Adamantane-like cluster complexes of mixed-valent copper-copper and nickel-copper thiolates

Adamantane-type clusters: compounds with a ubiquitous architecture but a wide variety of compositions and unexpected materials properties

The research into adamantane-type compounds has gained momentum in recent years, yielding remarkable new applications for this class of materials. In particular, organic adamantane derivatives (AdR4) or inorganic adamantane-type compounds of the general formula [(RT)4E6] (R: organic substituent; T: group 14 atom C, Si, Ge, Sn; E: chalcogenide atom S, Se, Te, or CH2) were shown to exhibit strong nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, either second-harmonic generation (SHG) or an unprecedented type of highly-directed white-light generation (WLG) - depending on their respective crystalline or amorphous nature. The (missing) crystallinity, as well as the maximum wavelengths of the optical transitions, are controlled by the clusters' elemental composition and by the nature of the organic groups R. Very recently, it has been additionally shown that cluster cores with increased inhomogeneity, like the one in compounds [RSi{CH2Sn(E)R'}3], not only affect the chemical properties, such as increased robustness and reversible melting behaviour, but that such 'cluster glasses' form a conceptually new basis for their use in light conversion devices. These findings are likely only the tip of the iceberg, as beside elemental combinations including group 14 and group 16 elements, many more adamantane-type clusters (on the one hand) and related architectures representing extensions of adamantane-type clusters (on the other hand) are known, but have not yet been addressed in terms of their opto-electronic properties. In this review, we therefore present a survey of all known classes of adanmantane-type compounds and their respective synthetic access as well as their optical properties, if reported.

Metalloligands based on Robson-type amino-thiophenolato macrocycles for assembly of heterotrimetallic complexes

The ability of macrocyclic Co and Ni aminothiolate complexes to act as metalloligands towards cuprate ions was established. Adduct formation is enabled by a thiolate-to-Cu⁺ charge transfer (CT) interaction giving stable heterotrimetallics with magnetic properties.

An S4-symmetric mixed-valent decacopper cage comprised of [CuII(L-S2N2)] complexes bridged by CuI(MeCN)n (n = 1 or 2) cations

Oxidative addition of 1,2,11,12-tetrathia-5,8,15,19-tetra(N-methylamino)cycloicosane to [Cu(MeCN)₄][BF₄] yields an S₄-symmetric decacopper cage compound with four cupric ions in distorted square planar bis(amino) bis(thiolato) ligand environments bridged by six cuprous ions with MeCN ligands.

Synthetic advances inspired by the bioactive dinitrosyl iron unit

Resulting from biochemical iron-NO interactions, dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) are small organometallic-like molecules, considered to serve as vehicles for NO transport and storage in vivo. Formed by the interaction of NO with cellular iron sulfur clusters or with the cellular labile iron pool, DNICs have been documented to be the largest NO-derived adduct in cells, even surpassing the well-known nitrosothiols (RSNOs). Continuing efforts in biological chemistry are aimed at understanding the movement of DNICs in and out of cells, and their important role in NO-induced iron efflux leading to apoptosis in cells. Intrigued by the integrity of the unique dinitrosyl iron unit (DNIU) and the possibility of roles for it in human physiology or medicinal applications, the understanding of fundamental properties such as ligand effects on its ability to switch between two redox levels has been pursued through biomimetic complexes. Using metallodithiolates and N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands to Fe(NO)2, the synthesis of a library of novel DNICs, in both the oxidized, {Fe(NO)2}(9), and reduced, {Fe(NO)2}(10), forms (Enemark-Feltham notation), offers opportunity to examine structural, reactivity, and spectroscopic features. The raison d'etre for the MN2S2·Fe(NO)2 synthesis development is for the potential to exploit the ease of accessing two redox levels on two different metal sites, a property presumably required for achieving two electron redox processes in base metals. Hence such molecules may be viewed as synthetic analogues of [NiFe]- or [FeFe]-hydrogenase active sites in nature, both of which use bridging thiolates for connection of the two centers. A particular success was the development of an Fe(NO)N2S2·Fe(NO)2(+/0) redox pair for proton reduction electrocatalysis. Monomeric, reduced NHC-DNICs of the L2Fe(NO)2 type are synthesized via the Fe(CO)2(NO)2 precursor, and oxidized thiolate-containing forms are derived from the dimeric (μ-RS)2[Fe(NO)2]2. Monomeric NHC-DNICs are four coordinate, pseudotetrahedral compounds with planar Fe(NO)2 units in which the slightly bent Fe-NO groups are directed symmetrically inward at both redox levels. They serve as stable analogues of biological histidine binding sites. In agreement with IR data, Mössbauer spectroscopic parameters, and DFT computations, the prototypic NHC-DNICs indicate extensive delocalization of the electron density of iron via π-backbonding. Such π-delocalization presents an unusual reaction path for the one electron process of RS(-)/RSSR interconversion. Comparisons with imidazole-DNICs find NHCs to be the "better" ligands to Fe(NO)2 and prompted investigations in (a) possible relationships between such imidazole- and NHC-containing DNICs, (b) systems that might mimic the reactivity of DNICs with the endogenous gaseotransmitter CO, and (c) mechanistic details of such processes. In a broader context, these studies aim to further describe the behavior of the {Fe(NO)2} unit as a single molecular entity when subjected to various ligand environments and reaction conditions.

