Di-tert-butyltin(IV) 2-pyridyl and 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidyl thiolates: versatile single source precursors for the preparation of SnS nanoplatelets as anode material for lithium ion batteries.

New air and moisture stable di-tert-butyltin complexes derived from 2-mercaptopyridine (HSpy), [tBu2Sn(Spy)2], [tBu2Sn(Cl)(Spy)] and 4,6-dimethyl-2-mercaptopyrimidine (HSpymMe2) [tBu2Sn(Cl)(SpymMe2)], have been prepared and utilized as single-source molecular precursors for the preparation of orthorhombic SnS nanoplatelets by a hot injection method and thin films by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD). The complexes were characterized by NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn) and elemental analysis and their structures were unambiguously established by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Thermolysis of these complexes in oleylamine (OAm) produced SnS nanoplatelets. The morphologies, elemental compositions, phase purity and crystal structures of the resulting Oam-capped nanoplatelets were determined by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and pXRD, while the band gaps of the nanoplatelets were evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and were blue shifted relative to the bulk material. The morphology and preferential growth of the nanoplatelets were found to be significantly altered by the nature of the molecular precursor employed. The synthesized SnS nanoplatelets were evaluated for their performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). A cell comprised of an SnS electrode could be cycled for 50 cycles. The rate capability of SnS was investigated at different current densities in the range 0.1 to 0.7 A g-1 which revealed that the initial capacity could be regained.

3,3'-Diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA): A redox active multifunctional molecule of biological relevance.

BACKGROUND: Extensive research is being carried out globally to design and develop new selenium compounds for various biological applications such as antioxidants, radio-protectors, anti-carcinogenic agents, biocides, etc. In this pursuit, 3,3'-diselenodipropionic acid (DSePA), a synthetic organoselenium compound, has received considerable attention for its biological activities. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review intends to give a comprehensive account of research on DSePA so as to facilitate further research activities on this organoselenium compound and to realize its full potential in different areas of biological and pharmacological sciences. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: It is an interesting diselenide structurally related to selenocystine. It shows moderate glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like activity and is an excellent scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure to radiation, as envisaged during radiation therapy, has been associated with normal tissue side effects and also with the decrease in selenium levels in the body. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of DSePA has confirmed its ability to reduce radiation induced side effects into normal tissues. Administration of DSePA through intraperitoneal (IP) or oral route to mice in a dose range of 2 to 2.5 mg/kg body weight has shown survival advantage against whole body irradiation and a significant protection to lung tissue against thoracic irradiation. Pharmacokinetic profiling of DSePA suggests its maximum absorption in the lung. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Research work on DSePA reported in fifteen years or so indicates that it is a promising multifunctional organoselenium compound exhibiting many important activities of biological relevance apart from radioprotection.

Internally functionalized multifaceted organochalcogen compounds.

Two families of internally functionalized multifaceted organochalcogen compounds based on flexible and rigid backbones, viz., N,N-dimethylaminoalkyl and pyridyl/pryrimidyl groups, have been designed and developed in the author's group. These compounds exhibit remarkable ligand chemistry and often show unprecedented reactivity leading to the formation of several serendipitous products. The presence of both soft (chalcogen) and hard (nitrogen) donor atoms makes them hemilabile ligands which facilitates the design of palladium based homogeneous catalysts for C-C coupling and other related reactions. Pyridyl and pyrimidyl based chalcogenolato complexes of Group 10-15 metals have been successfully employed as molecular precursors for the preparation of metal chalcogenide nano-crystals and for deposition of thin films. By making a suitable choice of chalcogenolate ligands and reaction conditions, a single phasic material can be isolated conveniently. 2-Pyridyl and 2-pyrimidyl ring systems, being important constituents of several biological molecules, several selenium based 2-pyridyl and 2-pyrimidyl compounds show promising GPx mimicking activity. The substituents at the C-3 position play a key role in governing the molecular structure as well as GPx activity.

