Coordination chemistry of a novel tetramacrocyclic ligand derived from 1,4,7-triazacyclononane: synthesis, structure, and properties of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes

Macrocyclic metal complexes for metalloenzyme mimicry and sensor development

Examples of proteins that incorporate one or more metal ions within their structure are found within a broad range of classes, including oxidases, oxidoreductases, reductases, proteases, proton transport proteins, electron transfer/transport proteins, storage proteins, lyases, rusticyanins, metallochaperones, sporulation proteins, hydrolases, endopeptidases, luminescent proteins, iron transport proteins, oxygen storage/transport proteins, calcium binding proteins, and monooxygenases. The metal coordination environment therein is often generated from residues inherent to the protein, small exogenous molecules (e.g., aqua ligands) and/or macrocyclic porphyrin units found, for example, in hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome C, cytochrome C oxidase, and vitamin B12. Thus, there continues to be considerable interest in employing macrocyclic metal complexes to construct low-molecular weight models for metallobiosites that mirror essential features of the coordination environment of a bound metal ion without inclusion of the surrounding protein framework. Herein, we review and appraise our research exploring the application of the metal complexes formed by two macrocyclic ligands, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen), and their derivatives in biological inorganic chemistry. Taking advantage of the kinetic inertness and thermodynamic stability of their metal complexes, these macrocyclic scaffolds have been employed in the development of models that aid the understanding of metal ion-binding natural systems, and complexes with potential applications in biomolecule sensing, diagnosis, and therapy. In particular, the focus has been on "coordinatively unsaturated" metal complexes that incorporate a kinetically inert and stable metal-ligand moiety, but which also contain one or more weakly bound ligands, allowing for the reversible binding of guest molecules via the formation and dissociation of coordinate bonds. With regards to mimicking metallobiosites, examples are presented from our work on tacn-based complexes developed as simplified structural models for multimetallic enzyme sites. In particular, structural comparisons are made between multinuclear copper(II) complexes formed by such ligands and multicopper enzymes featuring type-2 and type-3 copper centers, such as ascorbate oxidase (AO) and laccase (Lc). Likewise, with the aid of relevant examples, we highlight the importance of cooperativity between either multiple metal centers or a metal center and a proximal auxiliary unit appended to the macrocyclic ligand in achieving efficient phosphate ester cleavage. Finally, the critical importance of the Zn(II)-imido and Zn(II)-phosphate interactions in Zn-cyclen-based systems for delivering highly sensitive electrochemical and fluorescent chemosensors is also showcased. The Account additionally highlights some of the factors that limit the performance of these synthetic nucleases and the practical application of the biosensors, and then identifies some avenues for the development of more effective macrocyclic constructs in the future.

Electrochemical, catalytic and antimicrobial activity of N-functionalized tetraazamacrocyclic binuclear nickel(II) complexes

The five binuclear nickel(II) complexes have been synthesized by the Schiff base condensation of 1,8-[bis(3-formyl-2-hydroxy-5-methyl)benzyl]-l,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane (PC) with appropriate aliphatic diamines and nickel(II) perchlorate. All the five complexes were characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. The electronic spectra of the complexes show three d-d transition in the range of 550-1055 nm due to 3A2g→3T2g(F), 3A2g→3T1g(F) and 3A2g→3T1g(P). These spin allowed electronic transitions are characteristic of an octahedral Ni2+ center. Electrochemical studies of the complexes show two irreversible one electron reduction waves at cathodic region. The reduction potential of the complexes shifts towards anodically upon increasing the chain length of the macrocyclic ring. All the nickel(II) complexes show two irreversible one electron oxidation waves at anodic region. The oxidation potential of the complexes shift towards anodically upon increasing the chain length of the macrocyclic ring. The catalytic activities of the complexes were observed to be increase with increase the macrocyclic ring size. The observed rate constant values for the catalytic hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate are in the range of 5.85×10(-3) to 9.14×10(-3) min(-1). All the complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity.