Synthesis, spectral, thermal and biological studies on N(-)(2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-2-mercaptoacetohydrazide and its metal complexes

Complexes of VO(2+), Cr(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Hg(2+) ions with N(-)(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-mercaptoacetohydrazide (H2L) have been prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductance, thermal (TGA, DTGA), spectral (IR, NMR, UV-Visible, MS) and magnetic measurements. The IR spectra show that H2L behaves in a mononegative and/or binegative bidentate manner. The sulfate bridged the two complex molecules in [Cu(HL)(H2O)2(½SO4)]⋅3H2O. The acetate functions as a monodentate in [Ni(HL)(OAc)(H2O)3] and [Cr(HL)(OAc)2(H2O)(EtOH)]. Different stereochemistries are proposed: octahedral for Cr(III), Ni(II), Hg(II) and [Cu(HL)(H2O)2(SO4)0.5]⋅3H2O, square-based pyramid for [VO(HL)2]⋅EtOH, square-planar for [Co(L)(EtOH)(H2O)]⋅H2O, [Cu(L)(H2O)2] and tetrahedral for [Zn(L)(EtOH)(H2O)], [Cd(L)(EtOH)(H2O)] and [Cu2(HL)(H2O)6]Cl3⋅H2O according to the data of electronic spectra and magnetic measurements. The TGA data support the formula and indicate the outer and inner solvents as well as the final residue. The thermodynamic parameters are calculated using the Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods. H2L and [Zn(L)(EtOH)(H2O)] showed the highest cytotoxic activity while H2L has a higher antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid. The ionization constant of the ligand and the stability constant of the Cu(II)H2L in absence and presence of hexamine buffer were calculated.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and thermal behavior of metal complexes formed with N'-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethylidene)-2-oxo-2-(phenylamino) acetohydrazide (H3OPAH)

Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and U(IV)O(2)(2+) with N'-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethylidene)-2-oxo-2-(phenylamino) acetohydrazide (H(3)OPAH) are reported and have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like IR, UV-visible, (1)H NMR and ESR as well as magnetic and thermal (TG and DTA) measurements. It is found that the ligand behaves as a neutral bidentate, monoanionic tridentate or tetradentate and dianionic tetradentate. An octahedral geometry for [Mn(H(3)OPAH)(2)Cl(2)], [Co(2)(H(2)OPAH)(2)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(4)] and [(UO(2))(2)(HOPAH)(OAc)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] complexes, a square planar geometry for [Cu(2)(H(2)OPAH)Cl(3)(H(2)O)]H(2)O complex, a tetrahedral structure for [Cd(H(3)OPAH)Cl(2)], [Zn(H(3)OPAH)(OAc)(2)] and [Hg(H(3)OPAH)Cl(2)]H(2)O complexes. The binuclear [Ni(2)(HOPAH)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)]H(2)O complex contains a mixed geometry of both tetrahedral and square planar structures. The protonation constants of ligand and stepwise stability constants of its complexes at 298, 308 and 318 K as well as the thermodynamic parameters are being calculated. The bond lengths, bond angles, HOMO, LUMO and dipole moments have been calculated to confirm the geometry of the ligand and the investigated complexes. Also, thermal properties and decomposition kinetics of all compounds are investigated. The interpretation, mathematical analysis and evaluation of kinetic parameters (E(a), A, ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) of all thermal decomposition stages have been evaluated using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods.

