Octahedral Werner complexes with substituted ethylenediamine ligands: a stereochemical primer for a historic series of compounds now emerging as a modern family of catalysts

Not so inert mer-tris-chelate cobalt(III) complex of a hydroxy-pyridine functionalized NHC ligand for cyclic carbonate synthesis

The homoleptic hydroxy-pyridine functionalized Co(III)-NHC complex (2) demonstrates extraordinary catalytic activity towards the CO2 cycloaddition under mild conditions. Using this catalyst and TBAB, the highest TON (666 667) and TOF (52 713 h-1) were achieved compared to previously reported cobalt catalysts.

Synthesis and characterization of cis and trans cobalt(II) nalidixate complexes having a 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)urea ligand

The synthesis and characterization of specific cis- and trans-isomers of a cobalt(II) bis-nalidixate complex with a pyridine-based urea, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)urea (L), ligand are reported. The two isomers, cis-[Co(L)2(NALD)2]·0.5DMF·H2O and trans-[Co(L)2(NALD)2]·2DMF·2H2O (the nalidixate anion is abbreviated to NALD) were prepared by anion-guided synthesis. When cobalt(II) chloride was used as one of the reactants, the reaction yielded the trans-isomer under ambient reaction conditions. Whereas a reaction using cobalt(II) nitrate provided only the cis-isomer when the reaction was continued for a prolonged time. On the other hand, the cis-isomer was converted to the trans-isomer in solution upon treatment with chloride ions. The chloride-assisted formation of the trans-isomer was investigated by a UV-visible study, and it passed through a bond reorganization by forming a tetrahedral intermediate complex. A DFT calculation was carried out to show the difference in energy between the isomers as well as the energy of a plausible tetrahedral cobalt complex. The aggregation behavior of the cis-isomer in different solvents was investigated, and solvent-dependent aggregation and a solvent-dependent Cotton effect were observed.

Facile access to C-substituted piperazin-2-ones and mianserin derivative enabled by chemoselective carbene insertion and cyclization cascade

The chemoselective N-H insertion of unsymmetrical diamines into carbene is a longstanding challenge. A simple copper-catalyzed strategy for synthesizing C-substituted piperazinones is described, employing easily accessible diazo compounds and 1,2-diamines. The reaction proceeded via chemo-selective carbene insertion at the comparatively less nucleophilic amine, followed by instantaneous cyclization. The protocol was further extended to access NH-free piperazinone, and the synthesis of a Mianserin derivative.

Dithiocarbonate-Protected Au25 Nanorods of a Chiral D5 Configuration and NIR-II Phosphorescence

Innovative surface-protecting ligands are in constant demand due to their crucial role in shaping the configuration, property, and application of gold nanoclusters. Here, the unprecedented O-ethyl dithiocarbonate (DTX)-stabilized atomically precise gold nanoclusters, [Au25(PPh3)10(DTX)5Cl2]2+ (Au25DTX-Cl) and [Au25(PPh3)10(DTX)5Br2]2+ (Au25DTX-Br), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The introduction of bidentate DTX ligands not only endowed the gold nanocluster with unique staggered Au25 nanorod configurations but also generated the symmetry breaking from the D5d geometry of the Au25 kernels to the chiral D5 configuration of the Au25 molecules. The chirality of Au25 nanorods was notably revealed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and chiral separation was induced by employing chiral DTX ligands. The staggered configurations of Au25 nanorods, as opposed to eclipsed ones, were responsible for the large red shift in the emission wavelengths, giving rise to a promising near-infrared II (NIR-II, >1000 nm) phosphorescence. Furthermore, their performances in photocatalytic sulfide oxidation and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions have been examined, and it has been demonstrated that the outstanding catalytic activity of gold nanoclusters is highly related to their stability.

Inert Transition Metal Ion Complexes in Organic Synthesis: Protection and Activation

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for a variety of metal ion complexes of functionalised sarcophagines (sarcophagine=sar=3,6,10,13,16,19-hexa-azabicyclo[6.6.6]icosane) have further confirmed not only that the form of the metal ion/sar unit is unique for each metal, albeit with a sensitivity of the conformation to the associated counter anions, but also that for any given metal and ligand substituent, the dimensions (bond lengths and angles) of the complex and the substituent at the secondary nitrogen centres do not differ significantly from those of the isolated components. Despite this, where the substituent contains reactive sites, the reactivity differs markedly from that of their form in an uncoordinated substrate. Rationalisations are offered for these differences, in part through the use of Hirshfeld surface analysis of the intermolecular interactions. The kinetic inertness of the complexes means that the metal ions can be considered to act as regioselective protecting groups.

