A phenoxo-bridged dicopper(ii) complex as a model for phosphatase activity: mechanistic insights from a combined experimental and computational study

Novel tetraaza macrocyclic Schiff base complexes of bivalent zinc: microwave-assisted green synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, density functional theory calculations, molecular docking studies, in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities

In the present manuscript, novel macrocyclic Schiff base complexes [Zn(N4MacL1)Cl2-Zn(N4MacL3)Cl2] were synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl2 and macrocyclic ligands (N4MacL1-N4MacL3) derived from diketone and diamines under microwave irradiation method and conventional method. The structures of the obtained complexes were identified by various spectrometric methods such as Fourier transformation infra-red (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), powder X-ray diffraction, molar conductivity, and UV-vis. The structures of the synthesized compounds were optimized by using the def2-TZV/J and def2-SVP/J Coulomb fitting basis sets at B3LYP level in density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The macrocyclic Schiff base complexes exhibited higher activities against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Xanthomonas campestris), and fungal strains (Fusarium oxysporum and Candida albicans) in comparison to macrocyclic Schiff base ligands. Furthermore, the newly synthesized macrocyclic compounds were assessed for their anticancer activity against three cell lines: A549 (human alveolar adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line), HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line), and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) using the MTT assay. The obtained results showed that the macrocyclic complex [Zn(N4MacL3)Cl2] displayed the highest cytotoxic activity (2.23 ± 0.25 µM, 6.53 ± 0.28 µM, and 7.40 ± 0.45 µM for A549, HT-29, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, respectively). Additionally, molecular docking investigations were conducted to elucidate potential molecular interactions between the synthesized macrocyclic compounds and target proteins. The results revealed a consistent agreement between the docking calculations and the experimental data.

A tetracobalt(II) cluster with a two vertex truncated dicubane topology endogenously supported by carboxylate-based (2-pyridyl)methylamine ligands: magneto-structural and DFT studies

A reaction between CoCl2 and L3-(CO2-)2 (2 : 1 stoichiometry) in CH3OH affords a discrete complex [CoII4-{L3-(CO2-)2}2(μ3-OCH3)2(CH3OH)2(H2O)2Cl2] (1) [L3-(CO2-)2 = 3-[N-{2-(pyridin-2-yl)methyl}amino]-bis(propionate)]. The structure of 1 reveals two terminal mononuclear CoII{L3-(CO2-)2}Cl units connected by a dimeric CoII2(μ3-OCH3)2(CH3OH)2(H2O) unit present in the centre through two methoxo (μ3-OCH3)- and two carboxylate (μ-1,1-OCO-) bridges affording a tetranuclear coordination cluster of Co(II) with a defective dicubane topology. In 1, Co1 (terminal) has distorted octahedral CoIIN2O3Cl and the central Co2 has CoIIO6 coordination. Such coordination arrangements afford the observed topology. Variable-temperature magnetic studies reveal anti-ferromagnetic coupling in 1. Three magnetic exchange interactions (one anti-ferromagnetic and two ferromagnetic: J1 = +3.3 cm-1 (Co⋯Co 3.176 Å; μ-1,1-OCO- and μ3-OCH3 bridges), J2 = -2.5 cm-1 (Co⋯Co 3.228 Å; μ-1-OCO- and μ3-OCH3 bridges) and J3 = +10.6 cm-1 (Co⋯Co 3.084 Å; two μ3-OCH3 bridges)) have been identified, with the inclusion of the orbital reduction parameter (α = Aκ = 1.38), spin-orbit coupling (λ = -158 cm-1) and axial distortion (energy gap Δ = -975 cm-1 between singlet and doublet levels), rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Binuclear metal complexes with a novel hexadentate imidazole derivative for the cleavage of phosphate diesters and biomolecules: distinguishable mechanisms

Oxidative cleavage of phosphate diesters (HPNP, BNPP) is highly faster than the hydrolytic one by binuclear metal complexes with novel imidazole derivative, producing a non-lactone phosphate monoester due to the direct attack of free radicals.

A combined experimental and theoretical rationalization of an unusual zinc(ii)-mediated conversion of 18-membered Schiff-base macrocycles to 18-membered imine–amine macrocycles with imidazolidine side rings: an investigation of their bio-relevant catalytic activities

Macrocyclic Zn(ii)-based Schiff base complexes exhibit significant phosphatase-like activity as well as high potential anticancer activity against breast cancer cells.

