Two macrocyclic pentaaza compounds containing pyridine evaluated as novel chelating agents in copper(II) and nickel(II) overload

Two pentaaza macrocycles containing pyridine in the backbone, namely 3,6,9,12,18-pentaazabicyclo[12.3.1] octadeca-1(18),14,16-triene ([15]pyN(5)), and 3,6,10,13,19-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]nonadeca-1(19),15,17-triene ([16]pyN(5)), were synthesized in good yields. The acid-base behaviour of these compounds was studied by potentiometry at 298.2 K in aqueous solution and ionic strength 0.10 M in KNO3. The protonation sequence of [15]pyN(5) was investigated by H-1 NMR titration that also allowed the determination of protonation constants in D2O. Binding studies of the two ligands with Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ metal ions were performed under the same experimental conditions. The results showed that all the complexes formed with the 15-membered ligand, particularly those of Cu2+ and especially Ni2+, are thermodynamically more stable than with the larger macrocycle. Cyclic voltammetric data showed that the copper(II) complexes of the two macrocycles exhibited analogous behaviour, with a single quasi-reversible one-electron transfer reduction process assigned to the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple. The UV-visible-near IR spectroscopic and magnetic moment data of the nickel(II) complexes in solution indicated a tetragonal distorted coordination geometry for the metal centre. X-band EPR spectra of the copper(II) complexes are consistent with distorted square pyramidal geometries. The crystal structure of [Cu([15]pyN(5))](2+) determined by X-ray diffraction showed the copper(II) centre coordinated to all five macrocyclic nitrogen donors in a distorted square pyramidal environment.

Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with tetradentate Schiff base ligands

The 1:1 condensation of 1,2-diaminopropane and 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione at high dilution gives a mixture of two positional isomers of terdentate mono-condensed Schiff bases 6-amino-3-methyl-1-phenyl-4-aza-2-hepten-1-one (HAMPAH) and 6-amino-3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4-aza-2-hexen-1-one (HADPAH). The mixture of the terdentate ligands has been used for further condensation with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde or 2-acetylpyridine to obtain the unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligands. The tetradentate Schiff bases are then allowed to react with the methanol solution of copper(II) and nickel(II) perchlorate separately. The X-ray diffraction confirms the structures of two of the complexes and shows that the condensation site of the diamine with 1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione is the same.

Probing the receptor interactions ofan H5 avian influenza virus using a baculovirus expression system and functionalised poly(acrylic acid) ligands

Influenza viruses attach to host cells by binding to terminal sialic acid (Neu5Ac) on glycoproteins or glycolipids. Both the linkage of Neu5Ac and the identity of other carbohydrates within the oligosaccharide are thought to play roles in restricting the host range of the virus. In this study, the receptor specificity of an H5 avian influenza virus haemagglutinin protein that has recently infected man (influenza strain A/Vietnam/1194/04) has been probed using carbohydrate functionalised poly(acrylic acid) polymers. A baculovirus expression system that allows facile and safe analysis of the Neu5Ac binding specificity of mutants of H5 HA engineered at sites that are predicted to effect a switch in host range has also been developed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AT(1) receptor ligands: virtual-screening-based design with TOPP descriptors, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrrolidine derivatives

As a continuing effort to establish the structure-activity relationships (SARs) within the series of the angiotensin II antagonists (sartans), a pharmacophoric model was built by using novel TOPP 3D descriptors. Statistical values were satisfactory (PC4: r(2)=0.96, q(2) ((5) (random) (groups))=0.84; SDEP=0.26) and encouraged the synthesis and consequent biological evaluation of a series of new pyrrolidine derivatives. SAR together with a combined 3D quantitative SAR and high-throughput virtual screening showed that the newly synthesized 1-acyl-N-(biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamides may represent an interesting starting point for the design of new antihypertensive agents. In particular, biological tests performed on CHO-hAT(1) cells stably expressing the human AT(1) receptor showed that the length of the acyl chain is crucial for the receptor interaction and that the valeric chain is the optimal one.