Synthesis and biophysical studies of bis-macrocyclic cobalt/copper(II) complexes having a pyridine spacer with CT DNA and 5'-GMP

New bis-macrocyclic complexes of Co(III), 1, Ni(II), 2, and Cu(II), 3, containing pyridyl bridges between 13-membered macrocyclic subunits, have been synthesized via an in situ one-pot template condensation reaction (IOPTCR). The proposed structures of these new dinuclear complexes are consistent with the data obtained from elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, EPR, UV/VIS, (1)H- and 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS. The complexes 2 and 3 possess square-planar geometry with four secondary N-atoms coordinated to the metal ion, while complex 1 reveals octahedral geometry in solution due to coordinated H(2)O molecules. DNA-Binding properties of the complexes 1 and 3 were investigated by absorption and emission titrations, cyclic voltammetry, and viscosity measurements. Complexes 1 and 3 are strong DNA binders with binding constants, K(b), of 1.64 x 10(5) and 2.05 x 10(5) M(-1), respectively. Hyperchromism, decrease in emission intensity of DNA-bound ethidium bromide (EB), and changes observed in the viscosity and cyclic voltammograms in the presence of added metal complexes reveals that the complexes bind to DNA predominantly by electrostatic attraction, substantiated by absorption titration with 5'-GMP.

Basicity and coordination properties of a new phenanthroline-based bis-macrocyclic receptor

The synthesis and characterisation of the new macrocyclic ligand 6-methyl-2,6,10-triaza-[11]-12,25-phenathrolinophane (L1), which contains a triamine aliphatic chain linking the 2,9 positions of 1,10-phenanthroline and of its derivative L2, composed by two L1 moieties connected by an ethylenic bridge, are reported. Their basicity and coordination properties toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II) have been studied by means of potentiometric and spectroscopic (UV-Vis, fluorescence emission) measurements in aqueous solutions. L1 forms 1:1 metal complexes in aqueous solutions, while L2 can give both mono- and dinuclear complexes. In the mononuclear L2 complexes the metal is sandwiched between the two cyclic moieties. The metal complexes with L1 and L2 do not display fluorescence emission, due to the presence of amine groups not involved in metal coordination. These amine groups can quench the excited fluorophore through an electron transfer process. The ability of the Zn(II) complexes with L1 and L2 to cleave the phosphate ester bond in the presence has been investigated by using bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) as substrate. The dinuclear complex with L2 shows a remarkable hydrolytic activity, due to the simultaneous presence within this complex of two metals and two hydrophobic units. In fact, the two Zn(II) act cooperatively in substrate binding, probably through a bridging interaction of the phosphate ester; the interaction is further reinforced by pi-stacking pairing and hydrophobic interactions between the phenanthroline unit(s) and the p-nitrophenyl groups of BNPP.

Encapsulation of metal cations and anions within the cavity of bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) receptors

The synthesis and characterisation of a new bis([9]aneN3) ligand (L4) containing two [9]aneN3 macrocyclic moieties separated by a 2,6-dimethylenepyridine unit is reported. A potentiometric and 1H NMR study in aqueous solution reveals that ligand protonation occurs on the secondary amine groups and does not involve the pyridine nitrogen. The coordination properties toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were studied by means of potentiometric and UV spectrophotometric measurements. The ligand can form mono- and binuclear complexes in aqueous solution. In the 1 : 1 complexes, the metal is sandwiched between the two [9]aneN3 moieties and the pyridine N-donor is coordinated to the metal, as actually shown by the crystal structure of the compound [ZnL4](NO3)2.CH3NO2. L4 shows a higher binding ability for Cd(II) with respect to Zn(II), probably due to a better fitting of Cd(II) ion inside the cavity generated by the two facing [9]aneN3 units. The formation of binuclear complexes is accompanied by the assembly of OH-bridged M2(OH)x (x = 1-3) clusters inside the cavity defined by the two facing [9]aneN3 units, and pyridine is not involved in metal coordination. A potentiometric and (1)H NMR study on the coordination of halogenide anions by L4 and its structural analogous L3 in which the two [9]aneN3 units are separated by a shorter quinoxaline linkage, shows that bromide is selectively recognised by L4, while chloride is selectively bound by L3. Such a behaviour is discussed in terms of dimensional matching between the spherical anions and the cavities generated by the two [9]aneN3 units of the receptors.