Dimeric Mn(ii), Co(ii), Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes of a common carboxylate-appended (2-pyridyl)alkylamine ligand: structure, magnetism and DFT study

Weak anti- (1) and ferro-magnetic (2–4) interactions are observed in [MII2(L3)2(S)2]2+ (Mn 1, Co 2, Ni 3) (S = MeOH) and Cu 4 (S = none).

A novel triple aqua-, phenoxo- and carboxylato-bridged dinickel(ii) complex, its magnetic properties, and comparative biomimetic catalytic studies with analogous dinickel(ii) complexes

A unique triply bridged dinickel(ii) complex and two doubly bridged dinickel(ii) complexes are reported, and their magnetic properties and comparative biomimetic catalytic performances are studied.

Executing a Series of Zinc(II) Complexes of Homologous Schiff Base Ligands for a Comparative Analysis on Hydrolytic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities

Six zinc(II) complexes, namely, [Zn(HL¹H)Cl₂] (1), [Zn(HL¹H)Br₂] (2), [Zn₂(HL¹H)₂(OH)I₂]·I (3), [Zn(HL²)Cl] (4), [Zn₂(HL²)Br₃] (5), and [Zn(HL²)I] (6) have been manufactured by using two homologous Schiff base ligands H₂L¹ and H₂L² for the purpose of perlustrating their phosphatase-like activity, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity. Complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 have been reported earlier by us, whereas complexes 3 and 6 have been synthesized and structurally characterized by regular physicochemical methods The hydrolytic property of the six complexes has been evaluated by checking the hydrolysis of the P-O bond of a widely used substrate, namely, disodium salt of (para-nitrophenyl)phosphate (PNPP) in 97.5% (v/v) mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide and water (DMF-water). Complexes 2-5 have profound efficiency toward hydrolysis of phosphate ester bonds, and complexes 1 and 6 were noted to be inactive toward hydrolysis. Complex 3 displayed the highest efficacy among the six complexes. Additionally, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the complexes were studied thoroughly. A detailed study of their antioxidant property revealed that complex 3 manifested superior radical scavenging activity, thus exhibiting the highest antioxidant property. The antibacterial activity was tested using four investigating bacteria, specifically Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19111, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 700699, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 23564, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values using the microdilution method. Here as well, complex 3 exhibited the highest activity to both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The chemistry behind these experimental findings has been manifested by shedding light upon the structural features of the complexes. The suitable choice of ligand H₂L¹ where one methylene group is less than its homologous ligand and metal precursor (ZnI₂) imparts a unique hydroxo-bridged molecular geometry and 2D hydrogen bonding network which in turn probably enhances the hydrolytic and biological activities of complex 3.

[CuII{(LISQ)˙-}2] (H2L: thioether-appended o-aminophenol ligand) monocation triggers change in donor site from N2O2 to N2O(2)S and valence-tautomerism

Using a potentially tridentate o-aminophenol-based redox-active ligand H₂L¹ (2-[2-(benzylthio)phenylamino]-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol) in its deprotonated form, [Cu(L¹)₂] has been synthesized and crystallized as [Cu^II(L¹)₂]·CH₂Cl₂ (1·CH₂Cl₂). A cyclic voltammetry experiment (in CH₂Cl₂; V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode)) on 1·CH₂Cl₂ exhibits two oxidative (E = 0.20 V (peak-to-peak separation, ΔE_p = 100 mV) and E = 0.90 V (ΔE_p = 140 mV)) and two reductive (E = -0.52 V (ΔE_p = 110 mV) and E = -0.92 V (ΔE_p = 120 mV)) responses. Upon oxidation using a stoichiometric amount of [Fe^III(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂](PF₆), 1·CH₂Cl₂ yielded [Cu(L¹)₂](PF₆) (2). Structural analysis (100 K) reveals that 1·CH₂Cl₂ is a four-coordinate bis(iminosemiquinonato)copper(ii) complex (CuN₂O₂ coordination), and that the thioethers remain uncoordinated. The twisted geometry of 1 (distorted tetrahedral) results in considerable changes in the electronic structure, compared to well-known square-planar analogues. Crystallographic analysis of 2 both at 100 K and at 293 K reveals that it is effectively a four-coordinate complex with a CuN₂OS coordination; however, a substantial interaction with the other phenolate O is observed. The metal-ligand bond distances and metric parameters associated with the o-aminophenolate rings indicate a valence-tautomeric (VT) equilibrium involving monocationic (iminosemiquinonato)(iminoquinone)copper(ii) and bis(iminoquinone)copper(i). Complex 1·CH₂Cl₂ is a three-spin system and a magnetic study (4-300 K) established that it has a S = 1/2 ground-state, owing to the strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the unpaired spin of the copper(ii) and the iminosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical anion. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral studies corroborate this result. Complex 2 is diamagnetic and the existence of VT in 2 was probed using variable-temperature (248-328 K) ¹H NMR and EPR (100-298 K) spectral measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies at 298 K. Remarkably, modification of the well-studied 2-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol by incorporation of a benzylthioether arm leads to the occurrence of VT in 2. The electronic structure of 1·CH₂Cl₂ and 2 has been assigned using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-D3 level of theory. Time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations have been performed to elucidate the origin of the observed UV-VIS-NIR absorptions.