Infrared Ion Spectroscopic Characterization of the Gaseous [Co(15-crown-5)(H2O)]2+ Complex

We report fingerprint infrared multiple-photon dissociation spectra of the gaseous monohydrated coordination complex of cobalt(II) and the macrocycle 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane (or 15-crown-5), [Co(15-crown-5)(H2O)]2+. The metal-ligand complexes are generated using electrospray ionization, and their IR action spectra are recorded in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer using the free-electron laser FELIX. The electronic structure and chelation motif are derived from spectral comparison with computed vibrational spectra obtained at the density functional theory level. We focus here on the gas-phase structure, addressing the question of doublet versus quartet spin multiplicity and the chelation geometry. We conclude that the gas-phase complex adopts a quartet spin state, excluding contributions of doublet species, and that the chelation geometry is pseudo-octahedral with the six oxygen centers of 15-crown-5 and H2O coordinated to the metal ion. We also address the possible presence of higher-energy conformers based on the IR spectral evidence and calculated thermodynamics.

Highly sensitive Cu-ethylenediamine/PANI composite sensor for NH3 detection at room temperature

Ammonia detection is needed in several sectors including environmental monitoring, automobile industry, and in medical diagnosis. Conducting polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), have been utilized to develop NH₃ sensors operating at room temperature. However, the performance of these sensors in terms of sensitivity and selectivity need improvement. Functionalization of conducting PANI with metal nanocomposites have shown improved sensor performance. In this work, we report a highly sensitive copper-based nanocomposite for NH₃ detection. The novelty lies in utilization of copper-ethylenediamine (Cu-en) nanocomposite functionalized over PANI for gas sensing. Resistance of the 20 wt% Cu-en with PANI increased 3.8 times upon exposure to 100 ppm of NH₃. The nanocomposite sensor detected NH₃ concentrations as low as 2 ppm. Further, the sensing mechanism was studied by in-situ IV characteristics and impedance spectroscopy during NH₃ exposure. NH₃ showed ionic interaction with PANI, and Cu²⁺. The strong affinity of Cu²⁺ for the lone pair of NH₃ enhanced the sensor response from 0.78 to 3.8 for 100 ppm of NH₃ at 20 °C. The sensor response was completely recovered after heating at 75 °C, which indicates reusability of the sensor. The sensor showed selectivity for NH₃ over ethanol and H₂S. The response was reasonably stable after bending the flexible sensor for 1000 times at a radius of 5 mm.

Experimental and Computational Investigation of Facial Selectivity Switching in Nickel-Diamine-Acetate-Catalyzed Michael Reactions

Chiral Ni complexes have revolutionized both asymmetric acid-base and redox catalysis. However, the coordination isomerism of Ni complexes and their open-shell property still often hinder the elucidation of the origin of their observed stereoselectivity. Here, we report our experimental and computational investigations to clarify the mechanism of β-nitrostyrene facial selectivity switching in Ni(II)-diamine-(OAc)₂-catalyzed asymmetric Michael reactions. In the reaction with a dimethyl malonate, the Evans transition state (TS), in which the enolate binds in the same plane with the diamine ligand, is identified as the lowest-energy TS to promote C-C bond formation from the Si face in β-nitrostyrene. In contrast, a detailed survey of the multiple potential pathways in the reaction with α-keto esters points to a clear preference for our proposed C-C bond-forming TS, in which the enolate coordinates to the Ni(II) center in apical-equatorial positions relative to the diamine ligand, thereby promoting Re face addition in β-nitrostyrene. The N-H group plays a key orientational role in minimizing steric repulsion.

