Why does nature use zinc--a personal view

The Complex Relationship between Metals and Carbonic Anhydrase: New Insights and Perspectives

Carbonic anhydrase is a ubiquitous metalloenzyme, which catalyzes the reversible hydration of CO₂ to HCO₃⁻ and H⁺. Metals play a key role in the bioactivity of this metalloenzyme, although their relationships with CA have not been completely clarified to date. The aim of this review is to explore the complexity and multi-aspect nature of these relationships, since metals can be cofactors of CA, but also inhibitors of CA activity and modulators of CA expression. Moreover, this work analyzes new insights and perspectives that allow translating new advances in basic science on the interaction between CA and metals to applications in several fields of research, ranging from biotechnology to environmental sciences.

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of [TmBut]ZnH, a monomeric terminal zinc hydride compound in a sulfur-rich coordination environment: access to a heterobimetallic compound

The zinc hydride complex, [Tm^But]ZnH, undergoes insertion of CO₂ and facile protolytic cleavage, of which the latter provides access to heterobimetallic [Tm^But]ZnMo(CO)₃Cp.

Zinc complexes as fluorescent chemosensors for nucleic acids: new perspectives for a "boring" element

Zinc(II) complexes are effective and selective nucleic acid-binders and strongly fluorescent molecules in the low energy range, from the visible to the near infrared. These two properties have often been exploited to quantitatively detect nucleic acids in biological samples, in both in vitro and in vivo models. In particular, the fluorescent emission of several zinc(II) complexes is drastically enhanced or quenched by the binding to nucleic acids and/or upon visible light exposure, in a different fashion in bulk solution and when bound to DNA. The twofold objective of this perspective is (1) to review recent utilisations of zinc(II) complexes as selective fluorescent probes for nucleic acids and (2) to highlight their novel potential applications as diagnostic tools based on their photophysical properties.

Exchange of Alkyl and Tris(2-mercapto-1-t-butylimidazolyl)hydroborato Ligands Between Zinc, Cadmium and Mercury

The tris(2-mercaptoimidazolyl)hydroborato ligand, [Tm^But ], has been used to investigate the exchange of alkyl and sulfur donor ligands between the Group 12 metals, Zn, Cd and Hg. For example, [Tm^But ]₂Zn reacts with Me₂Zn to yield [Tm^But ]ZnMe, while [Tm^But ]CdMe is obtained readily upon reaction of [Tm^But ]₂Cd with Me₂Cd. Ligand exchange is also observed between different metal centers. For example, [Tm^But ]CdMe reacts with Me₂Zn to afford [Tm^But ]ZnMe and Me₂Cd. Likewise, [Tm^But ]HgMe reacts with Me₂Zn to afford [Tm^But ]ZnMe and Me₂Hg. However, whereas the [Tm^But ] ligand transfers from mercury to zinc in the methyl system, [Tm^But ]HgMe/Me₂Zn, transfer of the [Tm^But ] ligand from zinc to mercury is observed upon treatment of [Tm^But ]₂Zn with HgI₂ to afford [Tm^But ]HgI and [Tm^But ]ZnI. These observations demonstrate that the phenomenological preference for the [Tm^But ] ligand to bind one metal rather than another is strongly influenced by the nature of the co-ligands.

Zinc(II)-methimazole complexes: synthesis and reactivity

The tetrahedral S-coordinated complex [Zn(MeImHS)4](ClO4)2, synthesised from the reaction of [Zn(ClO4)2] with methimazole (1-methyl-3H-imidazole-2-thione, MeImHS), reacts with triethylamine to yield the homoleptic complex [Zn(MeImS)2] (MeImS = anion methimazole). ESI-MS and MAS (13)C-NMR experiments supported MeImS acting as a (N,S)-chelating ligand. The DFT-optimised structure of [Zn(MeImS)2] is also reported and the main bond lengths compared to those of related Zn-methimazole complexes. The complex [Zn(MeImS)2] reacts under mild conditions with methyl iodide and separates the novel complex [Zn(MeImSMe)2I2] (MeImSMe = S-methylmethimazole). X-ray diffraction analysis of the complex shows a ZnI2N2 core, with the methyl thioethers uncoordinated to zinc. Conversely, the reaction of [Zn(MeImS)2] with hydroiodic acid led to the formation of the complex [Zn(MeImHS)2I2] having a ZnI2S2 core with the neutral methimazole units S-coordinating the metal centre. The Zn-coordinated methimazole can markedly modify the coordination environment when changing from its thione to thionate form and vice versa. The study of the interaction of the drug methimazole with the complex [Zn(MeIm)4](2+) (MeIm = 1-methylimidazole) - as a model for Zn-enzymes containing a N4 donor set from histidine residues - shows that methimazole displaces only one of the coordinated MeIm molecules; the formation constant of the mixed complex [Zn(MeIm)3(MeImHS)](2+) was determined.