Investigation of cooperativity in the binding of ligands to the D-2 dopamine receptor

The D 2 dopamine receptor exists as dimers or as higher-order oligomers, as determined from data from physical experiments. In this study, we sought evidence that this oligomerization leads to cooperativity by examining the binding of three radioligands ([H-3] nemonapride, [H-3] raclopride, and [H-3] spiperone) to D 2 dopamine receptors expressed in membranes of Sf9 cells. In saturation binding experiments, the three radioligands exhibited different B-max values, and the B-max values could be altered by the addition of sodium ions to assays. Despite labeling different numbers of sites, the different ligands were able to achieve full inhibition in competition experiments. Some ligand pairs also exhibited complex inhibition curves in these experiments. In radioligand dissociation experiments, the rate of dissociation of [H-3] nemonapride or [H-3] spiperone depended on the sodium ion concentration but was independent of the competing ligand. Although some of the data in this study are consistent with the behavior of a cooperative oligomeric receptor, not all of the data are in agreement with this model. It may, therefore, be necessary to consider more complex models for the behavior of this receptor.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands and receptors in bovine ovarian follicle cells: actions of BMP-4,-6 and-7 on granulosa cells and differential modulation of Smad-1 phosphorylation by follistatin

Given the paucity of information on the potential roles of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the ruminant ovary we conducted immunolocalization and functional studies on cells isolated from bovine antral follicles. Immunocytochemistry revealed expression of BMP-4 and -7 in isolated theca cells whereas granulosa cells and oocytes selectively expressed RMP-6. All three cell types expressed a range of BMP-responsive type-I (BMPRIB, ActRI) and type-II (BMPRII, ActRII, ActRIIB) receptors supporting autocrine/paracrine roles within the follicle. This was reinforced by functional experiments on granulosa cells which showed that BMP-4, -6 and -7 promoted cellular accumulation of phosphorylated Smad-1 but not Smad-2 and enhanced 'basal' and IGF-stimulated secretion of oestradiol (E2), inhibin-A, activin-A and follistatin (FS). Concomitantly, each BMP suppressed 'basal' and IGF-stimulated progesterone secretion, consistent with an action to prevent or delay atresia and/or luteinization. BMPs also increased viable cell number under 'basal' (BMP-4 and -7) and IGF-stimulated (BMP-4, -6 and -7) conditions. Since FS, a product of bovine granulosa cells, has been shown to bind several BMPs, we used the Biacore technique to compare its binding affinities for activin-A (prototype FS ligand) and BMP-4, -6 and -7. Compared with activin-A (K-d 0.28 +/- 0.02 nM; 100%), the relative affinities of FS for BMP-4, -6 and -7 were 10, 5 and 1% respectively. Moreover, studies on granulosa cells showed that preincubation of ligand with excess FS abolished activin-A-induced phosphorylation of Smad-2 and BMP-4-induced phosphorylation of Smad-1. However, FS only partially reversed BMP-6-induced Smad-1 phosphorylation and had no inhibitory effect on BMP-7-induced Smad-1 phosphorylation. These findings support functional roles for BMP-4, -6 and -7 as paracrine/autocrine modulators of granulosa cell steroidogenesis, peptide secretion and proliferation in bovine antral follicles. The finding that FS can differentially modulate BMP-induced receptor activation and that this correlates with the relative binding affinity of FS for each BMP type implicates FS as a potential modulator of BMP action in the ovary.

Insights into the effects on metal binding of the systematic substitution of five key glutamate ligands in the ferritin of Escherichia coli

Ferritins are nearly ubiquitous iron storage proteins playing a fundamental role in iron metabolism. They are composed of 24 subunits forming a spherical protein shell encompassing a central iron storage cavity. The iron storage mechanism involves the initial binding and subsequent O-2-dependent oxidation of two Fe2+ ions located at sites A and B within the highly conserved dinuclear "ferroxidase center" in individual subunits. Unlike animal ferritins and the heme-containing bacterioferritins, the Escherichia coli ferritin possesses an additional iron-binding site (site C) located on the inner surface of the protein shell close to the ferroxidase center. We report the structures of five E. coli ferritin variants and their Fe3+ and Zn2+ (a redox-stable alternative for Fe2+) derivatives. Single carboxyl ligand replacements in sites A, B, and C gave unique effects on metal binding, which explain the observed changes in Fe2+ oxidation rates. Binding of Fe2+ at both A and B sites is clearly essential for rapid Fe2+ oxidation, and the linking of Fe-B(2+) to Fe-C(2+) enables the oxidation of three Fe2+ ions. The transient binding of Fe2+ at one of three newly observed Zn2+ sites may allow the oxidation of four Fe2+ by one dioxygen molecule.

