An Octahedral Template Based on a New Molecular Turn: Synthesis and Structure of a Model Complex and a Reactive, Diphenolic Ligand and Its Metal Complexes

Cobalt-Mediated Photochemical C-H Arylation of Pyrroles

Precious metal complexes remain ubiquitous in photoredox catalysis (PRC) despite concerted efforts to find more earth-abundant catalysts and replacements based on 3d metals in particular. Most otherwise plausible 3d metal complexes are assumed to be unsuitable due to short-lived excited states, which has led researchers to prioritize the pursuit of longer excited-state lifetimes through careful molecular design. However, we report herein that the C-H arylation of pyrroles and related substrates (which are benchmark reactions for assessing the efficacy of photoredox catalysts) can be achieved using a simple and readily accessible octahedral bis(diiminopyridine) cobalt complex, [1-Co](PF6)2. Notably, [1-Co]2+ efficiently functionalizes both chloro- and bromoarene substrates despite the short excited-state lifetime of the key photoexcited intermediate *[1-Co]2+ (8 ps). We present herein the scope of this C-H arylation protocol and provide mechanistic insights derived from detailed spectroscopic and computational studies. These indicate that, despite its transient existence, reduction of *[1-Co]2+ is facilitated via pre-assembly with the NEt3 reductant, highlighting an alternative strategy for the future development of 3d metal-catalyzed PRC.

Interligand Charge-Transfer Processes in Zinc Complexes

Electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes are characterized by charge-transfer (CT) processes between electron-rich and electron-poor counterparts, typically resulting in a new absorption band at a higher wavelength. In this paper, we report a series of novel 2,6-di(imino)pyridine ligands with different electron-rich aromatic substituents and their 1:2 (metal/ligand) complexes with zinc(II) in which the formation of a CT species is promoted by the metal ion coordination. The absorption properties of these complexes were studied, showing the presence of a CT absorption band only in the case of aromatic substituents with donor groups. The nature of EDA interaction was confirmed by crystallographic studies, which disclose the electron-poor and electron-rich moieties involved in the CT process. These moieties mutually belong to both the ligands and are forced into a favorable spatial arrangement by the coordinative preferences of the metal ion.

Synthesis, characterization and SAR studies of bis(imino)pyridines as antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents

In this study we synthesized a series of sixteen bis(imino)pyridines (BIPs) starting from 2,6-diaminopyridine and various aromatic aldehydes, and evaluated their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. The chemical structures were elucidated by FTIR, elemental analysis, ESR and HRMS. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra couldn't be acquired due to the formation of stable, carbon-centered radical cations in a solution, as confirmed by ESR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The in vitro antioxidant potency was evaluated using four assays: free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power and total antioxidant capacity assay. BIPs demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties, and two derivatives proved to be more potent than reference antioxidants (ascorbic acid and Trolox) in all assays. DFT calculations on ωB97XD/6-311++g(d,p) level of theory provided valuable insights into the radical scavenging mechanism of BIPs. For hydroxyl-substituted BIPs, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is a predominant mechanism, while the single electron transfer coupled with proton transfer (SET-PT) governs the antioxidant activity of other derivatives. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) plays an important role in the mechanism of antioxidant activity as revealed by noncovalent interaction analysis and rotational barrier calculations. The spin density of radical cations is localized on carbon atoms of a pyridine ring, which corroborates with g-factors and multiplicity obtained from ESR analysis. The most potent BIP exhibited moderate inhibitory activity toward AChE (IC₅₀ = 20 ± 4 μM), while molecular docking suggested binding at the peripheral anionic site of AChE with the MMFF94 binding enthalpy of -43.4 kcal/mol. Moderate in vitro antimicrobial activity of BIPs have been determined against several pathogenic bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and clinical isolate of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The antifungal activity of BIPs toward Candida albicans was also confirmed. The similarity ensemble approach combined with molecular docking suggested leucyl aminopeptidase as the probable antimicrobial target for the three most potent BIP derivatives.