Kinetics and Mechanism of Hydrolysis of a Model Phosphate Diester by [Cu(Me3tacn)(OH2)2]2+ (Me3tacn = 1,4,7-Trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)

The kinetics of hydrolysis of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) by [Cu(Me3tacn)(OH2)2]2+ has been studied by spectrophotometrical monitoring of the release of the p-nitrophenylate ion from BNPP. The reaction was followed for up to 8000 min at constant BNPP concentration (15 microM) and ionic strength (0.15 M) and variable concentration of complex (1.0-7.5 mM) and temperature (42.5-65.0 degrees C). Biphasic kinetic traces were observed, indicating that the complex promotes the cleavage of BNPP to NPP [(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate] and then cleavage of the latter to phosphate, the two processes differing in rate by 50-100-fold. Analysis of the more amenable cleavage of BNPP revealed that the rate of BNPP cleavage is among the highest measured for mononuclear copper(II) complexes and is slightly higher than that reported for the close analogue [Cu(iPr3tacn)(OH2)2]2+. Detailed analysis required the determination of the pKa for [Cu(Me3tacn)(OH2)2]2+ and the constant for the dimerization of the conjugate base to [(Me3tacn)Cu(OH)2Cu(Me3tacn)]2+ (Kdim). Thermodynamic parameters derived from spectrophotometric pH titration and the analysis of the kinetic data were in reasonable agreement. Second-order rate constants for cleavage of BNPP by [Cu(Me3tacn)(OH2)(OH)]+ and associated activation parameters were obtained from initial rate analysis (k = 0.065 M(-1) s(-1) at 50.0 degrees C, deltaH = 56+/-6 kJ mol(-1), deltaS = -95+/-18 J K(-1) mol(-1)) and biphasic kinetic analysis (k = 0.14 M(-1) s(-1) at 50.0 degrees C, deltaH = 55+/-6 kJ mol(-1), deltaS = -92+/-20 J K(-1) mol(-1)). The negative entropy of activation is consistent with a concerted mechanism with considerable associative character. The complex was found to catalyze the cleavage of BNPP with turnover rates of up to 1 per day. Although these turnover rates can be considered low from an application point of view, the ability of the complexes to catalyze phosphate ester cleavage is clearly demonstrated.

The synthesis, structure and properties of copper(ii) complexes of asymmetrically functionalized derivatives of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Reaction of 1-propylamino-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L1), 1-benzyl-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L2) and 1-benzyl-4-propylamino-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L3) with a copper(II) salt gave Na2[CuL1](ClO4)3(1a), [CuL2]Cl (2) and [Cu2L32](ClO4)4.5H2O (3), respectively. [CuL4]ClO4 (4) was formed by reacting 1-formyl-4-ethylacetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane with cupric chloride in aqueous solution. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes reveal that the ligands generate distorted square pyramidal or square planar coordination environments about the Cu(II) centre, but in three complexes (1b, 3 and 4) weak interactions to an oxygen atom from a perchlorate anion and, in the case of 4, also to an amide nitrogen leading to tetragonally elongated octahedral Cu(II) geometries. In 4, the formyl group is found to reduce the coordinating ability of the macrocyclic nitrogen to which it is attached, as evidenced by the weak CuN interaction. The formation of five-membered chelate rings on coordination of the ligands further contributes to the distortion from the ideal geometries. The crystal lattices contain a number of novel supramolecular features. 1a contains a negatively charged sodium perchlorate chain of composition [Na2(ClO4)3]x(x-), with a complex series of Na-O-Na bridges flanked by [CuL1]+ units, while 3 contains highly complex hydrogen bonded sheets approximately 20 A thick that stack through van der Waals interactions. One-dimensional chains comprised of copper complexes are found in 2 and 4, and are held together by hydrogen bonds in 2 and acetate bridges between the copper cations in 4. The solution EPR spectra indicate that the copper(II) centres exist in isolated distorted square pyramidal (possibly square planar for 4) environments, while in the solid state there is evidence for the existence of weak exchange and dipole-dipole coupling for some complexes.