Effect of Molecular Interactions on Electron-Transfer and Antioxidant Activity of Bis(alkanol)selenides: A Radiation Chemical Study.

Understanding electron-transfer processes is crucial for developing organoselenium compounds as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. To find new redox-active selenium antioxidants, we have investigated one-electron-transfer reactions between hydroxyl ((.) OH) radical and three bis(alkanol)selenides (SeROH) of varying alkyl chain length, using nanosecond pulse radiolysis. (.) OH radical reacts with SeROH to form radical adduct, which is converted primarily into a dimer radical cation (>Se∴Se<)(+) and α-{bis(hydroxyl alkyl)}-selenomethine radical along with a minor quantity of an intramolecularly stabilized radical cation. Some of these radicals have been subsequently converted to their corresponding selenoxide, and formaldehyde. Estimated yield of these products showed alkyl chain length dependency and correlated well with their antioxidant ability. Quantum chemical calculations suggested that compounds that formed more stable (>Se∴Se<)(+) , produced higher selenoxide and lower formaldehyde. Comparing these results with those for sulfur analogues confirmed for the first time the distinctive role of selenium in making such compounds better antioxidants.

Coordination Polymers of Palladium Bridged by Carboxylate and Dimethylaminoalkylselenolate Ligands.

Coordination polymers of palladium stabilized by dimethylaminoalkylselenolate and carboxylate ligands are reported. The reaction of [PdCl(SeCH2 CH2 NMe2 )]3 with AgOTf followed by treatment with sodium acetate afforded [Pd(0) Pd(II) 4 (SeCH2 CH2 NMe2 )3 (OAc)3 ](OTf)2 (1) in which one of the Pd atoms is in the zero oxidation state. In the absence of NaOAc, a tetranuclear complex, [Pd(II) 4 (SeCH2 CH2 NMe2 )4 (OTf)](OTf)3 (2), is isolated from the same reaction. Subsequent treatment with NaO2 CR afforded [Pd4 (SeCH2 CH2 NMe2 )4 (O2 CR)4 ] (R=tBu (3) and Ph (4)). The reaction of [PdCl(SeCH2 CH2 CH2 NMe2 )]2 with AgOTf and NaOAc yielded an ionic binuclear complex, [Pd(II) 2 (SeCH2 CH2 CH2 NMe2 )2 (OAc)](OTf) (5). These complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, crystal structures, and in some cases by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and mass spectrometry. Complexes 1 and 5 are associated through secondary interactions and coordinate bonds, respectively, to generate polymeric structures in the solid state.

Platinum-Mediated Activation of Coordinated Organonitriles by Telluroethers in Tetrahydrofuran: Isolation, Structural Characterization, and Density Functional Theory Analysis of Intermediate Complexes.

