Exo- or endo-1H-pyrazole metal coordination modulated by the polyamine chain length in [1 + 1] condensation azamacrocycles. Binuclear complexes with remarkable SOD activity.

The Cu2+ complexes of three [1 + 1] azacyclophane macrocycles having the 1H-pyrazole ring as the spacer and the pentaamine 1,5,8,11,15-pentaazadecane (L1) or hexaamines 1,5,8,12,15,19-hexaazanonadecane (L2) and 1,5,9,13,17,21-hexaazaheneicosane (L3) as bridges show endo- coordination of the pyrazolate bridge giving rise to discrete monomeric species. Previously reported pyrazolacyclophanes evidenced, however, exo-coordination with the formation of dimeric species of 2 : 2, 3 : 2 or even 4 : 2 Cu2+ : L stoichiometry. The complexes have been characterized in solution using potentiometric studies, UV-Vis spectroscopy, paramagnetic NMR, cyclic voltammetry and mass spectrometry. The measurements show that all three ligands have as many protonation steps in water as secondary amines are in the bridge, while they are able to form both mono- and binuclear Cu2+ species. The crystal structures of the complexes [Cu(HL1)Br]Br(1+x)(ClO4)(1-x)·yH2O (1) and [Cu2(H-1L2)Cl(ClO4)](ClO4)·H2O·C2H5OH (2) have been solved by X-ray diffraction studies. In 1 the metal ion lies at one side of the macrocyclic cavity being coordinated by one nitrogen of the pyrazolate moiety and the three consecutive nitrogen atoms of the polyamine bridge. The other nitrogen of the pyrazole ring is hydrogen-bonded to an amine group. In 2 the two metal ions are interconnected by a pyrazolate bis(monodentate) moiety and complete their coordination spheres with three amines and either a bromide or a perchlorate anion, which occupy the axial positions of distorted square pyramid geometries. Paramagnetic NMR studies of the binuclear complexes confirm the coordination pattern observed in the crystal structures. Cyclic voltamperommetry data show potentials within the adequate range to exhibit superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The IC50 values calculated by McCord-Fridovich enzymatic assays show that the binuclear Cu2+ complexes of L2 and L3 have SOD activities that rank amongst the highest ones reported so far.

Selective encapsulation of a chloride anion in a 1H-pyrazole Cu2+ metallocage.

A self-assembled metallobox from copper(ii) and two macrocycles containing 1H-pyrazole ligands has been prepared. The internal cavity of the box is able to selectively encapsulate a single chloride anion over any other halide anion.

Influence of the chain length and metal : ligand ratio on the self-organization processes of Cu2+ complexes of [1 + 1] 1H-pyrazole azamacrocycles.

Three new [1 + 1] macrocycles formed by the reaction of 1H-3,5-bis(chloromethyl)pyrazole with the tosylated amines 1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane (L1), 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (L2) and 1,5,10,14-tetraazatetradecane (L3) are described. Potentiometric studies and HR-ESI-Mass spectrometry show the formation of dimeric binuclear Cu2+ complexes whose organization depends on the type of hydrocarbon chains connecting the amine groups. Furthermore, trinuclear or/and tetranuclear complexes are formed depending also on the length of the polyaminic bridge and on the sequence of the hydrocarbon chains. The crystal structures of the [2 + 2] [Cu2(H(H-1L2))2](ClO4)4·4H2O (1) and [Cu2(H-1L2)2](ClO4)2 (2) complexes show in both of them two macrocycles self-assembled by the metal ions which interconnect their pyrazolate fragments that behave as bis(monodentate) ligands. While in 1 one central amine of each macrocycle binds to the axial position of a distorted square-pyramid and the other ones remain protonated, in 2 all the amine groups are involved in the coordination giving rise to a strongly distorted octahedral geometry. Paramagnetic 1H NMR measurements support that these structures also form in solution. Interestingly, tetranuclear complexes [Cu4(H-1L4)2(OH)2.08](ClO4)2.92Br0.54Cl0.46 (3) and [Pd2.39Cu1.61(H-1L4)2(OH)2](ClO4)2Cl1.33Br0.67·2.87H2O (4) have been isolated for the macrocycle containing the 1,5,9,13-tetraamine chain (L4). 3 has two binucleating units, one of them formed by the pyrazolate moieties and their neighbouring secondary amines and the other by the two central amines of both macrocycles. This latter Cu2+ coordination site is completed by two hydroxide anions as bridging ligands. 4 was obtained from a solution prepared to achieve full formation of the dimeric cage [Cu2(H-1(HL4))2]4+ by addition of K2PdCl4. The Pd2+ ion due to its softer acidic characteristics displaces the Cu2+ ions from the pyrazolate site. UV-vis spectroscopy suggests that the exchange is completed at room temperature after one hour.

Iron(II) Complexes with Scorpiand-Like Macrocyclic Polyamines: Kinetico-Mechanistic Aspects of Complex Formation and Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Coordinated Amines.

