Terminal {Ni(II)-SH} complex promoted anaerobic catalytic sulfur atom transfer reaction: implication to the sulfide oxidase function of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase

In mitochondria, the detoxification of molar excess H2S as polysulfide proceeded via an oxidation process promoted by Cu/Zn containing superoxide dismutase (SOD1) enzyme, which has been very recently reported as the alternative enzyme for cytosolic H2S oxidation. Herein, we present Ni(II) complexes bearing the terminal SH group as a synthetic functional analogue for the sulfide oxidase function of SOD1. Synthesis, crystal structure and complete spectroscopic characterization of two sets of complexes, [NiLOMe/tBu(PPh3)] (2OMe/tBu) and tetraethyl salt of [NiLOMe/tBu(SH)]-1 (3OMe/tBu), were described (LOMe = (E)-2-methoxy-6-(((2-sulfidophenyl)imino)methyl)phenolate and LtBu = (E)-2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(((2-sulfidophenyl)imino)methyl)phenolate). Under anaerobic conditions, 3OMe/tBu responded to a catalytic sulfur atom transfer (SAT) reaction with PPh3 to produce SPPh3. The SAT reaction was analyzed using detailed studies of 1H and 31P NMR spectra. Finally, the SAT reactivity pattern was compared with the same in the native enzyme of SOD1.

Near-infrared Rhodols-based fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for tracking of H2S in food spoilage and living cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a biomarker signaling gas, is not only susceptible to food spoilage, but also plays a key function in many biological processes. In this work, an activated near infrared (NIR) H2S fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized with quinoline-conjugated Rhodols dye as fluorophore skeleton and a dinitrophenyl group as the responsive moiety. Due to the quenching effect of dinitrophenyl group and the closed-loop structure of Rhodols fluorophore, probe itself has a very weak absorption and fluorescence background signal. After the H2S-induced thiolysis reaction, the probe exhibits a remarkable colormetric change and NIR fluorescent enhancement response at 716 nm with large Stokes shift (116 nm), and possesses high sensing selectivity and sensitivity with a low detection limits of 330 nM. The response mechanism is systematically characterized by 1H NMR, MS and DFT calculations. The colorimetric change allows the probe to be used as a test strips to detect H2S in food spoilage, while NIR fluorescent response helps the probe monitor intracellular H2S.

Synthesis and theoretical study of a mixed-ligand indium(III) complex for fabrication of β-In2S3 thin films via chemical vapor deposition

Two new heteroleptic indium aminothiolate compounds [InClSC2H4N(Me)SC2H4]3[1] and [InSC2H4N(Me)SC2H4(C8H5F3NO)] [2] were synthesized by in situ salt metathesis reaction involving indium trichloride, aminothiol, and N,O-β-heteroarylalkenol ligands. The complexes were subsequently purified and thoroughly characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, elemental studies, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction single crystal analysis that showed a trigonal bipyramidal coordination of In(III) in both complexes. Thermogravimetric analysis of [1] revealed a multistep decomposition pathway and the formation of In2S3 at 350 °C, which differed from the pattern of [2] due to the lower thermal stability of [1]. Compound [2] exhibited a three-step decomposition process, resulting in the formation of In2S3 at 300 °C. The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) experiment involving compound [2] was conducted on the FTO substrate, resulting in the production of singular-phase In2S3 deposits. A comprehensive characterization of these deposits, including crystal structure analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), and surface topography examination through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been completed. The presence of In-S units was also supported by the Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the as-deposited films. Moreover, the electronic structure and thermal properties of compound [2] were investigated through DFT calculations. Electron density localization analysis revealed that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) exhibited dense concentration at the aminothiolate moiety of the complex, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) predominantly resided at the N,O-β-heteroarylalkenolate ligand. Furthermore, our computational investigation has validated the formation of indium sulfide by elucidating an intermediate state, effectively identified through EI-MS analysis, as one of the plausible pathways for obtaining In2S3. This intermediate state comprises the aminothiolate ligand (LNS) coordinated with indium metal.

