Mono-, Bi-, and Trinuclear CuII-Cl Containing Products Based on the Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine Chelate Derived from Copper(I) Complex Dechlorination Reactions of Chloroform

Experimental and theoretical quantum chemical studies of 2-(2-acetamidophenyl)-2-oxo-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)acetamide and its copper(II) complex: molecular docking simulation of the designed coordinated ligand with insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)

Newly synthesized ligand 2-(2- acetamidophenyl)-2-oxo-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)acetamide and its copper(II) complex were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV-Vis., ESR, 1H-NMR, and thermal analysis along with the theoretical quantum chemical studies. Combined experimental and theoretical DFT (density functional theory) studies showed the ligand to be a tridentate ligand with three coordinate bonds. The complex was suggested to be in a distorted octahedral structure with dx2-y2 ground state. The activation energy, ΔE*; entropy ΔS*; enthalpy ΔH* and order of reaction has been derived from differential thermogravimetric (DTA) curve, using Horowitz-Metzeger method. The nujol mull electronic spectrum of the ligand and Cu(II) complex have been recorded and the difference of the excited and ground state densities has also been theoretically calculated and plotted to investigate the movement of electrons on excitation. The Cu(II) complex was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against two bacterial species, namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Antifungal screening was performed against two species (Condida albicans and Aspergillus flavus). The complex under investigation was found to possess notable biological activity. Molecular docking investigation predicted different types of non-covalent interactions of the synthesized ligand towards Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (ID: 5FXR).

A Peptoid-Chelator Selective to Cu2+ That Can Extract Copper from Metallothionein-2 and Lead to the Production of ROS

Copper is an essential metal ion that is involved in critical cellular processes, but which can also exhibit toxic effects through its ability to catalyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Dysregulation of copper homeostasis has been implicated in the progression of several diseases, including cancer. A novel therapeutic approach, extensively studied in recent years, is to capitalize on the increased copper uptake and dependency exhibited by cancer cells and to promote copper-associated ROS production within the tumor microenvironment, leading to the apoptosis of cancer cells. Such an effect can be achieved by selectively chelating copper from copper-bearing metalloproteins in cancer cells, thereby forming a copper-chelator complex that produces ROS and, through this, induces oxidative stress and initiates apoptosis. Herein, we describe a peptoid chelator, TB, that is highly suitable to carry this task. Peptoids are N-substituted glycine oligomers that can be efficiently synthesized on a solid support and are also biocompatible; thus, they are considered promising drug candidates. We show, by rigorous spectroscopic techniques, that TB is not only selective for Cu(II) ions, but can also effectively extract copper from metallothionein-2, and the formed complex CuTB can promote ROS production. Our findings present a promising first example for the future development of peptoid-based chelators for applications in anti-cancer chelation therapy, highlighting the potential for the prospect of peptoid chelators as therapeutics.

End-On Copper(I) Superoxo and Cu(II) Peroxo and Hydroperoxo Complexes Generated by Cryoreduction/Annealing and Characterized by EPR/ENDOR Spectroscopy

In this report, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of monocopper Cu(I) superoxo and Cu(II) peroxo and hydroperoxo complexes. These are prepared by cryoreduction/annealing of the parent [LCuI(O2)]+ Cu(I) dioxygen adducts with the tripodal, N4-coordinating, tetradentate ligands L = PVtmpa, DMMtmpa, TMG3tren and are best described as [LCuII(O2•-)]+ Cu(II) complexes that possess end-on (η1-O2•-) superoxo coordination. Cryogenic γ-irradiation (77 K) of the EPR-silent parent complexes generates mobile electrons from the solvent that reduce the [LCuII(O2•-)]+ within the frozen matrix, trapping the reduced form fixed in the structure of the parent complex. Cryoannealing, namely progressively raising the temperature of a frozen sample in stages and then cooling back to low temperature at each stage for examination, tracks the reduced product as it relaxes its structure and undergoes chemical transformations. We employ EPR and ENDOR (electron-nuclear double resonance) as powerful spectroscopic tools for examining the properties of the states that form. Surprisingly, the primary products of reduction of the Cu(II) superoxo species are metastable cuprous superoxo [LCuI(O2•-)]+ complexes. During annealing to higher temperatures this state first undergoes internal electron transfer (IET) to form the end-on Cu(II) peroxo state, which is then protonated to form Cu(II)-OOH species. This is the first time these methods, which have been used to determine key details of metalloenzyme catalytic cycles and are a powerful tools for tracking PCET reactions, have been applied to copper coordination compounds.