The Fe(II) coordination chemistry of a pyridinophane tren-derived scorpiand type ligand containing a pyridine ring in the pendant arm is explored by potentiometry, X-ray, NMR, and kinetics methods. Equilibrium studies in water show the formation of a stable [FeL]2+ complex that converts to monoprotonated and monohydroxylated species when the pH is changed. A [Fe(H-2L)]2+ complex containing an hexacoordinated dehydrogenated ligand has been isolated, and its crystal structure shows the formation of an imine bond involving the aliphatic nitrogen of the pendant arm. This complex is low spin Fe(II) both in the solid state and in solution, as revealed by the Fe-N bond lengths and by the NMR spectra, respectively. The formation rate of [Fe(H-2L)]2+ in aqueous solutions containing Fe2+ and L (1:1 molar ratio) is strongly dependent on the pH, the process being completed in times that range from months in acid solutions to hours in basic conditions. However, detailed kinetic studies show that those differences are caused, at least in part, by the effect of pH on the rate of formation of the unoxidized [FeL]2+ complex. In this sense, the protonation of the donor atoms in the pendant arm of the scorpiand ligand leads to the formation of protonated species resistant to oxidative dehydrogenation. Complementary studies in acetonitrile solution indicate that the initial stage in the oxidative dehydrogenation process is the oxidation of the starting complex to form a [FeL]3+ complex, which then undergoes disproportionation into [Fe(H-2L)]2+ and [FeL]2+. Experiments starting with Fe(III) have allowed us to determine that disproportionation occurs with first order kinetics both in water and acetonitrile solutions. However, whereas a significant acceleration is observed in water when the pH is increased, no effect of the addition of acid or base on the rate of disproportionation is observed in acetonitrile. Oxidative dehydrogenation of the Fe(II) complex formed in experiments starting with an Fe(III) salt is slower than that occurring when an Fe(II) salt is used, an observation that can be explained in terms of the formation of two different Fe(III) complexes, one of them with a structure unable to evolve directly toward the product of oxidative dehydrogenation.

Oxidative stress protection by manganese complexes of tail-tied aza-scorpiand ligands.

The Mn2+ coordination chemistry of double scorpiand ligands in which two polyazacyclophane macrocycles have been connected by pyridine, phenanthroline and bipyridine spacers has been studied by potentiometry, paramagnetic NMR and electrochemistry. All ligands show high stability with Mn2+ and the complexes were formed in a wide pH range. DFT calculations support the structures and coordination geometries derived from the study. A remarkable antioxidant activity was evidenced for these systems by the McCord-Fridovich assay and in Escherichiacoli sodAsodB deficient bacterial cells. The three systems were tested as anti-inflammatory drugs in human macrophages measuring the accumulation of cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro-inflammatory effect. All complexes showed anti-inflammatory effect, being [Mn2L1]4+ the most efficient one.

Homo- and heterobinuclear Cu²âº and Zn²âº complexes of abiotic cyclic hexaazapyridinocyclophanes as SOD mimics.

The new receptor 3,7,11,15,19,23-hexaaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclotetracosaphane (L1) containing a complete sequence of propylenic chains has been synthesised. The acid-base behaviour and Cu²âº and Zn²âº coordination have been analysed by potentiometric measurements in 0.15 M NaClO4 for L1 and for the related compounds 3,7,11,14,18,22-hexaaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclotricosaphane (L2), 3,7,10,13,16,20-hexaaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacycloheneicosaphane (L3) and 3,7,10,12,15,19-hexaaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacycloicosaphane (L4). The crystal structure of [(CuH4L2)(H2O)(ClO4)](ClO4)5·3H2O shows an interesting combination of a metal ion coordinated by the pyridine nitrogen atom and the adjacent amine groups of the chain, and a perchlorate anion sitting at the middle of the site defined by the remaining four protonated ammonium groups of L1. Paramagnetic NMR data suggest that imidazole coordinates to the Cu²âº ions as a bridging ligand in a wide pH range. SOD activity for Cu²âº-Cu²âº and Cu²âº-Zn²âº complexes with L1-L4 have been measured by NBT assays at pH 7.4, obtaining some of the lowest values so far reported for SOD mimics. SOD activity has also been checked by chemiluminescence assays using polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs).

Equilibrium and kinetic studies on complex formation and decomposition and the movement of Cu(2+)metal ions within polytopic receptors.

Potentiometric studies carried out on the interaction of two tritopic double-scorpiand receptors in which two equivalent 5-(2-aminoethyl)-2,5,8-triaza[9]-(2,6)-pyridinophane moieties are linked with 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline (L1) and 2,6-dimethylpyridine (L2) establish the formation of mono-, bi- and trinuclear Cu(2+) complexes. The values of the stability constants and paramagnetic (1)H NMR studies permit one to infer the most likely coordination modes of the various complexes formed. Kinetic studies on complex formation and decomposition have also been carried out. Complex formation occurs with polyphasic kinetics for both receptors, although a significant difference is found between both ligands with respect to the relative values of the rate constants for the metal coordination steps and the structural reorganizations following them. Complex decomposition occurs with two separate kinetic steps, the first one being so fast that it occurs within the stopped-flow mixing time, whereas the second one is slow enough to allow kinetic studies using a conventional spectrophotometer. As a whole, the kinetic experiments also provide information about the movement of the metal ion within the receptors. The differences observed between the different receptors can be interpreted in terms of changes in the network of hydrogen bonds formed in the different species.