Nonheme binuclear transition metal complexes with hydrosulfide and polychalcogenides

The intriguing chemistry of chalcogen (S, Se)-containing ligands and their capability to bridge multiple metal centres have resulted in a plethora of reports on transition metal complexes featuring hydrosulfide (HS-) and polychalcogenides (En2-, E = S, Se). While a large number of such molecules are strictly organometallic complexes, examples of non-organometallic complexes featuring HS- and En2- with N-/O-donor ligands are relatively rare. The general synthetic procedure for the transition metal-hydrosulfido complexes involves the reaction of the corresponding metal salts with HS-/H2S and this is prone to generate sulfido bridged oligomers in the absence of sterically demanding ligands. On the other hand, the synthetic methods for the preparation of transition metal-polychalcogenido complexes include the reaction of the corresponding metal salts with En2- or the two electron oxidation of low-valent metals with elemental chalcogen, often at an elevated temperature and/or for a long time. Recently, we have developed new synthetic methods for the preparation of two new classes of binuclear transition metal complexes featuring either HS-, or Sn2- and Sen2- ligands. The new method for the synthesis of transition metal-hydrosulfido complexes involved transition metal-mediated hydrolysis of thiolates at room temperature (RT), while the method for the synthesis of transition metal-polychalcogenido complexes involved redox reaction of coordinated thiolates and exogenous elemental chalcogens at RT. An overview of the synthetic aspects, structural properties and intriguing reactivity of these two new classes of transition metal complexes is presented.

Activity-Based Fluorescent Probes for Hydrogen Sulfide and Related Reactive Sulfur Species

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is not only a well-established toxic gas but also an important small molecule bioregulator in all kingdoms of life. In contemporary biology, H2S is often classified as a "gasotransmitter," meaning that it is an endogenously produced membrane permeable gas that carries out essential cellular processes. Fluorescent probes for H2S and related reactive sulfur species (RSS) detection provide an important cornerstone for investigating the multifaceted roles of these important small molecules in complex biological systems. A now common approach to develop such tools is to develop "activity-based probes" that couple a specific H2S-mediated chemical reaction to a fluorescent output. This Review covers the different types of such probes and also highlights the chemical mechanisms by which each probe type is activated by specific RSS. Common examples include reduction of oxidized nitrogen motifs, disulfide exchange, electrophilic reactions, metal precipitation, and metal coordination. In addition, we also outline complementary activity-based probes for imaging reductant-labile and sulfane sulfur species, including persulfides and polysulfides. For probes highlighted in this Review, we focus on small molecule systems with demonstrated compatibility in cellular systems or related applications. Building from breadth of reported activity-based strategies and application, we also highlight key unmet challenges and future opportunities for advancing activity-based probes for H2S and related RSS.

Unequivocal Characterization of an Osmium Complex with a Terminal Sulfide Ligand and Its Transformation into Hydrosulfide and Methylsulfide

Deprotonation of the thioamidate group of [OsH{κ2-N,S-[NHC(CH3)S]}(≡CPh)(IPr)(PiPr3)]OTf [1; IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolylidene; OTf = CF3SO3] results in the release of acetonitrile and formation of the terminal sulfide complex OsH(S)(≡CPh)(IPr)(PiPr3) (2), which has been transformed into the hydrosulfide [OsH(SH)(≡CPh)(IPr)(PiPr3)]OTf (3) and the methylsulfide [OsH(SMe)(≡CPh)(IPr)(PiPr3)]OTf (4) through protonation and methylation reactions, respectively. The structure, spectroscopic characteristics, and reactivity of these compounds are compared. Reactions of 3 and 4 with 2-hydroxypyridine and 2-mercaptopyridine afford [OsH{κ2-X,N-[X-py]}(≡CPh)(IPr)(PiPr3)]OTf [X = O (5), S(6)].

A purine-based fluorescent probe for H2S detection and imaging of cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gas with a toxic odor that plays an irreplaceable role in physiological activities within the mammalian body. Therefore, it is important to do the distribution and quantitative detection of H2S in mammalian cells. In this paper, a fluorescence probe (EDPH) based on purine scaffold was designed and synthesized with high sensitivity and good selectivity. H2S induced ether bond breakage in EDPH, resulting in a significant redshift of the absorption band (from 370 nm to 500 nm) with a Stokes shift of 130 nm. After the addition of H2S, the fluorescence intensity of EDPH showed a good linear correlation with the concentration of H2S, which enabled the quantitative detection of H2S with a low limit of detection (41 nM). Finally, the EDPH was applied to the cellular Hele, and the probe has good cellularity imaging capability for the detection of H2S in living systems.

