Equilibrium, Thermoanalytical and Spectroscopic Studies to Characterize Phytic Acid Complexes with Mn(II) and Co(II)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of the thermal behavior of Cu(II) pyrazolyl complexes

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and thermal behavior of three complexes of copper (II): [CuCl(2)(HPz)(4)] (1), [CuCl(2)(HdmPz)(4)] (2), and [CuCl(2)(HIPz)(4)] (3) (HPz = pyrazole; HdmPz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; HIPz = 4-iodopyrazole). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis measurements. The thermal study of the compounds showed that the ligands are eliminated in 2-4 stages, yielding CuO as final residue.

New ruthenium(II)/phosphines/diimines complexes: Promising antitumor (human breast cancer) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis fighting agents

The synthesis and characterization of ruthenium compounds of the type [RuCl2(P)2(N-N)] [(P)2 = (PPh3) 2, dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butano; dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane; N-N = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′dipyridyl (5,5′-mebipy) or 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′dipyridyl (4,4′-mebipy)] are described. The complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography. In vitro evaluation of the complexes, using the MTT methodology, revealed their cytotoxic activities in a range of 5.4-15.7 μM against the MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells and showed that, in this case, they are more active than the reference metallodrug cisplatin. The in vitro antimycobacterial activities of the complexes had their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for MTB cell growth measured, by the REMA method. The MICs for these complexes were found to be between 12.5 and 25.0 μg/mL. The results are comparable with the second line drug cycloserine (MIC = 12.5-50.0 μg/mL), commonly used in the treatment of TB. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coordinative versatility of a Schiff base containing thiophene: Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of zinc(II) and silver(I) complexes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Observation of vinylidene emission in mixed phosphine/diimine complexes of Ru(II) at room temperature in solution

The mixed ruthenium(II) complexes trans-[RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)(bipy)] (1), trans-[RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)(Me(2)bipy)](2), cis-[RuCl(2)(dcype)(bipy)](3), cis-[RuCl(2)(dcype)(Me(2)bipy)](4) (PPh(3) = triphenylphosphine, dcype = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, Me(2)bipy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) were used as precursors to synthesize the associated vinylidene complexes. The complexes [RuCl(=C=CHPh)(PPh(3))(2)(bipy)]PF(6) (5), [RuCl(=C=CHPh)(PPh(3))(2)(Me(2)bipy)]PF(6) (6), [RuCl(=C=CHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF(6) (7), [RuCl(=C=CHPh)(dcype)(bipy)]PF(6) (8) were characterized and their spectral, electrochemical, photochemical and photophysical properties were examined. The emission assigned to the pi-pi* excited state from the vinylidene ligand is irradiation wavelength (340, 400, 430 nm) and solvent (CH(2)Cl(2), CH(3)CN, EtOH/MeOH) dependent. The cyclic voltammograms of (6) and (7) show a reversible metal oxidation peak and two successive ligand reductions in the +1.5-(-0.64) V range. The reduction of the vinylidene leads to the formation of the acetylide complex, but due the hydrogen abstraction the process is irreversible. The studies described here suggest that for practical applications such as functional materials, nonlinear optics, building blocks and supramolecular photochemistry. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photo- and redox-active supramolecular systems containing metal complexes

