A Family of Dioxo−Molybdenum(VI) Complexes of N2X Heteroscorpionate Ligands of Relevance to Molybdoenzymes

Syntheses and Biological Studies of Cu(II) Complexes Bearing Bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and Bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetato Heteroscorpionate Ligands

Copper(II) complexes of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)- and bis(triazol-1-yl)-acetate heteroscorpionate ligands have been synthesized. The copper(II) complexes [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄, [HC(COOH)(pz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂ (pz^Me2 = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole; pz = pyrazole) were prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂) and bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(pz)₂) ligands in ethanol solution. The copper(II) complex [HC(COOH)(tz)₂]₂Cu(ClO₄)₂·CH₃OH (tz = 1,2,4-triazole) was prepared by the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (HC(COOH)(tz)₂) ligand in methanol solution. The synthesized Cu(II) complexes, as well as the corresponding uncoordinated ligands, were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in monolayer and 3D spheroid cancer cell cultures with different Pt(II)-sensitivity. The results showed that [HC(COOH)(pz^Me2)₂]Cu[HC(COO)(pz^Me2)₂]·ClO₄ was active against cancer cell lines derived from solid tumors at low IC₅₀ and this effect was retained in the spheroid model. Structure and ultra-structure changes of treated cancer cells analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) highlighted the induction of a cytoplasmic vacuolization, thus suggesting paraptotic-like cancer cell death triggering.

Magnesium, calcium and zinc [N2N'] heteroscorpionate complexes

A new family of sterically demanding N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands (HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2N(H)R (R = iPr, tBu, Ph, Xyl)) has been prepared via a straightforward modular synthetic route. An extensive study into the synthesis and characterisation of lithium, magnesium, calcium and zinc complexes supported by both 3,5-tBu and 3,5-Me substituted N2N' ligand families has been conducted. Attempted deprotonation of the pro-ligands with nBuLi afforded the corresponding lithium salts Li{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR} (R = iPr (1), tBu (2), Ph (3) and Xyl (4)) but air- and thermal-sensitivity limited the yields of these potentially useful precursors; only the sterically encumbered ligand system allowed clean reactivity. Magnesium methyl complexes Mg{HC(tBu2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R = iPr (5) and R = Ph (6)) were prepared using an excess of the Grignard reagent MeMgCl. Magnesium butyl complexes were synthesised in good yields using the dialkyl precursor MgnBu2 to afford Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}nBu (R' = Me; R = iPr (7), tBu (8), Ad (9), Ph (10). R' = tBu; R = iPr (11), Ph (12)). Protonolylsis reactions were used to synthesise magnesium and calcium amide complexes Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiHMe2)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (13), tBu (14), Ph (15). R' = tBu; R = Ph (16)) or Mg{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe3)2} (R' = Me; R = iPr (17), tBu (18), Ph (19). R' = tBu; R = Ph (20)), and Ca{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}{N(SiMe2)2} (L) (R' = Me; L = thf; R = iPr (21), tBu (22), Ph (23). R' = tBu; L = none; R = Ph (24). Zinc methyl complexes Zn{HC(R'2pz)2SiMe2NR}Me (R' = Me; R = iPr (25), tBu (26), Ph (27). R' = tBu; R = Ph (28)) were prepared by reaction of the N2N' heteroscorpionate pro-ligands with ZnMe2. In preliminary studies, magnesium amide complexes 16 and 20 were evaluated as initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA). Although the overall polymerisation control was poor, 16 and 20 were found to be active initiators.

Remote Charge Effects on the Oxygen-Atom-Transfer Reactivity and Their Relationship to Molybdenum Enzymes

