiometry determined in solution (1:3) differs markedly with that observed in the solid state (2:5, for assembly [1](2).[2](5)). The difference originates from an unusual coordination behavior of one of the Zn centers, which is octahedrally surrounded through double axial coordination by the pyridyl groups of the two different molecules of 1.

Selective copper(II)-mediated oxidative coupling of a nucleophilic reagent to the para-methyl group of 2,4,6-trimethylphenol.

A copper(II) neocuproine system has been developed for the efficient and very selective 1,6-addition of a nucleophile to the para-methyl group of 2,4,6-trimethylphenol. Crystallographic and spectroscopic data point towards the involvement of a micro-methoxo-micro-phenoxo-bridged copper species which appears to generate a highly reactive quinone methide intermediate that can be attacked by a nucleophilic reagent.

New diphosphine ligands based on diphenyl ether for the Pd-catalyzed CO/ethene copolymerization.

The catalytic activity and selectivity of palladium(II) complexes of new, flexible bidentate ligands in the CO/ethene copolymerization reaction have been found to change considerably with the steric properties of the ligands.

Zn(II)-salphen complexes as versatile building blocks for the construction of supramolecular box assemblies.

Zn(II)-salphen complexes are readily accessible and interesting supramolecular building blocks with a large structural diversity. Higher-order supramolecular assemblies, such as molecular boxes based on a bis-Zn(II)-salphen building block and various ditopic bipyridine ligands, have been constructed by means of supramolecular, coordinative Zn(II)-N(pyr) interactions. The use of bipyridine ligands of differing sizes enables the construction of structures with predefined box diameters. The features of the 2:2 box assemblies were investigated in detail by (variable temperature) NMR spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, NMR titrations, and X-ray crystallographic studies. The spectroscopic studies reveal a high association constant for the Zn(II)-salphen-pyridyl motif, which lies in the range 10(5)-10(6) M(-1). The strong interaction between the Zn(II) center and pyridine donors was supported by PM3 calculations that showed a relatively high Lewis acid character of the metal center in the salphen complex. Titration curves monitored by UV-visible show a cooperative effect between the two bipyridine ligands upon complexation to the bis-Zn(II) template, suggesting the formation of 2:2 complexes. The crystal structures of two supramolecular boxes have been determined. In both examples such a 2:2 assembly is present in the solid state, and the box size is different because they consist of different building blocks. Interestingly, the box assemblies line up in the solid state to form porous channels that are potentially useful in a number of applications.

Chiral bidentate aminophosphine ligands: synthesis, coordination chemistry and asymmetric catalysis.

Chiral aminophosphines Ph2PN(R)(CH2)nN(R)PPh2 1-4 [n= 2, R = CH(CH3)(Ph) 1; n= 3, R = CH(CH2CH3)(Ph) 2, n= 2, R = CH(CH3)(1-naphthyl) 3; n= 2, R = CH(CH3)(C6H11) 4] were synthesized by the reaction of ClPPh2 with the appropriate easily accessible enantiopure amine building blocks. For compounds 1 and 2, the corresponding selenides 5 and 6 were prepared to determine the electronic character of the phosphine moieties. By reaction of 1 with either PdCl2(cod) or PdCl(CH3)(cod) the cis-complexes 7 and 8 were obtained. The molecular structure for complex 7, cis-[PdCl2(1)], was determined by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of PtCl2(cod) with 1 or 2 yielded the corresponding monomeric cis-isomers 9 and 10. The rhodium derivative [RhCl(CO)(1)] (11) was obtained as a mixture of cis and trans-isomers. Preliminary results in the rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation of styrene and vinyl acetate, with ee's up to 51% and high regioselectivities, showed the potential of these chiral aminophosphines for homogeneous catalysis.

A homologous series of regioselectively tetradeprotonated group 8 metallocenes: new inverse crown ring compounds synthesized via a mixed sodium-magnesium tris(diisopropylamide) synergic base.

Subjecting ferrocene, ruthenocene, or osmocene to the synergic amide base sodium-magnesium tris(diisopropylamido) affords a unique homologous series of metallocene derivatives of general formula [(M(C(5)H(3))(2))Na(4)Mg(4)(i-Pr(2)N)(8)] (where M = Fe (1), Ru (2), or Os (3)). X-ray crystallographic studies of 1-3 reveal a common molecular "inverse crown" structure comprising a 16-membered [(NaNMgN)(4)](4+) "host" ring and a metallocenetetraide [M(C(5)H(3))(2)](4-) "guest" core, the cleaved protons of which are lost selectively from the 1, 1', 3, and 3'-positions. Variable-temperature NMR spectroscopic studies indicate that 1, 2, and 3 each exist as two distinct interconverting conformers in arene solution, the rates of exchange of which have been calculated using coalescence and EXSY NMR measurements.

Regioselective Tetrametalation of Ferrocene in a Single Reaction: Extension of s-Block Inverse Crown Chemistry to the d-Block.

Remarkably, four hydrogen atoms have been regioselectively removed from the 1,1',3,3'-positions of ferrocene in a single reaction leading to the formation of the new macrocyclic host-guest complex [{Fe(C5 H3 )2 }Na4 Mg4 {iPr2 N}8 ]. This novel addition to the s-block metal inverse crown family possesses a tetrasodium-tetramagnesium amido (Na4 Mg4 N8 )4+ ring to complete a series of 8, 12, 16, and 24-membered rings.