Ligand centered radical pathway in catechol oxidase activity with a trinuclear zinc-based model: synthesis, structural characterization and luminescence properties

A new trinuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn3(L)(NCS)2](NO3)2·CH3OH·H2O (1), of a (N,O)-donor compartmental Schiff base ligand (H2L=N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diamino-2-propanol), has been synthesized in crystalline phase. The zinc(II) complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction study (PXRD), (1)H NMR, EI mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis. PXRD revealed that 1 crystallizes in P-1 space group with a=9.218 Å, b=10.849 Å, c=18.339 Å, with unit cell volume is 2179.713(Å)(3). Fluorescence spectra in methanolic solution reflect that intensity of emission for 1 is much higher compared to H2L and both the compounds exhibit good fluorescence properties. The complex 1 exhibits significant catalytic activities of biological relevance, viz. catechol oxidase. In methanol, it efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to corresponding quinone via formation of a dinuclear species as [Zn2(L)(3,5-DTBC)]. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) experiment suggests generation of radicals in the presence of 3,5-DTBC and it may be proposed that the radical pathway is probably responsible for conversion of 3,5-DTBC to 3,5-DTBQ promoted by complex of redox-innocent Zn(II) ion.

Synthesis and structures of cadmium carboxylate and thiocarboxylate compounds with a sulfur-rich coordination environment: carboxylate exchange kinetics involving tris(2-mercapto-1-t-butylimidazolyl)hydroborato cadmium complexes, [Tm(Bu(t))]Cd(O2CR)

A series of cadmium carboxylate compounds in a sulfur-rich environment provided by the tris(2-tert-butylmercaptoimidazolyl)hydroborato ligand, namely, [Tm(Bu(t))]CdO2CR, has been synthesized via the reactions of the cadmium methyl derivative [Tm(Bu(t))]CdMe with RCO2H. Such compounds mimic aspects of cadmium-substituted zinc enzymes and also the surface atoms of cadmium chalcogenide crystals, and have therefore been employed to model relevant ligand exchange processes. Significantly, both (1)H and (19)F NMR spectroscopy demonstrate that the exchange of carboxylate groups between [Tm(Bu(t))]Cd(κ(2)-O2CR) and the carboxylic acid RCO2H is facile on the NMR time scale, even at low temperature. Analysis of the rate of exchange as a function of concentration of RCO2H indicates that reaction occurs via an associative rather than dissociative pathway. In addition to carboxylate compounds, the thiocarboxylate derivative [Tm(Bu(t))]Cd[κ(1)-SC(O)Ph] has also been synthesized via the reaction of [Tm(Bu(t))]CdMe with thiobenzoic acid. The molecular structure of [Tm(Bu(t))]Cd[κ(1)-SC(O)Ph] has been determined by X-ray diffraction, and an interesting feature is that, in contrast to the carboxylate derivatives [Tm(Bu(t))]Cd(κ(2)-O2CR), the thiocarboxylate ligand binds in a κ(1) manner via only the sulfur atom.

Dipeptide interactions with Zn(II)-cyclen artificial model for molecular recognition

The Zn(II)-cyclen-dipeptide ternary systems (where cyclen is abbreviated as L and dipeptide is glycylglycine (HL(1)) or glycyl-(S)-alanine (HL(2))) were investigated by potentiometry applying both "out-of-cell" and direct titrations and by (1) H NMR spectroscopy. Especially, the (1)H NMR study was found to be very efficient to estimate speciation in the systems. The results obtained under full equilibria indicated two main species, [Zn(L)(HL(1,2))](2+) and [Zn(L)(L(1,2))](+), in both the systems. In the [Zn(L)(HL(1,2))](2+) complex, presence of carbonyl-carboxylate chelate was confirmed, and in the [Zn(L)(L(1,2))](+) species, the peptide coordination is re-organized to carbonyl-amine chelate or only terminal amino group is coordinated. Equilibrium constants describing [Zn(L)](2+)-dipeptide interaction are relatively low, log K = 3.4 for Gly-Gly and 4.1 for Gly-(S)-Ala, respectively. Nevertheless, the values are slightly higher than stability constants for interaction of Zn(II) with the dipeptides (i.e. [Zn(L(1,2))](+) species) where a chelate formation is expected. It indicates that interaction between Zn(II) ion in [Zn(L)](2+) and the dipeptides should be supported by some additional interactions. Potentiometry carried out under non-equilibrum condition showed different species where these additional stabilizing forces play more important role.

