Enterobactin Protonation and Iron Release: Hexadentate Tris-Salicylate Ligands as Models for Triprotonated Ferric Enterobactin1

Volatile lanthanide complexes with fluorinated heptadentate ligands

Understanding factors that influence the volatility of lanthanide complexes remains an important goal for applications such as gas-phase f-metal separations and the synthesis of lanthanide-containing thin films. Lanthanide complexes often exhibit volatility differences that depend on the ability of ligands to saturate the lanthanide coordination sphere and attenuate intermolecular bonding in the solid state. This can make it difficult to assess how electronic factors associated with differing ligand substituents influence volatility. Here we describe the synthesis, structures, and thermal properties of a series of volatile lanthanide complexes (Ln = Nd, Er, and Yb) containing N4O3 ligands decorated with different alkyl and fluoroalkyl substituents (CF3, CF2CF2CF3, Me, and tBu). These ligands completely enveloped the tested lanthanides to form monomeric complexes with 7-coordinate distorted capped octahedral coordination geometries, as determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis and bulk sublimation studies show how metal encapsulation affords complexes with the same volatility regardless of metal size, even with lanthanide ions with significantly different radii such as Nd3+ and Yb3+. Most notably, the results show that increasing ligand fluorination, a strategy often used to increase the volatility of metal complexes, is not always beneficial and can significantly attenuate the volatility of lanthanide complexes depending on location with respect to other substituents in the ligand framework. A pair-wise model based on density functional theory shows that the net intermolecular interactions in the unit cell can still be stronger when fluorination is present. In other words, even if individual interactions between neighboring molecules are weaker, the total number of interactions in the solid arising from the nature of crystal packing is equally important to consider.

Iron(III) Complexes with Hybrid-Type Artificial Siderophores Containing Catecholate and Hydroxamate Sites

Two hybrid-type artificial siderophore ligands containing both catecholate and hydroxamate groups as iron-capturing sites, bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzamidepropyl)mono[2-propyl]aminomethane (H5LC2H1) and mono(2,3-dihydroxybenzamide-propyl)bis[2-propyl]aminomethane (H4LC1H2), were designed and synthesized. Iron(III) complexes, K2[FeIIILC2H1] and K[FeIIILC1H2], were prepared and characterized spectroscopically, potentiometrically, and electrochemically. The results were compared with those previously reported for iron complexes with non-hybridized siderophores containing either catecholate or hydroxamate groups, K3[FeIIILC3] and [FeIIILH3]. Both K2[FeIIILC2H1] and K[FeIIILC1H2] formed six-coordinate octahedral iron(III) complexes. Evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of the complexes in an aqueous solution indicated high log β values of 37.3 and 32.3 for K2[FeIIILC2H1] and K[FeIIILC1H2], respectively, which were intermediate between those of K3[FeIIILC3] (44.2) and [FeIIILH3] (31). Evaluation of the ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the two hybrid siderophore-iron complexes under different pH or pD (potential of dueterium) conditions showed that the protonation of K2[FeIIILC2H1] and K[FeIIILC1H2] generated the corresponding protonated species, [FeIIIHnLC2H1](2-n)- and [FeIIIHnLC1H2](1-n)-, accompanied by a significant change in the coordination mode. The protonated hybrid-type siderophore-iron complexes showed high reduction potentials, which were well within the range of those of biological reductants. The results suggest that the hybrid-type siderophore easily releases an iron(III) ion at low pH. The biological activity of the four artificial siderophore-iron complexes against Microbacterium flavescens and Escherichia coli clearly depends on the structural differences between the complexes. This finding demonstrates that the changes in the coordination sites of the siderophores enable close control of the interactions between the siderophores and receptors in the cell membrane.

Conformational Stability Effect of Polymeric Iron Chelators

The design and synthesis of metal chelators with extraordinary metal affinities is a basic and challenging scientific problem of both fundamental and practical importance. Here, we demonstrate a “conformational stability effect” that can significantly enhance the metal affinity of ligands after conjugation to polymer chains with the ability to spontaneously adopt a specific conformation as an optimal “soft” scaffold to ensure maximum thermodynamic stability of the metal complexes. Using iron chelators as models, we show that simple conjugation of small molecule catechol ligands to a polyallylamine chain resulted in more than 8–9 orders of magnitude enhancement of the iron-binding affinity, which is comparable to that of enterobactin, the strongest iron chelator ever known. This study demonstrates that flexible polymer chelators may realize the highest possible metal affinities of the conjugated ligands owing to their ability to achieve an optimal conformation, which could advance the identification of strong metal chelators.

•

Flexible polymer chelator adopts an optimal conformation to coordinate ferric iron

•

This conformation as a soft scaffold produces lowest strain and highest iron affinity

•

Polymer chelator with that soft scaffold exhibits >10⁸ enhancement on iron affinity

Iron(iii)-selective materials based on a catechol-bearing amide for optical sensing

The synthesis and ion-binding properties of a new amide L derived from 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid are described. Due to the presence of a catechol unit, the compound interacts selectively with iron(iii) in organic solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) to produce a color change from pale yellow to green. The incorporation of the ligand L into polymeric matrices or its encapsulation into surfactant-based spheres enables analyte detection in aqueous solutions. The influence of the ligand environment (i.e. organic solvent, polymeric membrane or micelle) on the properties of the sensing materials is analyzed and the sensors are compared.

How Many O-Donor Groups in Enterobactin Does It Take to Bind a Metal Cation?

The E. coli siderophore enterobactin, the strongest Fe^III chelator known to date, forms hexacoordinate complexes with Si^IV , Ge^IV , and Ti^IV . Synthetic protocols have been developed to prepare non-symmetric enterobactin analogues with varying denticities. Various benzoic acid residues were coupled to the macrocyclic lactone to afford a diverse library of ligands. These enterobactin analogues were bound to Si^IV , Ge^IV , and Ti^IV , and the complexes were investigated through experimental and computational techniques. The binding behavior of the synthesized chelators enabled assessment of the contribution of each of the phenolic hydroxy groups in enterobactin to metal-ion complexation. It was found that at least four O-donors are needed for enterobactin derivatives to act as metal binders. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the strong binding behavior of enterobactin can be ascribed to a diminished translational entropy penalty, a common feature of the chelate effect, coupled with the structural arrangement of the three catechol moieties, which allows the triseryl base to be installed without distorting the preferred local metal-binding geometry of the catecholate ligands.