[Ni23Se12(PEt3)13] Revisited: Isolation and Characterization of [Ni23Se12Cl3(PEt3)10]

The reaction of [Ni(1,5-COD)₂] (1.0 equiv), PEt₃ (0.04 equiv), SePEt₃ (0.52 equiv), and [NiCl₂(PEt₃)₂] (0.07 equiv) in a mixture of toluene and THF results in the formation of [Ni₂₃Se₁₂Cl₃(PEt₃)₁₀] (1), which can be isolated in moderate yield after workup. Complex 1 was characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallography. This open-shell nanocluster features a central [Ni₁₃]⁷⁺ anticuboctahedral kernel, which is encapsulated by a [Ni₁₀(μ-Se)₉Cl₃]^- shell, along with ten PEt₃ ligands and three (μ₄-Se)^2- ligands. On the basis of our spectroscopic and crystallographic analysis, coupled with in situ spectroscopic monitoring, we believe that the previously reported nanocluster, [Ni₂₃Se₁₂(PEt₃)₁₃], is actually better formulated as [Ni₂₃Se₁₂Cl₃(PEt₃)₁₀].

[Ni8(CNtBu)12][Cl]: A nickel isocyanide nanocluster with a folded nanosheet structure

The reaction of 1.75 equiv of ^tBuNC with Ni(1,5-COD)₂, followed by crystallization from benzene/pentane, resulted in the isolation of [Ni₈(CN^tBu)₁₂][Cl] (2) in low yields. Similarly, the reaction of Ni(1,5-COD)₂ with 0.6 equiv of [Ni(CN^tBu)₄], followed by addition of 0.08 equiv of I₂, resulted in the formation of [Ni₈(CN^tBu)₁₂][I] (3), which could be isolated in 52% yield after work-up. Both 2 and 3 adopt folded nanosheet structures in the solid state, characterized by two symmetry-related planar Ni₄ arrays, six terminally bound ^tBuNC ligands, and six ^tBuNC ligands that adopt bridging coordination modes. The metrical parameters of the six bridging ^tBuNC ligands suggest that they have been reduced to their [^tBuNC]^2- form. In contrast to the nanosheet structures observed for 2 and 3, gas phase Ni₈ is predicted to feature a compact bisdisphenoid ground state structure. The strikingly different structural outcomes reveal the profound structural changes that can occur upon addition of ligands to bare metal clusters. Ultimately, the characterization of 2 and 3 will enable more accurate structural predictions of ligand-protected nanoclusters in the future.

Rapid and visual detection of Cd2+ based on aza-BODIPY near infrared dye and its application in real and biological samples for environmental contamination screening

Cadmium highly toxic and hazardous, and it can adversely affect human health leading to serious disorders. Herein, a water-soluble near-infrared sensor based on aza-BODIPY (1) was developed for dual determination of Cd²⁺ in environmental and biological media. This sensor exhibited color change from colorless to green along with a fluorescence enhancement in the near-infrared (NIR) region via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) after complexation with Cd²⁺. Sensor 1 can be employed in aqueous media at physiological pH for quantitative monitoring. It shows rapid response with high sensitivity (detection limit of 2.8 ppb; linear correlation over [Cd²⁺] 1.33 - 6.67 µM) and selectivity over potentially interfering ions. NIR sensor 1 can be used to determine [Cd²⁺] in living cells and environmental samples.

Tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-ligated Cu(II) 1,3-diketonate complexes: anaerobic retro-Claisen and dehalogenation reactivity of 2-chloro-1,3-diketonate derivatives

We report synthetic, structural and reactivity investigations of tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA)-ligated Cu(ii) 1,3-diketonate complexes. These complexes exhibit anaerobic retro-Claisen type C-C bond cleavage reactivity which exceeds that found in analogs supported by chelate ligands with fewer and/or weaker pyridyl interactions.