The reactions of [PtCl2(NCR)2] with telluroethers (ArAr'Te) in organic solvents have been investigated. The reactions in dichloromethane yield [PtCl2(TeArAr')2], while those in tetrahydrofuran (THF) give different products depending on the steric demands of the aryl groups on tellurium, the molarity of the reactants, and the reaction conditions. The reactions between [PtCl2(PhCN)2] and TeArAr' in 1:1 molar ratio at room temperature in THF yield several products, like [PtCl2(TeArAr')2] (Ar/Ar' = Ph/Ph, o-tol/Mes, Mes/Mes), [PtCl2(PhCN){NC(O)Ph[TeMes(o-tol)]}], and [PtCl2{NC(O)Ph(TeMes2)}2]. The reaction with TeMes2 in refluxing THF gave [PtCl2{NC(Ph)C4H7O}{NC(O)Ph(TeMes2)}] and [PtCl(TeMes2){Te(Mes)CH2C6H2Me2}], depending on the duration of heating. Reaction of [PtCl2(PhCN)2] with TeArMes afforded [PtCl2(TeArMes)2] (Ar = Ph, o-tol, and Mes), the formation of which decreased with increasing steric demand of the Ar group, together with [PtCl2{NC(O)Ph(TeArMes)}2]. The telluroether in the latter binds to nitrogen, and tellurium exists in the formal oxidation state of +4 (from XPS). The tellurium in these complexes exhibits secondary interactions with platinum (J((195)Pt-(125)Te) = 309-347 Hz) and with the carbonyl oxygen. These complexes slowly dissociate in solution to give [PtCl2(TeMesAr){NC(O)Ph(TeMesAr)}], finally leading to the formation of [PtCl2(TeMesAr)2]. Molecular structures of trans-[PtCl2(PhCN){NC(O)Ph[TeMes(o-tol)]}], trans-[PtCl2{NC(O)Ph(TeMes2)}2], trans-[PtCl2{NC(Ph)C4H7O}{NC(O)Ph(TeMes2)}], trans-[PtCl2{NC(O)Ph[TeMes(o-tol)]}2], trans-[PtCl2(TeMes2){NC(O)Ph(TeMes2)}], trans-[PtCl2{NC(O)Me(TeMes2)}2], and [PtCl(Te-o-tol){NC(O)Ph}2] have been unambiguously established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Density functional theory calculations for some of the complexes were performed, and geometrical parameters are in good agreement with the values obtained from X-ray analyses.

Pulse radiolysis studies of 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole derivatives of selenoethers.

One electron redox reaction of two asymmetric 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole derivatives of selenoethers attached to ethanoic acid (DPSeEA) and propionic acid (DPSePA) were studied by pulse radiolysis technique using transient absorption detection. The reaction of the hydroxyl ((•)OH) radical with DPSeEA or DPSePA at pH 7 produced transients absorbing at 500 nm and at 300 nm, respectively. The absorbance at 500 nm increased with increasing parent concentration indicating formation of dimer radical cations. From the absorbance changes, the equilibrium constants for the formation of dimer radical cation of DPSeEA and DPSePA were estimated as 2020 and 1608 M(-1), respectively. The rate constants at pH 7 for the reaction of the (•)OH radical with DPSeEA and DPSePA were determined to be 9.6 × 10(9) and 1.4 × 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The dimer radical cation of DPSeEA and DPSePA decayed by first order kinetics with a rate constant of 2.8 × 10(4) and 5.5 × 10(3) s(-1), respectively. The yield of radical cations of DPSeEA and DPSePA were estimated from the secondary electron transfer reaction, which corresponds to 38% and 48% of (•)OH radical yield, respectively. Some fraction of monomer radical cation undergoes decarboxylation reaction, and the yield of decarboxylation was 25% and 20% for DPSeEA and DPSePA, respectively. These results have implication in understanding their antioxidant activity. The reaction of trichloromethyl peroxyl radical, glutathione, and ascorbic acid further support their antioxidant behavior.

Cyclopalladation of telluro ether ligands: synthesis, reactivity and structural characterization.