Generation and Reactivity of Polychalcogenide Chains in Binuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes

A series of six binuclear Co(II)-thiolate complexes, [Co2(BPMP)(S-C6H4-o-X)2]1+ (X = OMe, 2; NH2, 3), [Co2(BPMP)(μ-S-C6H4-o-O)]1+ (4), and [Co2(BPMP)(μ-Y)]1+ (Y = bdt, 5; tdt, 6; mnt, 7), has been synthesized from [Co2(BPMP)(MeOH)2(Cl)2]1+ (1a) and [Co2(BPMP)(Cl)2]1+ (1b), where BPMP1- is the anion of 2,6-bis[[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl]-4-methylphenol. While 2 and 3 could allow the two-electron redox reaction of the two coordinated thiolates with elemental sulfur (S8) to generate [Co2(BPMP)(μ-S5)]1+ (8), the complexes, 4-7, could not undergo a similar reaction. An analogous redox reaction of 2 with elemental selenium ([Se]) produced [{Co2(BPMP)(μ-Se4)}{Co2(BPMP)(μ-Se3)}]2+ (9a) and [Co2(BPMP)(μ-Se4)]1+ (9b). Further reaction of these polychalcogenido complexes, 8 and 9a/9b, with PPh3 allowed the isolation of [Co2(BPMP)(μ-S)]1+ (10) and [Co2(BPMP)(μ-Se2)]1+ (11), which, in turn, could be converted back to 8 and 9a upon treatment with S8 and [Se], respectively. Interestingly, while the redox reaction of the polyselenide chains in 9a and 11 with S8 produced 8 and [Se], the treatment of 8 with [Se] gave back only the starting material (8), thus demonstrating the different redox behavior of sulfur and selenium. Furthermore, the reaction of 8 and 9a/9b with activated alkynes and cyanide (CN-) allowed the isolation of the complexes, [Co2(BPMP)(μ-E2C2(CO2R)2)]1+ (E = S: 12a, R = Me; 12b, R = Et; E = Se: 13a, R = Me; 13b, R = Et) and [Co2(BPMP)(μ-SH)(NCS)2] (14), respectively. The present work, thus, provides an interesting synthetic strategy, interconversions, and detailed comparative reactivity of binuclear Co(II)-polychalcogenido complexes.

A novel coumarin-fluorescein-based fluorescent probe for ultrafast and visual detection of H2S in a Parkinson's disease model

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a crucial impact on diverse biological processes and has been shown to be related to various diseases. Many probes have been developed to detect intracellular H2S by fluorescent imaging. However, the development of rapid, highly selective and sensitive H2S probes remains a challenge. Herein, two fluorogenic probes, CNS and FCS, are designed and synthesized for the ultrafast detection of H2S with fluorescein and coumarin fluorophores. The results show that both probes can be applied to monitor and image endogenous H2S in cervical cancer HeLa cells and live zebrafish, and FCS shows a higher sensitivity, selectivity and fluorescence intensity. We then further applied FCS in a Parkinson's disease Drosophila model, and the results show that FCS can precisely indicate the level of H2S in the Parkinson's disease model. Thus, FCS will likely to be applied for the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Fabrication of metal-organic salts with heterogeneous conformations of a ligand as dual-functional urease and nitrification inhibitors

Urease inhibitors (UIs) and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) can greatly reduce nitrogen loss in agriculture soil. However, design and synthesis of an efficient and environmentally friendly dual-functional inhibitor is still a great challenge. Herein, four metal-organic salts (MOSs) based on heterogeneous conformations of the ligand N1,N1,N2,N2-tetrakis(2-fluorobenzyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (L), namely, [2HL]2+·[MCl4]2- (M = Cu, Zn, Cd, and Co), have been synthesized by the "second sphere" coordination method and structurally characterized in detail. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses reveal that the four MOSs are 0D supramolecular structures containing [2HL]2+ and [MCl4]2-, which are connected through non-covalent bonds. Furthermore, the urease and nitrification inhibitory activities of MOSs are evaluated, showing excellent nitrification inhibitory activity with the nitrification inhibitory rate as high as 70.57% on the 28th day in soil cultivation experiment. In particular, MOS 1 shows significant urease inhibitory activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.89 ± 0.01 μM (0.5 h) and 1.87 ± 0.01 μM (3 h), which can serve as a dual-functional inhibitor.