Architectural and catalytic aspects of designer materials built using metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands

This perspective presents the design, synthesis and crystal structures of a large number of architectures constructed using assorted metalloligands of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based ligands. The metalloligands offered various appended functional groups, whereas design strategies included varying both their position and number. A combination of these parameters resulted in the development of assorted architectures including discrete trinuclear and tetranuclear complexes as well as 1D/2D/3D coordination polymers. The metalloligand strategy not only assisted in the construction of ordered crystalline materials with varied dimensionalities but also judiciously allowed the incorporation of Lewis acidic and redox-active secondary metals in the resultant architectures. As a result, such designer architectures illustrated their noteworthy role both as homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts in different organic transformation reactions.

Reactivity of CuIN4 Flattened Complexes: Interplay between Coordination Geometry and Ligand Flexibility

The relation between redox activity and coordination geometry in Cu^IN₄ complexes indicates that more flattened structures tend to be more reactive. Such a preorganization of the ligand confers to the complex geometries closer to a transition state, which has been termed the "entatic" state in metalloproteins, more recently extending this concept for copper complexes. However, many aspects of the redox chemistry of Cu^I complexes cannot be explained only by flattening. For instance, the role of ligand flexibility in this context is an open debate nowadays. To analyze this point, we studied oxidation properties of a series of five monometallic Cu^I Schiff-base complexes, [Cu^I(L_n)]⁺, which span a range of geometries from a distorted square planar (n = 3) to a distorted tetrahedron (n = 6, 7). This stepped control of the structure around the Cu^I atom allows us to explore the effect of the flattening distortion on both the electronic and redox properties through the series. Experimental studies were complemented by a theoretical analysis based on density functional theory calculations. As expected, oxidation was favored in the flattened structures, spanning a broad potential window of 370 mV for the complete series. This orderly behavior was tested in the reductive dehalogenation reaction of tetrachloroethane (TCE). Kinetic studies show that Cu^I oxidation by TCE is faster as the flattening distortion is higher and the oxidation potentials of the metal are lower. However, the most reactive complex was not the more planar, contradicting the trend expected from oxidation potentials. The origin of this irregularity is related to ligand flexibility and its connection with the atom/electron transfer reaction path, highlighting the need to consider effects beyond flattening distortion to better understand the reactivity of this important class of complexes.

p-Substituted Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amines as Ligands for Highly Active ATRP Catalysts: Facile Synthesis and Characterization

A facile and efficient two-step synthesis of p-substituted tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligands to form Cu complexes with the highest activity to date in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is presented. In the divergent synthesis, p-Cl substituents in tris(4-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA^3Cl ) were replaced in one step and high yield by electron-donating cyclic amines (pyrrolidine (TPMA^PYR ), piperidine (TPMA^PIP ), and morpholine (TPMA^MOR )) by nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The [Cu^II (TPMA^NR2 )Br]⁺ complexes exhibited larger energy gaps between frontier molecular orbitals and >0.2 V more negative reduction potentials than [Cu^II (TPMA)Br]⁺ , indicating >3 orders of magnitude higher ATRP activity. [Cu^I (TPMA^PYR )]⁺ exhibited the highest reported activity for Br-capped acrylate chain ends in DMF, and moderate activity toward C-F bonds at room temperature. ATRP of n-butyl acrylate using only 10-25 part per million loadings of [Cu^II (TPMA^NR2 )Br]⁺ exhibited excellent control.

Fluorescein-Containing Superoxide Probes with a Modular Copper-Based Trigger

Fluorescein-derived superoxide probes featuring a copper(II) complex that can be activated by superoxide to initiate ether bond cleavage and uncage a fluorescein reporter for imaging in live cells are described. Compared to other superoxide sensing moieties, this bond cleavage strategy can be modularly adapted to fluorescent reporters with different properties without compromising the superoxide reactivity and selectivity. A green-emitting probe and its lysosome-targeting analogue have been successfully developed. Both probes are sensitive with more than 30-fold fluorescence enhancement towards superoxide and are highly selective with no significant response towards other reactive oxygen species. A structure-activity relationship study of the copper-based superoxide trigger showed that the secondary coordination environment of the copper(II) center is important for the superoxide reactivity and selectivity. The probes have been applied in imaging changes in intracellular superoxide level in live HeLa and HEK293T cells upon menadione stimulation and also in a cellular inflammation model in RAW 264.7 cells.