Binuclear copper(II) complexes of xylyl-bridged bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands

Copper(II) complexes of three bis(tacn) ligands, [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)Cl(4)] (1), [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4).H(2)O.NaClO(4) (2), and [Cu(2)(T(2)-p-X)Cl(4)] (3), were prepared by reacting a Cu(II) salt and L.6HCl (2:1 ratio) in neutral aqueous solution [T(2)-o-X = 1,2-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-m-X = 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-p-X = 1,4-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene]. Crystals of [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(NPP)(mu-OH)](ClO(4)).H(2)O (4) formed at pH = 7.4 in a solution containing 2 and disodium 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (Na(2)NPP). The binuclear complexes [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (5) and [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (6) were obtained on addition of Cu(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O to aqueous solutions of the bis(tetradentate) ligands T(2)-o-XAc(2) (1,2-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene and T(2)-m-XAc(2) (1,3-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene), respectively. In the binuclear complex, 3, three N donors from one macrocycle and two chlorides occupy the distorted square pyramidal Cu(II) coordination sphere. The complex features a long Cu...Cu separation (11.81 A) and intermolecular interactions that give rise to weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) centers. Complex 4 contains binuclear cations with a single hydroxo and p-nitrophenyl phosphate bridging two Cu(II) centers (Cu...Cu = 3.565(2) A). Magnetic susceptibility studies indicated the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers (J = -275 cm(-1)). Measurements of the rate of BNPP (bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate) hydrolysis by a number of these metal complexes revealed the greatest rate of cleavage for [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (k = 5 x 10(-6) s(-1) at pH = 7.4 and T = 50 degrees C). Notably, the mononuclear [Cu(Me(3)tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) complex induces a much faster rate of cleavage (k = 6 x 10(-5) s(-1) under the same conditions).

Macrocyclic copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes incorporating phosphate esters

Slow evaporation of solutions prepared by adding either Cu(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O or Zn(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O to solutions containing appropriate proportions of Me(3)tacn (1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and sodium phenyl phosphate (Na(2)PhOPO(3)) gave dark blue crystals of [Cu(3)(Me(3)tacn)(3)(PhOPO(3))(2)](ClO(4))(2).(1)/(2)H(2)O (1) and colorless crystals of [Zn(2)(Me(3)tacn)(2)(H(2)O)(4)(PhOPO(3))](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (2), respectively. Blue crystals of [Cu(tacn)(2)](BNPP)(2) (3) formed in an aqueous solution of [Cu(tacn)Cl(2)], bis(p-nitrophenyl phosphate) (BNPP), and HEPES buffer (pH 7.4). Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with a = 9.8053(2) A, b = 12.9068(2) A, c = 22.1132(2) A, alpha = 98.636(1) degrees, beta = 99.546(1) degrees, gamma = 101.1733(8) degrees, and Z = 2 and exhibits trinuclear Cu(II) clusters in which square pyramidal metal centers are capped by two phosphate esters located above and below the plane of the metal centers. The trinuclear cluster is asymmetric having Cu...Cu distances of 4.14, 4.55, and 5.04 A. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with a = 13.6248(2) A, b = 11.6002(2) A, c = 25.9681(4) A, beta = 102.0072(9) degrees, and Z = 4 and contains a dinuclear Zn(II) complex formed by linking two units of [Zn(Me(3)tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) by a single phosphate ester. Compound 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with a = 24.7105(5) A, b = 12.8627(3) A, c = 14.0079(3) A, beta = 106.600(1) degrees, and Z = 4 and consists of mononuclear [Cu(tacn)(2)](2+) cations whose charge is balanced by the BNPP(-) anions.

