Synthesis and Structural Studies of Gallium(III) and Iron(III) Hemicryptophane Complexes.

New gallium(III) and iron(III) endohedral complexes were obtained from a hemicryptophane ligand bearing suitable binding sites for octahedral metal coordination. The solid-state structures of the free host and of the complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The metal ion is linked to the hydrazone nitrogen and the phenolate oxygen atoms, yielding a distorted octahedral geometry around the encapsulated metal. The two isomorphous structures of the metal complexes reveal the exclusive formation of PΔ/MΛ enantiomeric pairs.

Selective and reusable iron(II)-based molecular sensor for the vapor-phase detection of alcohols.

A mononuclear iron(II) neutral complex (1) is screened for sensing abilities for a wide spectrum of chemicals and to evaluate the response function toward physical perturbation like temperature and mechanical stress. Interestingly, 1 precisely detects methanol among an alcohol series. The sensing process is visually detectable, fatigue-resistant, highly selective, and reusable. The sensing ability is attributed to molecular sieving and subsequent spin-state change of iron centers, after a crystal-to-crystal transformation.

Preparation of highly functionalised benzofurans from ortho-hydroxyphenones and dichloroethylene: applications and mechanistic investigations.

Highly functionalised benzofurans have been prepared from ortho-hydroxyphenones and 1,1-dichloroethylene. The key intermediate, a chloromethylene furan, smoothly rearranged into the corresponding benzofuran carbaldehyde under acidic conditions. Some mechanistic investigations have been performed and several biologically active benzofurans have been synthesised.

New mononuclear Cu(II) complexes and 1D chains with 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole.

The crystal structures of two mononuclear Cu(II) NH2trz complexes [Cu(NH2trz)4(H2O)](AsF6)2 (I) and [Cu(NH2trz)4(H2O)](PF6)2 (II) as well as two coordination polymers [Cu(µ2-NH2trz)2Cl]Cl∙H2O (III) and [Cu(µ2-NH2trz)2Cl] (SiF6)0.5∙1.5H2O (IV) are presented. Cationic 1D chains with bridging bis-monodentate µ2-coordinated NH2trz and bridging µ2-coordinated chloride ligands are present in III and IV. In these coordination polymers, the Cu(II) ions are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled with J=-128.4 cm(-1) for III and J=-143 cm(-1) for IV (H=-JΣSiSi+1), due to the nature of the bridges between spin centers. Inter-chain interactions present in the crystal structures were taken into consideration, as well as g factors, which were determined experimentally, for the quantitative modeling of their magnetic properties.

Spin transition charted in a fluorophore-tagged thermochromic dinuclear iron(II) complex.

The first crystal structures of a dinuclear iron(II) complex with three N1,N2-1,2,4-triazole bridges in the high-spin and low-spin states are reported. Its sharp spin transition, which was probed using X-ray, calorimetric, magnetic, and (57)Fe Mossbauer analyses, is also delineated in the crystalline state by variable-temperature fluorimetry for the first time.

Cyclam-methylbenzimidazole: a selective OFF-ON fluorescent sensor for zinc.

The coordination properties and the photophysical response of a new cyclam fluorescent probe for Zn(II), [L1H: 1-(benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl]-1,4, 8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane] toward Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) are reported. The stability constants of the corresponding complexes were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution. The fluorescence of L1H was quenched by the presence of Cu(II), and L1H behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for Zn(II) even in the presence of a wide range of biological divalent cations. Furthermore, on addition of successive amounts of Zn(II), the fluorescence emission of L1H increases linearly by a factor of 12. This can be correlated to the efficient Zn(II) binding of L1H and to the participation of all the amine functions in the metal coordination which prevents the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) effect and promotes a good chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect; this confers to the cyclam probe better sensing properties than the cyclen ionophore.

[4 + 2] Cycloadditions of 1-phosphono-1,3-butadienes with nitroso heterodienophiles: a versatile synthetic route for polyfunctionalized aminophosphonic derivatives.