Folding of unstructured peptoids and formation of hetero-bimetallic peptoid complexes upon side-chain-to-metal coordination

Helices are key structural features in biopolymers, enabling a variety of biological functions. Mimicking these secondary structure motifs has wide potential in the development of biomimetic materials. Peptoids, N-substituted glycine oligomers, are an important class of peptide mimics that can adopt polyproline type helices if the majority of their sequence consists of chiral bulky pendent groups. Such side-chains are structure inducers but they have no functional value. We present here the inclusion of several metal-binding groups in one peptoid oligomer as a new platform towards the development of functional helical peptoids. Thus, we describe the coordination of two metal ions to unstructured peptoids incorporating four 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ) ligands at fixed positions as two (HQ, HQ) metal binding sites, and a mixture of chiral benzyl and alkyl substituents in varied positions along the peptoid backbone. For the first time, we demonstrate by circular dichroism spectroscopy, solution NMR techniques and high-level DFT calculations that some of these unstructured peptoids can fold upon metal binding to form helical structures. Replacing one HQ ligand with a terpyridine (Terpy) ligand resulted in unique sequences that can selectively coordinate Cu2+ to the (Terpy, HQ) and Zn2+ (or Co2+) to the (HQ, HQ) sites from a solution mixture containing Cu2+ and Zn2+ (or Co2+) ions. Interestingly, the binding of Cu2+ to the (Terpy, HQ) site in one of these peptoids can initiate a conformational change that in turn facilitates the coordination of Zn2+ (or Co2+) ions to the (HQ, HQ) site, demonstrating a unique example of positive allosteric cooperativity in peptide mimics.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO and formate by a novel Co(ii) catalyst containing a cis-oxygen atom: photocatalysis and DFT calculations

A novel CoN₄-complex containing an oxygen atom at cis-coordination site enables to convert CO₂ to CO and formate in a photocatalytic system.

Heteroleptic complexesviasolubility control: examples of Cu(ii), Co(ii), Ni(ii) and Mn(ii) complexes based on the derivatives of terpyridine and hydroxyquinoline

We describe the preparation of synthetically challenging heteroleptic complexes by considering the solubility properties of their corresponding favored homoleptic complexes.

A rationally designed metal-binding helical peptoid for selective recognition processes

A helical peptoid bearing two distinct metal binding ligands at positions i and i+3 (Helix HQT i+3) enables the selective recognition of one or two metal ions depending on its environment, thus mimicking the unique recognition abilities of natural biopolymers.

Metal-binding biopolymers play a significant role in processes, such as regulation, recognition and catalysis, due to their high affinity towards specific metal ions, which they bind selectively from the cellular pool. Many enzymes can bind two or more metal ions, each at a specific binding site, to enable efficient cooperative function. Imitating these recognition abilities might lead to the production of biomimetic materials such as unique chelators and catalysts. Herein, we report a rationally designed helical peptoid bearing two distinct metal binding ligands at positions i and i + 3 (Helix HQT i + 3), which enables the selective recognition of one or two metal ions depending on its environment. Using various spectroscopic techniques, we describe (1) the selective intramolecular binding of Cu²⁺ and its extraction from a mixture of neighboring metal ions in high concentrations, and (2) the selective intermolecular binding of two different metal ions, including the pair Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺, one at each binding site, for the generation of hetero-bimetallic peptoid duplexes. Thorough analysis and comparison between the spectroscopic data and association constants of the metal complexes formed by Helix HQT i + 3 and those formed by non-helical peptoids, or helical peptoids in which the two metal binding ligands are not pre-organized, revealed that the unique recognition processes performed by Helix HQT i + 3 are controlled by both the sequence and the structure of the peptoid.

CO₂ fixation by dicopper(II) complexes in hypodentate framework of N₈O₂

A new ligand with N8O2 donors containing three potential metal-binding sites (H₂L) and its tricopper(II) complex 1 are synthesized. The tricopper species is found to be formed from a hypodentate dicopper(II) complex 2 in basic solutions. Complex 2 may be isolated from the reaction of H₂L with a copper source under acidic conditions. Complex 2 can undergo CO2-abstraction to yield an octacopper(II) complex 3. The single crystal structures of complexes 2 and 3 are characterized by X-ray crystallography.