Chiral superstructures from homochiral Zn2+ , Co2+ , Fe2+ -2,6-bis (aryl ethylimine)pyridine complexes

We report the hierarchical supramolecular organization of metallosupramolecular homochiral complexes 1-Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /1-∆-(R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ and 2- Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /2-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ of M²⁺ = Co²⁺ , Fe²⁺ , Zn²⁺ metal ions with chiral pseudo-terpyridine-type ligands: 1-(S,S) or 1-(R,R) = 2,6-bis (naphthyl ethylimine)pyridine and 2-(S,S) or 2-(R,R) = 2,6-bis (phenyl-ethylimine)pyridine. Circular dichroism measurements in solution were used to confirm the enantiomeric nature of all twelve complexes. For crystal structures of 1- Λ- (S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ or 1-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ complexes, absolute configurations {∆ (or P), Λ (or M)} were confirmed by refinement of the Flack parameter x: -0.007 ≤ x ≤ 0.11 for the single crystals of 1-Λ-(S,S,S,S)-M²⁺ /1-∆- (R,R,R,R)-M²⁺ , 2- Λ- (S,S,S,S)-Fe²⁺ , and 2-∆- (R,R,R,R)-Co²⁺ .

Mechanochemical routes for the synthesis of acetyl- and bis-(imino)pyridine ligands and organometallics

Organometallic precatalysts play a pivotal role in organic synthesis. However, their preparation often relies on multiple time, energy, and solvent intensive steps, including the synthesis of supporting organic ligand structures, and finally installation on the desired metal centres. We report the sustainable mechanochemical synthesis of acetyl- and bis-(imino)pyridine pincer complexes, a ubiquitous ligand class for organometallic precatalysts. The approach is extended to the one-pot synthesis of acetyl(imino)pyridine-CoCl₂, where the ligand is formed in situ.

A Synthetic Route for Crystals of Woven Structures, Uniform Nanocrystals, and Thin Films of Imine Covalent Organic Frameworks

Developing synthetic methodology to crystallize extended covalent structures has been an important pursuit of reticular chemistry. Here, we report a homogeneous synthetic route for imine covalent organic frameworks (COFs) where crystallites emerge from clear solutions without forming amorphous polyimine precipitates. The key feature of this route is the utilization of tert-butyloxycarbonyl group protected amine building blocks, which are deprotected in situ and gradually nucleate the crystalline framework. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by crystallizing a woven covalent organic framework (COF-112), in which covalent organic threads are interlaced to form a three-dimensional woven framework. The homogeneous imine COF synthesis also enabled the control of nucleation and crystal growth leading to uniform nanocrystals, through microwave-assisted reactions, and facile preparation of oriented thin films.

Photophysical properties of Schiff's bases from 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy naphthalene-1-carbaldehyde

A series of novel Schiff's bases have been synthesized from 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde. The presence of hydroxyl group ortho to the benzothiazolyl group as well as the imine linkage lead to the occurrence of excited state intramolecular proton transfer process. The computational strategy was used to study the ESIPT process of the synthesized Schiff's bases, which revealed surprisingly that the keto form predominantly exists in the ground state contradicting the ESIPT process. Density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory have been used to investigate the structural parameters and photophysical properties in different solvents of one of the Schiff's bases. The experimental results correlate well with the computed results. All Schiff's bases show good thermal stability.

Experimental and computational study on 2,2'-[(1E,2E)-hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedi(1E)eth-1-yl-1-ylidene]diphenol and its Ni(II), Pt(II), Pd(II) complexes

2,2'-[(1E,2E)-hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedi(1E)eth-1-yl-1-ylidene]diphenol and its dimeric, binuclear Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) metal complexes were synthesized. Hydrazine derivative and its complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, LC-MS, IR, electronic spectra, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, conductivity and magnetic measurements. 1H and 13C shielding tensors for crystal structure were calculated with GIAO/DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) methods in CDCl3. The vibrational band assignments were performed at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) theory level combined with scaled quantum mechanics force field (SQMFF) methodology. The antibacterial activities of synthesized compounds were studied against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by using the microdilution and disk diffusion method. As the antibacterial activity results evidently show, the compound possessed a broad spectrum of activity against the tested bacteria.