The aim of this Ph.D. project has been the photophysical and photochemical characterization of new photo- and redox-active supramolecular systems. In particular we studied two different classes of compounds: metal complexes and dendrimers. Two different families of bis-cyclometalated neutral Ir(III) complexes are presented and their photophysical properties are discussed. The first family of complexes contains two 2-phenylpyridyl (ppy) or 2-(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridyl (F2ppy) cyclometalated ligands and an ancillary ligand constituted by a phenol-oxazoline (phox), which can be substituted in the third position with a fluorine group (Fphox). In the second part of this study, we present another family of bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes in which the ancillary ligand could be a chiral or an achiral bis-oxazoline (box). We report on their structural, electrochemical, photophysical, and photochemical properties. Complexes containing phox and Fphox ancillary ligands show blue luminescence with very high quantum yield, while complexes with box ligands do not show particularly interesting photophysical properties. Surprisingly these complexes give an unexpected photoreaction when irradiated with UV light in presence of dioxygen. This photoreaction originates a stable, strong blue emitting and particularly interesting photoproduct. Three successive generations of a family of polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-coated Pd(II) tetrabenzoporphyrin (PdTBP)-based dendritic nanoprobes are presented, and their ability to sensitize singlet oxygen and inflict cellular photodamage are discussed. It was found that the size of the dendrimer has practically no effect on the singlet oxygen sensitization efficiency, that approximate the unity, in spite of the strong attenuation of the triplet quenching rate with an increase in the dendrimer generation. Nevertheless, when compared against a commonly used singlet oxygen sensitizer, as Photofrin, the phosphorescent probes were found to be non-phototoxic. The lack of phototoxicity is presumably due to the inability of PEGylated probes to associate with cell surfaces and/or penetrate cellular membranes. The results suggest that protected phosphorescent probes can be safely used for oxygen measurements in biological systems in vivo. A new family of two photoswitchable (G0(Azo) and G1(Azo)) dendrimers with an azobenzene core, two cyclam units as coordination sites for metal ions, and luminescent naphthalene units at the periphery have been characterized and their coordination abilities have been studied. Because of their proximity, the various functional groups of the dendrimer may interact, so that the properties of the dendrimers are different from those exhibited by the separated functional units. Both the naphthalene fluorescence and the azobenzene photoisomerization can be observed in the dendrimer, but it has been shown that (i) the fluorescent excited state of the naphthalene units is substantially quenched by excimer and exciplex formation and by energy transfer to the azobenzene units, and (ii) in the latter case the fluorescence quenching is accompanied by the photosensitized isomerization of the trans → cis, and, with higher efficiency, the cis → trans reaction. Complexation of these dendrimers, both trans and cis isomers, with Zn(II) ions shows that complexes of 1:1 and 2:1 metal per dendrimer stoichiometry are formed showing different photophysical and photochemical properties compared to the corresponding free ligands. Practically unitary efficiency of the sensitized isomerization of trans → cis and cis → trans reaction is observed, as well as a slight increase in the naphthalene monomer emission. These results are consistent with the coordination of the cyclam amine units with Zn(II), which prevents exciplex formation. No indication of a concomitant coordination of both cyclam to a single metal ion has been obtained both for trans and cis isomer.

Truncation of the class II beta-chain cytoplasmic domain influences the level of class II/invariant chain-derived peptide complexes.

Previous studies have established that antigen presenting cells (APC) expressing major histocompatibility complex class II beta chains with truncated cytoplasmic domains are impaired in their capacity to activate T cells. While it had been widely accepted that this impairment is due to a defect in class II cytoplasmic domain-dependent signal transduction, we recently generated transgenic mice expressing only truncated class II beta chains, and functional analyses of APC from these mice revealed signaling-independent defects in antigen presentation. Here, we demonstrate that T cells primed on such transgenic APC respond better to stimulation by APC expressing truncated beta chains than by wild-type APC. This finding suggests that APC expressing truncated class II beta chains are not inherently defective in their antigen presenting capacity but, rather, may differ from wild-type APC in the peptide antigens that they present. Indeed, analysis of the peptides bound to class II molecules isolated from normal and transgenic spleen cells revealed clear differences. Most notably, the level of class II-associated invariant chain-derived peptides (CLIP) is significantly reduced in cells expressing only truncated beta chains. Prior studies have established that CLIP and antigenic peptides compete for binding to class II molecules. Thus, our results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of the class II beta chain affects antigen presentation by influencing the level of CLIP/class II complexes.

Palladium(II) pincer complexes of α-amino acids: towards the synthesis of catalytically active artificial peptides

NCN palladium(II) complexes have been covalently attached to the N- and C-terminus of the dipeptide L-Phe-L-Va-OMe. Remarkably, the hydrolysis of the NCN-Pd(II) L-Val-OMe afforded the corresponding, palladated free amino acid without affecting the metal site. This deprotected amino acid could be coupled to any protein, enzyme or peptidic chain by simple peptide chemistry. This bioorganometallic systems were active as catalysts in the aldol reaction between methyl isocianate and benzaldehyde.

New hybrid materials based on the grafting of Pd(II)-amino complexes on the graphitic surface of AC: preparation, structures and catalytic properties