Synthesis of chiral-at-metal rhodium complexes from achiral tripodal tetradentate ligands: resolution and application to enantioselective Diels-Alder and 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions

An improved synthesis of the racemic rhodium compound [RhCl2(κ4 C,N,N',P-L1)] (1) containing an achiral tripodal tetradentate ligand is reported. Their derived solvate complexes [Rh(κ4 C,N,N',P-L1)(Solv)2][SbF6]2 (Solv = NCMe, 2; H2O, 3) are resolved into their two enantiomers. Complexes 2 and 3 catalyze the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction between methacrolein and cyclopentadiene and the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between methacrolein and the nitrone N-benzylidenphenylamine-N-oxide. When enantiopure (A Rh,R N)-2 was employed as the catalyst, enantiomeric ratios >99/1, in the R at C2 adduct, and up to 94/6, in the 3,5-endo isomer, were achieved in the DA reaction and in the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, respectively. A plausible catalytic cycle that accounts for the origin of the observed enantioselectivity is proposed.

Photocatalytic deracemisation of cobalt(III) complexes with fourfold stereogenicity

The deracemisation of fourfold stereogenic cobalt(III) diketonates with a chiral photocatalyst is described. With only 0.5 mol% menthyl Ru(bpy)32+ photocatalyst, an enantiomeric enrichment of up to 88 : 12 e.r. was obtained for the major meridional diastereomers. Moreover, a distribution of configurationally stable diastereomers distinct from the thermodynamic ratio was observed upon reaching the photostationary state.

Substituent-Induced Control of fac/mer Isomerism in Azine-NHC Fe(II) Complexes

The stereoselective synthesis of geometrical iron(II) complexes bearing azine-NHC ligands is described. Facial and meridional selectivity is achieved as a function of the steric demand of the azine unit, with no remarkable influence of the carbene nature. More specifically, meridional complexes are obtained upon selecting bulky 5-mesityl-substituted pyridyl coordinating units. Unexpectedly, increase of the steric hindrance in the α position with respect to the N coordinating atom results in an exclusive facial configuration, which is in stark contrast to the meridional selectivity induced by other reported α-substituted bidentate ligands. Investigation of the structure and the optical and electrochemical properties of the here-described complexes has revealed the non-negligible effect of the fac/mer ligand configuration around the metal center.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Formation Constants of Iron(III) Complexes with Several Ligands

Dye-sensitized solar cells transform solar light into electricity. One commonly used dye is a ruthenium complex. However, the use of ruthenium has been shown to have several disadvantages. In this study, via singular spectrum analysis using HypSpec software, we determined the formation constants and calculated individual electronic spectra of species of iron(III) with several ligands (1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 2,2′-bipyridyl, 5,5-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl, 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) in methanol solution. We present a spectral comparison of the complexes reported here to the ruthenium complex: tris-(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II).

Enantiopure Cyclometalated Rh(III) and Ir(III) Complexes Displaying Rigid Configuration at Metal Center: Design, Structures, Chiroptical Properties and Role of the Iodide Ligand

Enantiopure N-heterocyclic carbene half-sandwich metal complexes of the general formula [Cp*M(C^C:)I] (M = Rh, Ir; C^C: = NI-NHC; NI-H = Naphthalimide; NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) are reported. The rhodium compound was obtained as a single isomer displaying six membered metallacycle and was resolved on chiral column chromatography to the corresponding enantiomers (S)-[Cp*Rh(C^C:)I] (S)-2 and (R)-[Cp*Rh(C^C:)I] (R)-2. The iridium congener, however, furnishes a pair of regioisomers, which were resolved into (S)-[Cp*Ir(C^C:)I] (S)-3 and (R)-[Cp*Ir(C^C:)I] (R)-3 and (S)-[Cp*Ir(C^C:)I] (S)-4 and (R)-[Cp*Ir(C^C:)I] (R)-4. These regioisomers differ from each other, only by the size of the metallacycle; five-membered for 3 and six-membered for 4. The molecular structures of (S)-2 and (S)-4 are reported. Moreover, the chiroptical properties of these compounds are presented and discussed. These compounds display exceptional stable configurations at the metal center in solution with enantiomerization barrier ΔG≠ up to 124 kJ/mol. This is because the nature of the naphthalimide-NHC clamp ligand and the iodide ligand contribute to their configuration’s robustness. In contrast to related complexes reported in the literature, which are often labile in solution.

