Synthesis of a light-responsive platinum curcumin complex, chemical and biological investigations and delivery to tumor cells by means of polymeric nanoparticles.

Platinum-based anticancer drugs are common in chemotherapy, but problems such as systemic toxicity and acquired resistance of some tumors hamper their clinical applications and therapeutic efficacy. It is necessary to synthesize Pt-based drugs and explore strategies to reduce side effects and improve pharmacokinetic profiles. Photo-responsive chemotherapeutics have emerged as an alternative strategy against several cancers, as photoactivation offers spatial selectivity and fewer side effects. Here, we combine chemical synthesis and nanotechnology to create a multifunctional platinum drug delivery system based on the novel metal complex [Pt(ppy)(curc)] (ppy = deprotonated 2-phenylpyridine, curc = deprotonated curcumin)] embodying the naturally occurring bioactive molecule, curcumin. The ultrasonication method coupled with the layer-by-layer technology was employed to produce nanocolloids, which demonstrated a good biocompatibility, higher solubility in aqueous solution, stability, large drug loading, and good biological activity in comparison with the free drug. In vitro release experiments revealed that the polymeric nanoformulation is relatively stable under physiological conditions (pH = 7.4 and 37 °C) but sensitive to acidic environments (pH = 5.6 and 37 °C) which would trigger the release of the loaded drug. Our approach modifies the bioavailability of this Pt-based drug increasing its therapeutic action in terms of both cytotoxic and anti-metastasis effects.

Luminescent Heterobimetallic PtII-AuI Complexes Bearing N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) as Potent Anticancer Agents.

This study aims to probe into new series of heterobimetallic PtII-AuI complexes with a general formula of [Pt(p-MeC6H4)(dfppy)(µ-dppm)Au(NHC)]OTf, NHC = IPr, 2; IMes, 3; dfppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridinate; dppm = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, which are the resultant of the reaction between [Pt(p-MeC6H4)(dfppy)(κ1-dppm)], 1, with [AuCl(NHC)], NHC = IPr, B; IMes, C, in the presence of [Ag(OTf)]. In the heterobimetallic complexes, the dppm ligand is settled between both metals as an unsymmetrical bridging ligand. Several techniques are employed to characterize the resulting compounds. Moreover, the photophysical properties of the complexes are investigated by means of UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the experimental study is enriched by ab initio calculations (density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT)) to assess the role of Pt and Au moieties in the observed optical properties. It is revealed that 1-3 is luminescent in the solid state and solution at different temperatures. In addition, the achieved results indicate the emissive properties of 1-3 are originated from a mixed 3IL/3MLCT excited state with major contribution of intraligand charge transfer (dfppy). A comparative study is conducted into the cytotoxic activities of starting materials and 1-3 against different human cancer cell lines such as the pancreas (MIA-PaCa2), breast (MDA-MB-231), cervix (HeLa), and noncancerous breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). The achieved results suggest the heterobimetallic PtII-AuI species as optimal compounds that signify the existence of cooperative and synergistic effects in their structures. The complex 3 is considered as the most cytotoxic compound with the maximum selectivity index in our screened complex series. Moreover, it is disclosed that 3 effectively causes cell death by inducing apoptosis in MIA-PaCa2 cells. Furthermore, the finding results by fluorescent cell microscopy manifest cytoplasmic staining of 3 rather than nucleus.

Half-Sandwich Cyclometalated RhIII Complexes Bearing Thiolate Ligands: Biomolecular Interactions and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations.