Immobilisation of eta(3)-allyidicarbonyl complexes of Mo-II with bidentate nitrogen ligands within aluminium-pillared clays

Molybdenum(II) complexes [MOX(CO)(2)(eta(3)-allyl)(CH3CN)(2)] (X = Cl or Br) were encapsulated in an aluminium-pillared natural clay or a porous clay heterostructure and allowed to react with bidentate diimine ligands. All the materials obtained were characterised by several solid-state techniques. Powder XRD, and Al-27 and Si-29 MAS NMR were used to investigate the integrity of the pillared clay during the modification treatments. C-13 CP MAS NMR, FTIR, elemental analyses and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption showed that the immobilisation of the precursor complexes was successful as well as the in situ ligand-substitution reaction. The new complex [MoBr(CO)(2)(eta(3)-allyl)(2-aminodipyridyl)] was characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques, and NMR studies were used to investigate its fluxional behaviour in solution. The prepared materials are active for the oxidation of cis-cyclooctene using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant, though the activity of the isolated complexes is higher. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008).

Structural and equilibrium studies on mixed ligand complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid and typical N,N donor ligands

Mixed ligand complexes: [Co(L)(bipy)] (.) 3H(2)O (1), [Ni(L)(phen)] (.) H2O (2), [Cu(L)(phen)] (.) 3H(2)O (3) and [Zn(L)(bipy)] (.) 3H(2)O (4), where L2- = two -COOH deprotonated dianion of N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid (H(2)bzimida, hereafter, H,L), bipy = 2,2' bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral and magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies show octahedral geometry for 1, 2 and 4 and square pyramidal geometry for 3. Equilibrium studies in aqueous solution (ionic strength I = 10(-1) mol dm(-3) (NaNO3), at 25 +/- 1 degrees C) using different molar proportions of M(II):H2L:B, where M = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn and B = phen, bipy and en (ethylene diamine), however, provides evidence of formation of mononuclear and binuclear binary and mixed ligand complexes: M(L), M(H-1L)(-), M(B)(2+), M(L)(B), M(H-1L)(B)(-), M-2(H-1L)(OH), (B)M(H-1L)M(B)(+), where H-1L3- represents two -COOH and the benzimidazole NI-H deprotonated quadridentate (O-, N, O-, N), or, quinquedentate (O-, N, O-, N, N-) function of the coordinated ligand H,L. Binuclear mixed ligand complex formation equilibria: M(L)(B) + M(B)(2+) = (B)M(H-1L)M(B)(+) + H+ is favoured with higher pi-acidity of the B ligands. For Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), these equilibria are accompanied by blue shift of the electronic absorption maxima of M(II) ions, as a negatively charged bridging benzimidazolate moiety provides stronger ligand field than a neutral one. Solution stability of the mixed ligand complexes are in the expected order: Co(II) < Ni(II) < Cu(II) > Zn(II). The Delta logK(M) values are less negetive than their statistical values, indicating favoured formation of the mixed ligand complexes over the binary ones. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Equilibrium studies on mixed ligand complex formation of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-L-histidine (H(2)hb-L-his) and typical N,N donor ligands: Crystal structure of [Ni(hb-L-his)(bipyridine)]center dot H2O complex