Enantiopure, luminescent, cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene-naphthalimide chromophore: design, vibrational circular dichroism and TD-DFT calculations

A series of chiral cyclometalated iridium complexes of the type [Ir(C^N)₂(C^C:)], {(C^N) = ppy (2); dfppy (3)} featuring a naphthalimide N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (C^C:) = (Naphthalimide-NHC) are described and fully characterized. The racemic complexes rac-2 and rac-3 were resolved via chiral column chromatography techniques into their corresponding enantiopure species Δ-2, Λ-2, Δ-3, Λ-3 as confirmed by their CD curves. This unique class of molecules containing organic and inorganic chromophores might be used as a platform to probe the stereochemical effect on the photophysical properties. Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) was used as an important tool to assign successfully the stereochemistry of the enantiomers. TD-DFT calculations are also advanced to support the experimental studies and to rationalize the observed results.

Enantioselective "organocatalysis in disguise" by the ligand sphere of chiral metal-templated complexes

Asymmetric catalysis holds a prominent position among the important developments in chemistry during the 20th century. This was acknowledged by the 2001 Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to Knowles, Noyori, and Sharpless for their development of chiral metal catalysts for organic transformations. The key feature of the catalysts was the crucial role of the chiral ligand and the nature of the metal ions, which promoted the catalytic conversions of the substrates via direct coordination. Subsequently the development of asymmetric organic catalysis opened new avenues to the synthesis of enantiopure compounds, avoiding any use of metal ions. Recently, an alternative approach to asymmetric catalysis emerged that relied on the catalytic functions of the ligands themselves boosted by coordination to metal ions. In other words, in these hybrid chiral catalysts the substrates are activated not by the metal ions but by the ligands. The activation and enantioselective control occurred via well-orchestrated and custom-tailored non-covalent interactions of the substrates with the ligand sphere of chiral metal complexes. In these metal-templated catalysts, the metal served either as a template (a purely structural role), or it constituted the exclusive source of chirality (metal-centred chirality due to the spatial arrangement of achiral or chiral bi-/tridentate ligands around an octahedral metal centre), and/or it increased the Brønsted acidity of the ligands. Although the field is still in its infancy, it represents an inspiring combination of both metal and organic catalysis and holds major unexplored potential to push the frontiers of asymmetric catalysis. Here we present an overview of this emerging field discussing the principles, applications and perspectives on the catalytic use of chiral metal complexes that operate as "organocatalysts in disguise". It has been demonstrated that these chiral metal complexes are efficient and provide high stereoselective control in asymmetric hydrogen bonding catalysis, phase-transfer catalysis, Brønsted acid/base catalysis, enamine catalysis, nucleophilic catalysis, and photocatalysis as well as bifunctional catalysis. Also, many of the catalysts have been identified as highly effective catalysts at remarkably low catalyst loadings. These hybrid systems offer many opportunities in the synthesis of chiral compounds and represent promising alternatives to metal-based and organocatalytic asymmetric transformations.

Ethylenediamine complexes of the beryllium halides and pseudo-halides

The suitability of ethylenediamine (en) as an alternative solvent to liquid ammonia in beryllium chemistry was evaluated. Therefore, BeF2, BeCl2, BeBr2, BeI2, [Be(NH3)4](N3)2, [Be(NH3)4](CN)2 and [Be(NH3)4](SCN)2 were reacted with ethylenediamine and analysed via NMR and IR spectroscopy. Additionally single crystal structures of [BeF2(en)]n, [Be(en)3]Cl2, [Be(en)3]Br2, [Be(en)2]I2·en, [Be(en)2](N3)2·en, [Be(en)2]4(SCN)7Cl and [Be3(OH)3(en)3][C2H9N2](SCN)4 were obtained. The anions were found to have a distinct influence on the solubility as well as on the species present in solution and the solid state, while ethylenediamine can act as mono- and bidentate ligand or as a crystal solvent.

Metalloligands based on Robson-type amino-thiophenolato macrocycles for assembly of heterotrimetallic complexes

The ability of macrocyclic Co and Ni aminothiolate complexes to act as metalloligands towards cuprate ions was established. Adduct formation is enabled by a thiolate-to-Cu⁺ charge transfer (CT) interaction giving stable heterotrimetallics with magnetic properties.