Metal-binding and redox properties of substituted linear and cyclic ATCUN motifs

The amino-terminal copper and nickel binding (ATCUN) motif is a short peptide sequence found in human serum albumin and other proteins. Synthetic ATCUN-metal complexes have been used to oxidatively cleave proteins and DNA, cross-link proteins, and damage cancer cells. The ATCUN motif consists of a tripeptide that coordinates Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions in a square planar geometry, anchored by chelation sites at the N-terminal amine, histidine imidazole and two backbone amides. Many studies have shown that the histidine is required for tight binding and square planar geometry. Previously, we showed that macrocyclization of the ATCUN motif can lead to high-affinity binding with altered metal ion selectivity and enhanced Cu(II)/Cu(III) redox cycling (Inorg. Chem. 2013, 52, 2729-2735). In this work, we synthesize and characterize several linear and cyclic ATCUN variants to explore how substitutions at the histidine alter the metal-binding and catalytic properties. UV-visible spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicate that cyclization can promote the formation of ATCUN-like complexes even in the absence of imidazole. We also report several novel ATCUN-like complexes and quantify their redox properties. These findings further demonstrate the effects of conformational constraints on short, metal-binding peptides, and also provide novel redox-active metallopeptides suitable for testing as catalysts for stereoselective or regioselective oxidation reactions.

Macrocyclization of the ATCUN motif controls metal binding and catalysis

We report the design, synthesis, and characterization of macrocyclic analogues of the amino-terminal copper and nickel binding (ATCUN) motif. These macrocycles have altered pH transitions for metal binding, and unlike linear ATCUN motifs, the optimal cyclic peptide 1 binds Cu(II) selectively over Ni(II) at physiological pH. UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy showed that cyclic peptide 1 can coordinate Cu(II) or Ni(II) in a square planar geometry. Metal binding titration and ESI-MS data revealed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Macrocyclization allows for coordination of Cu(II) or Ni(II) as in linear ATCUN motifs, but with enhanced DNA cleavage by the Cu(II)-1 complex relative to linear analogues. The Cu(II)-1 complex was also capable of producing diffusible hydroxyl radicals, which is unique among ATCUN motifs and most other common copper(II) chelators.

Reactive probes for ratiometric detection of Co2+ and Cu+ based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism

An excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism based two reactive probes HBTCo and HBTCu is reported for the selective detection of Co(2+) and Cu(+) respectively in a reducing aqueous environment. Co(2+) and Cu(+) mediated oxidative benzylic ether (C-O) bond cleavage offers ratiometric detection of these metal ions.

Coordination chemistry and reactivity of a cupric hydroperoxide species featuring a proximal H-bonding substituent

At -90 °C in acetone, a stable hydroperoxo complex [(BA)Cu(II)OOH](+) (2) (BA, a tetradentate N(4) ligand possessing a pendant -N(H)CH(2)C(6)H(5) group) is generated by reacting [(BA)Cu(II)(CH(3)COCH(3))](2+) with only 1 equiv of H(2)O(2)/Et(3)N. The exceptional stability of 2 is ascribed to internal H-bonding. Species 2 is also generated in a manner not previously known in copper chemistry, by adding 1.5 equiv of H(2)O(2) (no base) to the cuprous complex [(BA)Cu(I)](+). The broad implications for this finding are discussed. Species 2 slowly converts to a μ-1,2-peroxodicopper(II) analogue (3) characterized by UV-vis and resonance Raman spectroscopies. Unlike a close analogue not possessing internal H-bonding, 2 affords no oxidative reactivity with internal or external substrates. However, 2 can be protonated to release H(2)O(2), but only with HClO(4), while 1 equiv Et(3)N restores 2.

Spectroscopic and computational characterization of CuII-OOR (R = H or cumyl) complexes bearing a Me6-tren ligand

A copper(II)-hydroperoxo complex, [Cu(Me(6)-tren)(OOH)](+) (2), and a copper(ii)-cumylperoxo complex, [Cu(Me(6)-tren)(OOC(CH(3))(2)Ph)](+) (3), were synthesized by reacting [Cu(Me(6)-tren)(CH(3)CN)](2+) (1) with H(2)O(2) and cumyl-OOH, respectively, in the presence of triethylamine. These intermediates, 2 and 3, were successfully characterized by various physicochemical methods such as UV-vis, ESI-MS, resonance Raman and EPR spectroscopies, leading us to propose structures of the Cu(II)-OOR species with a trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided geometric and electronic configurations of 2 and 3, showing trigonal bipyramidal copper(II)-OOR geometries. These copper(II)-hydroperoxo and -cumylperoxo complexes were inactive in electrophilic and nucleophilic oxidation reactions.