Tuning the cytotoxic properties of new ruthenium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes with a modified bis(arylimino)pyridine Schiff base ligand using bidentate pyridine-based ligands

Synthesis, spectroscopy, characterization, structures, and cytotoxicity studies of 2,6-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine (LLL) ruthenium compounds are described. The starting compound [RuCl3(LLL)] has been fully characterized using IR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the crystal structure of the ligand LLL has been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With the ruthenium(III) trichloride compound as starting material, a new family of Ru(II) complexes with a number of neutral and charged bidentate co-ligands have been synthesized and used for characterization and cytotoxicity studies. The synthesis of the corresponding [Ru(II)LLL(LL)Cl](+/0) complexes with co-ligands- LL is 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridyl, 2-(phenylazo)pyridine, 2-(phenylazo)-3-methylpyridine, 2-(tolylazo)pyridine, or the anionic 2-picolinate-is reported. Analytical, spectroscopic (IR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and structural characterization of the new compounds is described. Crystal structure analyses of two Ru(II) compounds show a slightly distorted octahedral Ru(II) geometry with tridentate LLL coordinated in a planar meridional fashion, and the chelating co-ligand (LL) and a chloride ion complete the octahedron. The co-ligand plays a significant role in modulating the physicochemical and cytotoxic properties of these new ruthenium complexes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these new Ru(II) complexes (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, of 0.5-1.5 μM), in comparison with the parent Ru(III) compound (half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 3.9-4.3 μM) is higher for several of the human cancer cell lines tested. The cytotoxic activity of some of the new ruthenium compounds is even higher than that of cisplatin in the same cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity of these new anticancer compounds is discussed in the light of structure-based activity relationships, and a possible mechanism of action is suggested.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Behaviour of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes with N2O2 Chelating Ligand 4,4′-(Biphenyl-4,4′-diyldinitrilo)dipentan-2-one

4,4′-Diaminobiphenyl reacts with 2,4-pentanedione in absolute ethanol in a molar ratio 1 : 2 to form mainly the product of [1 + 2] condensation, 4,4′-(biphenyl-4,4′-diyldinitrilo)dipentan-2-one (H2L). The Schiff base was used as tetradentate chelating ligand to coordinate CoII and NiII chlorides leading to complexes where the ratio of metal ligand was found to be 2 : 1 or 2 : 2. All the synthesized products were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, electronic, and mass spectroscopy, 1H NMR, and DSC. The electrochemical behaviour of the ligand and its complexes in DMF is also investigated.

Synthesis, characterization, equilibrium study and biological activity of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes of polydentate Schiff base ligand

Schiff base ligand, 1,4-bis[(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)propyl]piperazine (BHPP), and its Cu(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) metal complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance and spectral (IR and UV-vis) studies. The ground state of BHPP ligand was investigated using the BUILDER module of MOE. Metal complexes are formed in the 1:1 (M:L) ratio as found from the elemental analysis and found to have the general formula [ML]·nH(2)O, where M=Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), L=BHPP. In all the studied complexes, the (BHPP) ligand behaves as a hexadentate divalent anion with coordination involving the two azomethine nitrogen's, the two nitrogen atoms of piperazine ring and the two deprotonated phenolic OH-groups. The magnetic and spectral data indicates octahedral geometry of metal(II) complexes. The ligand and their metal chelates have been screened for their antimicrobial activities using the disc diffusion method against the selected bacteria and fungi. They were found to be more active against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. Protonation constants of (BHPP) ligand and stability constants of its Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+) complexes were determined by potentiometric titration method in 50% DMSO-water solution at ionic strength of 0.1 M sodium nitrate. It has been observed that the protonated Schiff base ligand (BHPP) have four protonation constants. The divalent metal ions Cu(2+), Ni(2+) and Co(2+) form 1:1 complexes.

Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxaldehyde bis[(diphenylmethylidene)hydrazone]

The title compound, C(33)H(25)N(5), belongs to the family of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxaldehyde Schiff bases which possess a terdentate coordinating site (-N=C-C=N-C-C=N-) similar to terpyridine derivatives. The dihedral angles between pairs of terminal rings are 69.67 (9) and 66.23 (9)°. The shortest distance between the centroids of aromatic rings in neighbouring mol-ecules is 3.8080 (14) Å.