Structural, spectral and biological studies of binuclear tetradentate metal complexes of N3O Schiff base ligand synthesized from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol and diethylenetriamine

The binuclear Schiff base, H2L, ligand was synthesized by reaction of 4,6-diacetylresorcinol with diethylenetriamine in the molar ratio 1:2. The coordination behavior of the H2L towards Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Fe(III), Cr(III), VO(IV) and UO2(VI) ions has been investigated. The elemental analyses, magnetic moments, thermal studies and IR, electronic, 1H NMR, ESR and mass spectra were used to characterize the isolated ligand and its metal complexes. The ligand acts as dibasic with two N3O-tetradentate sites and can coordinate with two metal ions to form binuclear complexes. The bonding sites are the nitrogen atoms of the azomethine and amine groups and the oxygen atoms of the phenolic groups. The metal complexes exhibit either square planar, tetrahedral, square pyramid or octahedral structures. The Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes were tested against four pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) as Gram-positive bacteria, and (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas phaseolicola) as Gram-negative bacteria and two pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus fumigatus) to assess their antimicrobial properties. Most of the complexes exhibit mild antibacterial and antifungal activities against these organisms.

Autoxidation of thiol-containing amino acid to its disulfide derivative that links two copper(ii) centers: the important role of auxiliary ligand

Conversion of a thiol-containing amino acid, d-penicillamine or l-cysteine, to its disulfide derivative, d-penicillamine disulfide or l-cystine, which bridges two copper(ii) centers in a bis(bidentate-N,O) mode, is reported.

Synthesis and characterization of 3-methyl-5-oxo-N,1-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1-H-pyrazole-4-carbothioamide and its metal complexes

The molecular parameters have been calculated to confirm the geometry of 3-methyl-5-oxo-N,1-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1-H-pyrazole-4-carbothioamide, HL. The compound is introduced as a new chelating agent for complexation with Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions. The isolated chelates were characterized by partial elemental analyses, magnetic moments, spectra (IR, UV-vis, ESR; (1)H NMR) and thermal studies. The protonation constant of HL (5.04) and the stepwise stability constants of its Co(II), Cu(II), Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes were calculated. The ligand coordinates as a monobasic bidentate through hydroxo and thiol groups in all complexes except Cr(III) which acts as a monobasic monodentate through the enolized carbonyl oxygen. Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes measured normal magnetic moments; Cu(II) and Co(II) measured subnormal while Ni(II) complex is diamagnetic. The data confirm a high spin and low spin octahedral structures for the Fe(III) and Co(II) complexes. The ESR spectrum of the Cu(II) complex support the binuclear structure. The molecular parameters have also been calculated for the Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes. The thermal decomposition stages of the complexes confirm the MS to be the residual part. Also, the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were calculated for some decomposition steps.

Chemical issues addressing the construction of the distal Ni[cysteine-glycine-cysteine]2- site of acetyl CoA synthase: why not copper?

