Synthesis, structural analysis, and docking studies with SARS-CoV-2 of a trinuclear zinc complex with N-phenylanthranilic acid ligands

The structure of a trinuclear zinc complex, hexakis(μ₂‐2‐anilinobenzoato)diaquatrizinc(II), [Zn₂(C₁₃H₁₀NO₂)₆(H₂O)₂] or (NPA)₆Zn₃(H₂O)₂ (NPA is 2‐anilinobenzoate or N‐phenylanthranilate), is reported. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P and the central Zn^II atom is located on an inversion center. The NPA ligand is found to coordinate via the carboxylate O atoms with unique C—O bond lengths that support an unequal distribution of resonance over the carboxylate fragment. The axial H₂O ligands form hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules that stabilize the supramolecular system in rigid straight chains, with an angle of 180° along the c axis. π stacking is the primary stabilization along the a and b axes, resulting in a highly ordered supramolecular structure. Docking studies show that this unique supramolecular structure of a trinuclear zinc complex has potential for binding to the main protease (M^pro) in SARS‐CoV‐2 in a different location from Remdesivir, but with a similar binding strength.

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of dicopper and tricobalt complexes based on N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiethanol

A novel unsymmetrical dinuclear copper complex [Cu(H₂pmide)(NO₃)Cu(Hpmide)](NO₃)₂ (1) and a mixed-valence trinuclear cobalt compound [(pmide)₂Co₃(CH₃CO₂)₂(NCS)₂]·4CH₃OH (2) have been prepared and characterized using structure and molecular magnetism.