Elastic FRET sensors for contactless pressure measurement

Contactless pressure monitoring based on Förster resonance energy transfer between donor–acceptors pairs immobilized within a thermoplastic elastomer is demonstrated for novel stretchable opto-electronics and opto-mechanical sensors.

Siderophores as molecular tools in medical and environmental applications

Almost all life forms depend on iron as an essential micronutrient that is needed for electron transport and metabolic processes. Siderophores are low-molecular-weight iron chelators that safeguard the supply of this important metal to bacteria, fungi and graminaceous plants. Although animals and the majority of plants do not utilise siderophores and have alternative means of iron acquisition, siderophores have found important clinical and agricultural applications. In this review, we will highlight the different uses of these iron-chelating molecules.

Bacteria in an intense competition for iron: Key component of the Campylobacter jejuni iron uptake system scavenges enterobactin hydrolysis product

To acquire essential Fe(III), bacteria produce and secrete siderophores with high affinity and selectivity for Fe(III) to mediate its uptake into the cell. Here, we show that the periplasmic binding protein CeuE of Campylobacter jejuni, which was previously thought to bind the Fe(III) complex of the hexadentate siderophore enterobactin (Kd ∼ 0.4 ± 0.1 µM), preferentially binds the Fe(III) complex of the tetradentate enterobactin hydrolysis product bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl-l-Ser) (H5-bisDHBS) (Kd = 10.1 ± 3.8 nM). The protein selects Λ-configured [Fe(bisDHBS)](2-) from a pool of diastereomeric Fe(III)-bisDHBS species that includes complexes with metal-to-ligand ratios of 1:1 and 2:3. Cocrystal structures show that, in addition to electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, [Fe(bisDHBS)](2-) binds through coordination of His227 and Tyr288 to the iron center. Similar binding is observed for the Fe(III) complex of the bidentate hydrolysis product 2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl-l-Ser, [Fe(monoDHBS)2](3-) The mutation of His227 and Tyr288 to noncoordinating residues (H227L/Y288F) resulted in a substantial loss of affinity for [Fe(bisDHBS)](2-) (Kd ∼ 0.5 ± 0.2 µM). These results suggest a previously unidentified role for CeuE within the Fe(III) uptake system of C. jejuni, provide a molecular-level understanding of the underlying binding pocket adaptations, and rationalize reports on the use of enterobactin hydrolysis products by C. jejuni, Vibrio cholerae, and other bacteria with homologous periplasmic binding proteins.

Errors in the calculation of (27)Al nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts

Computational chemistry is an important tool for signal assignment of 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectra in order to elucidate the species of aluminum(III) in aqueous solutions. The accuracy of the popular theoretical models for computing the 27Al chemical shifts was evaluated by comparing the calculated and experimental chemical shifts in more than one hundred aluminum(III) complexes. In order to differentiate the error due to the chemical shielding tensor calculation from that due to the inadequacy of the molecular geometry prediction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction determined structures were used to build the isolated molecule models for calculating the chemical shifts. The results were compared with those obtained using the calculated geometries at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The isotropic chemical shielding constants computed at different levels have strong linear correlations even though the absolute values differ in tens of ppm. The root-mean-square difference between the experimental chemical shifts and the calculated values is approximately 5 ppm for the calculations based on the X-ray structures, but more than 10 ppm for the calculations based on the computed geometries. The result indicates that the popular theoretical models are adequate in calculating the chemical shifts while an accurate molecular geometry is more critical.

Prochelators triggered by hydrogen peroxide provide hexadentate iron coordination to impede oxidative stress

Prochelators are agents that have little affinity for metal ions until they undergo a chemical conversion. Three new aryl boronate prochelators are presented that are responsive to hydrogen peroxide to provide hexadentate ligands for chelating metal ions. TRENBSIM (tris[(2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzylidene)-2-aminoethyl]amine), TRENBSAM (tris[(2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoyl)-2-aminoethyl]amine), and TB (tris[(2-boronic acid-benzyl)2-aminoethyl]amine) convert to TRENSIM (tris[(salicylideneamino)ethyl]amine), TRENSAM (tris[(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-aminoethyl]amine), and TS (tris[2-hydroxybenzyl)2-aminoethyl]amine), respectively. The prochelators were characterized by (11)B NMR, and the structures of TRENBSAM, TRENBSIM, and the Fe(III) complex of TS were determined by X-ray crystallography. Of the three prochelator/chelator pairs, TB/TS was identified as the most promising for biological applications, as they prevent iron and copper-induced hydroxyl radical generation in an in vitro assay. TB has negligible interactions with metal ions, whereas TS has apparent binding constants (log K') at pH 7.4 of 15.87 for Cu(II), 9.67 Zn(II) and 14.42 for Fe(III). Up to 1 mMTB was nontoxic to retinal pigment epithelial cells, whereas 10 μM TS induced cell death. TS protected cells against H(2)O(2)-induced death, but only within a 1-10 μM range. TB, on the other hand, had a much broader window of protection, suggesting that it may be a useful agent for preventing metal-promoted oxidative damage.

Iron(III) uptake and release by chrysobactin, a siderophore of the phytophatogenic bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi

The plant pathogenic enterobacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi causes important soft-rot disease on a wide range of plants including vegetables and ornamentals of economic importance. It produces a major mono(catecholate) siderophore, chrysobactin (alpha-N-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-D-lysyl-L-serine). To unravel the role of chrysobactin in the virulence of E. chrysanthemi, its iron(III) coordination properties were thus investigated in aqueous solutions using electrospray ionization mass spectrometric, potentiometric, and spectrophotometric methods. Moreover, kinetic experiments allowed us to determine the uptake and release mechanisms. The formation mechanism of the 1:1 complex reveals a key role of the terminal carboxylic group of chrysobactin in the binding of either FeOH(2+) or Fe2(OH)2(4+). The proton-driven dissociation of the ferric tris-, bis-, and mono(chrysobactin) complexes was also studied. For these three ferric complexes, a single protonation triggers the release of the bound chrysobactin molecule. Interestingly, the dissociation of the last ligand proceeded via the formation of an intermediate for which a salicylate-type mode of bonding was proposed.