Synthesis, structural, thermal studies and biological activity of a tridentate Schiff base ligand and their transition metal complexes

Schiff base (L) ligand is prepared via condensation of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxaldehyde with -2-aminopyridine. The ligand and its metal complexes are characterized based on elemental analysis, mass, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, and thermal analyses (TG, DTG and DTA). The molar conductance reveals that all the metal chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra shows that L ligand behaves as neutral tridentate ligand and bind to the metal ions via the two azomethine N and pyridine N. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it is found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Th(IV)) and tetrahedral (Mn(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and UO2(II)). The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligand molecules in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, E*, ΔH*, ΔS* and ΔG* are calculated from the DTG curves using Coats-Redfern method. The synthesized ligand, in comparison to their metal complexes also was screened for its antibacterial activity against bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus pyogones and Fungi (Candida). The activity data shows that the metal complexes to be more potent/antibacterial than the parent Schiff base ligand against one or more bacterial species.

Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activities and carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitor effects of new arylsulfonylhydrazone and their Ni(II), Co(II) complexes

Ethane sulfonic acide hydrazide (esh: CH(3)CH(2)SO(2)NHNH(2)) derivatives as 5-methylsalicyl-aldehydeethanesulfonylhydrazone (5msalesh), 5-methyl-2-hydroxyacetophenoneethane sulfonylhydrazone (5mafesh) and their Ni(II), Co(II) complexes have been synthesized for the first time. The structure of these compounds has been investigated by elemental analysis, FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, LC/MS, UV-vis spectrophotometric method, magnetic susceptibility, thermal studies and conductivity measurements. The antibacterial activities of synthesized compounds were studied against Gram positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus magaterium and Gram negative bacteria; Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli by using the microdilution broth method. The biological activity screening showed that ligands have more activity than complexes against the tested bacteria. The inhibition activities of these compounds on carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) have been investigated by comparing IC(50) and K(i) values and it has been found that 5msalesh and its complexes have more enzyme inhibition efficiency than other compounds.

Cr(III), Fe(III) and Co(III) complexes of tetradentate (ONNO) Schiff base ligands: synthesis, characterization, properties and biological activity

A series of metal complexes were synthesized from equimolar amounts of Schiff bases: 1,4-bis[3-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine)propyl]piperazine (bappnaf) and 1,8-bis[3-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldimine)-p-menthane (damnaf) with metal chlorides. All of synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (UV-vis, IR, (1)H-(13)C NMR, LC-MS) and thermal (TGA-DTA) methods, magnetic and conductance measurements. Schiff base complexes supposed in tetragonal geometry have the general formula [M(bappnaf or damnaf)]Cl.nH(2)O, where M=Cr(III), Co(III) and n=2, 3. But also Fe(III) complexes have octahedral geometry by the coordination of two water molecules and the formula is [Fe(bappnaf or damnaf)(H(2)O)(2)]Cl. The changes in the selected vibration bands in FT-IR indicate that Schiff bases behave as (ONNO) tetradentate ligands and coordinate to metal ions from two phenolic oxygen atoms and two azomethine nitrogen atoms. Conductance measurements suggest 1:1 electrolytic nature of the metal complexes. The synthesized compounds except bappnaf ligand have the antimicrobial activity against the bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 11230), Yersinia enterocolitica (ATCC 1501), Bacillus magaterium (RSKK 5117), Bacillus subtilis (RSKK 244), Bacillus cereus (RSKK 863) and the fungi: Candida albicans (ATCC 10239). These results have been considerably interest in piperazine derivatives due to their significant applications in antimicrobial studies.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of new sulfonyl hydrazone derivatives and their nickel(II) complexes