Hydrogen Sulfide Ligation in Hemoglobin I of Lucina pectinata─A QM/MM and Local Mode Study

In this study, we investigated the interaction between the H2S ligand and the heme pocket of hemoglobin I (HbI) of Lucina pectinata for the wild-type protein; three known mutations where distal glutamine is replaced by hydrophobic valine (Gln64Val) and hydrophilic histidine in both protonation forms (Gln64Hisϵ and Gln64Hisδ); five known mutations of the so-called phenyl cage, replacing the hydrophobic phenylalanines Phe29 and Phe43 with tyrosine (Tyr), valine (Val), or leucine (Leu); and two additional mutations, Phe68Tyr and Phe68Val, in order to complement previous studies with new insights about the binding mechanism at the molecular level. A particular focus was on the intrinsic strengths of the chemical bonds involved, utilizing local vibrational force constants based on combined quantum mechanical-molecular mechanical calculations. Wild-type protein and mutations clustered into two distinct groups: Group 1 protein systems with a proton acceptor in the distal protein pocket, close to one of the H2S bonds, and Group 2 protein systems without a hydrogen acceptor close by in the active site of the protein. According to our results, the interactions between H2S and HbI of Lucina pectinata involve two important elements, namely, binding of H2S to Fe of the heme group, followed by the proton transfer from the HS bond to the distal residue. The distal residue is additionally stabilized by a second proton transfer from the distal residue to COO- of the propionate group in heme. We could identify the FeS bond as a key player and discovered that the strength of this bond depends on two mutual factors, namely, the strength of the HS bond involved in the proton transfer and the electrostatic field of the protein pocket qualifying the FeS bond as a sensitive probe for monitoring changes in H2S ligation upon protein mutations. We hope our study will inspire and guide future experimental studies, targeting new promising mutations such as Phe68Tyr, Phe68Val, or Phe43Tyr/Phe68Val.

Insights into self-degradation of cysteine esters and amides under physiological conditions yield new cleavable chemistry

An unprecedented H₂S release from cysteine esters and amides (CysO/NHR) under physiological conditions was discovered and the plausible mechanism was proposed. Alkylation of the amino moiety of cysteine esters enables the H₂S release to be tuned and further provides support to the mechanistic insights. This discovery not only provides new insights into several fundamental science issues including non-enzymatic H₂S-produced pathways, but also inspires new tunable cleavable motifs for sustained release of arylthiols and even for prodrug design.

Sol-Gel Dipping Devices for H2S Visualization

In this contribution we report the synthesis and full characterization, via a combination of different spectroscopies (e.g., ¹H NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, MALDI), of a new family of fluorescent zinc complexes with extended π-conjugated systems, with the final aim of setting up higher performance H₂S sensing devices. Immobilization of the systems into a polymeric matrix for use in a solid-state portable device was also explored. The results provided proof-of-principle that the title complexes could be successfully implemented in a fast, simple and cost-effective H₂S sensing device.

Salen, salan and salalen zinc(II) complexes in the interaction with HS-: time-resolved fluorescence applications

In the current work we investigate the route of interaction of a newly synthesized family of zinc complexes with HS^- by a plethora of different spectroscopic techniques. A computational analysis on the time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) level explored the overall fluorescence properties of the title complexes and their different fluorescence responses to HS^-. Time-resolved fluorescence experiments were also performed and highlight the great potential of the current systems to be implemented as HS^- fluorescent sensors.

Interactions of reactive sulfur species with metalloproteins

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) entail a diverse family of sulfur derivatives that have emerged as important effector molecules in H₂S-mediated biological events. RSS (including H₂S) can exert their biological roles via widespread interactions with metalloproteins. Metalloproteins are essential components along the metabolic route of oxygen in the body, from the transport and storage of O₂, through cellular respiration, to the maintenance of redox homeostasis by elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, heme peroxidases contribute to immune defense by killing pathogens using oxygen-derived H₂O₂ as a precursor for stronger oxidants. Coordination and redox reactions with metal centers are primary means of RSS to alter fundamental cellular functions. In addition to RSS-mediated metalloprotein functions, the reduction of high-valent metal centers by RSS results in radical formation and opens the way for subsequent per- and polysulfide formation, which may have implications in cellular protection against oxidative stress and in redox signaling. Furthermore, recent findings pointed out the potential role of RSS as substrates for mitochondrial energy production and their cytoprotective capacity, with the involvement of metalloproteins. The current review summarizes the interactions of RSS with protein metal centers and their biological implications with special emphasis on mechanistic aspects, sulfide-mediated signaling, and pathophysiological consequences. A deeper understanding of the biological actions of reactive sulfur species on a molecular level is primordial in H₂S-related drug development and the advancement of redox medicine.