We report the syntheses, crystal structures, and characterization of the novel cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [Tpm*Mo^VIO₂Cl](MoO₂Cl₃) (1) and [Tpm*Mo^VIO₂Cl](ClO₄) (2), which are supported by the charge-neutral tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (Tpm*) ligand. A comparison between isostructural [Tpm*Mo^VIO₂Cl]⁺ and Tp*Mo^VIO₂Cl [Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate] reveals the effects of one unit of overall charge difference on their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, geometric and electronic structures, and O-atom-transfer (OAT) reactivities, providing new insight into pyranopterin molybdoenzyme OAT reactivity. Computational studies of these molecules indicate that the delocalized positive charge lowers the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of cationic [Tpm*MoO₂Cl]⁺ relative to Tp*MoO₂Cl. Despite their virtually identical geometric structures revealed by crystal structures, the Mo^VI/Mo^V redox potential of 2 is increased by 350 mV relative to that of Tp*Mo^VIO₂Cl. This LUMO stabilization also contributes to an increased effective electrophilicity of [Tpm*MoO₂Cl]⁺ relative to that of Tp*MoO₂Cl, resulting in a more favorable resonant interaction between the molydenum complex LUMO and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the PPh₃ substrate. This leads to a greater thermodynamic driving force, an earlier transition state, and a lowered activation barrier for the orbitally controlled first step of the OAT reaction in the Tpm* system relative to the Tp* system. An Eyring plot analysis shows that this initial step yields an O≡Mo^IV-OPPh₃ intermediate via an associative transition state, and the reaction is ∼500-fold faster for 2 than for Tp*MoO₂Cl. The second step of the OAT reaction entails solvolysis of the O≡Mo^IV-OPPh₃ intermediate to afford the solvent-substituted Mo^IV product and is 750-fold faster for the Tpm* system at -15 °C compared to the Tp* system. The observed rate enhancement for the second step is ascribed to a switch of the reaction mechanism from a dissociative pathway for the Tp* system to an alternative associative pathway for the Tpm* system. This is due to a more Lewis acidic Mo^IV center in the Tpm* system.

Syntheses and biological studies of nitroimidazole conjugated heteroscorpionate ligands and related Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes

Copper(I) and copper(II) complexes of 5-nitroimidazole conjugated heteroscorpionate ligands have been synthesized. In particular, the new 2,2-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)-N-(2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)acetamide ligand (L^HMN) was synthesized by direct coupling of preformed side chain acid with 5-nitroimidazole and its coordination chemistry was investigated towards Cu(I) and Cu(II) acceptors and compared with that of the related 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-H-pyrazol-1-yl)-N-(2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)acetamide ligand (L^MeMN). The copper(II) complexes {[(L^MeMN)₂Cu]Cl₂} and {[(L^HMN)₂Cu]Cl₂} were prepared by the reaction of CuCl₂·2H₂O with L^HMN or L^MeMN ligands in methanol solution. The water soluble copper(I) complexes {[(L^MeMN)Cu(PTA)₂]}(PF₆) and {[(L^HMN)Cu(PTA)₂]}(PF₆) were prepared by the reaction of Cu(CH₃CN)₄PF₆ and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) with L^HMN or L^MeMN ligands in acetonitrile solution. The new Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes as well as the corresponding uncoordinated ligands were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against 2D monolayer cultures of multiple human cancer cell lines and 3D-cultured HCT-15 colon cancer spheroids. Morphological analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed the induction of a massive cytoplasmic vacuolization consistent with a paraptotic-like cancer cell death.

Synthesis and solution stability of water-soluble κ2N,κO-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)ethanol manganese(i) tricarbonyl bromide (CORM-ONN1)

The reaction of (OC)₅MnBr with bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane yields [{(Pz^Me2)₂CH₂}Mn(CO)₃Br] (1). The use of tridentate heteroscorpionates such as bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)acetic acid and 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethanol leads to the formation of mononuclear [(OC)₃Mn{(Pz^Me2)₂CH-CO₂}] (2) and [(OC)₃Mn{(Pz^Me2)₂CH-CH₂OH}]Br (3, CORM-ONN1). Salt-like photoCORM 3 is soluble in aqueous media up to a concentration of 200 μM, non-toxic up to an approx. 65 μM solution and releases all carbonyl ligands upon irradiation. The molecular complexes 1 and 2 are insoluble in aqueous solutions. CORM-ONN1 (3) slowly degrades in methanol yielding iCORM 4, consisting of the complex cation [{(Pz^Me2)₂CH-CH₂OH}{(Pz^Me2)₂CH-CH₂O}Mn]⁺ and the [Mn(CO)₅]^- counter anion with the cations linked to a dimeric unit by intermolecular hydrogen bridges between the alcohol and alkoxide functionalities.