Prophane sulfonic acid hydrazide (psh: CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)SO(2)NHNH(2)) derivatives as salicylaldehydeprophanesulfonylhydrazone (salpsh), 5-methylsalicylaldehydeprophanesulfonylhydrazone (5-msalpsh), 2-hydroxyacetophenoneprophanesulfonylhydrazone (afpsh), 5-methyl-2-hydroxyacetophenoneprophanesulfonylhydrazone (5-mafpsh) and their Ni(II) complexes have been synthesized. The structure of these compounds has been investigated by using elemental analysis, FTIR, (1)H NMR, LC/MS, UV-vis spectrophotometric method, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. The complexes were found to have general compositions [NiL2]. Square-planer structures are proposed for the Ni(II) complexes on the basis of magnetic evidence, electronic spectra and TGA data. Bacterial activities of sulfonyl hydrazone compounds were studied against gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus magaterium and gram-negative bacteria: Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli by using minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) method.

Self-optimizing charge-transfer energy phenomena in metallosupramolecular complexes by dynamic constitutional self-sorting

In this paper we report an extended series of 2,6-(iminoarene)pyridine-type ZnII complexes [(Lii)2Zn]II, which were surveyed for their ability to self-exchange both their ligands and their aromatic arms and to form different homoduplex and heteroduplex complexes in solution. The self-sorting of heteroduplex complexes is likely to be the result of geometric constraints. Whereas the imine-exchange process occurs quantitatively in 1:1 mixtures of [(Lii)2Zn]II complexes, the octahedral coordination process around the metal ion defines spatial-frustrated exchanges that involve the selective formation of heterocomplexes of two, by two different substituents; the bulkiest ones (pyrene in principle) specifically interact with the pseudoterpyridine core, sterically hindering the least bulky ones, which are intermolecularly stacked with similar ligands of neighboring molecules. Such a self-sorting process defined by the specific self-constitution of the ligands exchanging their aromatic substituents is self-optimized by a specific control over their spatial orientation around a metal center within the complex. They ultimately show an improved charge-transfer energy function by virtue of the dynamic amplification of self-optimized heteroduplex architectures. These systems therefore illustrate the convergence of the combinatorial self-sorting of the dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) strategy and the constitutional self-optimized function.

Anion templated surface assembly of a redox-active sensory rotaxane

Anion templation is used to assemble novel redox-active bis-ferrocene functionalised rotaxane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on to gold electrode surfaces; after template removal, the unique SAM rotaxane binding domain is capable of selectively sensing chloride ions electrochemically.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of bis(phenylimine) Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes

Metal complexes derived from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(p-hydroxyphenylimine); L1, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis (o-hydroxyphenylimine); L2, are reported and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analysis (TGA). The complexes are found to have the formulae [MX2(L1 or L2)] x nH2O, where M=Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), X=Cl in case of Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) complexes and Br in case of Zn(II) complexes and n=0-2.5. The molar conductance data reveal that the chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that the Schiff bases are coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate manner with NNN donor sites of the pyridine-N and two azomethine-N. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it is found that the geometrical structure of these complexes are trigonal bipyramidal (in case of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes) and octahedral (in case of Fe(II) complexes). The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the coordinated water, anions and ligands (L1 and L2) in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, E*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* and DeltaG* are calculated from the TG curves using Coats-Redfern method. The synthesized ligands, in comparison to their metal complexes also were screened for their antibacterial activity against bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Fungi (Candida). The activity data show that the metal complexes to be more potent/antibacterial than the parent organic ligands against one or more bacterial species.

Anion-templated assembly of [2]rotaxanes

Anion templation is used to develop a general method for rotaxane synthesis. The anion-templated synthesis of three new [2]rotaxanes containing positively charged pyridinium axles and neutral isophthalamide macrocyclic components is described. The incorporation of electron withdrawing substituents, such as the nitro group, into the 5-position of an isophthalamide bis-vinyl acyclic precursor results in a significant improvement in [2]rotaxane assembly yields. Rotaxane anion binding strengths are also enhanced whilst the rotaxane's unique interlocked binding domain ensures selectivity for chloride--the templating anion--is maintained.

Anion templated double cyclization assembly of a chloride selective [2]catenane

The interweaving of two identical acyclic positively charged anion recognizing units around a chloride anion template leads to the formation of an orthogonal supramolecular ensemble which upon subsequent double ring cyclization gives a chloride selective [2]catenane in very high yield.