Water-soluble 2-hydroxyisophthalamides for sensitization of lanthanide luminescence

A series of octadentate ligands featuring the 2-hydroxyisophthalamide (IAM) antenna chromophore to sensitize Tb(III) and Eu(III) luminescence has been prepared and characterized. The length of the alkyl amine scaffold that links the four IAM moieties has been varied to investigate the effect of the ligand backbone on the stability and photophysical properties of the Ln(III) complexes. The amine backbones utilized in this study are N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-aminoethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine [H(2,2)-], N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-aminoethyl)-propane-1,3-diamine [H(3,2)-], and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-aminoethyl)-butane-1,4-diamine [H(4,2)-]. These ligands also incorporate methoxyethylene [MOE] groups on each of the IAM chromophores to increase their water solubility. The aqueous ligand protonation constants and Tb(III) and Eu(III) formation constants were determined from solution thermodynamic studies. The resulting values indicate that at physiological pH the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes of H(2,2)-IAM-MOE and H(4,2)-IAM-MOE are sufficiently stable to prevent dissociation at nanomolar concentrations. The photophysical measurements for the Tb(III) complexes gave overall quantum yield values of 0.56, 0.39, and 0.52 respectively for the complexes with H(2,2)-IAM-MOE, H(3,2)-IAM-MOE, and H(4,2)-IAM-MOE, while the corresponding Eu(III) complexes displayed significantly weaker luminescence, with quantum yield values of 0.0014, 0.0015, and 0.0058, respectively. Analysis of the steady state Eu(III) emission spectra provides insight into the solution symmetries of the complexes. The combined solubility, stability, and photophysical performance of the Tb(III) complexes in particular make them well suited to serve as the luminescent reporter group in high sensitivity time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays.

1,2-hydroxypyridonates as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging: TREN-1,2-HOPO

1,2-Hydroxypyridinones (1,2-HOPO) form very stable lanthanide complexes that may be useful as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). X-ray diffraction of single crystals established that the solid-state structures of the Eu(III) and the previously reported [Inorg. Chem. 2004, 43, 5452] Gd(III) complex are identical. The recently discovered sensitizing properties of 1,2-HOPO chelates for Eu(III) luminescence [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 10 067] allow for direct measurement of the number of water molecules coordinated to the metal center. Fluorescence measurements of the Eu(III) complex corroborate that, in solution, two water molecules coordinate the lanthanide (q = 2) as proposed from the analysis of NMRD profiles. In addition, fluorescence measurements have verified the anion binding interactions of lanthanide TREN-1,2-HOPO complexes in solution, studied by relaxivity, revealing only very weak oxalate binding (KA = 82.7 +/- 6.5 M-1). Solution thermodynamic studies of the metal complex and free ligand have been carried out using potentiometry, spectrophotometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The metal ion selectivity of TREN-1,2-HOPO supports the feasibility of using 1,2-HOPO ligands for selective lanthanide binding [pGd = 19.3 (2), pZn = 15.2 (2), pCa = 8.8 (3)].

Enterobactin protonation and iron release: structural characterization of the salicylate coordination shift in ferric enterobactin

The siderophore enterobactin (Ent) is produced by many species of enteric bacteria to mediate iron uptake. This iron scavenger can be reincorporated by the bacteria as the ferric complex [Fe(III)(Ent)](3)(-) and is subsequently hydrolyzed by an esterase to facilitate intracellular iron release. Recent literature reports on altered protein recognition and binding of modified enterobactin increase the significance of understanding the structural features and solution chemistry of ferric enterobactin. The structure of the neutral protonated ferric enterobactin complex [Fe(III)(H(3)Ent)](0) has been the source of some controversy and confusion in the literature. To demonstrate the proposed change of coordination from the tris-catecholate [Fe(III)(Ent)](3)(-) to the tris-salicylate [Fe(III)(H(3)Ent)](0) upon protonation, the coordination chemistry of two new model compounds N,N',N''-tris[2-(hydroxybenzoyl)carbonyl]cyclotriseryl trilactone (SERSAM) and N,N',N''-tris[2-hydroxy,3-methoxy(benzoyl)carbonyl]cyclotriseryl trilactone (SER(3M)SAM) was examined in solution and solid state. Both SERSAM and SER(3M)SAM form tris-salicylate ferric complexes with spectroscopic and solution thermodynamic properties (with log beta(110)() values of 39 and 38 respectively) similar to those of [Fe(III)(H(3)Ent)](0). The fits of EXAFS spectra of the model ferric complexes and the two forms of ferric enterobactin provided bond distances and disorder factors in the metal coordination sphere for both coordination modes. The protonated [Fe(III)(H(3)Ent)](0) complex (d(Fe)(-)(O) = 1.98 A, sigma(2)(stat)(O) = 0.00351(10) A(2)) exhibits a shorter average Fe-O bond length but a much higher static Debye-Waller factor for the first oxygen shell than the catecholate [Fe(III)(Ent)](3)(-) complex (d(Fe)(-)(O) = 2.00 A, sigma(2)(stat)(O) = 0.00067(14) A(2)). (1)H NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the amide bond rotation between the catecholate and salicylate geometries using the gallic complexes of enterobactin: [Ga(III)(Ent)](3)(-) and [Ga(III)(H(3)Ent)](0). The ferric salicylate complexes display quasi-reversible reduction potentials from -89 to -551 mV (relative to the normal hydrogen electrode NHE) which supports the feasibility of a low pH iron release mechanism facilitated by biological reductants.