Quantitation of the ligand effect in oxo-transfer reactions of dioxo-Mo(VI) trispyrazolyl borate complexes

The oxygen atom transfer reactivity (OAT) of dioxo-Mo(VI) complexes of hydrotrispyrazolyl borate (hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, Tp(Me2); hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate, Tp(iPr)) with tertiary phosphines (PMe(3), PMe(2)Ph, PEt(3), PEt(2)Ph, PBu(n)(3), PMePh(2), or PEtPh(2)) has been investigated. In acetonitrile, these reactions proceed via the formation of a phosphoryl intermediate complex that undergoes a solvolysis reaction. We report the synthesis and characterization of several phosphoryl complexes. The rates of formation of phosphoryl complexes and their solvation were determined by spectrophotometry. The rates of the reactions and the properties of the phosphoryl species were investigated using the Quantitative Analysis of Ligand Effect (QALE) methodology. The results show that, at least in this system, the first step of the reaction is controlled primarily by the steric factor, and in the second step, both electronic and steric factors are important. We also analyzed the effect of ligands on the reaction rate i.e., Tp(Me2)vs. Tp(iPr).

μ-Oxido-bis{[2,2-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetato-κN,O,N]chloridooxidomolybdenum(V)} mono-hydrate

In the binuclear title compound, [Mo₂(C₁₂H₁₅N₄O₂)₂Cl₂O₃]·H₂O, the complex mol­ecules have approximate C₂ symmetry. Both Mo^V atoms have a distorted octa­hedral coordination environment with cis-positioned terminal chloride and oxide groups. The heteroscorpionate organic ligand binds to the Mo^V atom via an N₂O donor set. The water mol­ecule bridges two complex mol­ecules, forming O—H⋯O and O—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds to the acetate group and to the chloride ligands.

Influence of the oxygen atom acceptor on the reaction coordinate and mechanism of oxygen atom transfer from the dioxo-Mo(VI) complex, Tp(iPr)MoO(2)(OPh), to tertiary phosphines

The oxygen atom transfer reactivity of the dioxo-Mo(VI) complex, Tp(iPr)MoO(2)(OPh) (Tp(iPr) = hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate), with a range of tertiary phosphines (PMe(3), PMe(2)Ph, PEt(3), PBu(n)(3), PEt(2)Ph, PEtPh(2), and PMePh(2)) has been investigated. The first step in all the reactions follows a second-order rate law indicative of an associative transition state, consistent with nucleophilic attack by the phosphine on an oxo ligand, namely, Tp(iPr)MoO(2)(OPh) + PR(3) --> Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPR(3)). The calculated free energy of activation for the formation of the OPMe(3) intermediate (Chem. Eur. J. 2006, 12, 7501) is in excellent agreement with the experimental DeltaG() value reported here. The second step of the reaction, that is, the exchange of the coordinated phosphine oxide by acetonitrile, Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPR(3)) + MeCN --> Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(MeCN) + OPR(3), is first-order in starting complex in acetonitrile. The reaction occurs via a dissociative interchange (I(d)) or associative interchange (I(a)) mechanism, depending on the nature of the phosphine oxide. The activation parameters for the solvolysis of Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPMe(3)) (DeltaH(++) = 56.3 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(++) = -125.9 J mol(-1) K(-1); DeltaG(++) = 93.8 kJ mol(-1)) and Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPEtPh(2)) (DeltaH(++) = 66.5 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(++) = -67.6 J mol(-1) K(-1); DeltaG(++) = 86.7 kJ mol(-1)) by acetonitrile are indicative of I(a) mechanisms. In contrast, the corresponding parameters for the solvolysis reaction of Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPEt(3)) (DeltaH(++) = 95.8 kJ mol(-1); DeltaS(++) = 26.0 J mol(-1) K(-1); DeltaG(++) = 88.1 kJ mol(-1)) and the remaining complexes by the same solvent are indicative of an I(d) mechanism. The equilibrium constant for the solvolysis of the oxo-Mo(V) phosphoryl complex, [Tp(iPr)MoO(OPh)(OPMe(3))](+), by acetonitrile was calculated to be 1.9 x 10(-6). The oxo-Mo(V) phosphoryl complex is more stable than the acetonitrile analogue, whereas the oxo-Mo(IV) acetonitrile complex is more stable than the phosphoryl analogue. The higher stability of the Mo(V) phosphoryl complex may explain the phosphate inhibition of sulfite oxidase.

Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with ene-1,2-dithiolate ligands: synthesis, spectroscopy, and oxygen atom transfer reactivity

New dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes, (Et(4)N)(Ph(4)P)[Mo(VI)O(2)(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2))(bdt)] (2) and (Et(4)N)(Ph(4)P)[Mo(VI)O(2)(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2))(bdtCl(2))](4)(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2) = 1,2-dicarbomethoxyethylene-1,2-ditholate, bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate, bdtCl(2) = 3,6-dichloro-1,2-benzenedithiolate), that possess at least one ene-1,2-dithiolate ligand were synthesized by the reaction of their mono-oxo-molybdenum(IV) derivatives, (Et(4)N)(2)[Mo(IV)O(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2))(bdt)] (1) and (Et(4)N)(2)[Mo(IV)O(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2))(bdtCl(2))] (3), with Me(3)NO. Additionally, the bis(ene-1,2-dithiolate)Mo(VI)O(2) complex, (Et(4)N)(Ph(4)P)[Mo(VI)O(2)(S(2)C(2)(CO(2)Me)(2))(2)] (6), was isolated. Complexes 2, 4, and 6 were characterized by elemental analysis, negative-ion ESI mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy. X-ray analysis of 4 and 6 revealed a Mo(VI) center that adopts a distorted octahedral geometry. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra of (CD(3))(2)CO solutions of the Mo(VI)O(2) complexes indicated that the Mo centers isomerize between Delta and Lambda forms. The electronic structures of 2, 4, and 6 have been investigated by electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopy and bonding calculations. The results indicate very similar electronic structures for the complexes and considerable pi-delocalization between the Mo(VI)O(2) and ene-1,2-dithiolate units. The similar oxygen atom transfer kinetics for the complexes results from their similar electronic structures.

Molybdenum oxo and imido complexes of beta-diketiminate ligands: synthesis and structural aspects

Treatment of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] (Pz = 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolate) with the diketiminate ligand NacNacH (NacNac = CH[C(Me)NAr]2-, Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) at 55 degrees C leads under reduction of the metal to the formation of the dimeric molybdenum(V) compound [{MoO2(NacNac)}2] (1). The compound was characterized by spectroscopic means and by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The dimer consists of a [Mo2O4]2+ core with a short Mo-Mo bond (2.5591(5) A) and one coordinated diketiminate ligand on each metal atom. The reaction of [MoO2(eta2-Pz)2] with NacNacH in benzene at room temperature leads to a mixture of 1 and the monomeric molybdenum(VI) compound [MoO2(NacNac)(eta2-Pz)] (2). From such solutions, yellow crystals of 2 suitable for X-ray structural analysis were obtained revealing the coordination of one bidentate NacNac and one eta2-coordinate Pz ligand. This renders the two oxo groups inequivalent. Further high oxidation state molybdenum compounds containing the NacNac ligand were obtained by the reaction of [Mo(NAr)2Cl2(dme)] (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl2(dme)] (dme = dimethoxyethane) with 1 equiv of the potassium salt NacNacK forming [Mo(NAr)2Cl(NacNac)] (3) and [Mo(N-t-Bu)2Cl(NacNac)] (4), respectively, in good yields. The X-ray structure analysis of 3 revealed a penta-coordinate compound where the geometry is best described as trigonal-bipyramidal.

Oxo−Molybdenum(VI,V,IV) Complexes of the Facially Coordinating Tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Oxygen Atom Transfer Reactivity

A series of monooxo-Mo(IV,V) and dioxo-Mo(VI) complexes of the "soft" tripodal ligand, sodium tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate (NaTm(Me)), have been synthesized as potential oxygen atom transfer (OAT) models for sulfite oxidase. Complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and EPR, where appropriate. Oxygen atom transfer kinetics of Tm(Me)MoO(2)Cl, both stoichiometric and catalytic, have been studied by a combination of UV-vis and (31)P NMR spectroscopies under a variety of conditions. OAT rates are consistent with previously established relationships between redox potential/reactivity and mechanistic studies. The analysis of these complexes as potential structural and functional analogues of relevance to molybdoenzymes is further discussed.