A novel procedure for the preparation of solid Pd(II)-based catalysts consisting of the anchorage of designed Pd(II)-complexes on an activated carbon (AC) surface is reported. Two molecules of the Ar–S–F type (where Ar is a plane-pyrimidine moiety, F a Pd(II)-ligand and S an aliphatic linker) differing in F, were grafted on AC by π–π stacking of the Ar moiety and the graphene planes of the AC, thus favouring the retaining of the metal-complexing ability of F. Adsorption of Pd(II) by the AC/Ar–S–F hybrids occurs via Pd(II)-complexation by F. After deep characterization, the catalytic activities of the AC/Ar–S–F/Pd(II) hybrids on the hydrogenation of 1-octene in methanol as a catalytic test were evaluated. 100% conversion to n-octane at T = 323.1 K and P = 15 bar, was obtained with both catalysts and most of Pd(II) was reduced to Pd(0) nanoparticles, which remained on the AC surface. Reusing the catalysts in three additional cycles reveals that the catalyst bearing the F ligand with a larger Pd-complexing ability showed no loss of activity (100% conversion to n-octane) which is assigned to its larger structural stability. The catalyst with the weaker F ligand underwent a progressive loss of activity (from 100% to 79% in four cycles), due to the constant aggregation of the Pd(0) nanoparticles. Milder conditions, T = 303.1 K and P = 1.5 bar, prevent the aggregation of the Pd(0) nanoparticles in this catalyst allowing the retention of the high catalytic efficiency (100% conversion) in four reaction cycles.

Disturbed microtubule function and induction of micronuclei by chelate complexes of mercury(II)

Interactions of mercury(II) with the microtubule network of cells may lead to genotoxicity. Complexation of mercury(II) with EDTA is currently being discussed for its employment in detoxification processes of polluted sites. This prompted us to re-evaluate the effects of such complexing agents on certain aspects of mercury toxicity, by examining the influences of mercury(H) complexes on tubulin assembly and kinesin-driven motility of microtubules. The genotoxic effects were studied using the micronucleus assay in V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts. Mercury(II) complexes with EDTA and related chelators interfered dose-dependently with tubulin assembly and microtubule motility in vitro. The no-effect-concentration for assembly inhibition was 1muM of complexed Hg(II), and for inhibition of motility it was 0.05 muM, respectively. These findings are supported on the genotoxicity level by the results of the micronucleus assay, with micronuclei being induced dose-dependently starting at concentrations of about 0.05 muM of complexed Hg(II). Generally, the no-effect-concentrations for complexed mercury(II) found in the cell-free systems and in cellular assays (including the micronucleus test) were identical with or similar to results for mercury tested in the absence of chelators. This indicates that mercury(II) has a much higher affinity to sulfhydryls of cytoskeletal proteins than to this type of complexing agents. Therefore, the suitability of EDTA and related compounds for remediation of environmental mercury contamination or for other detoxification purposes involving mercury has to be questioned. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complexes of cytotoxic chelators from the dipyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues

In an effort to better understand the antiproliferative effects of the tridentate hydrazone chelators di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) and di-2-pyridyl ketone benzoyl hydrazone (HPKBH), we report the coordination chemistry of these ligands with the divalent metal ions, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. These complexes are compared with their Fe-II analogues which were reported previously. The crystal structures of Co(PKIH)(2), Ni(PKIH)(2), Cu(PKIH)(2), Mn(PKBH)(2), Ni(PKBH)(2), Cu(PKBH)(2), and Zn(PKBH)(2) are reported where similar bis-tridenate coordination modes of the ligands are defined. In pure DMF, all complexes except the Zn-II compounds exhibit metal-centered M-III/II (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) or M-II/I (Cu) redox processes. All complexes show ligand-centered reductions at low potential. Electrochemistry in a mixed water/DMF solvent only elicited metal-centered responses from the Co and Fe complexes. Remarkably, all complexes show antiproliferative activity against the SK-N-MC neuroepithelioma cell line similar to (HPKIH) or significantly greater than that of the (HPKBH) ligand which suggests a mechanism that does not only involve the redox activity of these complexes. In fact, we suggest that the complexes act as lipophilic transport shuttles that allow entrance to the cell and enable the delivery of both the ligand and metal which act in concert to inhibit proliferation.

Synthesis and characterization of some Mn(II) and Mn(III) complexes of N,N′-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine)(LH2) and N,N′-o-phenylenebis(5-bromosalicylideneimine)(L′H2). Crystal structures of [Mn(L)(H2O)(ClO4)], [Mn(L)(NCS)] and an infinite linear chain of [Mn(L)(OAc)]