Ligand control of low-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance linewidth in Cr(III) complexes

Understanding how the ligand shell controls low-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic properties of metal ions is essential if they are to be used in EPR-based bioimaging schemes. In this work, we probe how specific variations in the ligand structure impact L-band (ca. 1.3 GHz) EPR spectroscopic linewidths in the trichloride salts of five Cr(iii) complexes: [Cr(RR-dphen)3]3+ (RR-dphen = (1R,2R)-(+)-diphenylethylenediamine, 1), [Cr(en)3]3+ (en = ethylenediamine, 2), [Cr(me-en)3]3+ (me-en = 1,2-diaminopropane, 3), [Cr(tn)3]3+ (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane, 4) [Cr(trans-chxn)3]3+ (trans-chxn = trans-(±)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 5). Spectral broadening varies in a nonintuitive manner across the series, showing the sharpest peaks for 1 and broadest for 5. Molecular dynamics simulations provide evidence that the broadening is correlated to rigidity in the inner coordination sphere and reflected in ligand-dependent distribution of Cr-N bond distances that can be found in frozen solution.

Cavity Formation in Uranyl Ion Complexes with Kemp's Tricarboxylate: Grooved Diperiodic Nets and Polynuclear Cages

Kemp's triacid (cis,cis-1,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, H₃kta) was reacted with uranyl nitrate under solvo-hydrothermal conditions in the presence of diverse counterions or additional metal cations to give eight zero- or diperiodic complexes. All the coordination polymers in the series, [PPh₃Me][UO₂(kta)]·0.5H₂O (1), [PPh₄][UO₂(kta)] (2), [C(NH₂)₃][UO₂(kta)] (3), [Cd(bipy)₃][UO₂(kta)]₂ (4), and [Zn(phen)₃][UO₂(kta)]₂·2H₂O (5) (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) crystallize as networks with the hcb topology, the ligand being in the chair conformation with the three carboxylate groups equatorial, except in 3, in which the axial/diequatorial boat conformation is present. Various degrees of corrugation and different arrangements of neighboring layers are observed depending on the counterion, with complexes 4 and 5, in particular, displaying cavities containing the bulky cations. [Co(en)₃]₂[(UO₂)₂(kta)(Hkta)₂]₂·2NMP·10H₂O (6) (en = 1,2-ethanediamine; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) contains a metallatricyclic, tetranuclear anionic species, displaying two clefts in which the cations are held by extensive hydrogen bonding, and with the ligands in both triaxial chair and axial/diequatorial boat conformations. [(UO₂)₃Pb(kta)₂(Hkta)(H₂O)]₂·1.5THF (7) (THF = tetrahydrofuran) and [(UO₂)₂Pb₂(kta)₂(Hkta)(NMP)]₂ (8) are two heterometallic cage compounds containing only the convergent, triaxial chair form of the ligand, which have the same topology in spite of the different U/Pb ratio. These complexes are compared to previous ones also involving Kemp's triacid anions, and the roles of ligand conformation and of counterions in the formation of cavities, either in cage-like species or as grooves in diperiodic networks, is discussed.

Assembly-Induced Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Spirocyclic Chiral Silver(I) Clusters

Spirocyclic Ag₉ clusters, as a new form of intrinsically chiral metal clusters, were constructed through vertex-sharing of two in-situ-generated heteroaryl diide-centered metal rings. Such core-peripheral type clusters exhibit versatile photoluminescent and chiroptical behavior under different aggregation conditions. In contrast to a ligand-based fluorescence emission in a diluted solution of the clusters, a solvent polarity-caused assembly gives rise to new cluster-based phosphorous luminescence owing to radiative mode switching and aggregation-induced emission. Assembly of cluster enantiomers leads to micrometer-long helical nanofibers, whose handedness is determined by absolute configuration of individual spirocyclic clusters. Benefiting from exciton couplings of helical arrangements of chelating ligands at molecular and microscopic levels, the assembled film of cluster enantiomers exhibits circularly polarized luminescence with a high anisotropy factor (0.16).

Interaction, binding capacity and anticancer properties of N,N′-bis(acetylacetone)-propylenediimine-copper(ii) on colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2

The binding capacity and interaction of N,N′-bis(acetylacetone)propylenediimine-copper(ii) with HSA were systemically investigated in vitro and in silico.