Sulfur donor atom effects on copper(I)/O(2) chemistry with thioanisole containing tetradentate N(3)S ligand leading to μ-1,2-peroxo-dicopper(II) species

To better understand the effect of thioether coordination in copper-O(2) chemistry, the tetradentate N(3)S ligand L(ASM) (2-(methylthio)-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)benzenamine) and related alkylether ligand L(EOE) (2-ethoxy-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine) have been studied. The corresponding copper(I) complexes, [(L(ASM))Cu(I)](+) (1a) and [(L(EOE))Cu(I)](+) (3a), were studied as were the related compound [(L(ESE))Cu(I)](+) (2a, L(ESE) = (2-ethylthio-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine). The X-ray structure of 1a and its solution conductivity reveal a monomeric molecular structure possessing thioether coordination which persists in solution. In contrast, the C-O stretching frequencies of the derivative Cu(I)-CO complexes reveal that for these complexes, the modulated ligand arms, whether arylthioether, alkylthioether, or ether, are not coordinated to the cuprous ion. Electrochemical data for 1a and 2a in CH(3)CN and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) show the thioanisole moiety to be a poor electron donor compared to alkylthioether (1a is ∼200 mV more positive than 2a). The structures of [(L(ASM))Cu(II)(CH(3)OH)](2+) (1c) and [(L(ESE))Cu(II)(CH(3)OH)](2+) (2c) have also been obtained and indicate nearly identical copper coordination environments. Oxygenation of 1a at reduced temperature gives a characteristic deep blue intermediate [{(L(ASM))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (1b(P)) with absorption features at 442 (1,500 M(-1) cm(-1)), 530 (8,600 M(-1) cm(-1)), and 605 nm (10,400 M(-1) cm(-1)); these values compare well to the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) transitions previously reported for [{(L(ESE))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (2b(P)). Resonance Raman data for [{(L(ASM))Cu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) (1b(P)) support the formation of μ-1,2-peroxo species ν(O-O) = 828 cm(-1)(Δ((18)O(2)) = 48), ν(sym)(Cu-O) = 547 cm(-1) (Δ((18)O(2)) = 23), and ν(asym)(Cu-O) = 497 cm(-1) (Δ((18)O(2)) = 22) and suggest the L(ASM) ligand is a poorer electron donor to copper than is L(ESE). In contrast, the oxygenation of [(L(EOE))Cu(I)](+) (3a), possessing an ether donor as an analogue of the thioether in L(ESE), led to the formation of a bis(μ-oxo) species [{(L(EOE))Cu(III)}(2)(O(2-))(2)](2+) (3b(O); 380 nm, ε ∼ 10,000 M(-1) cm(-1)). This result provides further support for the sulfur influence in 1b(P) and 2b(P), in particular coordination of the sulfur to the Cu. Thermal decomposition of 1b(P) is accompanied by ligand sulfoxidation. The structure of [{(L(EOE))Cu(II)(Cl)}(2)](+) (3c) generated from the reductive dehalogenation of organic chlorides suggests that the ether moiety is weakly bound to the cupric ion. A detailed discussion of the spectroscopic and structural characteristics of 1b(P), 2b(P), and 3b(O) is presented.

Toluene and ethylbenzene aliphatic C-H bond oxidations initiated by a dicopper(II)-mu-1,2-peroxo complex

With an anisole-containing polypyridylamine potential tetradentate ligand (O)L, a mu-1,2-peroxo-dicopper(II) complex [{(O)LCu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) forms from the reaction of the mononuclear compound [Cu(I)((O)L)(MeCN)]B(C(6)F(5))(4) ((O)LCu(I)) with O(2) in noncoordinating solvents at -80 degrees C. Thermal decay of this peroxo complex in the presence of toluene or ethylbenzene leads to rarely seen C-H activation chemistry; benzaldehyde and acetophenone/1-phenylethanol mixtures, respectively, are formed. Experiments with (18)O(2) confirm that the oxygen source in the products is molecular O(2) and deuterium labeling experiments indicate k(H)/k(D) = 7.5 +/- 1 for the toluene oxygenation. The O(2)-reaction of [Cu(I)((Bz)L)(CH(3)CN)](+) ((Bz)LCu(I)) leads to a dicopper(III)-bis-mu-oxo species [{(Bz)LCu(III)}(2)(mu-O(2-))(2)](2+) at -80 degrees C, and from such solutions, very similar toluene oxygenation chemistry occurs. Ligand (Bz)L is a tridentate chelate, possessing the same moiety found in (O)L, but without the anisole O-atom donor. In these contexts, the nature of the oxidant species in or derived from [{(O)LCu(II)}(2)(O(2)(2-))](2+) is discussed and likely mechanisms of reaction initiated by toluene H-atom abstraction chemistry are detailed. To confirm the structural formulations of the dioxygen-adducts, UV-vis and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies have been carried out and these results are reported and compared to previously described systems including [{Cu(II)((Py)L)}(2)(O(2))](2+) ((Py)L = TMPA = tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine). Using (L)Cu(I), CO-binding properties (i.e., nu(C-O) values) along with electrochemical property comparisons, the relative donor abilities of (O)L, (Bz)L, and (Py)L are assessed.