A series of manganese(II) [Mn(L)] and manganese(III) [Mn(L)(X)] (X = ClO4, OAc, NCS, N3, Cl, Br and I) complexes have been synthesized from Schiff base ligands N,N′-o- phenylenebis(salicylideneimine)(LH2) and N,N′-o-phenylenebis(5- bromosalicylideneimine)(L′H2) obtained by condensation of salicylaldehyde or 5-Br salicylaldehyde with o-phenylene-diamine. The complexes have been characterized by the combination of IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and electrochemical studies. Three manganese(III) complexes 3 [Mn(L)(ClO4)(H2O)], 5 [Mn(L)(OAc)] and 13 [Mn(L)(NCS)] have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. The X-ray structures show that the manganese(III) is hexa-coordinated in 3, it is penta-coordinated in 13, while in 5 there is an infinite chain where the MnL moieties are connected by acetate ions acting as bridging bidentate ligand. The cyclic voltammograms of all the manganese(III) complexes exhibit two reversible/quasi-reversible/ irreversible responses assignable to Mn(III)/Mn(II) and Mn(IV)/Mn(III) couples. It was observed that the ligand L′H2 containing the 5-bromosal moiety always stabilizes the lower oxidation states compared to the corresponding unsubstituted LH2. Cyclic voltammograms of the manganese(II) complexes (1 and 2) exhibit a quasi-reversible Mn(III)/Mn(II) couple at E1/2 -0.08 V for 1 and 0.054 V for 2. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies on the relative stabilities of Mn(II) and Mn(III) in complexes with N4O2 donor environments:crystal structures of [Mn(pybzhz)2] and [Mn(Ophsal)(imzH)2] ClO4 (pybzhz = N-(benzoyl)-N-(picolinylidene) hydrazine, Ophsal = N,N-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine), imzH = imidazole)

Five manganese complexes in an N 4O 2 donor environment have been prepared. Four of the compounds involve aroyl hydrazone as ligands and manganese is in a +2 oxidation state. The fifth compound was prepared using N,Nprime-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine) and imidazole as ligands where manganese is present in +3 oxidation state. X-ray crystal structure of one Mn +2 compound and the Mn +3 compound was determined. The relative stabilities of the Mn +2 and Mn +3 oxidation states were analyzed using the structural data and MO calculations. Manganese(II) complexes of four aroyl hydrazone ligands were prepared and characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The complexes are of the type Mn(L) 2, where L stands for the deprotonated hydrazone ligand. One of the compounds, Mn(pybzhz) 2, was also characterized by single crystal structure determination. In all these complexes, the Mn(II) is in an N 4O 2 donor environment and the Mn(II) center cannot be oxidized either chemically or electrochemically. However, when another ligand Ophsal is used to give the compound [Mn(Ophsal)(imzH) 2]ClO 4, which was also characterized by X-ray crystal structure determination, manganese can easily avail the +3 oxidation state. The relative stabilities of the +2 and +3 oxidation states of manganese were analyzed and it was concluded that the extent of distortion from the perfect octahedral geometry is the main controlling factor in these cases. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic characterization of schiff base-copper complexes immobilized in smectite clays

Herein, the immobilization of some Schiff base-copper(II) complexes in smectite clays is described as a strategy for the heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts. The obtained materials were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, mostly UV/Vis, EPR, XANES and luminescence spectroscopy. SWy-2 and synthetic Laponite clays were used for the immobilization of two different complexes that have previously shown catalytic activity in the dismutation of superoxide radicals, and disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide. The obtained results indicated the occurrence of an intriguing intramolecular redox process involving copper and the imine ligand at the surface of the clays. These studies are supported by computational calculations.

DNA damage by sulfite autoxidation catalyzed by cobalt complexes

DNA damage was investigated in the presence of sulfite, dissolved oxygen and cobalt(II) complexes with glycylglycylhistidine, glycylhistidyllysine, glycylglycyltyrosylarginine and tetraglycine. These studies indicated that only Co(II) complexed with glycylglycylhistidine (GGH) induced DNA strand breaks at low sulfite concentrations (1-80 mu M) via strong oxidants formed in the reaction. In the presence of the other complexes, some damage occurred only in the presence of high sulfite concentrations (0.1-2.0 mM) after incubation for 4 h. In the presence of GGH, Co(II) and dissolved O(2), DNA damage must involve a reactive high-valent cobalt complex. The damaging effect was increased by adding S(IV), due to the oxysulfur radicals formed as intermediates in S(IV) autoxidation catalyzed by the complex. SO(3)(center dot)-S-, HO(center dot) and H(center dot) radicals were detected by EPR-spin trapping experiments with DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide). The results indicate that Co(II) binds O2 in the presence of GGH, and leads to the formation of a DMPO-HO(center dot) adduct without first forming free superoxide or hydroxyl radical, supporting the participation of a reactive high-valent cobalt complex.