DCM self-trapping by the host deformation in flexible host–guest molecules

The desolvated structure can self-trap the DCM molecules to return to the 1·DCM state via ligand deformation even under weak host–guest interactions. The capture behavior of DCM is mostly due to the flexibility of the ligand.

Launching Werner Complexes into the Modern Era of Catalytic Enantioselective Organic Synthesis

Reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes almost always entail binding of one or more reactants to the metal center, and nearly every corner of the "chiral pool" has been picked over in efforts to develop enantioselective catalysts. As reported by Alfred Werner in 1911-1912, salts of the formally D₃-symmetric [Co(en)₃]³⁺ trication (en = ethylenediamine) were among the first chiral inorganic compounds to be resolved into enantiomers. These air- and water-stable complexes are substitution-inert, so for 100 years they languished without application in organic synthesis. We then showed that when they are rendered soluble in organic media by lipophilic anions such as fluorinated tetraarylborates BAr_f^-, they become potent catalysts for a variety of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond forming reactions.These involve substrate activation by hydrogen bonding to the coordinated NH₂ units (pK_a ca. 15), a "second coordination sphere" mechanism. Only modest enantioselectivities are obtained with [Co(en)₃]³⁺ 3BAr_f^- or related chromium, rhodium, iridium, and platinum salts. However, high enantioselectivities are achieved when the three en ligands are replaced by the 1,2-diphenyl analogues (S,S)- or (R,R)-H₂NCHPhCHPhNH₂. Here only one BAr_f^- anion is required to solubilize the trication, so a number of mixed-salt catalysts (2X^-BAr_f^-) have been evaluated. Alternatively, a dimethylamino group can be tethered to the backbone of one en ligand, providing bifunctional catalysts that obviate any need for an external base. Interestingly, the counteranions modulate the enantioselectivities somewhat. However, catalysts with chiral anions do not significantly outperform benchmark catalysts with achiral anions. Cagelike chiral hexaaminecobalt(III) complexes known as sepulchrates and sarcophagines, which feature secondary NH donor atoms, can also serve as catalysts, but the enantioselectivities are very low.In a spinoff application, certain salts are found to be superb "chiral solvating agents", leading to distinct sets of NMR signals for enantiomers of chiral analytes with Lewis basic functional groups. Loadings of 10-25 mol % generally suffice, providing the best way of assaying the enantiomeric purities of a host of compounds. Also, mixtures of several chiral compounds can be simultaneously analyzed. It is not surprising that complexes that perform well in chiral recognition phenomena also excel as enantioselective catalysts.In this Account, the stereochemical properties of the preceding complexes are treated, as well as arcana generally known only to specialists in the field. These include the use of charcoal for equilibrating configurations of the cobalt stereocenter and Sephadex for separating enantiomers and diastereomers. Other types of metal-containing hydrogen-bond-donor catalysts are briefly surveyed (noncoordinating NH units can also be effective), including several developed by other groups. However, the mechanisms of enantioselection in all of these transformations remain obscure. The optimum diastereomer and anion set varies from reaction to reaction, suggesting a "phenotypic plasticity" that allows adaption to a variety of processes.

Half-sandwich complexes of osmium containing guanidine-derived ligands

Pyridinyl- and phosphano-guanidino complexes of formula [(η6-p-cymene)OsCl(H2L)][SbF6] (cymene = MeC6H4iPr; H2L = N,N'-bis(p-Tolyl)-N''-(2-pyridinylmethyl)guanidine, H2L1 (1) and N,N'-bis(p-Tolyl)-N''-(2-diphenylphosphanoethyl)guanidine, H2L2 (2)) have been prepared from the dimer [{(η6-p-cymene)OsCl}2(μ-Cl)2] and H2L in the presence of NaSbF6. Treatment of complex 2 with HCl renders the phosphano-guanidinium complex [(η6-p-cymene)OsCl2(H3L2)][SbF6] (3). Compounds 1 and 2 react with AgSbF6 rendering the cationic aqua complexes [(η6-p-cymene)Os(H2L)(OH2)][SbF6]2 (H2L = H2L1 (4), H2L2 (5)). Addition of monodentate ligands L to compound 4 affords complexes of formula [(η6-p-cymene)Os(H2L1)L][SbF6]2 (L = py (6), 4-(NHMe)py (7), CO (8), P(OMe)3 (9)). Treatment of complexes 4 and 5 with NaHCO3 renders the monocationic complexes [(η6-p-cymene)Os(κ3N,N',N''-HL1)][SbF6] (10) and [(η6-p-cymene)Os(κ3N,N',P-HL2)][SbF6] (11), respectively, in which the HL ligand adopts a fac-κ3 coordination mode. The new complexes have been characterised by analytical and spectroscopic means, including the determination of the crystal structures of the compounds 1-4, 6, 8, and 11, by X-ray diffractometric methods. The phosphano-guanidino complexes 2 and 5 exhibit a temperature dependent fluxional process in solution. The new 18 electron complexes 1, 2, 6, and 8-10 are active catalysts for the Friedel-Crafts reaction between trans-β-nitrostyrene and N-methyl-2-methylindole. Conversions greater than 90% were obtained. Proton NMR studies support a mechanism involving the Brønsted-acid activation of trans-β-nitrostyrene through the NH functionalities of the coordinated guanidine ligands.