Treatment of [PdCl2(PhCN)2] with diaryl telluride in 1 : 2 molar ratio gave mononuclear palladium complexes, trans-[PdCl2(TeR2)2] () (R = Mes () (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl), Ph (), o-tol () (o-tol = ortho-tolyl)). Reaction of [PdCl2(TeMes2)2] with one equivalent of [PdCl2(PhCN)2] or Na2PdCl4 with TeRR' afforded chloro-bridged binuclear complexes, [Pd2(µ-Cl)2Cl2(TeRR')2] () (R/R' = Mes/Mes (); Mes/Ph (); Ph/Ph ()). A toluene-methanol solution of trans-[PdCl2(TeMes2)2] on refluxing for 30 minutes yielded a binuclear cyclopalladated complex, [Pd2(µ-Cl)2{CH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeMes)}2] (). When the refluxing was prolonged, a mononuclear complex cis-[PdCl2{MesTeCH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeMes}] () was isolated. Treatment of palladium acetate with TeMes2 afforded an acetato-bridged analogue of , [Pd2(µ-OAc)2{CH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeMes}2] () together with a very minor component, a tetranuclear complex, [Pd(µ-OAc)(µ-TeMes)]4 (). This reaction with unsymmetrical tellurides, MesTeR, also gave cyclopalladated complexes [Pd2(µ-OAc)2{CH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeR}2] (R = o-tol () and Ph ()) in which 2-methyl of the mesityl group of the telluride was exclusively metallated. The complex trans-[PdCl2(TeMes2)2] on refluxing in xylene gave palladium telluride, Pd7Te3. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR and NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (125)Te) spectroscopy. The molecular structures of trans-[PdCl2(TeMes2)2] (), [Pd2(µ-Cl)2Cl2(TeMes2)2]·2acetone (·2acetone), cis-[PdCl2{MesTeCH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeMes}] (), [Pd2(µ-OAc)2{CH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)TeMes)}2]·toluene (·toluene), [Pd2(µ-OAc)2{CH2C6H2(4,6-Me2)Tetol-o}2] () and [Pd(µ-OAc)(µ-TeMes)]4 () were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The mononuclear complex was isolated in two polymorphic forms each with the trans configuration.

Stable selones in glutathione-peroxidase-like catalytic cycle of selenonicotinamide derivative.

Selenonicotinamide, 2,2'-diselenobis[3-amidopyridine] (NictSeSeNict) exhibits glutathione-peroxidase (GPx)-like activity, catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by glutathione (GSH). Estimated reactivity parameters for the reaction of selenium species, according to the Dalziel kinetic model, towards GSH (ϕGSH) and H2O2 (ϕH2O2), indicated that the rate constant for the reaction of NictSeSeNict with GSH is higher as compared to that with H2O2, indicating that the activity is initiated by reduction. (77)Se NMR spectroscopy, HPLC analysis, mass spectrometry (MS) and absorption spectroscopy were employed to understand the nature of selenium intermediates responsible for the activity. The (77)Se NMR resonance at 525 ppm due to NictSeSeNict disappeared in the presence of GSH with the initial appearance of signals at δ 364 and 600 ppm, assigned to selone (NictC=Se) and selenenyl sulfide (NictSeSG), respectively. Reaction of H2O2 with NictSeSeNict produced a mixture of selenenic acid (NictSeOH) and seleninic acid (NictSeO2H) with (77)Se NMR resonances appearing at 1069 and 1165 ppm, respectively. Addition of three equivalents of GSH to this mixture produced a characteristic (77)Se NMR signal of NictSeSG. HPLC analysis of the product formed by the reaction of NictSeSeNict with GSH confirmed the formation of NictC=Se absorbing at 375 nm. Stopped-flow kinetic studies with global analysis revealed a bimolecular rate constant of 4.8 ± 0.5 × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) and 1.7 ± 0.6 × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) for the formation of NictC=Se produced in two consecutive reactions of NictSeSeNict and NictSeSG with GSH, respectively. Similarly the rate constant for the reaction of NictC=Se with H2O2 was estimated to be 18 ± 1.8 M(-1) s(-1). These studies clearly indicated that the GPx activity of NictSeSeNict is initiated by reduction to form NictSeSG and a stable selone, which is responsible for its efficient GPx activity.

Synthesis, structures and DFT calculations of 2-(4,6-dimethyl pyrimidyl)selenolate complexes of Cu(I), Ag(I) and Au(I) and their conversion into metal selenide nanocrystals.