Quinoline benzimidazole-conjugate for the highly selective detection of Zn(ii) by dual colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on responses

A quinoline benzimidazole-conjugate (QBC) has been synthesized for the highly selective detection of Zn(ii) both by colorimetry and fluorimetry.

Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes containing bioactive O,O-chelated ligands: homoleptic and heteroleptic metal-based biomolecules

Zn(ii) or Cu(ii) highly stable complexes with chelated O,O-donor ligands from natural extractions give rise to drug delivery systems, new biologically active complexes and potential diagnostic agents due to their intrinsic spectroscopic properties.

Construction of a series of zero-dimensional/one-dimensional crystalline Zn–S clusters – effect of the character of bridging organic ligands on structural diversity

A series of Zn–S clusters have been synthesised and a very rare 1D helical structure was illustrated by first-principles calculations.

The dynamics of zinc sites in proteins: electronic basis for coordination sphere expansion at structural sites

The functional role assumed by zinc in proteins is closely tied to the variable dynamics around its coordination sphere arising by virtue of its flexibility in bonding. Modern experimental and computational methods allow the detection and study of previously unknown features of bonding between zinc and its ligands in protein environment. These discoveries are occurring just in time as novel biological functions of zinc, which involve rather unconventional coordination trends, are emerging. In this sense coordination sphere expansion of structural zinc sites, as observed in our previous experiments, is a novel phenomenon. Here we explore the electronic and structural requirements by simulating this phenomenon in structural zinc sites using DFT computations. For this purpose, we have chosen MPW1PW91 and a mixed basis set combination as the DFT method through benchmarking, because it accurately reproduces structural parameters of experimentally characterized zinc compounds. Using appropriate models, we show that the greater ionic character of zinc coordination would allow for coordination sphere expansion if the steric and electrostatic repulsions of the ligands are attenuated properly. Importantly, through the study of electronic and structural aspects of the models used, we arrive at a comprehensive bonding model, explaining the factors that influence coordination of zinc in proteins. The proposed model along with the existing knowledge would enhance our ability to predict zinc binding sites in proteins, which is today of growing importance given the predicted enormity of the zinc proteome.

Synthesis and structural characterization of tris(2-mercapto-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato cadmium halide complexes, {[Tm(MeBenz)]Cd(μ-Cl)}2 and [Tm(MeBenz)]CdI: a rare example of cadmium in a trigonal bipyramidal sulfur-rich coordination environment

The tris(2-mercapto-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato cadmium complexes, {[Tm(MeBenz)]Cd(μ-Cl)}2 and [Tm(MeBenz)]CdI, have been synthesized via the reactions of [Tm(MeBenz)]K with CdCl2 and CdI2, respectively. While X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate that the iodide derivative, [Tm(MeBenz)]CdI, is a monomer, the chloride derivative, {[Tm(MeBenz)]Cd(μ-Cl)}2, exists as a dimer, which is unprecedented for Group 12 [Tm(R)]MX (X = Cl, Br, I) compounds. Furthermore, the cadmium centers of {[Tm(MeBenz)]Cd(μ-Cl)}2 are trigonal bipyramidal, which is an uncommon motif for cadmium complexes with a [S3Cl2] coordination sphere.

Trapping atmospheric CO2 with gold

The ability of gold-hydroxides to fix CO2 is reported. [Au(IPr)(OH)] and [{Au(IPr)}2(μ-OH)][BF4] react with atmospheric CO2 to form the trigold carbonate complex [{Au(IPr)}3(μ(3)-CO3)][BF4]. Reactivity studies revealed that this complex behaves as two basic and one cationic Au centres, and that it is catalytically active. DFT calculations and kinetic experiments have been carried out.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of 1-Arylimidazole-2-thiones and N,N'-Aryldiethoxyethylthioureas with Electronically Diverse Substituents: A Manifold of Hydrogen Bonding Networks