Synthesis, Characterization, Solid-State Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of Two Catechol-Based Luminescent Chemosensors for Biologically Relevant Oxometalates

The new heteroditopic ligand 2,3-dihydroxy-N-(1,10-phenanthroline-5-yl)benzamide (H2-L3) was synthesized and coordinated to [Ru(bpy)2(phen)]2+- and [ReBr(CO)3(phen)]-type luminophores (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The resulting chemosensors [Ru(bpy)2(H2-L3)]2+ and [ReBr(CO)3(H2-L3)] were fully characterized and their solid-state structures and spectroscopic properties were investigated to assess how the photophysical properties of the luminescent signaling units affect the performance of the sensors. [Ru(bpy)2(H2-L3)]2+ and [ReBr(CO)3(H2-L3)] both signal the presence and concentration of molybdate and vanadate in aqueous acetonitrile through a decrease in emission intensity. [ReBr(CO)3(H2-L3)] also detects tungstate. Due to the higher emission intensity of the Ru-based sensor, its detection limits for molybdate (43 microg L(-1)) and vanadate (24 microg L(-1)) are almost 1 order of magnitude lower than the ones achieved with the Re-based sensor. The optimum working pH of the chemosensors is determined by the pKa values of the 2-hydroxy-groups of the receptor units: pH 4 for [ReBr(CO)3(H2-L3)] and pH 3 for [Ru(bpy)2(H2-L3)]2+. Both sensors are selective: equimolar amounts of PO4(3-), SO4(2-), ReO4-, Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) do not interfere with the detection of molybdate or vanadate.

Tren-based analogues of bacillibactin: structure and stability

Synthetic analogues were designed to highlight the effect of the glycine moiety of bacillibactin on the overall stability of the ferric complex as compared to synthetic analogues of enterobactin. Insertion of a variety of amino acids to catecholamide analogues based on a Tren (tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) backbone increased the overall acidity of the ligands, causing an enhancement of the stability of the resulting ferric complex as compared to TRENCAM. Solution thermodynamic behavior of these siderophores and their synthetic analogues was investigated through potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations. X-ray crystallography, circular dichroism, and molecular modeling were used to determine the chirality and geometry of the ferric complexes of bacillibactin and its analogues. In contrast to the Tren scaffold, addition of a glycine to the catechol chelating arms causes an inversion of the trilactone backbone, resulting in opposite chiralities of the two siderophores and a destabilization of the ferric complex of bacillibactin compared to ferric enterobactin.

Synthesis, characterization, and x-ray crystal structures of cyclam derivatives. 8. Thermodynamic and kinetic appraisal of lead(II) chelation by octadentate carbamoyl-armed macrocycles

En route toward the development of hybrid organic-inorganic extracting materials incorporating lead-selective chelators and their implementation in water purification processes, the lead(II) binding properties of three N-carbamoylmethyl-substituted 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecanes (cyclams) have been fully investigated by spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis, MALDI-TOF MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR), X-ray crystallographic, potentiometric, and kinetic methods. Solution NMR studies revealed that the Pb(2+) ion is entrapped in a molecular cage constituted by the four macrocyclic nitrogen and four amidic oxygen atoms. Protonation and lead binding constants determined in aqueous solution were shown to be linearly dependent, so that all three derivatives possess a similar affinity at any pH value. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters revealed the crucial role played by the intramolecular hydrogen bonds also evidenced in the crystal structure of the tetraacetamide derivative L(1), which involve the lone pair of each macrocyclic tertiary amine and one amidic hydrogen atom belonging to the appended arm. In contrast to L(1), the absence of such intramolecular interactions for N-(dimethyl)carbamoylmethyl- and N-(diethyl)carbamoylmethyl-substituted cyclams (L(2) and L(3), respectively) accounts for the 2-3 orders of magnitude enhancement of their proton and lead binding affinities. Stopped-flow kinetic measurements enabled unraveling the formation process of the three lead(II) complexes that proceeds in a single rate-limiting step according to the Eigen-Winkler mechanism, while the apparent rate constants were found to increase in the order L(3) < L(2) << L(1) as a consequence of the more acidic character of L(1). A common proton-assisted dissociation mechanism has been found for the three lead(II) complexes, which involves the rapid formation of a protonated, six-coordinate intermediate followed by either a unimolecular decomposition or a bimolecular attack of a second hydronium ion.

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of bis(benzimidazoles), bis(benzoxazoles), and benzothiazoles

Four classes of UK-1 analogues were synthesized and their cytotoxicity testing against human A-549, BFTC-905, RD, MES-SA, and HeLa carcinoma cell lines was determined. The results revealed that UK-1 and four of these analogues (15-18) are potent against the cancer cell lines. In particular, compound 16 is more potent than UK-1 against A-549 and HeLa cell lines, and compounds 15, 17, and 18 selectively exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against the BFTV-905 cells (IC50 9.6 microM), A-549 cells (IC50 6.6 microM), and MES-SA cells (IC50 9.2 microM), respectively.

Actinide sequestration using self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports

Surfactant templated synthesis of mesoporous ceramics provides a versatile foundation upon which to create high efficiency environmental sorbents. These nanoporous ceramic oxides condense a huge amount of surface area into a very small volume. The ceramic oxide interface is receptive to surface functionalization through molecular self-assembly. The marriage of mesoporous ceramics with self-assembled monolayer chemistry creates a powerful new class of environmental sorbent materials called self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS). These SAMMS materials are highly efficient sorbents whose interfacial chemistry can be fine-tuned to selectively sequester a specific target species, such as heavy metals, tetrahedral oxometalate anions, and radionuclides. Details addressing the design, synthesis, and characterization of SAMMS materials specifically designed to sequester actinides, of central importance to the environmental cleanup necessary after 40 years of weapons-grade plutonium production, as well as evaluation of their binding affinities and kinetics are presented.