The hetero-Diels-Alder (HDA) reaction of 1-(diethoxyphosphonyl)-1,3-butadiene, 1-(dibenzyloxyphosphonyl)-1,3-butadiene, and 1-(diethoxyphosphonyl)-3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-1,3-butadiene with various nitroso heterodienophiles has been investigated as a new synthetic route for aminophosphonic derivatives. The HDA cycloadditions regioselectively led to the proximal isomers, i.e., presenting the NR(3) group in the meta position regarding the phosphonate substituent. From the resulting 6-phosphono-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazine cycloadducts, a limited number of chemical steps were allowed to obtain a significant variety of aminophosphonic compounds of potential interest in medicinal chemistry. This has been illustrated through the synthesis of (Z)-4-(o-tolylamino)-1-hydroxybut-2-enylphosphonic acid, diethyl 3,4-dihydroxy-1-o-tolylpyrrolidin-2-yl-2-phosphonate, 4-(o-tolylamino)-1,2,3-trihydroxybutylphosphonic acid, diethyl 3-(2-(o-tolylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl)oxiran-2-yl-2-phosphonate, and diethyl 4,5-dihydroxymorpholin-6-yl-6-phosphonate.

Insights into the origin of solid-state photochromism and thermochromism of N-salicylideneanils: the intriguing case of aminopyridines.

The relationships between the crystal structure and optical properties of switchable N-salicylideneanils have been revised and discussed on the basis of new experimental results and a computational approach. N-salicylidene-3-aminopyridine (L(3)) is a versatile thermo- and photochromic molecule. It also exhibits an infinitely slow thermal back relaxation (k = 9.9x10(-8) s(-1)) after photoswitching that is suitable for optical memories. Contrary to reports in the literature, N-salicylidene-4-aminopyridine (L(4)) is exclusively thermochromic. To explain these unexpected optical properties in the solid state, crystallography combined with UV-visible spectroscopic data was exploited. L(3) was also used as a ligand in new thermochromic coordination complexes [M(CH(3)OH)(2)(L(3))(2)(NCX)(2)], in which M(II) = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Mn and X = S or Se (1-6), which allowed the fine-tuning of the electron density in the photochromic moiety. The influence of the coordination through the nitrogen of the pyridine ring is also fully discussed.

Laccase-mediated synthesis of novel substituted phenoxazine chromophores featuring tuneable water solubility.

Laccases are members of the blue copper oxidases family found in nature. They commonly oxidise a wide range of phenol and aniline derivatives, which in turn are involved in oxidative coupling reactions. Yet, laccases remain rarely described as biocatalysts in organic synthesis. This paper describes the chemical preparation of original sulfonated aminophenol substrates and their enzyme-mediated dimerisation into phenoxazine chromophores that feature tuneable water solubility as a function of the sulfonyl substituent. The scope and limitations of the biocatalysed synthetic process are outlined. Kinetic data were collected to evaluate the influence of physicochemical parameters. The structure of the novel phenoxazine dyes ("head-to-head" or "head-to-tail" dimer) was assessed by NMR spectroscopic analysis. Two crystalline compounds were analysed by X-ray diffraction. Such laccase-mediated synthesis (a green chemistry process) was proven to be more efficient than the chemical oxidation of o-aminophenols with silver oxide.

Polyphosphorylated triphenylenes: synthesis, crystal structure, and selective catechol recognition.

Designed as a multivalent hydrogen bond acceptor, new receptors, Discopus 1a,b, were built from a triphenylene core surrounded by six (diaryl)phosphinate groups. An efficient synthesis was developed to prepare these elaborated structures in a high overall yield. The X-ray structure of receptor 1b showed strong cooperative hydrogen bonds with two water molecules and intermolecular CH-pi contacts. In chloroform, Discopus 1a,b displayed recognition properties toward dihydroxybenzenes, selectively forming complexes with catechol derivatives 4a-c in a 1:2 (host:guest) stoichiometry. According to NMR and microcalorimetry titrations, association constants were found in the 30-2837 M(-1) range, which were larger than those reported for curvated catechol receptors (14-120 M(-1)). Interestingly, Discopus present two distinct catechol binding sites. Weak hydrogen bonding between host phosphinates and guest hydroxyl groups was shown by infrared spectroscopy and (31)P NMR. Molecular dynamics simulations and recognition experiments suggested that a stronger hydrogen bond assisted by a pi-interaction between the Discopus core and one catechol molecule could exist within the 1:2 complex.