Equilibrium study on complex formation of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), hereafter M(II), with the quadridentate (O-, N, O-, N) donor ligand, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-L-histidine (H(2)hb-L-his, hereafter H2L), in the absence and in the presence of typical (N, N) donor bidentate ligands, 1,10 phenanthroline(phen), 2, 2'-bipyridine(bipy), ethylenediamine(en), hereafter B, in aqueous solution at 25 +/- 1 degrees C was done at a fixed ionic strength, I = 0.1 mol dm(-3) (NaNO3) by combined pH-metric, UV-Vis and EPR measurements provide evidence for the formation of mononuclear and dinuclear binary and mixed ligand complexes of the types: M(L), M(L)(2)(2-), M-2(L)(2+), M-2(H-1L)(+), M(L)(B), (B)M(H-1L)M(B)(+). The imidazole moiety of the ligand is found to act as a bridging bidentate ligand in the dinuclear M-2(L)(2+), M-2(H-1L)(+) and (B)M(H-1L)M(B)(+) complexes, using its N-3 atom and N1-H deprotonated moiety. Stability constants of the complexes provide evidence of discrimination of Cu(II) from the other M(II) ions by this ligand. Solid complexes: [Ni(L)(H2O)(2)] (1), [Cu(L)(H2O)] (2), and [Ni(L)(bipy)] (.) H2O (3) have been isolated and characterized by various physicochemical studies. Single crystal X-ray diffraction of the ternary complex, 3, shows an octahedral [(O-,N,N,O-)(N,N)] geometry with extensive pi-pi stacking of the aromatic rings and H-bonding with imidazole (N1-H), secondary amino N-atom, the lattice H2O molecule, and the carboxylate and phenolate O-atoms. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Construction of coordination polymers of cadmium(II) with mixed hexamethylenetetramine and terephthalate or thiocyanate ligands

Three new polymeric complexes [Cd(hmt)(SCN)(2)(H2O)(2)](n) (1), [Cd-3(mu(2)-hmt)(2)(SCN)(6)(H2O)(2)](n) (2), and [Cd-2(hmt)(2)(tP)(2)(H2O)(6)](n) (3) [hmt = hexamethylenetetramine, tp = terephthalate] have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both the compounds 1 and 2 are 1-D polymers where Cd units are linked by double end-to-end thiocyanate bridges but in 2 the chain is wider containing three cadmium atoms instead of one as found in 1. In both compounds the coordination environment around cadmium atom is distorted octahedral. Compound 3 is a three-dimensional polymer having water-filled microporous channels. Both tp and brut are mu(2)-bridged. One of the acid groups of tp is coordinated in chelating bidentate and the other in monodentate fashion. Half of its Cd atoms are hexa-coordinated and the rest are hepta-coordinated. Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction study of 3 show that its framework remains intact upon removal of water molecules. The flexibility of coordination number around cadmium atoms (six or seven) probably plays an important role in establishing the rigidity of the framework. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1-(2 '-pyridylazo)-2-naphtholate complexes of ruthenium: synthesis, characterization, and DNA binding properties

Reaction of 1-(2'-pyridylazo)-2 -naphthol (Hpan) with [Ru(dmso)(4)Cl-2] (dmso=dimethylsulfoxide), [Ru(trpy)Cl-3] (trpy=2,2',2 ''-terpyridine), [Ru(bpy)Cl-3] (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(PPh3)(3)Cl-2] in refluxing ethanol in the presence of a base (NEt3) affords, respectively, the [Ru(pan)(2)], [Ru(trpy)(pan)](+) (isolated as perchlorate salt), [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] and [Ru(PPh3)(2)(pan)Cl] complexes. Structures of these four complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. in each of these complexes, the pan ligand is coordinated to the metal center as a monoanionic tridentate N,N,O-donor. Reaction of the [Ru(bpy)(pan)Cl] complex with pyridine (py) and 4-picoline (pic) in the presence of silver ion has yielded the [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)](+) and [Ru(bpy)(pan)(pic)](+) complexes (isolated as perchlorate salts), respectively. All the complexes are diamagnetic (low-spin d(6), S = 0) and show characteristic H-1 NMR signals and intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry on all the complexes shows a Ru(II)-Ru(III) oxidation on the positive side of SCE. Except in the [Ru(pan)(2)] complex, a second oxidative response has been observed in the other five complexes. Reductions of the coordinated ligands have also been observed on the negative side of SCE. The [Ru(trpy)(pan)]ClO4, [Ru(bpy)(pan)(py)]ClO4 and [Ru(bpy) (pan)(pic)]ClO4 complexes have been observed to bind to DNA, but they have not been able to cleave super-coiled DNA on UV irradiation. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extended-chain, multinuclear transition metal complexes bridged by cyanodiazenido(1-), [N=N-C=N](-), ligands

Extended-chain complexes containing multiple transition metal centres linked by conjugated mu-cyanodiazenido(1-) ligands [N= N-C N]-have been obtained by reaction of trans-[BrW(dppe)(2)(N2CN)], 1, [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane] with dirhodium(II) tetra-acetate, bis(benzonitrile) palladium(II) dichloride, and bis(aqua) M(II) bis(hexa. uoroacetylacetonate) (M = Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn): stronger Lewis acids such as tetrakis(acetonitrile) palladium(II) tetra. uoroborate and boron trifl. uoride promote hydrolysis of complex 1, leading to the isolation of a novel carbamoylhydrazido(2-) complex, trans-[BrW(dppe) 2(N2HC=ONH2)](+)[BF4](-).