A binuclear Mn(III) complex of a scorpiand-like ligand displaying a single unsupported Mn(III)-O-Mn(III) bridge.

The crystal structure of a binuclear Mn(III) complex of a scorpiand-like ligand (L) displays an unsupported single oxo bridging ligand with a Mn(III)-O-Mn(III) angle of 174.7°. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two metal centers. DFT calculations have been carried out to understand the magnetic behavior and to analyze the nature of the observed Jahn-Teller distortion. Paramagnetic (1)H NMR has been applied to rationalize the formation and magnetic features of the complexes formed in solution.

Grafted squaramide monoamine nanoparticles as simple systems for sulfate recognition in pure water.

New simple systems formed by a chain containing a squaramide function and a quaternised amine group attached to boehmite or silica-coated boehmite nanoparticles are able to discriminate anions in pure water.

Structural reorganisation in polytopic receptors revealed by kinetic studies.

One of the first kinetic studies of metal ion reorganisation between the different sites of a tritopic polyaza ligand reveals well defined pathways for the movement of the metal ion.

Imidazolate bridged Cu(II)-Cu(II) and Cu(II)-Zn(II) complexes of a terpyridinophane azamacrocycle: a solution and solid state study.

The dinuclear Cu2+ and Zn2+ as well as the mixed Cu2+-Zn2+ complexes of a 5,5''-pentaazaterpyridinophane ligand (L) are able to incorporate imidazolate (Im-) as a bridging ligand. The crystal structure of [Cu(2)L(Im)(Br)(H2O)](CF(3)SO(3))(2).3H2O (1) shows one copper coordinated by the three pyridine nitrogens of the terpyridine unit, one nitrogen of the imidazolate bridge (Im-) and one bromide anion occupying the axial position of a distorted square pyramid. The second copper atom is coordinated by the remaining imidazolate nitrogen, the three secondary nitrogens at the centre of the polyamine bridge and one water molecule that occupies the axial position. Magnetic measurements have been performed in the 2.0-300.0 K temperature range. Experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model H = -JS(1)S(2) with J = -52.3 cm(-1) and g = 2.09. Potentiometric studies have provided details of the speciation and stability constants for the mixed Cu2+-L-HIm, Zn2+-L-HIm (HIm = imidazole) and Cu2+-Zn2+-L-HIm systems. The apparent stability constant obtained at pH = 9 for the addition of imidazole to the dinuclear Cu2+ complexes is one of the highest so far reported (log K = 7.5). UV-Vis spectroscopy and paramagnetic NMR data show that imidazole coordinates to the Cu2+ ions as a bridging imidazolate ligand from pH 5 to 10. Electrochemical reduction of the Cu2+-Zn2+-L complex occurs in two successive one-electron per copper ion quasi-reversible steps. The formal potential of the Cu2+-Zn2+-L/Cu+-Zn2+-L couple is close to that of SOD. The IC50 values measured at pH 7.8 by means of the nitro blue tetrazolium method show significant SOD activity for the dinuclear Cu2+ complexes (IC50 = 2.5 microM) and moderate activity for the Cu2+-Zn2+ mixed systems (IC50 = 30 microM).

Cu2+ and AMP complexation of enlarged tripodal polyamines.

The synthesis, characterization, Cu2+ coordination and interaction with AMP of three tripodal polyamines are reported. The polyamines are based on the structure of the tetraamine (tren) which has been enlarged with three propylamino functionalities (), with a further anthrylmethyl fragment at one of its terminal primary nitrogens () or with naphthylmethyl fragments at its three ends (). The protonation constants of all three polyamines show that at pH 6, all six primary and secondary nitrogen atoms in the arms are protonated. The interaction with Cu2+ and AMP (adenosine-5'-monophosphate) has been studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis, ESI-MS spectroscopy and NMR techniques. pH-Metric, NMR and ESI/MS techniques indicate that and form with AMP adducts of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 AMP:L stoichiometries in water. This is one of the first examples for the formation of such complexes in aqueous solution. Formation of ternary complexes between , , , Cu2+ and AMP is observed. Paramagnetic NMR techniques have been used to obtain structural information on the binding mode of AMP to the Cu2+- binuclear complexes.

Binuclear Cu2+ complex mediated discrimination between L-glutamate and L-aspartate in water.

L-glutamate and L-aspartate selectivity is achieved by the action of two Cu2+ metal ions rightly disposed in a cyclophane-type macrocyclic framework; electrochemical sensing of glutamate has been achieved by adsorption of the copper complexes on graphite electrodes.