Computational Insight into 1,2-Diamine, -Diether, and -Amino Ether Chiral Ligand-Mediated Carbolithiation: A Case of Enantioinduction Reversal

trans-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine, -diether, and -amino ether were compared as chiral inducers in the asymmetric intramolecular carbolithiation of olefinic aryllithiums. Switching from diamine to ethereal ligands inverts the sense of asymmetric induction. This reversal of stereoselectivity was investigated through density functional theory calculations. High enantioselectivities observed with diether and amino ether ligands arise from favorable weak interactions between the ligand and the substrate. The relative efficiency of the three ligands and sense of stereoinduction for the most efficient diether and amino ether ligands prove to be foreseeable by modeling the reaction with the parent achiral 1,2-bidentate additives and comparing the diastereomeric transition states stemming from the two half-chair conformations of their lithium chelate.

Rendering classical hydrophilic enantiopure Werner salts [M(en)3]n+nX- lipophilic (M/n = Cr/3, Co/3, Rh/3, Ir/3, Pt/4); new chiral hydrogen bond donor catalysts and enantioselectivities as a function of metal and charge

Known hydrophilic halide salts of the title compounds are converted to new lipophilic BArf- (B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4-) salts. These are isolated as hydrates (Λ- or Δ-[M(en)3]n+nBArf-·zH2O; z = 17-9) and characterized by NMR (acetone-d6) and microanalyses. Thermal stabilities are probed by capillary thermolyses and TGA and DSC measurements (onset of dehydration 71-151 °C). In the presence of tertiary amines, they are effective catalysts for enantioselective Michael type carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen bond forming additions of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds (acceptors: trans-β-nitrostyrene, di-tert-butylazodicarboxylate, 2-cyclopenten-1-one; average ee = 33%, 52%, 17%). Effects of the metal and charge upon enantioselectivities are analyzed. A number of properties appear to correlate to the NH Brønsted acidity order ([Pt(en)3]4+ > [Cr(en)3]3+ > [Co(en)3]3+ > [Rh(en)3]3+ > [Ir(en)3]3+).

Simultaneous CO2 capture and metal purification from waste streams using triple-level dynamic combinatorial chemistry

A reduction in CO₂ emissions is required to mitigate global warming. Post-combustion carbon capture is one of the most developed technologies that has the potential to meet this goal, but its cost prevents its widespread use. A different approach would be to use CO₂ directly as it is captured, before it is stored. Here we explore spontaneous CO₂ fixation by industrial polyamines as a strategy to generate dynamic libraries of ligands for metal separation and recovery. We identify the CO₂ loadings and solvents promoting the optimal precipitation of each metal from the dynamic libraries of complexes. We demonstrate the separation of lanthanum and nickel using the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine vehicle, and show that the three metal constituents of the La₂Ni₉Co alloys used to manufacture the batteries of electric vehicles can be separated and recovered by successive CO₂-induced selective precipitations. Beyond the concept of CO₂-sourced multi-level dynamic coordination chemistry, this study provides a potential framework for integrated CO₂ capture and use through sustainable processes.