A class of cyclometalated RhIII complexes [Cp*Rh(ppy)(SR)] bearing thiolate ligands, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, ppy = 2-phenylpyridinate, and R = pyridyl (Spy, 2), pyrimidyl (SpyN, 3), benzimidazolyl (Sbi, 4), and benzothiazolyl (Sbt, 5), were produced and identified by means of spectroscopic methods. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the RhIII compounds in three different human mortal cancerous cell lines (ovarian, SKOV3; breast, MCF-7; lung, A549) and a normal lung (MRC-5) cell line were evaluated, indicating the selectivity of these cyclometalated RhIII complexes to cancer cells. Complex 5, selected for in vivo experiment, has shown an effective inhibition of tumor growth in SKOV3 xenograft mouse model relative to control (p-values < 0.05 and < 0.01). Importantly, the outcomes of H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) staining and hematological analysis revealed negligible toxicity of 5 compared to cisplatin on a functioning of the main organs of mouse. Molecular docking, UV-vis, and emission spectroscopies (fluorescence, 3D fluorescence, synchronous) techniques were carried out on 1-5 to peruse the mechanism of the anticancer activities of these complexes. The obtained data help to manifest the binding affinity between the rhodium compounds and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through the interaction by DNA minor groove and moderate binding affinity with bovine serum albumin (BSA), particularly with the cavity in the subdomain IIA. It can be concluded that the Rh-thiolate complexes are highly promising leads for the development of novel effective DNA-targeted anticancer drugs.

Oxidative Addition of a Hypervalent Iodine Compound to Cycloplatinated(II) Complexes for the C-O Bond Construction: Effect of Cyclometalated Ligands.

The complex [PtMe(Obpy)(OAc)2(H2O)], 2a, Obpy = 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide, is prepared through the reaction of [PtMe(Obpy)(SMe2)], 1a, by 1 equiv of PhI(OAc)2 via an oxidative addition (OA) reaction. Pt(IV) complex 2a attends the process of C-O bond reductive elimination (RE) reaction to form methyl acetate and corresponding Pt(II) complex [Pt(Obpy)(OAc)(H2O)], 3a. The kinetic of OA and RE reactions are investigated by means of different spectroscopies. The obtained results show that the reaction rates of OA step of 1a are faster than its analogous complex [PtMe(ppy)(SMe2)], 1b, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations signify that the OA reaction initiated by a nucleophilic attack of the platinum(II) central atom of 1b on the iodine(III) atom while it had commenced by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of coordinated SMe2 in 1a with a carbonyl oxygen atom of PhI(OAc)2. Our calculation revealed that the key step for 1a is an acetate transfer from the I(III) to Pt(II) through a formation of square pyramidal iodonium complex. This can be attributed to the more electron-withdrawing character of Obpy ligand than to ppy which reduces the nucleophilicity of Pt atom in 1a. Furthermore, 2a with electron-withdrawing Obpy ligand prone to C-O bond formation faster than complex [PtMe(ppy)(OAc)2(H2O)], 2b, with an electron-rich ppy ligand which conforms to the anticipation that REs occur faster on electron-poor metal centers.

Fluorinated Cycloplatinated(II) Complexes Bearing Bisphosphine Ligands as Potent Anticancer Agents.

A family of cationic cycloplatinated(II) complexes [Pt(dfppy)(P^P)]Cl, dfppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine, incorporating bisphosphine ligands, P^P = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (1, dppm), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (2, dppe) and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (3, dppbz), was prepared. The complexes were characterized by means of several analytical and spectroscopic methods. These complexes displayed acceptable stability in the biological environments which was confirmed by NMR, HR ESI-MS and UV-vis techniques. The antiproliferative properties of these complexes were evaluated by National Cancer Institute (NCI) at National Institutes of Health (NIH) against 60 different human tumor cell lines such as leukemia, melanoma, lung, colon, brain, ovary, breast, prostate and kidney. These complexes showed higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against a wide variety of cancer cell lines such as K-562 (leukemia), HOP-92 (lung), HCT-116 (colon), OVCAR-8 (ovarian), PC-3 (prostate), MDA-MB-468 (breast), and melanoma cancer cell lines. Complex 3 as the most potent compound in this study furnished an excellent anti-proliferative activity compared to the cisplatin against Hela, SKOV3, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The main mode of the interaction of 1-3 with DNA was also determined using molecular docking studies.

Photophysical Properties and Kinetic Studies of 2-Vinylpyridine-Based Cycloplatinated(II) Complexes Containing Various Phosphine Ligands.