Prediction of the spin transition temperature in Fe(II) one-dimensional coordination polymers: an anion based database.

One-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers of formula [Fe(NH(2)trz)(3)]A.nH(2)O, {A = TiF(6)(2-), n = 0.5 (1) and n = 1 (2); A = ZrF(6)(2-), n = 0.5 (3) and n = 0 (4); A = SnF(6)(2-), n = 0.5 (5) and n = 1 (6); A = TaF(7)(2-), n = 3 (7) and n = 2.5 (8); A = GeF(6)(2-), n = 1 (9) and n = 0.5 (10), NH(2)trz = 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole} have been synthesized, fully characterized, and their spin crossover behavior carefully studied by SQUID magnetometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. These materials display an abrupt and hysteretic spin transition around 200 K on cooling, as well as a reversible thermochromic effect. Accurate spin transition curves were derived by (57)Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy considering the corrected f factors for the high-spin and low-spin states determined employing the Debye model. The unusual hysteresis width of 3 (28 K), was attributed to a dense hydrogen bonding network involving the ZrF(6)(2-) counteranion and the 1D chains, an organization which is also revealed in [Cu(NH(2)trz)(3)]ZrF(6).H(2)O (11). Trinuclear spin crossover compounds of formula [Fe(3)(NH(2)trz)(10)(H(2)O)(2)](SbF(6))(6).S {S = 1.5CH(3)OH (12), 0.5C(2)H(5)OH (13)} were also obtained. A structural property relationship was derived between the volume of the inserted counteranion and the transition temperature T(1/2) of the 1D chains. Two linear size regimes were identified for monovalent anions (0.04 or= 0.11 nm(3)) with saturation around T(1/2) = 200 K. These characteristics allowed us to derive an anion based database that is of interest for the prediction of the transition temperature of such functional switchable materials. Diffuse reflectivity measurements under hydrostatic pressure for 3,4 combined with calorimetric data allow an estimation of the electrostatic pressure between cationic chains and counteranions in the crystal lattice of these materials. The chain length distribution that ranges between 1 and 4 nm was also derived.

Structure and reactivity of a unique Y-shaped tricoordinate bis(silyl)platinum(II)-NHC complex.

Y not? A unique, three-coordinate Y-shaped bis(silyl)platinum(II) complex was isolated and characterized (see structure; C light gray, N blue, Si pink, Pt dark gray). DFT studies on a model system shed light on the nature of this unusual coordination mode for platinum(II).

Divergent and regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4- and 1,2,5-trisubstituted imidazoles.

A divergent and regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4- and 1,2,5-trisubstituted imidazoles from a readily available (two steps) common intermediate has been developed. This methodology is based on the regiocontrolled N-alkylation of 1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-5-iodo-2-phenylthio-1H-imidazole (10). When this intermediate is engaged in reaction with methyl triflate, selective formation of the corresponding 1,2,5-trisubsituted 1H-imidazole is observed. NMR studies have revealed that this regioselectivity can be accounted for by in situ rapid isomerization of 10 into its 1,2,4-isomer (13) followed by regiospecific N-alkylation of the latter. Conversely, when key intermediate 10 is slowly added to Meerwein's salt, isomerization can be constrained and regiospecific N-alkylation of 10 leads to 1,2,4-trisubstituted 1H-imidazole with a high selectivity. The general character of this methodology has been illustrated by showing that iodine in position 4 or 5 could be easily substituted by an aryl group by Suzuki coupling, whereas the phenylthio group at position 2 could, after oxidation into sulfone, be displaced by nucleophilic substitution.

Carboxyl-functionalized task-specific ionic liquids for solubilizing metal oxides.

Imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, morpholinium, and quaternary ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salts were functionalized with a carboxyl group. These ionic liquids are useful for the selective dissolution of metal oxides and hydroxides. Although these hydrophobic ionic liquids are immiscible with water at room temperature, several of them form a single phase with water at elevated temperatures. Phase separation occurs upon cooling. This thermomorphic behavior has been investigated by (1)H NMR, and it was found that it can be attributed to the temperature-dependent hydration and hydrogen-bond formation of the ionic liquid components. The crystal structures of four ionic liquids and five metal complexes have been determined.

Deoxycholic acid-derived tetraoxane antimalarials and antiproliferatives(1).

The synthesis of deoxycholic acid (DCA)- and cholic acid (CA)-derived mixed tetraoxanes revealed that N-(2-dimethylamino)ethyl derivatives are potent antimalarials in vitro and in vivo. The tetraoxanes presented in this paper are dual inhibitors: besides curing mice in vivo without observed toxic effects, they kill cancer cell lines at very low concentrations. For example, DCA and CA derivatives 16 and 25 cured 3/5 (160 mg/kg/day) and 2/5 (40 mg/kg/day, MTD >960 mg/kg), respectively, and they were extremely active against melanoma LOX IMVI cancer, LC50 = 22 nM and 69 nM, respectively.

Tetraoxane antimalarials and their reaction with Fe(II).

Mixed tetraoxanes 5a and 13 synthesized from cholic acid and 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid were as active as artemisinin against chloroquine-susceptible, chloroquine-resistant, and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains (IC50, IC90). Most active 13 is metabolically stable in in vitro metabolism studies. In vivo studies on tetraoxanes with a C(4' ') methyl group afforded compound 15, which cured 4/5 mice at 600 and 200 mg.kg-1.day-1, and 2/5 mice at 50 mg.kg-1.day-1, showing no toxic effects. Tetraoxane 19 was an extremely active antiproliferative with LC50 of 17 nM and maximum tolerated dose of 400 mg/kg. In Fe(II)-induced scission of tetraoxane antimalarials only RO* radicals were detected by EPR experiments. This finding and the indication of Fe(IV)=O species led us to propose that RO* radicals are probably capable of inducing the parasite's death. Our results suggest that C radicals are possibly not the only lethal species derived from peroxide prodrug antimalarials, as currently believed.

A three-component tandem reductive aldol reaction catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene-copper complexes.

[Structure: see text] An efficient catalytic system for the three-component coupling of electrophilic alkenes, aldehydes, and silane was optimized with a new family of copper N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. These catalysts do not require activation and show high activity (TOF>15,000 h-1) as well as some anti diastereoselectivity.

Crystal structure of a Pd4 carbonyl tri-phenyl-phosphane cluster [Pd4(CO)5(PPh3)4]·2C4H8O, comparing solvates.

Attempts to synthesize Au-Pd heterometallic compounds from homonuclear palladium or gold complexes, [Pd(PtBu2)2] and [Au(PPh3)Cl] in a tetra-hydro-furan (THF) solution under a CO atmosphere resulted in a homonuclear Pd cluster, namely penta-kis-(µ-carbonyl-κ(2) C:C)tetra-kis-(tri-phenyl-phosphane-κP)tetrapalladium(5 Pd-Pd) tetra-hydro-furan disolvate, [Pd4(CO)5(C18H15P)4]·2C4H8O. The complex mol-ecule lies on a twofold rotation axis. The crystal structure is described in relation to the CH2Cl2 solvate previously determined by our group [Willocq et al. (2011 ▸). Inorg. Chim. Acta, 373, 233-242], and in particular to the desolvated structure [Feltham et al. (1985 ▸). Inorg. Chem. 24, 1503-1510]. It is assumed that the title compound transforms into the latter structure, upon gradual loss of solvent mol-ecules. In the title compound, the symmetry-unique THF solvent mol-ecule is linked to the complex mol-ecule by a weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bond. Contributions of disordered solvent molecules to the diffraction intensities, most likely associated with methanol, were removed with the SQUEEZE [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9-18] algorithm.

Second generation N-heterocyclic carbene-Pt(0) complexes as efficient catalysts for the hydrosilylation of alkenes.

A new class of benzimidazolylidene carbene-Pt(0) complexes was developed and used to efficiently catalyse the hydrosilylation of alkenes.