On the Reactivity of N-tert-Butyl-1,2-Diaminoethane: Synthesis of 1-tert-Butyl-2-Imidazoline, Formation of an Intramolecular Carbamate Salt from the Reaction with CO2, and Generation of a Hydroxyalkyl-Substituted Imidazolinium Salt

N-tert-Butyl-1,2-diaminoethane was shown to react rapidly with atmospheric carbon dioxide to generate the zwitterionic ammonium carbamate salt CO2N(H)C2H4N(H)2tBu (1). Reaction of N-tert-butyl-1,2-diaminoethane with triethylorthoformate gave 1-tert-butyl-2-imidazoline (2) in 24% yield after fractional distillation, and the hydroxyalkyl-tethered imidazolinium salt [HOC(Me)2CH2NC2H4N(CH)tBu][Cl] (3) was synthesised from the sequential reaction of N-tert-butyl-1,2-diaminoethane with isobutylene epoxide, HCl, and triethylorthoformate.

Synthesis, cytotoxic activity and DNA interaction studies of new dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes with an aromatic 1,5-naphthyridine bridging ligand: DNA binding mode of polynuclear platinum(ii) complexes in relation to the complex structure

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, cytotoxic activity and DNA binding evaluation of seven new dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes Pt1-Pt7, with the general formula [{Pt(L)Cl}2(μ-1,5-nphe)](ClO4)2 (1,5-nphe is 1,5-naphthyridine; while L is two ammines (Pt1) or one bidentate coordinated diamine: ethylenediamine (Pt2), (±)-1,2-propylenediamine (Pt3), trans-(±)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (Pt4), 1,3-propylenediamine (Pt5), 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylenediamine (Pt6), and 1,3-pentanediamine (Pt7)), were reported. In vitro cytotoxic activity of these complexes was evaluated against three tumor cell lines, murine colon carcinoma (CT26), murine mammary carcinoma (4T1) and murine lung cancer (LLC1) and two normal cell lines, murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and human fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. The results of the MTT assay indicate that all investigated complexes have almost no cytotoxic effects on 4T1 and very low cytotoxicity toward LLC1 cell lines. In contrast to the effects on LLC1 and 4T1 cells, complexes Pt1 and Pt2 had significant cytotoxic activity toward CT26 cells. Complex Pt1 had a much lower IC50 value for activity on CT26 cells compared with cisplatin. In comparison with cisplatin, all dinuclear Pt1-Pt7 complexes showed lower cytotoxicity toward normal MSC and MRC-5 cells. In order to measure the amount of platinum(ii) complexes taken up by the cells, we quantified the cellular platinum content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS). Molecular docking studies performed to evaluate the potential binding mode of dinuclear platinum(ii) complexes Pt1-Pt7 and their aqua derivatives W1-W7, respectively, at the double stranded DNA showed that groove spanning and backbone tracking are the most stable binding modes.

The robust, readily available cobalt(iii) trication [Co(NH2CHPhCHPhNH2)3]3+ is a progenitor of broadly applicable chirality and prochirality sensing agents

When NMR spectra of chiral racemic organic molecules containing a Lewis basic functional group are recorded in the presence of air and water stable salts of the cobalt(iii) trication [Co((S,S)-NH2CHPhCHPhNH2)3]3+ (23+), separate signals are usually observed for the enantiomers (28 diverse examples, >12 functional groups). Several chiral molecules can be simultaneously analyzed, and enantiotopic groups in prochiral molecules differentiated (16 examples). Particularly effective are the mixed bis(halide)/tetraarylborate salts Λ-23+ 2X-BArf- (X = Cl, I; BArf = B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4), which are applied in CD2Cl2 or CDCl3 at 1-100 mol% (avg 34 and 14 mol%). Job plots establish 1 : 1 binding for Λ-23+ 2Cl-BArf- and 1-phenylethyl acetate (4) or 1-phenylethanol (10), and ca. 1 : 2 binding with DMSO (CD2Cl2). Selected binding constants are determined, which range from 7.60-2.73 M-1 for the enantiomers of 10 to 28.1-22.6 M-1 for the enantiomers of 4. The NH moieties of the C2 faces of the trication are believed to hydrogen bond to the Lewis basic functional groups, as seen in the crystal structure of a hexakis(DMSO) solvate of Λ-23+ 3I-. These salts rank with the most broadly applicable chirality sensing agents discovered to date.