Synthesis, Solution Behavior, Thermal Stability, and Biological Activity of an Fe(III) Complex of an Artificial Siderophore with Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Networks

Previously, an artificial siderophore complex, the iron(III) complex with tris[2-[(N-acetyl-N-hydroxy)glycylamino]ethyl]amine (TAGE), was constructed in order to understand the effect of intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction on the siderophore function, and its structural characterization in the solid state was reported (Inorg. Chem. 2001, 40, 190). In this paper, the solution behavior of the M(III)-TAGE (M = Fe, Ga) system has been investigated using (1)H NMR, UV-vis, and FAB mass spectroscopies in efforts to characterize the biological implication of hydrogen bonding networks between the amide hydrogens and coordinating aminohydroxy oxygens of the complex. The temperature dependence of (1)H NMR spectra for Ga(III) complex of TAGE indicates that hydrogen bonding networks are maintained in polar solvents such as DMSO-d(6) and D(2)O. The UV-vis spectra of the Fe(III)-TAGE system under various pH conditions have shown that TAGE forms a tris(hydroxamato)iron(III) complex in an aqueous solution in the pH range 4-8. By contrast, tris[2-[(N-acetyl-N-hydroxy)propylamido]ethyl]amine (TAPE; TAGE analogue that is difficult to form intramolecular hydrogen bonding networks), which has been synthesized as a comparison of TAGE, forms both of bis- and tris(hydroxamato)iron(III) complexes in the same pH range. Both the stability constants (log beta(FeTAGE) = 28.6; beta(FeTAGE) = [Fe(III)TAGE]/([Fe(3+)][TAGE(3)(-)])) and pM (-log[Fe(3+)]) value for Fe(III)TAGE (pM 25) are comparable to those of a natural siderophore ferrichrome (log beta = 29.1 and pM 25.2). The kinetic study of the TAGE-Fe(III) system has given the following rate constants: the rate of the ligand exchange reaction between Fe(III)TAGE and EDTA is 6.7 x 10(-4) s(-1), and the removal rates of iron from diferric bovine plasma transferrin by TAGE are 2.8 x 10(-2) and 6.0 x 10(-3) min(-1). These values are also comparable to those of a natural siderophore desferrioxamine B under the same conditions. In a biological activity experiment, TAGE has promoted the growth of the siderophore-auxotroph Gram-positive bacterium Microbacterium flavescens, suggesting that TAGE mimics the activity of ferrichrome. These results indicate that the artificial siderophore with intramolecular hydrogen bonding networks, TAGE, is a good structural and functional model for a natural ferrichrome.

Structures and Properties of Ruthenium(II) Complexes of Pyridylamine Ligands with Oxygen-Bound Amide Moieties: Regulation of Structures and Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

Tris(2-pyridylemthyl)amine (TPA) derivatives having two amide moieties at the 6-positions of the two pyridine rings of TPA and their Ru(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, X-ray crystallography, and electrochemical measurements. The complexes prepared were [RuCl(L)]PF(6) (L = N,N-bis(6-(1-naphthoylamide)-2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (1), N,N-bis(6-(2-naphthoylamide)-2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (2), N,N-bis(6-(isobutyrylamide)-2-pyridylmethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (3)); the crystal structures of the three compounds were established by X-ray crystallography. In variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra of 1 and 2 in CD(3)CN solutions, the pi-pi stacking in 1 was too rigid to exhibit any fluxional motions in NMR measurements; however, the pi-pi stacking of 2 was weaker and showed fluxional behavior in nearly T-shaped pi-pi interaction for the 2-naphthly groups (DeltaH degrees = -2.3 kJ mol(-1); DeltaG degrees = -0.9 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS degrees = -7.7 J mol(-1) K(-1) at 233 K in CD(3)CN). For each of these three complexes, one of the amide moieties coordinated to the Ru(II) center through an amide oxygen. The other uncoordinated amide N-H formed intramolecular hydrogen bonding which remained intact even in aqueous media, indicating the intramolecular hydrogen bonding was geometrically compelled to form. The amide coordination is also stabilized and strengthened by the hydrogen bonding, so that the structure of each compound is maintained in solution. It is suggested that this hydrogen bonding lowers the redox potentials of the Ru(II) centers due to polarization of the coordinated amide C=O bond, in which the oxygen atom becomes more electrostatically negative and its electron-donating ability is strengthened. The N-H protons in the coordinated amide moieties were found to undergo a reversible deprotonation-protonation process, and the redox potentials of the Ru(II) centers could be regulated in the range of 500 mV in CH(3)CN solutions. The Pourbaix diagram for 1 clearly showed that this proton-coupled redox behavior is a one-electron/one-proton process, and the pK(a) value was estimated to be approximately 6.

Using Model Complexes To Augment and Advance Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Design

The tetrahedral zinc complex [(Tp(Ph,Me))ZnOH] (Tp(Ph,Me) = hydrotris(3,5-phenylmethylpyrazolyl)borate) was combined with 2-thenylmercaptan, ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetate, salicylic acid, salicylamide, thiosalicylic acid, thiosalicylamide, methyl salicylate, methyl thiosalicyliate, and 2-hydroxyacetophenone to form the corresponding [(Tp(Ph,Me))Zn(ZBG)] complexes (ZBG = zinc-binding group). X-ray crystal structures of these complexes were obtained to determine the mode of binding for each ZBG, several of which had been previously studied with SAR by NMR (structure-activity relationship by nuclear magnetic resonance) as potential ligands for use in matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. The [(Tp(Ph,Me))Zn(ZBG)] complexes show that hydrogen bonding and donor atom acidity have a pronounced effect on the mode of binding for this series of ligands. The results of these studies give valuable insight into how ligand protonation state and intramolecular hydrogen bonds can influence the coordination mode of metal-binding proteinase inhibitors. The findings here suggest that model-based approaches can be used to augment drug discovery methods applied to metalloproteins and can aid second-generation drug design.

Phase-Vanishing Methodology for Efficient Bromination, Alkylation, Epoxidation, and Oxidation Reactions of Organic Substrates

[reaction: see text] In cases where both reactants in a phase-vanishing reaction are less dense than the fluorous phase, an alternative to the U-tube method is to employ a solvent with greater density than the fluorous phase, such as 1,2-dibromoethane. This modification has been successfully applied to the methylation of a phenol derivative with dimethyl sulfate and to the m-CPBA-induced epoxidation of alkenes, N-oxide formation from nitrogen-containing compounds, and S-oxide or sulfone formation from organic sulfides.

