Ca(II) and Yb(II) complexes featuring M(C≡C)4 structural motif: enforced proximity or genuine η2 -bonding?

Bis(carbazolide) complexes M[3,6-tBu2 -1,8-(RC≡C)2 Carb]2 (THF)n (R=SiMe3 , n=0, M=Ca, Yb; R=Ph, n=1, M=Ca, Yb; n=0, M=Yb) were synthesized through transamination reaction of M[N(SiMe3 )2 ]2 (THF)2 with two molar equivalents of carbazoles. The complexes feature M(η2 -C≡C)4 structural motif composed of M(II) ions encapsulated by four acetylene fragments due to atypical for alkaline- and rare-earth metals η2 -interactions with triple C≡C bond. This interaction is evidenced experimentally by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy in the solid state and by NMR-spectroscopy in the solution. According to QTAIM analysis there are 4 bond critical points (3;-1) between the metal atom and each of the triple bonds, which are connected by a strongly curved, almost T-shaped bond pathway.

Early main group metal catalysis: how important is the metal?

Organocalcium compounds have been reported as efficient catalysts for various alkene transformations. In contrast to transition metal catalysis, the alkenes are not activated by metal-alkene orbital interactions. Instead it is proposed that alkene activation proceeds through an electrostatic interaction with a Lewis acidic Ca(2+) . The role of the metal was evaluated by a study using the metal-free catalysts: [Ph2 N(-) ][Me4 N(+) ] and [Ph3 C(-) ][Me4 N(+) ]. These "naked" amides and carbanions can act as catalysts in the conversion of activated double bonds (CO and CN) in the hydroamination of ArNCO and RNCNR (R=alkyl) by Ph2 NH. For the intramolecular hydroamination of unactivated CC bonds in H2 CCHCH2 CPh2 CH2 NH2 the presence of a metal cation is crucial. A new type of hybrid catalyst consisting of a strong organic Schwesinger base and a simple metal salt can act as catalyst for the intramolecular alkene hydroamination. The influence of the cation in catalysis is further evaluated by a DFT study.

Uranium exerts acute toxicity by binding to pyrroloquinoline quinone cofactor

Uranium as an environmental contaminant has been shown to be toxic to eukaryotes and prokaryotes; however, no specific mechanisms of uranium toxicity have been proposed so far. Here a combination of in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies are presented describing direct inhibition of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent growth and metabolism by uranyl cations. Electrospray-ionization mass spectroscopy, UV-vis optical spectroscopy, competitive Ca(2+)/uranyl binding studies, relevant crystal structures, and molecular modeling unequivocally indicate the preferred binding of uranyl simultaneously to the carboxyl oxygen, pyridine nitrogen, and quinone oxygen of the PQQ molecule. The observed toxicity patterns are consistent with the biotic ligand model of acute metal toxicity. In addition to the environmental implications, this work represents the first proposed molecular mechanism of uranium toxicity in bacteria, and has relevance for uranium toxicity in many living systems.