A series of cycloplatinated(II) complexes with general formula of [PtMe(Vpy)(PR3)], Vpy = 2-vinylpyridine and PR3 = PPh3 (1a); PPh2Me (1b); PPhMe2 (1c), were synthesized and characterized by means of spectroscopic methods. These cycloplatinated(II) complexes were luminescent at room temperature in the yellow-orange region's structured bands. The PPhMe2 derivative was the strongest emissive among the complexes, and the complex with PPh3 was the weakest one. Similar to many luminescent cycloplatinated(II) complexes, the emission was mainly localized on the Vpy cyclometalated ligand as the main chromophoric moiety. The present cycloplatinated(II) complexes were oxidatively reacted with MeI to yield the corresponding cycloplatinated(IV) complexes. The kinetic studies of the reaction point out to an SN2 mechanism. The complex with PPhMe2 ligand exhibited the fastest oxidative addition reaction due to the most electron-rich Pt(II) center in its structure, whereas the PPh3 derivative showed the slowest one. Interestingly, for the PPhMe2 analog, the trans isomer was stable and could be isolated as both kinetic and thermodynamic product, while the other two underwent trans to cis isomerization.

Pt(II)-Decorated Covalent Organic Framework for Photocatalytic Difluoroalkylation and Oxidative Cyclization Reactions.

A new covalent organic framework (COF) based on imine bonds was assembled from 2-(4-formylphenyl)-5-formylpyridine and 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)pyrene, which showed an interesting dual-pore structure with high crystallinity. Postmetallation of the COF with Pt occurred selectively at the N donor (imine and pyridyl) in the larger pores. The metallated COF served as an excellent recyclable heterogeneous photocatalyst for decarboxylative difluoroalkylation and oxidative cyclization reactions.

A C

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of a new C^N-based cycloplatinated(II) fluoride complex, [Pt(ppy)(PPh3)F] (2; ppy = 2-phenylpyridinate), involving a Pt-F bond. The new complex is highly luminescent in the green area with a high quantum yield of 94.6% at 77 K. A comparison study of the heavier halogen derivatives reveals a descending emission quantum yield order of F > Cl > Br > I. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations ascribe the decreased emission efficiency to the decreasing trend of an intraligand (IL) transition from F to I, which accounts for the major radiative pathway. In addition, 2 is capable of the fluorinating alkyl halides, leading to Csp3-F bond formation at room temperature.

PtSn Nanoalloy Thin Films as Anode Catalysts in Methanol Fuel Cells.

Reactions of SnX2 (X = Cl, Br) with [PtMe2(bipy)], 1, (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), followed by NaBH4 reduction at the toluene/water interface in the presence or absence of graphene oxide support rendered PtSn nanoalloy thin films. They were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytical activity of the PtSn thin films was investigated in the methanol oxidation reaction. Our studies showed that the PtSn/reduced-graphene oxide (RGO) thin film gave better catalytic results for MOR in comparison to bare PtSn or Pt thin films. A maximum jf/jb ratio (jf and jb are the maximum current densities in the forward and backward scans, respectively) of 6.77 was obtained for the PtSn/RGO thin film deriving from the 1 + SnBr2 + NaBH4 sequence.

Five- and Six-Coordinated Silver(I) Complexes Formed by a Metallomacrocyclic Ligand with a "Au2N2" Donor Group: Observation of Pendulum and Linear Motions and Dual Phosphorescence.