Reductive coupling of nitrogen monoxide (*NO) facilitated by heme/copper complexes

The interactions of nitrogen monoxide (*NO; nitric oxide) with transition metal centers continue to be of great interest, in part due to their importance in biochemical processes. Here, we describe *NO((g)) reductive coupling chemistry of possible relevance to that process (i.e., nitric oxide reductase (NOR) biochemistry), which occurs at the heme/Cu active site of cytochrome c oxidases (CcOs). In this report, heme/Cu/*NO((g)) activity is studied using 1:1 ratios of heme and copper complex components, (F(8))Fe (F(8) = tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphyrinate(2-)) and [(tmpa)Cu(I)(MeCN)](+) (TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine). The starting point for heme chemistry is the mononitrosyl complex (F(8))Fe(NO) (lambda(max) = 399 (Soret), 541 nm in acetone). Variable-temperature (1)H and (2)H NMR spectra reveal a broad peak at delta = 6.05 ppm (pyrrole) at room temperature (RT), which gives rise to asymmetrically split pyrrole peaks at 9.12 and 8.54 ppm at -80 degrees C. A new heme dinitrosyl species, (F(8))Fe(NO)(2), obtained by bubbling (F(8))Fe(NO) with *NO((g)) at -80 degrees C, could be reversibly formed, as monitored by UV-vis (lambda(max) = 426 (Soret), 538 nm in acetone), EPR (silent), and NMR spectroscopies; that is, the mono-NO complex was regenerated upon warming to RT. (F(8))Fe(NO)(2) reacts with [(tmpa)Cu(I)(MeCN)](+) and 2 equiv of acid to give [(F(8))Fe(III)](+), [(tmpa)Cu(II)(solvent)](2+), and N(2)O((g)), fitting the stoichiometric *NO((g)) reductive coupling reaction: 2*NO((g)) + Fe(II) + Cu(I) + 2H(+) --> N(2)O((g)) + Fe(III) + Cu(II) + H(2)O, equivalent to one enzyme turnover. Control reaction chemistry shows that both iron and copper centers are required for the NOR-type chemistry observed and that, if acid is not present, half the *NO is trapped as a (F(8))Fe(NO) complex, while the remaining nitrogen monoxide undergoes copper complex promoted disproportionation chemistry. As part of this study, [(F(8))Fe(III)]SbF(6) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, along with EPR (77 K: g = 5.84 and 6.12 in CH(2)Cl(2) and THF, respectively) and variable-temperature NMR spectroscopies. These structural and physical properties suggest that at RT this complex consists of an admixture of high and intermediate spin states.

Heme-copper-dioxygen complexes: toward understanding ligand-environmental effects on the coordination geometry, electronic structure, and reactivity