The complexes [M{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6 (M = Cu (1), Ag (2)) and [Au{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}(PEt3)] (3) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, UV-vis, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (77)Se) spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of [Cu{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6·H2O (1·H2O), [Ag{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6·6MeOH·H2O (2·6MeOH·H2O) and [Au{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}(PEt3)] (3) revealed that their metal centers acquire distorted square-pyramidal, trigonal and linear geometries, respectively. DFT calculations have been carried out to rationalize nuclearity in copper(i) chalcogenolate complexes. The calculations suggest that there is hardly any energy difference between the tetrameric and hexameric forms. Thermal behavior of [Cu{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6 was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermolysis of [M{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6 (M = Cu, Ag) in 1-dodecanethiol (DDT) at 150 °C gave a cubic phase of Cu7Se4 and an orthorhombic phase of Ag2Se, respectively. Copper selenide (Cu7Se4) thin films were deposited on glass and silicon substrates by using [Cu{SeC4H(Me-4,6)2N2}]6 at 400 °C by AACVD.

Cyclopalladation of dimesityl selenide: synthesis, reactivity, structural characterization, isolation of an intermediate complex with C-H···Pd intra-molecular interaction and computational studies.

The reaction of dimesityl selenide (Mes2Se) with either PdCl2(PhCN)2 in toluene or PdCl2 in toluene-acetonitrile yields a chloro-bridged binuclear palladium complex, [Pd2Cl2(µ-Cl)2(Mes2Se)2] (1), whereas with Na2PdCl4 in refluxing ethanol, a cyclometallated palladium complex, [Pd2(µ-Cl)2{MesSeC6H2(Me2)CH2}2] (2) is afforded. 2 can also be obtained when 1 is refluxed in ethanol. On treatment with Pb(Epy)2 in dichloromethane, 2 afforded the Epy-bridged binuclear complexes, [Pd2(µ-Epy)2{MesSeC6H2(Me2)CH2}2] (3; E = S (3a) or Se (3b)). Treatment of 2 with PPh3 yields a bridge-cleaved monomeric complex, [PdCl{MesSeC6H2(Me2)CH2}(PPh3)]. The molecular structures of 1-3 were established by X-ray diffraction analyses. All the complexes are dimeric, with the palladium atoms acquiring a distorted square planar configuration. There are intra-molecular C-H···Pd interactions (d(M-H): 2.75 Å and

Reactivity of 2-chalcogenopyridines with palladium-phosphine complexes: isolation of different complexes depending on the nature of chalcogen atom and phosphine ligand.

Reactions of either Pd(0) phosphine complexes with dipyridyldichalcogenides or [PdCl2(P∩P)] (P∩P = dppe, dppp) with pyridylchalcogenolate ions have been examined and a variety of Pd(II) complexes have been isolated and characterized. Oxidative addition of {SeC5H3(3-R)N}2 (R = H or Me) to [Pd(P∩P)2] (P∩P = dppe, dppp) gave either a mononuclear complex, [Pd{2-Se-C5H3(3-R)N}2(P∩P)] (for P∩P/R: dppe/H or Me; dppp/H) or a cationic binuclear complex, [Pd2{µ-SeC5H3(3-Me)N}2(dppp)2]2+ (4b) (R = Me) whereas reactions involving the tellurium analogue exclusively afforded trinuclear complexes, [Pd3(µ-Te)2(P∩P)3]Cl2 (P∩P = dppe (2) or dppp (6)). The latter was also obtained in the substitution reaction between [PdCl2(P∩P)] and NaTeC5H3(3-R)N. The substitution reactions between [PdCl2(dppe)] and Pb{EC5H3(3-R)N}2 yielded mononuclear complexes, [Pd{2-E-C5H3(3-R)N}2(dppe)] (1a­1e) (E = S, Se or Te) while in the case of [PdCl2(dppp)], the reactions resulted in the formation of mono-, bi- and tri- nuclear complexes depending on the nature of the chalcogen atom (E = S, Se or Te) and the substituent on the pyridyl ring (R = H or Me). Treatment of dipyridyl ditellurides, {TeC5H3(3-R)N}2 (R = H or Me), with [Pd(PPh3)4] gave expected tellurolate complexes, [Pd{2-TeC5H3(3-R)N}2(PPh3)2] (7a, 7b) which on prolonged standing in CDCl3 solution gave green crystals of [PdCl{2-Te(Cl)2C5H3(3-Me)N}(PPh3)] (9). The molecular structures of {TeC5H3(3-Me)N}2, [Pd2{µ-TeC5H3(3-Me)N}2(dppp)2]Cl2·3H2O (5·3H2O), [Pd3(µ-Te)2(dppp)3]Cl2·3CHCl3 (6·3CHCl3) and [PdCl{2-Te(Cl)2C5H3(3-Me)N}(PPh3)] (9) were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