The six-coordinated silver(I) complex [Au2Ag(µ-(PPh2)2py)2(OTf)2](OTf), 4 (py = pyridine, OTf = CF3SO3), and the five-coordinated silver(I) complex [Au2Ag(acetone)(µ-(PPh2)2py)2](PF6)3, 6, were prepared by the reaction of the precursor complexes 1(OTf)2 and 1(PF6)2, in which 1 = [Au2(µ-(PPh2)2py)2]2+, with 1 equiv of Ag(OTf) in dichloromethane and excess of Ag(PF6) in a mixture of dichloromethane/acetone, respectively. Also, the five-coordinated silver(I) complex [Au2Ag(µ-(PPh2)2py)2(py)(OTf)](OTf)2, 5, was obtained by the reaction of 4 with pyridine. The clusters 4-6 were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental microanalysis. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the octahedral and distorted square pyramidal geometries around the silver(I) centers in the crystal structures of 4 and 6, respectively; a dynamic structure was observed for cluster 5 due to pendulum motion of the Ag(pyridine) moiety, which was anchored in the metallomacrocyclic unit [Au2(µ-(PPh2)2py)2]2+. Although the crystal structure of 6 did not display disorders for the silver atom and the acetone ligand similar to that observed for 5, the low-temperature NMR spectroscopies and calculations show a dynamic structure for cluster 6 due to linear motion of the Ag(acetone) moiety. The reaction of the precursor complex 1(PO2F2)2 with 2 equiv of Ag(PO2F2) yielded the tetranuclear Au2Ag2 cluster [Au2Ag2(PO2F2)2(µ-(PPh2)2py)2](PO2F2)2, 7, with a planar-shaped {Au2Ag2} metal core in which alternating Au and Ag atoms occupy the tetragon vertices and showed a strong argentophillic interaction between the silver(I) centers. All clusters 4-7 are emissive in the solid state, and the origins of their emissive excited states were determined using time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Cluster 7 showed a dual phosphorescence emission, which displays strong dependence of the contributions of each emissive component onto the excitation wavelength.

trans-Platinum(II) Thionate Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and in†vitro Biological Assessment as Potent Anticancer Agents.

A series of Pt(II) complexes trans-[Pt(PPh2 allyl)2 (κ1 -S-SR)2 ], 1, PPh2 allyl=allyldiphenylphosphine, SR=pyridine-2-thiol (Spy, 1 a), 5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine-2-thiol (SpyCF3 -5, 1 b), pyrimidine-2-thiol (SpyN, 1 c), benzothiazole-2-thiol (Sbt, 1 d), benzimidazole-2-thiol (Sbi, 1 e), were synthesized. They were characterized by NMR, HR ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallography. Treatment of human cancer cell lines (A549, SKOV3, MCF-7) with these complexes resulted in promising antitumor effects in comparison with cisplatin. These compounds showed suitable selectivity between tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic (MCF-10 A) cell lines. Analyses of cell cycle progression and apoptosis were conducted for 1 a, the most cytotoxic compound, to screen dose/time response and to study the antiproliferative mechanism. An electrophoresis mobility shift assay was performed to assess the direct interaction of 1 a with DNA and the strong genotoxic ability was indicated through the comet assay method.

A Borane Platinum Complex Undergoing Reversible Hydride Migration in Solution.

Reaction of [Pt(κ2-C,N-ppy)(dmso)Cl], 1 (Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine), with Na[H2B(mb)2] (Hmb = 2-mercapto-benzimidazole) smoothly afforded the complex {[(κ3-S,B,S-HB(mb)2]Pt(κ2-C,N-ppy)H}, 2, featuring a strong reverse-dative Pt → B σ interaction in the solid state. When dissolved in thf (or acetone) solution, 2 undergoes a reversible Pt-H bond activation, establishing an equilibrium between the hexacoordinated 2 and the tetracoordinate complex {[(κ2-S,S-H2B(mb)2]Pt(κ2-C,N-ppy)}, 3, as ascertained by multinuclear NMR. Hydrolysis of the B-N bond in 2/3 resulted ultimately in the formation of a dimeric half-lantern platinum(II,II) complex [{Pt(κ2-C,N-ppy)(µ2-κ2-N,S-mb)}2], 4. The SC-XRD structures of 2 and 4 are reported.

The influence of thiolate ligands on the luminescence properties of cycloplatinated(ii) complexes.