A New Chiral N,N‘,O-Donor Heteroscorpionate Ligand. Structures of Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ Complexes and Study of Solution Equilibria by Means of 1H NMR/UV−Vis Titrations and EXSY NMR Spectroscopy

The N,N',O-heteroscorpionate ligand 1-(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-2-methyl-1-pyrazol-1-yl-propan-2-ol (LOH) was prepared in two high-yield steps. Complexes [M(LOH)2][MCl4] (M2+ = Cu2+ and Zn2+) and [M(LOH)2]Cl2 (M2+ = Ni2+ and Cu2+) were prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The speciation in solution (methanol:water 95:5) of the M2+/LOH systems was investigated by means of spectrophotometric (Ni2+ and Cu2+) and 1H NMR (Zn2+) titrations. The beta1 and beta2 global formation constants for the [M(LOH)]2+ and [M(LOH)2]2+ species were obtained and are in agreement with the Irving-Williams series: Ni2+< Cu2+> Zn2+. The Zn2+/LOH system was studied by means of quantitative 1H-1H EXSY spectroscopy (300 K, mixing time = 0.2-0.8 s), which allows the description of the equilibria occurring between five octahedral [Zn(LOH)2]2+ structural isomers and tetrahedral [Zn(LOH)Cl]Cl species. Exchange constants kijex and associated rate constants kij suggest that two types of interconversion occur: octahedral-octahedral (faster) and octahedral-tetrahedral (slower). DFT calculations (B3LYP/6-311+G(d)) were employed to evaluate the relative stability of the [Zn(LOH)2]2+ isomers, which are comparable for the five complexes with a maximum energy difference of 6.3 kJ/mol.

Tl(I), Fe(II), and Co(II) Complexes Supported by a Monoanionic N,N,N‘-Heteroscorpionate Ligand Bis(3,5-di-tertbutylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-CH2NAr (Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3)

The lithium salt (L)Li(THF) (L- = bis(3,5-di-tertbutylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-CH2NAr, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) can be readily prepared from lithium bis(3,5-di-tertbutylpyrazol-1-yl)methide and the N-methyleneaniline H2C=NAr. This N,N,N'-heteroscorpionate lithium reagent can be transmetalated with Tl(OTf), FeCl2(THF)(1.5), and CoCl2 to yield the (L)Tl, (L)FeCl, and (L)CoCl complexes, respectively. Single crystal structural data for compounds (L)Li(THF), (L)Tl, (L)FeCl, and (L)CoCl reveal in each case the hapticity of the sterically demanding, monoanionic L- ligand to be kappa3-N3.

Solvent effects in the geometric reorganization of an oxo-molybdenum(v) system

We have previously postulated a serine gated electron transfer hypothesis (Inorg. Chem, 2002, 41, 1281-1291) to possibly be involved in gating electron transfer between the Mo(V) and Mo(IV) states. In this study we explored the effect of solvent dielectric upon the rate and mechanism of isomerization of an oxo-Mo(V) core in attempt to understand the effect of solvent polarity to the isomerization reaction. To this end, the data suggests that there may be significant entropic contributions to the reorganization of metal center as a function of the local dielectric constant. Furthermore, we note that there is a change in the observed rate as well as the mechanism of the geometric rearrangement when it is examined in polar and non-polar environments. More specifically, in low dielectric media, the reaction proceeds either via a fast dissociation which is then followed by a twist mechanism or by a dissociation that is synchronized with the twist mechanism.

Oxidation-state and metal-ion dependent stereoisomerization in oxo molybdenum and tungsten complexes of a bulky alkoxy heteroscorpionate ligand

Monooxo Mo(V) complexes of a N2O heteroscorpionate ligand designated (L10O) are found to exist as isolable cis and trans isomers. We have been able to trap the kinetically labile cis isomer and follow its isomerization to the thermodynamically more stable trans form. We have also followed the kinetics of isomerization between the cis and trans isomers of the corresponding dioxo Mo(VI) and W(VI) species. Here the trans is the labile isomer that spontaneously converts to the thermodynamically more stable cis. It is observed that at 60 degrees C in DMSO the Mo(VI) complex isomerizes approximately 6.5 times faster than the Mo(V) and nearly 5 times faster than the corresponding W(VI) analogs. The temperature dependence to the kinetics of the Mo(V) and Mo(VI) isomerizations give activation parameters that are similar for both oxidation states and consistent with those previously observed in [(L1O)MoOCl2] suggesting a similar twist mechanism is operating in all cases. Thus there are oxidation state, metal ion and donor atom dependent differences in isomeric stability that could have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of both enzymatic and nonenzymatic oxo atom transfer reactions catalyzed by complexes of Mo, W and Re.