Diorganotin(IV) 2-pyridyl selenolates: synthesis, structures and their utility as molecular precursors for the preparation of tin selenide nanocrystals and thin films.

Reactions of R(2)SnCl(2) (R = Me, Et, (t)Bu) with NaSeC(5)H(3)(R'-3)N (R' = H or Me) gave complexes of the composition [R(2)Sn{2-SeC(5)H(3)(R'-3)N)}(2)], which on treatment with R(2)SnCl(2) afforded chloro complexes, [R(2)Sn{2-SeC(5)H(3)(R'-3)N}Cl]. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and UV-vis and NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (77)Se and (119)Sn) spectroscopy. The crystal structures of [R(2)Sn(SeC(5)H(4)N)(2)] (R = Me or (t)Bu) and [Me(2)Sn{2-SeC(5)H(3)(Me-3)N}Cl] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The tin atom in the former two structures acquires a skew trapezoidal configuration, whereas in the latter it adopts a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Thermolysis of [R(2)Sn(2-SeC(5)H(4)N)(2)] (R = Me, Et or (t)Bu) and [Et(2)Sn{2-SeC(5)H(3)(Me-3)N}(2)] in oleylamine (OA) afforded tin selenide nanostructures. Thin films of SnSe were deposited on glass and silicon substrates by the AACVD of [(t)Bu(2)Sn(2-SeC(5)H(4)N)(2)]. The nanostructures and thin films were characterized by XRD, EDX, AFM, SEM, TEM and SAED techniques. The photovoltaic properties of the thin films have been evaluated.

Selenium-containing amino acids are targets for myeloperoxidase-derived hypothiocyanous acid: determination of absolute rate constants and implications for biological damage.

Elevated MPO (myeloperoxidase) levels are associated with multiple human inflammatory pathologies. MPO catalyses the oxidation of Cl-, Br- and SCN- by H2O2 to generate the powerful oxidants hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) respectively. These species are antibacterial agents, but misplaced or excessive production is implicated in tissue damage at sites of inflammation. Unlike HOCl and HOBr, which react with multiple targets, HOSCN targets cysteine residues with considerable selectivity. In the light of this reactivity, we hypothesized that Sec (selenocysteine) residues should also be rapidly oxidized by HOSCN, as selenium atoms are better nucleophiles than sulfur. Such oxidation might inactivate critical Sec-containing cellular protective enzymes such as GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and TrxR (thioredoxin reductase). Stopped-flow kinetic studies indicate that seleno-compounds react rapidly with HOSCN with rate constants, k, in the range 2.8×10(3)-5.8×10(6) M-1·s-1 (for selenomethionine and selenocystamine respectively). These values are ~6000-fold higher than the corresponding values for H2O2, and are also considerably larger than for the reaction of HOSCN with thiols (16-fold for cysteine and 80-fold for selenocystamine). Enzyme studies indicate that GPx and TrxR, but not glutathione reductase, are inactivated by HOSCN in a concentration-dependent manner; k for GPx has been determined as ~5×105 M-1·s-1. Decomposed HOSCN did not induce inactivation. These data indicate that selenocysteine residues are oxidized rapidly by HOSCN, with this resulting in the inhibition of the critical intracellular Sec-dependent protective enzymes GPx and TrxR.