The 1-arylimidazole-2-thiones, (HmimAr) [Ar = 3,4,5-C6H2(OMe)3, 2,4-C6H3(NO2)(OMe), 2,4,6-C6H2Cl3 and 3,5-C6H3(CF3)2], which feature electronically diverse substituents, may be obtained via acid-catalyzed ring closure of the corresponding N,N'-aryldiethoxyethylthiourea derivatives, ArN(H)C(S)N(H)CH2CH(OEt)2, (H2detuAr), which in turn are obtained via treatment of aminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, H2NCH2CH(OEt)2, with the respective arylisothiocyanates (ArNCS). The molecular structures of all of the above N,N'-aryldiethoxyethylthioureas and 1-arylimidazole-2-thiones have been determined by X-ray diffraction, thereby demonstrating that the substituents have a profound effect on the crystal structures. For example, each of the N,N'-aryldiethoxyethylthiourea derivatives adopts a different hydrogen bonding pattern. Specifically, the hydrogen-bonding network in (i) H2detuArCl3 consists of chains of 9-membered rings, with an [ [Formula: see text](9)] motif, that feature one N-H ⋯ O and one N-H ⋯ S interaction, (ii) H2detuArOMe,NO2 consists of chains of 6-membered rings, with an [ [Formula: see text](6)] motif, that feature two head-to-tail N-H ⋯ S interactions, (iii) H2detuAr(CF3)2 consists of a dimer that features two pairs of N-H ⋯ O interactions, of which each pair is a component of an 8-membered ring with an [ [Formula: see text](8)] motif, and (iv) H2detuAr(OMe)3 consists of a chain of head-to-head dimeric rings with a basic [ [Formula: see text](16)] motif, a notable feature of which is that sulfur does not play a role as a hydrogen bond acceptor. Each of the 1-arylimidazole-2-thiones exists as a "head-to-head" hydrogen-bonded dimer in the solid state, with an [ [Formula: see text](8)] motif. However, while the hydrogen-bonded motifs for HmimArCl3 and HmimAr(OMe)3 are planar, those for HmimAr(CF3)2 and HmimArOMe,NO2 are extremely puckered, with fold angles of 24.2° (mean value) and 45.7°, respectively.

Synthesis and X-ray structure of a new zinc(ii) coordination polymer: interaction with DNA and double stranded RNA and elucidation of the molecular aspects of the binding to bovine serum albumin

Synthesis and characterization of [Zn(4-Me-5-CHOIm)₂(HCOO)](ClO₄) complex and binding with nucleic acids and BSA has been explored by different biophysical techniques with the combination of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Synthetic, structural, NMR and catalytic studies of phosphinic amide-phosphoryl chalcogenides (chalcogen = O, S, Se) as mixed-donor bidentate ligands in zinc chemistry

Synthesis and catalytic activity of the title compounds are reported.

Zinc coordination spheres in protein structures

Zinc metalloproteins are one of the most abundant and structurally diverse proteins in nature. In these proteins, the Zn(II) ion possesses a multifunctional role as it stabilizes the fold of small zinc fingers, catalyzes essential reactions in enzymes of all six classes, or assists in the formation of biological oligomers. Previously, a number of database surveys have been conducted on zinc proteins to gain broader insights into their rich coordination chemistry. However, many of these surveys suffer from severe flaws and misinterpretations or are otherwise limited. To provide a more comprehensive, up-to-date picture on zinc coordination environments in proteins, zinc containing protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) were analyzed in detail. A statistical analysis in terms of zinc coordinating amino acids, metal-to-ligand bond lengths, coordination number, and structural classification was performed, revealing coordination spheres from classical tetrahedral cysteine/histidine binding sites to more complex binuclear sites with carboxylated lysine residues. According to the results, coordination spheres of hundreds of crystal structures in the PDB could be misinterpreted due to symmetry-related molecules or missing electron densities for ligands. The analysis also revealed increasing average metal-to-ligand bond length as a function of crystallographic resolution, which should be taken into account when interrogating metal ion binding sites. Moreover, one-third of the zinc ions present in crystal structures are artifacts, merely aiding crystal formation and packing with no biological significance. Our analysis provides solid evidence that a minimal stable zinc coordination sphere is made up by four ligands and adopts a tetrahedral coordination geometry.

Substituent-dependent fluorescent sensors for zinc ions based on carboxamidoquinoline

A series of carboxamidoquinoline-based fluorescent sensors (the AQZ family) were synthesized and characterized. The AQZ family members were highly soluble in water and showed good selectivity for Zn(2+)via enhanced fluorescence in aqueous buffer solution. Fluorescence signals could be tuned from dual-wavelength ratiometric changes to changes in the intensity of a single wavelength upon binding Zn(2+) through the introduction of different substituents onto the quinoline ring. Concentrations of free Zn(2+) of 10(-5)-10(-6) M could be detected using the sensors. Changes of substituents and their positions on the quinoline ring influenced the sensitivity for Zn(2+), but had little effect on Zn(2+) affinities.