Iron chelation properties of an extracellular siderophore exochelin MN

The coordination chemistry of an extracellular siderophore produced by Mycobacterium neoaurum, exochelin MN (ExoMN), is reported along with its pK(a) values, Fe(III) and Fe(II) chelation constants, and aqueous solution speciation as determined by spectrophotometric and potentiometric titration techniques. Exochelin MN is of particular interest as it can efficiently transport iron into pathogenic M. leprae, which is responsible for leprosy, in addition to its own parent cells. The Fe(III) coordination properties of ExoMN are important with respect to understanding the Fe(III) acquisition and uptake mechanism in pathogenic M. leprae, as the siderophores from this organism are very difficult to isolate. Exochelin MN has two hydroxamic acid groups and an unusual threo-beta-hydroxy-l-histidine available for Fe(III) chelation. The presence of threo-beta-hydroxy-l-histidine gives rise to a unique mode of Fe(III) coordination. The pK(a) values for the two hydroxamic acid moieties, the histidine imidazole ring and the alkylammonium groups on ExoMN, correspond well with the literature values for these moieties. Proton-dependent Fe(III)- and Fe(II)-ExoMN equilibrium constants were determined using a model involving sequential protonation of the Fe(III)- and Fe(II)-ExoMN complexes. These data were used to develop a model whereby deprotonation reactions on the surface of the complex in the second coordination shell result in first coordination shell isomerization. The overall formation constants were calculated: log beta(110) = 39.12 for Fe(III)-ExoMN and 16.7 for Fe(II)-ExoMN. The calculated pFe value of 31.1 is one of the highest among all siderophores and their synthetic analogues and indicates that ExoMN is thermodynamically capable of removing Fe(III) from transferrin. The E(1/2) for the Fe(III)ExoMN/Fe(II)ExoMN(-) couple was determined to be -595 mV from quasi-reversible cyclic voltammograms at pH = 10.8, and the pH-dependent E(1/2) profile was used to determine the Fe(II)-ExoMN protonation constants.

Examination of novel zinc-binding groups for use in matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

The tetrahedral zinc complex [(Tp(Ph,Me))ZnOH] (Tp(Ph,Me) = hydrotris(3,5-phenylmethylpyrazolyl)borate) was combined with 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone, 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone, 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinone, 3-hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridinone, 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethione, and 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone to generate the complexes [(Tp(Ph,Me))Zn(ZBG)] (ZBG = zinc-binding group). These complexes were synthesized to explore the coordination geometry of potential novel zinc-binding groups for use in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors. The solid-state structures of all six metal complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. These structures combined with IR and (1)H NMR data demonstrate that these ZBGs bind in a strong, bidentate fashion to the zinc(II) ion. Modeling studies indicate that these ZBGs can easily fit into the MMP active site. In an effort to develop more effective inhibitors of MMPs, this work has revealed molecular-level interactions for six potential new ZBGs.

The effect of ligand scaffold size on the stability of tripodal hydroxypyridonate gadolinium complexes

The variation of the size of the capping scaffold which connects the hydroxypyridonate (HOPO) binding units in a series of tripodal chelators for gadolinium (Gd) complexes has been investigated. A new analogue of TREN-1-Me-3,2-HOPO (1) (TREN = tri(ethylamine)amine) was synthesized: TREN-Gly-1-Me-3,2-HOPO (2) features a glycine spacer between the TREN cap and HOPO binding unit. TRPN-1-Me-3,2-HOPO (3) has a propylene-bridged cap, as compared to the ethylene bridges within the TREN cap of the parent complex. Thermodynamic equilibrium constants for the acid-base properties of 2 and the Gd(3+) complexation strength of 2 and 3 were measured and are compared with that of the parent ligand. The most basic ligand is 2 while 3 is the most acidic. Both 2 and 3 form Gd(3+) complexes of similar stability (pGd = 16.7 and 15.6, respectively) and are less stable than the parent complex Gd-1 (pGd = 19.2). Two of the three complexes are more stable than the bis(methylamide)diethylenetriamine pentaacetate complex Gd(DTPA-BMA) (pGd = 15.7) while the other is of comparable stability. Enlargement of the ligand scaffold decreases the stability of the Gd(3+) complexes and indicates that the TREN scaffold is superior to the TRPN and TREN-Gly scaffolds. The proton relaxivity of Gd-2 is 6.6 mM(-)(1) s(-)(1) (20 MHz, 25 degrees C, pH 7.3), somewhat lower than the parent Gd-1 but higher than that of the MRI contrast agents in clinical practice. The pH-independent relaxivity of Gd-2 is uncharacteristic of this family of complexes and is discussed.

Hexadentate hydroxypyridonate iron chelators based on TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO: variation of cap size

TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO, TR322-Me-3,2-HOPO, TR332-Me-3,2-HOPO, and TRPN-Me-3,2-HOPO correspond to stepwise replacement of ethylene by propylene bridges. A series of tripodal, hexadentate hydroxypyridinone ligands are reported. These incorporate 1-methyl-3,2-hydroxypyridinone (Me-3,2-HOPO) bidentate chelating units for metal binding. They are varied by systematic enlargement of the capping scaffold which connects the binding units. The series of ligands and their iron complexes are reported. Single crystal X-ray structures are reported for the ferric complexes of all four tripodal ligands: FeTREN-Me-3,2-HOPO.0.375C(4)H(10)O.0.5CH(2)Cl(2) [P2(1)/n (No. 14), Z = 8, a = 20.478(3) A, b = 12.353(2) A, c = 27.360(3) A; beta = 91.60(1) degrees ]; FeTR322-Me-3,2-HOPO.CHCl(3).0.5C(6)H(14).CH(3)OH.0.5H(2)O [P2(1)/n (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 12.520(3) A, b = 22.577(5) A, c = 16.525(3) A; beta = 111.37(3) degrees ]; FeTR332-Me-3,2-HOPO.3.5CH(3)OH [C2/c (No. 15), Z = 8, a = 13.5294(3) A, b = 19.7831(4) A, c = 27.2439(4) A; beta = 101.15(3) degrees ]; FeTRPN-Me-3,2-HOPO.C(3)H(7)NO.2C(4)H(10)O [P1 (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 11.4891(2) A, b = 12.3583(2) A, c = 15.0473(2) A; alpha = 86.857(1) degrees, beta = 88.414(1) degrees, gamma = 70.124(1) degrees ]. The structures show the importance of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the effect of cap enlargement to the stability and geometry of the metal complexes throughout the series. All protonation and iron complex formation constants have been determined from solution thermodynamic studies. The TREN-capped derivative is the most acidic, with a cumulative protonation constant, log beta(014), of 25.95. Corresponding values of 26.35, 26.93, and 27.53 were obtained for the TR322, TR332, and TRPN derivatives, respectively. The protonation constants and NMR spectroscopic data are interpreted as being due to the influence of specific hydrogen-bond interactions. The incremental enlargement of ligand size results in a decrease in iron-chelate stability, as reflected in the log beta(110) values of 26.8, 26.2, 26.42, and 24.48 for the TREN, TR322, TR332, and TRPN derivatives, respectively. The metal complex formation constants are also affected by the acidity of a proximal (non-metal-binding) amine in the complexes, a trend consistent with the effects of internal hydrogen bonding. The ferric complexes display reversible reduction potentials (measured relative to the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)) between -0.170 and -0.223 V.