Mapping the working route of phosphate monoester hydrolysis catalyzed by copper based models with special emphasis on the role of oxoanions by experimental and theoretical studies

The mechanistic pathway of phosphate-ester bond hydrolysis with special emphasis on the role of oxoanions was explored by experimental and theoretical study.

Six-coordinate [CoIII(L)2]z (z = 1-, 0, 1+) complexes of an azo-appended o-aminophenolate in amidate(2-) and iminosemiquinonate π-radical (1-) redox-levels: the existence of valence-tautomerism

Aerobic reaction of the ligand H2L1, 2-(2-phenylazo)-anilino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, CoCl2·6H2O and Et3N in MeOH under refluxing conditions produces, after work-up and recrystallization, black crystals of [Co(L1)2] (1). When examined by cyclic voltammetry, 1 displays in CH2Cl2 three one-electron redox responses: two oxidative, E11/2 = 0.30 V (peak-to-peak separation, ΔEp = 100 mV) and E21/2 = 1.04 V (ΔEp = 120 mV), and one reductive E1/2 = -0.27 V (ΔEp = 120 mV) vs. SCE. Consequently, 1 is chemically oxidized by 1 equiv. of [FeIII(η5-C5H5)2][PF6], affording the isolation of deep purple crystals of [Co(L1)2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2), and one-electron reduction with [CoII(η5-C5H5)2] yielded bluish-black crystals of [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][Co(L1)2]·MeCN (3). A solid sample of 1 exhibits temperature-independent (50-300 K) magnetism, revealing the presence of a free radical (S = 1/2), which exhibits an isotropic EPR signal (g = 2.003) at 298 K and at 77 K an eight-line feature characteristic of hyperfine-interaction of the radical with the Co (I = 7/2) nucleus. Based on X-ray structural parameters of 1-3 at 100 K, magnetic and EPR spectral behaviour of 1, and variable-temperature (233-313 K) 1H NMR spectral features of 1-3 and 13C NMR spectra at 298 K of 2 and 3 in CDCl3 point to the electronic structure of the complexes as either [CoIII{(LAP)2-}{(LISQ)}˙-] or [CoIII{(L1)2}˙3-] (delocalized nature favours the latter description) (1), [CoIII{(LISQ)˙-}2][PF6]·2CH2Cl2 (2) and [CoIII(η5-C5H5)2][CoIII{(LAP)2-}2]·MeCN (3) [(LAP)2- and (LISQ)˙- represent the redox-level of coordinated ligands o-amidophenolate(2-) ion and o-iminobenzosemiquinonate(1-) π-radical ion, respectively]. Notably, all the observed redox processes are ligand-centred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that six-coordinate complexes of a common tridentate o-aminophenolate-based ligand have been structurally characterized for the parent 1, its monocation 2 and the monoanion 3 counterparts. Temperature-dependent 1H NMR spectra reveal the existence of valence-tautomeric equilibria in 1-3. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-level of theory corroborate the electronic structural assignment of 1-3 from experimental data. The origins of the observed UV-VIS-NIR absorptions for 1-3 have been assigned, based on time-dependent (TD)-DFT calculations.

Enhanced activity of trinuclear Zn(ii) complexes towards phosphate ester bond cleavage by introducing three-metal cooperativity

The catalytic efficiency (DNA binding followed by phosphate ester bond cleavage) of Zn(ii) complexes has been tuned by variation in the nuclearity, flexibility and coordination environment to explore the structure activity correlation.

Portraying the role of halo ligands and the auxiliary part of ligands of mononuclear manganese(iii)-Schiff base complexes in catalyzing phospho–ester bond hydrolysis

The influences of the auxiliary part of ligands and halo ligands have been explored towards phosphatase like activity using a series of manganese(iii)-Schiff base complexes as catalysts.