Anion-templated assembly of interpenetrated and interlocked structures

The rational development of a general anion templation strategy for the construction of a variety of interpenetrated and interlocked molecular structures based upon the coupling of anion recognition with ion-pairing is described. The success of this anion templation methodology is demonstrated with the halide anion directed assembly of a series of novel [2]pseudorotaxanes containing pyridinium, pyridinium nicotinamide, imidazolium, benzimidazolium and guanidinium threading components and anion binding macrocyclic ligands. Interlocked [2]rotaxane and [2]catenane molecular structures are also synthesised using this anion templation protocol. These interlocked structures feature unique topologically defined hydrogen bond donating binding domains that exhibit a high degree of selectivity for chloride, the templating anion. A series of rhenium(I) bipyridyl containing [2]pseudorotaxane assemblies and a [2]rotaxane further highlight the potential this strategic anion templation approach has in future chemical sensor design and fabrication.

Mixed ligand complexes of bis(phenylimine) Schiff base ligands incorporating pyridinium moiety Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity

The synthesis and structural characterization of mixed ligand complexes derived from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(o-hydroxyphenylimine), 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(p-hydroxyphenylimine) (1(ry) ligands) and 2-aminopyridne (2(ry) ligand) are reported. The ligands and their transition metal complexes were characterized on the bases of their elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analysis (TGA). The mixed ligand complexes are formed in the 1:1:1 (M:L(1) or L(2):L') ratio as found from the elemental analyses and found to have the formulae [MX(2)(L(1) or L(2))(L')].nH(2)O where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), L(1) = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(p-hydroxyphenylimine), L(2) = 2,6-pyridine dicarboxaldehydebis(o-hydroxyphenylimine), L' = 2-aminopyridine, X = Cl(-) in case of Cu(II) complex and Br(-) in case of Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes and y = 0-3. The molar conductance data reveal that the chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that the Schiff bases are coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate manner with NNN donor sites of the pyridine-N and two azomethine-N. While 2-aminopyridine coordinated to the metal ions via its pyridine-N. Magnetic and solid reflectance spectra are used to infer the coordinating capacity of the ligand and the geometrical structure of these complexes are found to be octahedral. The thermal behaviour of these chelates shows that the hydrated water molecules and the anions are removed in a successive two steps followed immediately by decomposition of the ligands (L(1), L(2) and L') in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters, such as, E*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* and DeltaG* are calculated from the TG curves and discussed. The ligands and their metal chelates have been screened for their antimicrobial activities and the findings have been reported, explained and compared with some known antibiotics.

Dynamic nanoscale Borromean links

Employing halogen atom labels on one of the ligand precursors, the lability of at least some of the 30 dative and 12 imine bonds stabilizing and constituting the three rings of a metallo-Borromean linked compound are scrambled in acidic methanolic solution.

Anion-Templated Assembly of a [2]Catenane

The first example of a [2]catenane structure to be synthesized using anion templation is described. The nature of the anion template is demonstrated to be crucial to the assembly process, with only chloride anion producing the [2]catenane in acceptable yield. Anion binding studies reveal a dramatic catenation effect on anion selectivity properties as compared to a noncatenated acyclic receptor.

Iron and cobalt ethylene polymerization catalysts: variations on the central donor

Three classes of ligands, designed to explore the effect of variations on the central pyridine donor core in bis(imino)pyridine iron and cobalt ethylene polymerization catalysts of the general formula [LMCl(2)] (M = Fe or Co), have been prepared. The first class comprises six-membered N-heterocycles (pyrimidine and triazine) and the second class five-membered heterocycles (furan and thiophene) as the central donor core. In the third class of ligands, the imine donor arm has been extended by one carbon to give anionic tridentate ligands based on carbazole and neutral analogues based on dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophene. The coordination behavior of these ligands upon reaction with FeCl(2) or CoCl(2) has been investigated, whereby only in the case of the neutral pyrimidine or the anionic carbazolide unit as the central donor core have stable complexes been obtained. Ethylene polymerization results are compared with the parent bis(imino)pyridine iron and cobalt catalyst systems.