Chrysobactin-dependent iron acquisition in Erwinia chrysanthemi. Functional study of a homolog of the Escherichia coli ferric enterobactin esterase

Under iron limitation, the plant pathogen Erwinia chrysanthemi produces the catechol-type siderophore chrysobactin, which acts as a virulence factor. It can also use enterobactin as a xenosiderophore. We began this work by sequencing the 5'-upstream region of the fct-cbsCEBA operon, which encodes the ferric chrysobactin receptor and proteins involved in synthesis of the catechol moiety. We identified a new iron-regulated gene (cbsH) transcribed divergently relative to the fct gene, the translated sequence of which is 45.6% identical to that of Escherichia coli ferric enterobactin esterase. Insertions within this gene interrupt the chrysobactin biosynthetic pathway by exerting a polar effect on a downstream gene with some sequence identity to the E. coli enterobactin synthase gene. These mutations had no effect on the ability of the bacterium to obtain iron from enterobactin, showing that a functional cbsH gene is not required for iron removal from ferric enterobactin in E. chrysanthemi. The cbsH-negative mutants were less able to utilize ferric chrysobactin, and this effect was not caused by a defect in transport per se. In a nonpolar cbsH-negative mutant, chrysobactin accumulated intracellularly. These defects were rescued by the cbsH gene supplied on a plasmid. The amino acid sequence of the CbsH protein revealed characteristics of the S9 prolyl oligopeptidase family. Ferric chrysobactin hydrolysis was detected in cell extracts from a cbsH-positive strain that was inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate. These data are consistent with the fact that chrysobactin is a d-lysyl-l-serine derivative. Mössbauer spectroscopy of whole cells at various states of (57)Fe-labeled chrysobactin uptake showed that this enzyme is not required for iron removal from chrysobactin in vivo. The CbsH protein may therefore be regarded as a peptidase that prevents the bacterial cells from being intracellularly iron-depleted by chrysobactin.

Fe(III) coordination properties of two new saccharide-based enterobactin analogues: methyl 2,3,4-tris-O-[N-[2,3-di(hydroxy)benzoyl-glycyl]-aminopropyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside and methyl 2,3,4-tris-O-[N-[2,3-di-(hydroxy)-benzoyl]-aminopropyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside

The synthesis of two saccharide-based enterobactin analogues, methyl 2,3,4-tris-O[-N[2,3-di(hydroxy)benzoyl-glycyl]-aminopropyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H(6)L(A)) and methyl 2,3,4-tris-O-[N-[2,3-di(hydroxy)benzoyl]-aminopropyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (H(6)L(B)), are reported along with their pK(a) values, Fe(III) binding constants, and aqueous solution speciation as determined by spectrophotometric and potentiometric titration techniques. Use of a saccharide platform to synthesize a hexadentate triscatechol chelator provides some advantages over other approaches to enterobactin models, including significant water solubility, resistance to hydrolysis, and backbone chirality which may provide favorable recognition and availability to cells. The protonation constants for the catechol ligand hydroxyl moieties were determined for both ligands and found to be significantly different, which is attributed to the differences in the spacer chain of the two triscatechols. Proton dependent Fe(III)-ligand equilibrium constants were determined using a model involving the sequential protonation of the Fe(III)-ligand complex. These results were used to calculate the formation constants, log beta(110) = 41.38 for Fe(III)-H(6)L(A) and log beta(110) = 46.38 for Fe(III)-H(6)L(B). The calculated pM values of 28.6 for H(6)L(A) and 28.3 for H(6)L(B) indicate that these ligands possess Fe(III) affinities comparable to or greater than other enterobactin models and are thermodynamically capable of removing Fe(III) from transferrin.

Synthesis of homochiral tris(2-alkyl-2-aminoethyl)amine derivatives from chiral alpha-amino aldehydes and their application in the synthesis of water soluble chelators

A novel synthesis of 3-fold symmetric, homochiral tris(2-alkyl-2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) derivatives is presented. The synthesis is general in scope, starting from readily prepared chiral alpha-amino aldehydes. The optical purity of the N-BOC protected derivatives of tris(2-methyl-2-aminoethyl)amine and tris(2-hydroxymethyl-2-aminoethyl)amine has been ascertained by polarimetry and chiral NMR chemical shift experiments. An X-ray diffraction study of the L-alanine derivative (tris(2-methyl-2-aminoethyl)amine.3 HCl, L-Ala(3)-TREN) is presented: crystals grown from ether diffusion into methanol are cubic, space group P2(1)3 with unit cell dimensions a = 11.4807(2) A, V = 1513.23(4) A(3), and Z = 4. Attachment of the triserine derived backbone tris(2-hydroxymethyl-2-aminoethyl)amine (L-Ser(3)-TREN) to three 3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinonate (3,2-HOPO) moieties, followed by complexation with Gd(III) gives the complex Gd(L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO)(H(2)O)(2), which is more water soluble than the parent Gd(TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO)(H(2)O)(2) and a promising candidate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. Crystals of the chiral ferric complex Fe(L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO) grown from ether/methanol are orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit cell dimensions a = 13.6290(2) A, b = 18.6117(3) A, c = 30.6789(3) A, V = 7782.0(2) A(3), and Z = 8. The solution conformation of the ferric complex has been investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The coordination chemistry of this new ligand and its iron(III) and gadolinium(III) complexes has been studied by potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods. Compared to the protonation constants of previously studied polydentate 3,2-HOPO-4-carboxamide ligands, the sum of protonation constants (log beta(014)) of L-Ser(3)-TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO (24.78) is more acidic by 1.13 log units than the parent TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO. The formation constants for the iron(III) and gadolinium(III) complexes have been evaluated by spectrophotometric pH titration to be (log K) 26.3(1) and 17.2(2), respectively.