Complexes [Pt(C^N)(PPh3)Cl] (C^N = bzq (7,8-benzoquinolinyl, A) and ppy (2-phenylpyridinyl, B)) were reacted with various thiolate ligands to afford complexes [Pt(C^N)(PPh3)(κ1-S-SR)], C^N = bzq, R = SPh (thiophenolate, 1a); C^N = ppy, R = SPh (1b); C^N = bzq, R = Spy (pyridine-2-thiolate, 2a); C^N = ppy, R = Spy (2b); C^N = bzq, R = SpyN (pyrimidine-2-thiolate, 3a); C^N = ppy, R = SpyN (3b). Complexes 1-3 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the solid-state structures of 1a and 2a were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Replacing a chloride ligand with electron-rich thiolates changes the lowest energy singlet and triplet excited states to the ones that feature charge transfer from the thiolate (mixed with some metal character) to the C^N ligand, which was supported by TD-DFT calculations. All complexes are emissive at 298 K in the solid state except 2b and 3b, which are emissive only at 77 K having a less rigid structure compared to others. The emission of 1a and 1b originates from a low-energy excited state of dPt/πSR → π*C^N while 3a exhibits a 3LC/3MLCT transition. For 1a and 1b, the radiative rate and the quantum efficiency are higher in a rigid environment such as a solid compared to a polymer and solution. Decreasing the rigidity of the environment leads to a flexibility of rotation of the -SR around the axis of the Pt-S bond. So the geometry can be easily changed after radiation and the lowest lying triplet excited state would have the effective contribution of the dd* transition, which opens a nonradiative pathway at room temperature.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies on the DNA Binding Interactions of Platinum(II) Rollover Complexes Containing Phosphorus Donor Ligands.

Cyclometalated rollover complexes of the type [PtMe(κ2 N,C-bipyO-H)(L)] [bipyO-H=cyclometalated 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide; L=tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3 , 2 a), 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine (PPh2 py, 2 b), P(OPh)3 (2 c)] were synthesized by treating [PtMe(κ2 N,C-bipyO-H)(SMe2 )] (1) with various monodentate phosphine and phosphite ligands. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 2 a was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 was treated with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) at a 1:1 ratio to give the corresponding [PtMe(κ2 N,C-bipyO-H)(κ1 P-dppm)] (3 b) complex, in which the dppm ligand acts as a monodentate pendant ligand. The biological activities of these complexes were evaluated against a panel of four standard cancer cell lines: lung carcinoma (A549), ovarian carcinoma (OV-90 and SKOV3), and breast carcinoma (MCF-7). Complexes 2 c and especially 3 b indicated effective potent cytotoxic activity regarding the cell lines. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays and molecular-modeling investigations were performed to determine the specific binding mode and the binding orientation of these alkylating agents to DNA. Detection of cellular reactive oxygen species was also determined.

Cyclometalated platinum(ii) complexes of 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide containing a 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligand: structural, computational and electrochemical studies.

The preparation and characterization of new heteronuclear-platinum(ii) complexes containing a 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) ligand are described. The reaction of the known starting complex [PtMe(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)(SMe2)], A, in which bipyO-H is a cyclometalated rollover 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide, with the dppf ligand in a 2 : 1 ratio or an equimolar ratio led to the formation of the corresponding binuclear complex [Pt2Me2(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)2(µ-dppf)], 1, or the mononuclear complex [PtMe(κ1C-bipyO-H)(dppf)], 2, respectively. According to the reaction conditions, the dppf ligand in 1 and 2 behaves as either a bridging or chelating ligand. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of 2 was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method and it was shown that the chelating dppf ligand in this complex was arranged in a "synclinal-staggered" conformation. Also, the occurrence of intermolecular C-HCpObipyO-H interactions in the solid-state gave rise to an extended 1-D network. The electronic absorption spectra and the electrochemical behavior of these complexes are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) was used for geometry optimization of the singlet states in solution and for electronic structure calculations. The analysis of the molecular orbital (MO) compositions in terms of occupied and unoccupied fragment orbitals in 2 was performed.

Binuclear Complexes and Extended Chains Featuring Pt(II)-Tl(I) Bonds: Influence of the Pyridine-2-Thiolate and Cyclometalated Ligands on the Self-Assembly and Luminescent Behavior.