The nature of the ligand is an important aspect of controlling the structure and reactivity in coordination chemistry. In connection with our study of heme-copper-oxygen reactivity relevant to cytochrome c oxidase dioxygen-reduction chemistry, we compare the molecular and electronic structures of two high-spin heme-peroxo-copper [Fe(III)O(2)(2-)Cu(II)](+) complexes containing N(4) tetradentate (1) or N(3) tridentate (2) copper ligands. Combining previously reported and new resonance Raman and EXAFS data coupled to density functional theory calculations, we report a geometric structure and more complete electronic description of the high-spin heme-peroxo-copper complexes 1 and 2, which establish mu-(O(2)(2-)) side-on to the Fe(III) and end-on to Cu(II) (mu-eta(2):eta(1)) binding for the complex 1 but side-on/side-on (mu-eta(2):eta(2)) mu-peroxo coordination for the complex 2. We also compare and summarize the differences and similarities of these two complexes in their reactivity toward CO, PPh(3), acid, and phenols. The comparison of a new X-ray structure of mu-oxo complex 2a with the previously reported 1a X-ray structure, two thermal decomposition products respectively of 2 and 1, reveals a considerable difference in the Fe-O-Cu angle between the two mu-oxo complexes ( angleFe-O-Cu = 178.2 degrees in 1a and angleFe-O-Cu = 149.5 degrees in 2a). The reaction of 2 with 1 equiv of an exogenous nitrogen-donor axial base leads to the formation of a distinctive low-temperature-stable, low-spin heme-dioxygen-copper complex (2b), but under the same conditions, the addition of an axial base to 1 leads to the dissociation of the heme-peroxo-copper assembly and the release of O(2). 2b reacts with phenols performing H-atom (e(-) + H(+)) abstraction resulting in O-O bond cleavage and the formation of high-valent ferryl [Fe(IV)=O] complex (2c). The nature of 2c was confirmed by a comparison of its spectroscopic features and reactivity with those of an independently prepared ferryl complex. The phenoxyl radical generated by the H-atom abstraction was either (1) directly detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy using phenols that produce stable radicals or (2) indirectly detected by the coupling product of two phenoxyl radicals.

Copper(I)/O2 chemistry with imidazole containing tripodal tetradentate ligands leading to mu-1,2-peroxo-dicopper(II) species

Cuprous and cupric complexes with the new imidazolyl containing tripodal tetradentate ligands {L(MIm), (1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)methanamine, and L(EIm), 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N,N-bis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine}, have been investigated to probe differences in their chemistry, especially in copper(I)-dioxygen chemistry, compared to that already known for the pyridyl analogue TMPA, tris(2-pyridyl)methyl)amine. Infrared (IR) stretching frequencies obtained from carbon monoxide adducts of [(L(MIm))Cu(I)](+) (1a) and [(L(EIm))Cu(I)](+) (2a) show that the imidazolyl donor is stronger than its pyridyl analogue. Electrochemical data suggest differences in the binding constant of Cu(II) to L(EIm) compared to TMPA and L(MIm), reflecting geometric changes. Oxygenation of [(L(MIm))Cu(I)](+) (1a) in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) solvent at -128 degrees C leads to an intensely purple colored species with a UV-vis spectrum characteristic of an end-on bound peroxodicopper(II) complex [{(L(MIm))Cu(II)}(2)(mu-1,2-O(2)(2-))](2+) (1b(P)) {lambda(max) = 528 nm}, very similar to the previously well characterized complex [{(TMPA)Cu(II)}(2)(mu-1,2-O(2)(2-))](2+) {lambda(max) = 520 nm (epsilon = 12 000 M(-1) cm(-1)), in MeTHF; resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopy: nu(O-O) = 832 (Delta((18)O(2)) = -44) cm(-1)}. In the low-temperature oxygenation of 2a, benchtop (-128 degrees C) and stopped-flow (-90 degrees C) experiments reveal the formation of an initial superoxo-Cu(II) species [(L(EIm))Cu(II)(O(2)(*-))](+) (2b(S)), lambda(max) = 431 nm in THF) . This converts to the low-temperature stable peroxo complex [{(L(EIm))Cu(II)}(2)(mu-1,2-O(2)(2-))](2+) (2b(P)) {rR spectroscopy: nu(O-O) = 822 (Delta((18)O(2)) = -46) cm(-1)}. Complex 2b(P) possess distinctly reduced Cu-O and O-O stretching frequencies and a red-shifted UV-vis feature {to lambda(max) = 535 nm (epsilon = 11 000 M(-1) cm(-1))} compared to the TMPA analogue due to a distortion from trigonal bipyramidal (TBP) to a square pyramidal ligand field. This distortion is supported by the structural characterization of related ligand-copper(II) complexes: A stable tetramer cluster complex [(mu(2)-L(EIm-))(4)(Cu(II))(4)](4+), obtained from thermal decomposition of 2b(P) (with formation of H(2)O(2)), also exhibits a distorted square pyramidal Cu(II) ion geometry as does the copper(II) complex [(L(EIm))Cu(II)(CH(3)CN)](2+) (2c), characterized by X-ray crystallography and solution electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.