Metal complex-substituted polysiloxanes as novel coatings for capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography

Two novel polysiloxane-based polymers, which contain metal complexes, have been prepared. To prepare the Co(TACN)3+(2) (TACN= 1,4,7-triazacyclononane) based polymers, an orthoamide derivative of TACN was added to bromobutane-substituted methylpolysiloxane and hydrolyzed with base. Co(II) was then coordinated to the TACN, followed by cobalt oxidation to make polymer A or followed by N-octyl TACN coordination and cobalt oxidation to make polymer B. In both materials, TACN forms thermodynamically and kinetically stable Co(TACN)3+(2) complexes in which the six coordination sites of the Co(III) are occupied by nitrogens from the TACN. The polymers were coated on fused-silica capillary columns and spherical silica particles, which were used for capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography, respectively. The open and packed columns showed strong and pH-independent reversed electroosmotic flow.

Syntheses, crystal structures, magnetic properties, and EPR spectra of tetranuclear copper(II) complexes featuring pairs of "roof-shaped" Cu2X2 dimers with hydroxide, methoxide, and azide bridges

Hydroxo- and methoxo-bridged tetranuclear copper(II) complexes of the tetramacrocyclic ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene (Ldur), have been prepared from [Cu4Ldur(H2O)8](ClO4)8.9H2O (1). Addition of base to an aqueous solution of 1 gave [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OH)4](ClO4)4 (2). Diffusion of MeOH into a DMF solution of 2 produces [Cu4Ldur(mu2-OMe)4](ClO4)4.HClO4.2/3MeOH (3), a complex which hydrolyzes on exposure to moisture regenerating 2. The structurally related azido-bridged complex, [Cu4Ldur(mu2-N3)4](PF6)4.4H2O.6CH3CN (4), was produced by reaction of Ldur with 4 molar equiv of Cu(OAc)2.H2O and NaN3 in the presence of excess KPF6. Compounds 2-4 crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with a = 10.248(1) A, b = 12.130(2) A, c = 14.353(2) A, alpha = 82.23(1) degrees, beta = 80.79(1) degrees, gamma = 65.71(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 2, a = 10.2985(4) A, b = 12.1182(4) A, c = 13.9705(3) A, alpha = 89.978(2) degrees, beta = 82.038(2) degrees, gamma = 65.095(2) degrees, and Z = 1 for 3, and a = 12.059(2) A, b = 12.554(2) A, c = 14.051(2) A, alpha = 91.85(1) degrees, beta = 98.22(1) degrees, gamma = 105.62(1) degrees, and Z = 1 for 4. The complexes feature pairs of isolated dibridged copper(II) dimers with "roof-shaped" Cu2(mu2-X)2 cores (X = OH-, OMe-, N3-), as indicated by the dihedral angle between the two CuX2 planes (159 degrees for 2, 161 degrees for 3, and 153 degrees for 4). This leads to Cu.Cu distances of 2.940(4) A for 2, 2.962(1) A for 3, and 3.006(5) A for 4. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -27 cm(-1)) for the hydroxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 2 and very strong antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -269 cm(-1)) for the methoxo-bridged copper(II) centers in 3. Pairs of copper(II) centers in 4 display the strongest ferromagnetic interaction (J = 94 cm(-1)) reported thus far for bis(mu2-1,1-azido)-bridged dicopper units. Spectral measurements on a neat powdered sample of 4 at 33.9 GHz or 90 Ghz confirm the spin-triplet ground state for the azido-bridged copper(II) pairs.