Nickel(II) complexes of terdentate or symmetrical tetradentate Schiff bases: Evidence of the influence of the counter anions in the hydrolysis of the imine bond in Schiff base complexes

Two sets of ligands, set-1 and set-2, have been prepared by mixing 1,3-diaminopentane and carbonyl compounds (2-acetylpyridine or pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde) in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios, respectively, and employed for the synthesis of complexes with Ni(II) perchlorate, Ni(II) thiocyanate and Ni(II) chloride. Ni(II) perchlorate yields the complexes having general formula [NiL2](ClO4)(2)(L = L-1 [N-3-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidene)-pentane-1,3-diamine] for complex 1 or L-2[N-3-pyridin-2-ylmethylene-pentane-1,3-diamine] for complex 2) in which the Schiff bases are monocondensed terdentate, whereas Ni(II) thiocyanate results in the formation of tetradentate Schiff base complexes, [NiL(SCN)(2)] (L = L-3[N,N'-bis-(1-pyridin-2- yl-ethylidine)-pentane-1,3-diamine] for complex 3 or L-4 [N,N'-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyline)-pentane-1,3- diamine] for complex 4) irrespective of the sets of ligands used. Complexes 5 {[NiL3(N-3)(2)]} and 6 {[NiL4(N-3)(2)]} are prepared by adding sodium azide to the methanol solution of complexes 1 and 2. Addition of Ni(II) chloride to the set-1 or set-2 ligands produces [Ni(pn)(2)]Cl-2, 7, as the major product, where pn = 1,3-diaminopentane. Formation of the complexes has been explained by the activation of the imine bond by the counter anion and thereby favouring the hydrolysis of the Schiff base. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral data. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies con. firm the structures of three representative members, 1, 4 and 7; all of them have distorted octahedral geometry around Ni(II). The bis-complex of terdentate ligands, 1, is the mer isomer, and complexes 4 and 7 possess trans geometry. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Anion directed templated synthesis of mono- and di-Schiff base complexes of Ni(II)

Two sets of Schiff base ligands, set-1 and set-2 have been prepared by mixing the respective diamine (1,2-propanediamine or 1,3-propanediamine) and carbonyl compounds (2-acetylpyridine or pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde) in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios, respectively and employed for the synthesis of complexes with Ni(II) perchlorate and Ni(II) thiocyanate. Ni(II) perchlorate yields the complexes having general formula [NiL2](ClO4)(2) (L = L-1 [N-1-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylidine)-propane-1,3-diamine] for complex 1, L-2 [N-1-pyridine-2-ylmethylene-propane1,3-diamine] for complex 2 or L-3 [N-1-(1-pyridine-2-yl-ethylidine)-propane-1,2-diamine] for complex 3) in which the Schiff bases are mono-condensed terdentate whereas Ni(II) thiocyanate results in the formation of tetradentate Schiff base complexes, [NiL](SCN)(2) (L=L-4 [N,N'-bis-(1-pyridine-2-yl-ethylidine)-propane-1,3-diamine] for complex 4, L-5 [NN'-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyline)-propane-1, 3-diamine] for complex 5 or L-6 [NN'-bis-(1-pyridine-2-yl-ethylidine)-propane- 1, 2-diamine] for complex 6) irrespective of the sets of ligands used. Formation of the complexes has been explained by anion modulation of cation templating effect. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectral and electrochemical results. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies confirm the structures of four representative members, 1, 3, 4 and 5; all of them have distorted octahedral geometry around Ni(II). The bis-complexes of terdentate ligands, I and 3 are the mer isomers and the complexes of tetradentate ligands, 4 and 5 possess trans geometry. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.