Iron metabolism in pathogenic bacteria

The ability of pathogens to obtain iron from transferrins, ferritin, hemoglobin, and other iron-containing proteins of their host is central to whether they live or die. To combat invading bacteria, animals go into an iron-withholding mode and also use a protein (Nramp1) to generate reactive oxygen species in an attempt to kill the pathogens. Some invading bacteria respond by producing specific iron chelators-siderophores-that remove the iron from the host sources. Other bacteria rely on direct contact with host iron proteins, either abstracting the iron at their surface or, as with heme, taking it up into the cytoplasm. The expression of a large number of genes (>40 in some cases) is directly controlled by the prevailing intracellular concentration of Fe(II) via its complexing to a regulatory protein (the Fur protein or equivalent). In this way, the biochemistry of the bacterial cell can accommodate the challenges from the host. Agents that interfere with bacterial iron metabolism may prove extremely valuable for chemotherapy of diseases.

Synthesis and metal binding properties of salicylate-, catecholate-, and hydroxypyridinonate-functionalized dendrimers

The synthesis, characterization, and metal-binding studies of chelate-functionalized dendrimers is reported. Salicylate, catecholate, and hydroxypyridinonate bidentate chelators have been coupled to the surface of both poly(propyleneimine) (Astramol) and poly(amidoamine) (Starburst, PAMAM) dendrimers up to the fifth generation (64 endgroups). A general method has been developed for the facile and high quality chromatographic purification of poly(propyleneimine) and poly(amidoamine) dendrimer derivatives. One- and two-dimensional (TOCSY) 1H NMR experiments and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) have confirmed the exhaustive coupling of these chelators to the primary amine functionalities of the dendrimers. Spectrophotometric titrations were used to investigate the metal binding ability of these macrochelates. Spectral analysis shows that ferric iron binding to these ligands is localized to the chelating endgroups. The ability of these dendritic polymers to bind large numbers of metal ions may lead to applications as metal sequestering agents for waste remediation technologies.

Syntheses and relaxation properties of mixed gadolinium hydroxypyridinonate MRI contrast agents

The tripodal ligand tris[(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-1,2- didehydropyridine-4-carboxamido)ethyl]amine (TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO) forms a stable Gd3+ complex that is a promising candidate as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. However, its low water solubility prevents detailed magnetic characterization and practical applicability. Presented here are a series of novel mixed ligand systems that are based on the TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO platform. These new ligands possess two hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) chelators and one other chelator, the latter of which can be easily functionalized. The ligands described use salicylamide, 2-hydroxyisophthalamide, 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamide, and bis(acetate) as the derivatizable chelators. The solution thermodynamics and relaxivity properties of these new systems are presented. Three of the four complexes (salicylamide-, 2-hydroxyisophthalamide-, and 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamide-based ligands) possess sufficient thermodynamic stability for in vivo applications. The relaxivities of the three corresponding Gd3+ complexes range from 7.2 to 8.8 mM-1 s-1 at 20 MHz, 25 degrees C, and pH 8.5, significantly higher than the values for the clinically employed polyaminocarboxylate complexes (3.5-4.8 mM-1 s-1). The high relaxivities of these complexes are consistent with their faster rates of water exchange (< 100 ns), higher molecular weights (> 700), and greater numbers of inner-sphere coordinated water molecules (q = 2) relative to those of polyaminocarboxylate complexes. A mechanism for the rapid rates of water exchange is proposed involving a low energy barrier between the 8- and 9-coordinate geometries for lanthanide complexes of HOPO-based ligands. The pathway is supported by the crystal structure of La[TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO] (triclinic P1: Z = 4, a = 15.6963(2) A, b = 16.9978(1) A, c = 17.1578(2) A, alpha = 61.981(1) degrees, beta = 75.680(1) degrees, gamma = 71.600(1) degrees), which shows both 8- and 9-coordinate metal centers in the asymmetric unit, demonstrating that these structures are very close in energy. These properties make heteropodate Gd3+ complexes promising candidates for use in macromolecular contrast media, particularly at higher magnetic field strengths.

Mixed hydroxypyridinonate ligands as iron chelators

New ligands based on hydroxypyridinonate (HOPO) and other bidentate ligands are explored as iron(III) sequestering agents. These are based on the N,N',N"-tris[(3-hydroxy-1-methyl- 2-oxo-1,2-didehydropyrid-4-yl)-carboxamidoethyl]amine (TREN-Me-3,2-HOPO) platform in which one Me-3,2-HOPO ligand group is substituted with either a 2-hydroxyisophthalamide (TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOIAM) or a 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamide (TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOTAM) moiety. The ferric complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction: Fe[TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOIAM] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell parameters a = 18.1186(3) A, b = 17.5926(2) A, c = 25.0476(2) A, beta = 98.142(1) degrees, Z = 8. Fe[TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOTAM]- crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell parameters a = 31.7556(12) A, b = 14.0087(6) A, c = 22.1557(9) A, beta = 127.919(1) degrees, Z = 8. The aqueous coordination chemistry of these ligands with both the ferric and ferrous redox states of iron has been examined using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, giving log formation constants of 26.89(3) (beta 110), 31.16(6) (beta 111) for the ferric TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOIAM complexes and 33.89(2) (beta 110), 38.45(2) (beta 111) for the ferric TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOTAM complexes. For the reduced (ferrous) complexes values of 10.03(9) (beta 110) and 13.7(2) (beta 110) were observed for the Fe[TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOIAM]- and Fe[TREN-Me-3,2-HOPOTAM]2- complexes, respectively. These data provide a complete description of metal-ligand speciation as a function of pH and of redox activity. The ligands described in this work are part of a new class of heteropodate ligands which exploit the various chelating properties of several binding units within a single tripodal ligand and allow for systematic variation of the properties for medical or other applications.