Copper(I) 2-pyridyl selenolates and tellurolates: synthesis, structures and their utility as molecular precursors for the preparation of copper chalcogenide nanocrystals and thin films.

The complexes, [Cu{EC(5)H(3)(R-3)N}](4) (E/R = Se/Me or Te/R; R = H or Me) were isolated by the reaction between CuCl and NaEC(5)H(3)(R-3)N and were characterized by elemental analyses, uv-vis and NMR ((1)H, (13)C) spectroscopy. The crystal structures of [Cu{SeC(5)H(3)(Me-3)N}](4) and [Cu(TeC(5)H(4)N)](4) revealed that the molecules are tetrameric in which each copper atom lies at the vertex of the tetrahedron and each face of the tetrahedron is capped by the bridging pyridylchalcogenolate ligand. Thermal behavior of these complexes was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Depending on reaction conditions, thermolysis gave both stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric copper chalcogenides, which were characterized by XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM and SAED techniques. These precursors were used for the preparation of nanocrystals and for deposition of thin films of copper chalcogenides by AACVD (Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition).

Oligomeric allyl-palladium(II) complexes of ß-substituted ethylselenolates: syntheses, structures and thermal decomposition.

Tri-nuclear allyl-palladium complexes, [Pd(µ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOR)(η(3)-C(3)H(4)R')](3) (R = H, Me, Et and R' = H, Me), have been synthesized by the reaction of [Pd(2)(µ-Cl)(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(4)R')(2)] with NaSeCH(2)CH(2)COOR. These complexes exist in a dynamic equilibrium with a dimeric form in solution and are fluxional at room temperature as shown by variable temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The DFT calculations indicate that there is a negligible energy difference between the dimer and the trimer, and suggest that the delicate balance between the steric factors and angular strain decides the reaction products. These complexes (with R' = H) on treatment with [Pd(2)(µ-Cl)(2)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)] afforded hetero-bridged complexes [Pd(2)(µ-Cl)(µ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOR)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)] (R = Me, Et). All the complexes have been characterized by NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (77)Se) spectroscopy. The molecular structure of [Pd(µ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOEt)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))](3) revealed a chair conformation of the six-membered Pd(3)Se(3) ring, in which all the allyl groups lie at one side of the ring (similar to three axial 1,3,5-hydrogens of cyclohexane). Thermolysis of [Pd(µ-SeCH(2)CH(2)COOEt)(η(3)-C(3)H(5))](n) in diphenyl ether or hexadecylamine (HDA) yielded Pd(7)Se(4) as characterized by powder XRD.

Synthesis, characterization and structures of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethylseleno derivatives and their probable glutathione peroxidase (GPx) like activity.

A series of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethylseleno derivatives has been synthesized. The glutathione peroxidase like catalytic activity of these compounds has been studied in a model system, in which reduction of hydrogen peroxide with dithiothreitol (DTT(red)), in the presence of an organoselenium compound was investigated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. All these compounds exhibit GPx like catalytic activities and the catalytic reaction proceeds through a selenoxide intermediate, identified by (77)Se{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy.

2-Pyridyl selenolates of antimony and bismuth: Synthesis, characterization, structures and their use as single source molecular precursor for the preparation of metal selenide nanostructures and thin films.