Platinum solvate complexes [Pt(C6F5)(C^N)(S)] [C^N = phenylpyridinyl (ppy), S = dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (A); C^N = benzoquinolinyl (bzq), S = CH3COCH3 (B)] react with [Tl(Spy)] (Spy = 2-pyridinethiolate) to afford binuclear [{Pt(C6F5)(C^N)}Tl(Spy)] [C^N = ppy (1) and bzq (2)] species containing a Pt-Tl bonding interaction, supported by a µ-Spy-κN,S bridging ligand, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. However, the related reactions with [Tl(SpyCF3-5)] [SpyCF3-5 = 5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinethiolate] give neutral extended chains [{Pt(C6F5)(C^N)}Tl(SpyCF3-5)]n [C^N = ppy (3) and bzq (4)]. 3 features a zigzag -Pt-Tl···S-Pt- chain, generated by Pt-Tl and Tl···S bonds, with the SpyCF3 acting as a µ-κN:κ(2)S bridging ligand, whereas 4 displays an unsupported ···Tl-Pt···Tl-Pt··· backbone (angle of ca. 158.7°). The lowest-energy absorption bands in the UV-vis spectra in CH2Cl2, associated with (1)L'LCT transitions with minor (1)LC/(1)MLCT (L' = Spy or SpyCF3-5; L = C^N) character, are similar for all complexes 1-4, demonstrating that for 3 and 4 the chains break down in solution to yield similar bimetallic Pt-Tl units. For 2, two different forms, 2-o (orange) and 2-y (yellow), exhibiting different colors and emissions were found depending on the isolation conditions. Slow crystallization favors formation of the thermodynamically more stable yellow form (2-y), which exhibits a high-energy (HE) structured emission band, whereas fast crystallization gives rise to the orange form (2-o), with a remarkably lower energy structureless emission. Complexes 1 and 3 exhibit dual luminescence in the solid state at 298 K: an unstructured low-energy band associated with (3)ππ* excimeric emission due to π···π (C^N) interactions and a more structured HE band, assigned, with support of density functional theory calculations, to an intraligand (3)LC (C^N) excited state mixed with some ligand (SPy)/platinum-to-ligand (C^N)(3)[(L' + M)LCT] charge transfer. Chain 4 only shows a HE band at 298 K, attributed to a (3)L'LCT (SpyCF3 → bzq) excited state mixed with a minor (3)MLCT/(3)MM'CT (M = Pt; M' = Tl) contribution. At 77 K, the ππ*-stacking emission is predominant in all complexes, except in the form 2-y. Interestingly, 2-4 exhibit reversible mechanochromic color and luminescence changes, with remarkable red shift and increased quantum yields, and upon exposure to solvents, they are restored to their original color and emission. On the basis of powder X-ray diffraction studies, a plausible mechanism of the mechanochromic processes is proposed, involving reversible crystalline-to-amorphous phase transitions.

Photophysical responses in Pt2Pb clusters driven by solvent interactions and structural changes in the Pb(II) environment.

Two types of Pt2Pb luminescent clusters were successfully prepared by the reaction of [Pt(C6F5)(bzq)(OCMe2)] (1) and [Pt(C6F5)(ppy)(dmso)] (2) with [Pb(SpyR-5)2] (R = H, CF3). Thus, whereas 5 (ppy, Spy) is generated through coordination of the pyridine-N atoms to the Pt centers, the formation of 3, 4 (bzq), and 6 (ppy, SpyCF3) is accompanied by a formal thiolate transfer from Pb(II) to Pt(II), keeping the two N atoms in the primary environment of the lead. In 5, the neutral Pb center adopts a rather stable and symmetrical "Pt2S2" coordination sphere supplemented by two Pb··Fo contacts, whereas for the remaining species several pseudopolymorphs were found depending on the solvent (3, 4) and crystallization conditions (6). This structural diversity relies on changes in the coordination mode of the SpyR ligands (µ-κS,N/µ-κ(3)S,N,S), intermetallic Pt-Pb bonds, and secondary intra- and intermolecular contacts induced by Pb-solvent binding. Notably, the changes, which entail a slight tuning of the stereochemical activity of the lone pair, have also a remarkable impact on the emissive state ((3)L'CCT/(3)L'LCT, SpyR → Pb,Pt/(C(∧)N) in nature). Clusters 3 and 4 display a distinct and fast reversible blue shift vapoluminescent response (4 shows also color changes) to donor solvents, correlated with changes in the environment of the Pb(II) ion (asymmetric hemidirected to more symmetric holodirected) upon solvent binding and, additionally, in 4 with modifications in the crystal packing, as confirmed by XRD and supported by TD-DFT calculations. 5 and 6 do not show a vapoluminescent response. However, for 6, three different and interconvertible forms, a symmetrical form (yellow 6-y) and two asymmetrical forms with a rather short Pt-Pb bond (pale orange 6·acetone and orange 6-o), exhibiting different emissions were found. Notably, slow crystallization and low concentration favor the formation of the thermodynamically more stable yellow form, whereas fast crystallization gives rise to orange solids with a remarkable red shift of the emission. Interestingly, 6 also exhibits reversible mechanochromic color and luminescence changes.

