Thermodynamics of complexation of monovalent metal cations by the ionophore monensin free acid in acetonitrile

Metal Ion-Induced Large Fragment Deactivation: A Different Strategy for Site-Selectivity in a Complex Molecule

Complex natural product functionalizations generally involve the use of highly engineered reagents, catalysts, or enzymes to react exclusively at a desired site through lowering of a select transition state energy. In this communication, we report a new, complementary strategy in which all transition states representing undesirable sites in a complex ionophore substrate are simultaneously energetically increased through the chelation of a metal ion to the large fragment we wish to neutralize. In the case of an electrophilic, radical based fluorination reaction, charge repulsion (electric field effects), induced steric effects, and electron withdrawal provide the necessary deactivation and proof of principle to afford a highly desirable natural product derivative. We envisage that many other electrophilic or charge based synthetic methods may be amenable to this approach as well.

Factors governing the competition between group IA and IB cations for monensin A: a DFT/PCM study

The results obtained suggest that the metal selectivity of monensin can be modulated by changing the solvents used.

Circular Dichroism is Sensitive to Monovalent Cation Binding in Monensin Complexes

Monensin is a natural antibiotic that exhibits high affinity to certain metal ions. In order to explore its potential in coordination chemistry, circular dichroism (CD) spectra of monensic acid A (MonH) and its derivatives containing monovalent cations (Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) , Rb(+) , Ag(+) , and Et4 N(+) ) in methanolic solutions were measured and compared to computational models. Whereas the conventional CD spectroscopy allowed recording of the transitions down to 192 nm, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) revealed other bands in the 178-192 nm wavelength range. CD signs and intensities significantly varied in the studied compounds, in spite of their similar crystal structure. Computational modeling based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and continuum solvent model suggests that the solid state monensin structure is largely conserved in the solutions as well. Time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) simulations did not allow band-to-band comparison with experimental spectra due to their limited precision, but indicated that the spectral changes were caused by a combination of minor conformational changes upon the monovalent cation binding and a direct involvement of the metal electrons in monensin electronic transitions. Both the experiment and simulations thus show that the CD spectra of monensin complexes are very sensitive to the captured ions and can be used for their discrimination. Chirality 28:420-428, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structure and antimicrobial properties of monensin A and its derivatives: summary of the achievements

In this paper structural and microbiological studies on the ionophorous antibiotic monensin A and its derivatives have been collected. Monensin A is an ionophore which selectively complexes and transports sodium cation across lipid membranes, and therefore it shows a variety of biological properties. This antibiotic is commonly used as coccidiostat and nonhormonal growth promoter. The paper focuses on both the latest and earlier achievements concerning monensin A antimicrobial activity. The activities of monensin derivatives, including modifications of hydroxyl groups and carboxyl group, are also presented.

Crystal structure and properties of the copper(II) complex of sodium monensin A

The preparation and structural characterization of a new copper(II) complex of the polyether ionophorous antibiotic sodium monensin A (MonNa) are described. Sodium monensin A binds Cu(II) to produce a heterometallic complex of composition [Cu(MonNa)(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O, 1. The crystallographic data of 1 show that the complex crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with Cu(II) ion adopting a distorted square-planar geometry. Copper(II) coordinates two anionic sodium monensin ligands and two chloride anions producing a neutral compound. The sodium ion remains in the inner cavity of the ligand retaining its sixfold coordination with oxygen atoms. Replacement of crystallization water by acetonitrile is observed in the crystal structure of the complex 1. Copper(I) salt of the methyl ester of MonNa, 2, was identified by X-ray crystallography as a side product of the reaction of MonNa with Cu(II). Compound 2, [Me-MonNa][H-MonNa][CuCl(2)]Cl, crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with the same coordination pattern of the sodium cation but contains a chlorocuprate(I) counter [CuCl(2)](-), which is linear and not coordinated by sodium monensin A. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties as two independent activities of 1 were studied. Compound 1 is effective against aerobic Gram(+)-microorganisms Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus mycoides and Sarcina lutea. Complex 1 shows SOD-like activity comparable with that of the copper(II) ion.