Reactions of SbCl(3) and BiCl(3) with M'Se-C(5)H(3)(R-3)N (M' = Li or Na; R = H or Me) gave homoleptic selenolate complexes of the general formula [M{Se-C(5)H(3)(R-3)N}(3)] (M = Sb or Bi). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis and NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (77)Se) spectroscopy. The single crystal X-ray analysis of [M{Se-C(5)H(3)(Me-3)N}(3)].nH(2)O (M/n = Sb/1.5 and Bi/0.5) revealed that the antimony complex adopts a trigonal pyramidal configuration with monodentate selenolate ligands while the bismuth analogue acquires a distorted square pyramidal configuration defined by two chelating and one monodentate selenolate groups. Pyrolysis of [M{Se-C(5)H(3)(Me-3)N}(3)] either in a furnace or in hexadecylamine (HDA) at different temperatures gave a variety of M(2)Se(3) nanostructures. Thin films of metal selenides have also been deposited on glass substrate by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). Both nanostructures and thin films of metal selenides were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Tellurium(0) as a ligand: synthesis and characterization of 2-pyridyltellurolates of platinum(II) and structures of [Pt{2-Te-3-(R)C5H3N}2Te(PR'3)] (R = H or Me).

Treatment of toluene solutions of the ditellurides [Te(2){C(5)H(3)N(R)-3}(2)] (R = H or Me) with [Pt(PPh(3))(4)] yielded two types of complexes, [Pt{2-Te-3-(R)C(5)H(3)N}(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (1a-d) as the major products and [Pt{2-Te-3-(R)C(5)H(3)N}(2)Te(PPh(3))] (2a-d) as minor products. The above complexes can also be obtained by the reaction of [PtCl(2)(PR'(3))(2)] (PR'(3) = PPh(3) or PPh(2)(2-C(5)H(4)N)) with 2 equiv of Na(2-Te-C(5)H(3)R). The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and UV-vis, NMR ((1)H and (31)P), and (in part) XPS spectroscopy. The molecular structures of [Pt(2-Te-C(5)H(4)N)(2)Te(PPh(3))] (2a) and [Pt{2-Te-C(5)H(3)(Me)N}(2)Te(PPh(3))] (2b) were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both complexes exhibit a distorted square-planar configuration at the platinum(II) centers. The two mutually trans positioned 2-pyridinetellurolate ligands [2-Te-C(5)H(3)(R)N] coordinate to the central platinum atom in a monodentate fashion through the tellurium atoms. The tellurium(0) atom adopts a "bent T" configuration as it is bridging the 2-Te- C(5)H(3)(R)N molecules via N-Te-N bonds (166 degrees angle) and coordinates to Pt(II) in the trans position to PPh(3). The novel bis(pyridine)tellurium(0) arrangement resembles the bis(pyridine)iodonium structure. The calculated NICS indices and ELF functions clearly show that the compounds 2a and 2b are aromatic in the region defined by the Te-C-N-Te-Pt five-membered rings.

Bis(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)ditelluride and pyridyl tellurolate complexes of zinc, cadmium, mercury: Synthesis, characterization and their conversion to metal telluride nanoparticles.

Treatment of an acetonitrile solution of metal chloride with bis(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)ditelluride, [Te(2)(pyMe)(2)], in the same solvent yielded complexes of composition [MCl(2){Te(2)(pyMe)(2)}] (M = Zn or Cd) whereas reactions of [MCl(2)(tmeda)] with NaTepyR (R = H or Me) gave tellurolate complexes of the general formula [M(TepyR)(2)] (M = Cd or Hg). When the cadmium complex [Cd(Tepy)(2)] was crystallized in the presence of excess tmeda, [Cd(Tepy)(2)(tmeda)] was formed exclusively. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, uv-vis, (1)H NMR data. The crystal structures of [ZnCl(2){Te(2)(pyMe)(2)}] and [Cd(Tepy)(2)(tmeda)] were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the former zinc is coordinated to nitrogen atoms of the pyridyl group, while in the latter the coordination environment around tetrahedral cadmium is defined by the two neutral nitrogen atoms of tmeda, and two pyridyl tellurolate ligands. Thermal behavior of some of these complexes was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Pyrolysis of [M(Tepy)(2)] in a furnace or in coordinating solvents such as hexadecylamine/tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (HDA/TOPO) at 350 and 160 degrees C, respectively gave MTe nanoparticles, which were characterized by uv-vis, photoluminiscence, XRD, EDAX and TEM.