Cyclometalated heteronuclear Pt/Ag and Pt/Tl complexes: a structural and photophysical study.

To investigate the factors influencing the luminescent properties of polymetallic cycloplatinated complexes a detailed study of the photophysical and structural properties of the heteronuclear complexes [Pt2Me2(bhq)2(µ-dppy)2Ag2(µ-acetone)](BF4)2, 2, [PtMe(bhq)(dppy)Tl]PF6, 3, and [Pt2Me2(bhq)2(dppy)2Tl]PF6, 4, [bhq = benzo[h]quinoline, dppy = 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine] was conducted. Complexes 3 and 4 synthesized by the reaction of [PtMe(bhq)(dppy)], 1, with TlPF6 (1 or 1/2 equiv.) and stabilized by unsupported Pt-Tl bonds as revealed by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by X-ray crystallography for 3. DFT calculations for the previously reported butterfly Pt2Ag2 cluster 2 reveal that in the optimized geometry the bridging acetone molecule is removed and the metal core displays a planar-shaped geometry in which according to a QTAIM calculation and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis the Ag···Ag metallophilic interaction is strengthened. In contrast to the precursor 1, which is only emissive in glassy solutions ((3)MLCT 485 nm), all 2-4 heteropolynuclear complexes display intense emissions in the solid state and in glassy solutions. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) is used to elucidate the origin of the electronic transitions in the heteronuclear complexes 2 and 3. The low energy absorption and intense orange emission for cluster 2 (solid 77 K and glass) are attributed to metal-metal to ligand charge transfer (MM'LCT) with a minor L'LCT contribution. For 3 and 4 two different bands are developed: the high energy band (602-630 nm) observed for 4 at 77 K (solid, glass) and in diluted glasses for 3 is ascribed to emission from discrete Pt2Tl units of mixed (3)L'LCT/(3)LM'CT origin. However, the low energy band (670-690 nm) observed at room temperature (solid) for both complexes and also in concentrated glasses for 3 is assigned to (3)ππ excited states arising from intermolecular interactions.

Solvent-induced lone pair activity tuning and vapoluminescence in a Pt2Pb cluster.

We report a novel cluster, [{Pt(C6F5)(bzq)}2Pb(Spy)2] 1, that displays reversible vapoluminescence to specific organic vapours; this behaviour can be related to the stereochemical activity of the lone pair around the Pb(II) in the ground state and to the distinct distortion of the coordination environment (1 and 1-solvent) upon photoexcitation.

Oxidative addition reaction of diarylplatinum(II) complexes with MeI in ionic liquid media: a kinetic study.

A kinetic study of the oxidative addition reaction of diarylplatinum(II) complexes [Pt(p-MeC(6)H(4))(2)(NN)] (1a: NN = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 1b: NN = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine ((t)Bu(2)bpy)) with MeI in ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([bmim][bta]) or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF(4)]) is described. The reactions were investigated as a function of MeI concentration and temperature under pseudo-first-order conditions using UV-vis spectroscopy techniques. In general, the oxidative addition reactions in ionic liquids followed an S(N)2 mechanism, similar to that reported for the related reactions in conventional solvents, e.g. benzene or acetone. The reaction rates in different solvents followed the order acetone > ionic liquids > benzene. The trend in the values of k(2) clearly indicated that ionic liquids behave like conventional solvents and that no particular 'ionic liquid effect' was detected in this kind of reaction. The effect of solvent on the reactions was examined using a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) based on the Kamlet-Taft solvent scale. The activation parameters, DeltaH(++) and DeltaS(++), were obtained for the reactions in each solvent and the investigation of enthalpy-entropy compensation confirmed that the mechanism operated in all solvents is similar.