The discovery of the metallopeptide Ni(Cysteine-Glycine-Cysteine)(2-), Ni(CGC)(2-), in the A-cluster active site of Acetyl CoA Synthase has prompted the synthesis of many small molecule models which employ M(N(2)S(2)) complexes as metalloligands. In vitro studies have shown that nickel incorporates into the N(2)S(2) binding pocket even when copper is in the enzyme growth medium, while copper is preferentially taken up in the proximal site, displacing the catalytically active nickel. (Darnault, C.; Volbeda, A.; Kim, E.J.; Legrand, P.; Vernede, X.; Lindahl, P.A.; Fontecilla-Camps, J.C. Nat. Struct. Biol. 2003, 10, 271-279.) The work herein has been designed to address the chemical viability of copper(II) within the tripeptide N(2)S(2) ligand set. To this end, a series of CuN(2)S(2)(2-) complexes, the resin-bound, O-Cu(CGC)(2-) (A) and free Cu(CGC)(2-) (B) complexes, as well as Cu(ema)(2-) (C) and Cu(emi)(2-) (D) dianions, have been characterized by UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and, where appropriate, X-ray diffraction studies, and compared to the Ni(II) congeners. EPR spectroscopic results have indicated that, in frozen N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution, the copper complexes are distorted square planar structures with nitrogen and sulfur donors. This is consistent with X-ray diffraction measurements which also show copper(II) in a distorted square planar environment that is bereft of CuN(2)S(2)(2-) intermolecular interactions. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations resulted in optimized structures that are consistent with crystallographic data and indicated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) gaps of 5.01 and 4.68 eV for C and D, respectively. Optimized structures of Ni(ema)(2-) and Ni(emi)(2-) share the same basic characteristics as the copper(II) congeners. Electrochemical characterization of C and D resulted in a reversible Cu(III/II) couple at -1.20 V and - 1.40 V, respectively. Reactivity studies with Rh(CO)(2)(+) show similar donor capabilities for complexes A-D. Analysis of A shows that transmetalation does not occur. From competitive metal uptake studies on immobilized tripeptide it is concluded that the N(2)S(2)(4-) ligating unit has a slight preference for Cu(2+) over Ni(2+) and that the biosynthetic pathway responsible for constructing the distal site of ACS must be selective for nickel insertion or copper exclusion, or both.

Control of S-Based Aggregation: Designed Synthesis of NiM2 and Ni2M Trinuclear Complexes

Modification of the nickel dithiolate metalloligand, Ni(bme-daco) [where bme-daco = bis(mercaptoethyl)diazacyclooctane] or Ni-1, by oxygenation of one thiolate into a sulfinate, Ni(mese-daco) [where mese-daco = (mercaptoethyl)(sulfinatoethyl)diazacyclooctane] or Ni-2, restricts the ligating ability to monodentate and is expected to reduce the donor ability of the remaining thiolate S. Nevertheless, the Ni-2 complex forms a stable thiolate S-bound adduct of W0(CO)5, (Ni-2)W(CO)5, a complex whose upsilon(CO) IR spectrum reports insignificant differences in the donor abilities of Ni-1 and Ni-2 in (eta1-NiN2S2)W(CO)5 complexes. In the presence of the strong sulfophile CuI, a CuNi2 trimetallic, (Ni-2)2CuBr, was isolated. Another trimetallic, (mu-eta2-Ni-1)[W(CO)5]2, demonstrated the Ni(bme-daco), Ni-1, unit to bridge low-valent metals in a transoid configuration, yielding W-W distances of over 5 A.

A Kinetic Study of the Ring-Opening Process in Tungsten Carbonyl Complexes Containing Hemilabile Metallodithiolate Ligands

The synthesis of the metallodithiolate derivative of tungsten pentacarbonyl from the reaction of photogenerated W(CO)(5)THF and Ni-1 ((1,5-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropane)-1,5-diazacyclooctanato)nickel(II)) is described, along with its crystal structure. In N,N-dimethylformamide solution, the pentacarbonyl exists in equilibrium with its tetracarbonyl analogue and carbon monoxide. The pentacarbonyl complex stereoselectively loses cis carbonyl ligands, as is apparent from (13)CO-labeling studies, where the thus-formed tetracarbonyl tungsten complex resulting from chelate ring-closure is preferentially (13)CO-labeled among the two mutually trans CO groups. The kinetics of the addition of CO to the tetracarbonyl to afford the metal pentacarbonyl were monitored by means of in situ infrared spectroscopy in the nu(CO) region at CO pressures between 28 and 97 bar and temperatures over the range 45-60 degrees C. Under these conditions, there was no evidence for W-S bond cleavage in the pentacarbonyl complex with concomitant formation of W(CO)(6). These studies reveal that the tetracarbonyl complex and CO are only slightly unstable with respect to the formation of the pentacarbonyl complex, with an equilibrium constant at 50 degrees C of about 2.8 M(-1) or DeltaG degrees = -1.4 kJ/mol. The activation parameters determined for the ring-opening process (DeltaH = 89.1 kJ/mol and DeltaS = -37.2 J/mol.K) suggest a solvent-assisted concerted ring-opening mechanism.

Characterization of Steric and Electronic Properties of NiN2S2 Complexes as S-Donor Metallodithiolate Ligands

The physical properties and structures of a series of six complexes of the type (NiN(2)S(2))W(CO)(4) have been used to establish electronic and steric parameters for square planar NiN(2)S(2) complexes as bidentate, S-donor ligands. According to the nu(CO) stretching frequencies and associated computed Cotton-Kraihanzel force constants of the tungsten carbonyl adducts, there is little difference in donor abilities of the five neutral NiN(2)S(2) metallodithiolate ligands in the series. The dianionic Ni(ema)(2)(-) (ema = N,N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptoacetamide)) complex transfers more electron density onto the W(CO)(4) moiety. A ranking of donor abilities and a comparison with classical bidentate ligands is as follows: Ni(ema)(=) > {[NiN(2)S(2)](0)} > bipy approximately phen > Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2) > Ph(2)PCH(2)PPh(2). Electrochemical data from cyclic voltammetry find that the reduction event in the (NiN(2)S(2))W(CO)(4) derivatives is shifted to more positive potentials by ca. 0.5 V compared to the ca. -2 V Ni(II/I) redox event in the free NiN(2)S(2) ligand, consistent with the electron drain from the nickel-dithiolate ligands by the W(CO)(4) acceptor. Differences in Ni(II/I) DeltaE(1/2) values appear to have a ligand dependence which is related to a structural feature of the hinge angle imposed by the (mu-SR)(2) bridges. Thus the angle formed by the intersection of NiN(2)S(2)/WS(2)C(2) planes has been established by X-ray diffraction analyses as a unique orientational feature of the nickel-dithiolate ligands in contrast to classical diphosphine or diimine ligands and ranges in value from 136 to 107 degrees . Variable-temperature (13)C NMR studies show that the spatial orientations of the ligands remained fixed with respect to the W(CO)(4) moiety to temperatures of 100 degrees C.

N2S2Ni metallodithiolate complexes as ligands: structural and aqueous solution quantitative studies of the ability of metal ions to form M-S-Ni bridges to mercapto groups coordinated to nickel(II). implications for acetyl coenzyme A synthase

The nickel(II) complex of an N2S2 ligand, derived from a diazacycle, N,N'-bis(mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacycloheptane, (bme-dach)Ni, Ni-1', serves as a metallodithiolate ligand to NiII, CuI, ZnII, Ag, and PbII. The binding ability of the NiN2S2 ligand to the metal ions was established through spectrochemical titrations in aqueous media and compared to classical S-donor ligands. For M = Ni, Zn, Pb, binding constants, log K = ca. 2. were computed for 1:1 Ni-1'/M(solvate) adducts; for Ag+ and Cu+, the 3:2 (Ni-1')3M2 adducts were the first formed products even in water with log beta3,2 values of 26 and >30, respectively. In all cases, the binding ability of Ni-S-R is intermediate between that of a free thiolate and a free thioether. The great specificity for copper over nickel and zinc by N2S2Ni, which serves as a reasonable structural model for the distal nickel of the acetyl CoA synthase active site, relates to biochemical studies of heterogeneity (metal content and type) in various preparations of acetyl CoA synthase enzyme.

Thiolate-bridged heterodinuclear platinum–zinc chelates as models for ternary platinum–DNA–protein complexes and zinc ejection from zinc fingers. Evidence from studies using ESI-mass spectrometry

Structures for model ternary platinum-DNA-protein complexes and zinc ejection from zinc fingers by platinum were deduced from the ESI-MS spectra of the interaction of model Zn and Pt complexes.

Accommodation of the irregular coordination geometry of lead(II) by a square planar N2S2 ligand and its preference for zinc(II)

The N2S2 ligand, bis-mercaptoethanediazacyclooctane, coordinates to Pb(II) largely through sulfur donors, enlisting a second unit to fulfill an irregular, hemispherical N2S3 coordination environment in which a void suggests the location of a stereochemically active lone pair on Pb(II). That the highly exposed lead is vulnerable to metal ion displacement is demonstrated on reaction with zinc which results in a regular square pyramidal coordination about zinc within a [N2S2Zn]2 dimer. Analysis of the two dimeric structures finds different connectivities of the monomeric subunits account for the stability of the zinc structure over that of the lead.

Sulfur Bridging Interactions of Cis-Planar NiII−S2N2Coordination Units with Nickel(II), Copper(I,II), Zinc(II), and Mercury(II): A Library of Bridging Modes, Including NiII(μ2-SR)2MI,IIRhombs

Sulfur bridging interactions between three cis-planar NiII-S2N2 complexes and NiII, CuI,II, ZnII, and HgII reactants were investigated by synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of some 24 complexes. This work was stimulated by recent crystallographic structures of the A-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetylcoenzyme A synthase. This bridged biological assembly has the minimal formulation [Fe4S4]-(micro2-SCys)-[M((micro2-SCys)2Gly)Ni] with M = NiII, CuI, and ZnII at sites distal and proximal, respectively, to the iron-sulfur cluster. Bridges supported by representations of the distal nickel site were sought by reactions of the complexes [NiII(LH-S2N2)]2- and [NiII(LR-S2N2)], with 5-5-5 chelate ring patterns. Reaction products implicate the bridges Ni-(micro2-S)1,2-M in a variety of molecular structures, some with previously unknown connectivities of bridge atoms. The most frequently encountered bridge units are the nonplanar rhombs Ni(2-S)2M involving both sulfur atoms of a given complex. Those with M = NiII are biologically relevant inasmuch as the catalytic metal at the proximal site is nickel. The complex [Ni(L-655)]2-, containing the 6-5-5 ring pattern and coordination sphere of the distal nickel site, was prepared and structurally characterized. It was shown to sustain Ni2(micro2-S)2 rhombic interactions in the form of trinuclear [[Ni(L-655)]2Ni]2- and [[Ni(L-655)]Ni(R2PCH2CH2PR2)] (R = Et, Ph) in which the second NiII simulates the proximal site. Bridging interactions of NiII-S2N2 complexes are summarized, and geometrical features of Ni2(2-S)2 rhombs in these complexes, as dependent on ring patterns, are considered (LH-S2N2 = N,N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptoisobutyramide)(4-); LR-S2N2 = trans-rac-N,N'-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylprop-1-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine(2-); L-655 = N-(2-mercaptopropyl)-N'-(2'-mercaptoethyl)glycinamide(4-)).

Modeling carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase (CODH/ACS): a trinuclear nickel complex employing deprotonated amides and bridging thiolates

Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase (CODH/ACS) utilizes a unique Ni-M bimetallic site in the biosynthesis of acetyl-CoA, where a square-planar Ni ion is coordinated to two thiolates and two deprotonated amides in a Cys-Gly-Cys motif. The identity of M is currently a matter of debate, although both Cu and Ni have been proposed. In an effort to model ACS's unusual active site and to provide insight into the mechanism of acetyl-CoA formation and the role of each of the metals ions, we have prepared and structurally characterized a number of Ni(II)-peptide mimic complexes. The mononuclear complexes Ni(II) N, N'-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)oxamide (1), Ni(II) N, N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptoacetamide) (2), and Ni(II) N, N'-ethylenebis(2-mercaptopropionamide) (3) model the Ni(Cys-Gly-Cys) site and can be used as synthons for additional multinuclear complexes. Reaction of 2 with MeI resulted in the alkylation of the sulfur atoms and the formation of Ni(II) N, N'-ethylenebis(2-methylmercaptoacetamide) (4), demonstrating the nucleophilicity of the terminal alkyl thiolates. Addition of Ni(OAc)(2).4H(2)O to3 resulted in the formation of a trinuclear species (5), while 2 crystallizes as an unusual paddlewheel complex (6) in the presence of nickel acetate. The difference in reactivity between the similar complexes 2 and 3 highlights the importance of ligand design when synthesizing models of ACS. Significantly,5 maintains the key features observed in the active site of ACS, namely a square-planar Ni coordinated to two deprotonated amides and two thiolates, where the thiolates bridge to a second metal, suggesting that 5 is a reasonable structural model for this unique enzyme.

Capture of Ni(II), Cu(I) and Z(II) by thiolate sulfurs of an N2S2Ni complex: a role for a metallothiolate ligand in the acetyl-coenzyme A synthase active site

The metal binding affinity of an (N2S2)Ni bridging metallothiolate ligand (Zn2+ < Ni2+ < Cu+) gives precedent for the observed heterogeneity in ACS/CODH.