Impact of Traces of Hydrogen Sulfide on the Efficiency of Ziegler-Natta Catalyst on the Final Properties of Polypropylene

Sulfur compounds are removed from propylene through purification processes. However, these processes are not 100% effective, so low concentrations of compounds such as H₂S may be present in polymer-grade propylene. This article studies the effects of H₂S content on polypropylene polymerization through the controlled dosage of this compound with concentrations between 0.07 and 5 ppm and its monitoring during the process to determine possible reaction mechanisms and evaluate variations in properties of the material by TGA, FTIR, MFI, and XDR analysis. It was found that the fluidity index increases directly proportional to the concentration of H₂S. In addition, the thermo-oxidative degradation is explained by means of the proposed reaction mechanisms of the active center of the Ziegler-Natta catalyst with the H₂S molecule and the formation of substances with functional groups such as alcohol, ketones, aldehydes, CO, and CO₂ by the oxidation of radical complexes. This study shows for the first time a reaction mechanism between the active center formed for polymerization and H₂S, in addition to showing how trace impurities in the raw materials can affect the process, highlighting the importance of optimizing the processes of removal and purification of polymer-grade materials.

Thionitrite (SNO − ) and Perthionitrite (SSNO − ) are Simple Synthons for Nitrosylated Iron Sulfur Clusters

S/N crosstalk species derived from the interconnected reactivity of H₂ S and NO facilitate the transport of reactive sulfur and nitrogen species in signaling, transport, and regulatory processes. We report here that simple Fe²⁺ ions, such as those that are bioavailable in the labile iron pool (LIP), react with thionitrite (SNO^- ) and perthionitrite (SSNO^- ) to yield the dinitrosyl iron complex [Fe(NO)₂ (S₅ )]^- . In the reaction of FeCl₂ with SNO^- we were able to isolate the unstable intermediate hydrosulfido mononitrosyl iron complex [FeCl₂ (NO)(SH)]^- , which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. We also show that [Fe(NO)₂ (S₅ )]^- is a simple synthon for nitrosylated Fe-S clusters via its reduction with PPh₃ to yield Roussin's Red Salt ([Fe₂ S₂ (NO)₄ ]^2- ), which highlights the role of S/N crosstalk species in the assembly of fundamental Fe-S motifs.

Oxygen Activation by a Copper Complex with Sulfur-Only Coordination Relevant to the Formylglycine Generating Enzyme

Synthesizing hydrosulfido Cu thiolate complexes is quite challenging. In this report, two new and rare hydrosulfido Cu thiolate complexes, [Et₄N]₂[(mnt)Cu-SH] (2, mnt = maleonitrile dithiolene = S₂C₂(CN)₂) and [Et₄N]₃[(mnt)Cu-(μ-SH)-Cu(mnt)] (3), have been synthesized. Coordination sites and O₂ activation by complex 2 resemble the formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE), an enzyme recently crystallographically characterized with sulfur-only coordination around Cu (three thiolate ligands). The function of this enzyme (and complex 2) is surprising because vulnerable thiolates should not be well suited for O₂ activation rationally. Indeed, activation of oxygen by such an all-sulfur-coordinated Cu complex 2 is lacking in the literature. Aerial O₂ (ambient O₂ from the air) activation by complex 2 could proceed through a superoxide radical intermediate and a sulfur radical intermediate detected by resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. The chemistry of 2 has been examined by its reactivity, crystal structure, and spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric analyses. In addition, the results have been complemented with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations.

Polysulfido Chain in Binuclear Zinc(II) Complexes

The synthesis and a detailed reactivity study of a binuclear zinc(II) bis(benzenethiolate) complex, [Zn₂(BPMP)(SPh)₂]⁺ (4), and an unprecedented binuclear zinc(II) pentasulfido complex, [Zn₂(BPMP)(μ₂-S₅)]⁺ (6), are presented. While one-electron oxidation of the coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 by Cp₂Fe⁺ produces diphenyl disulfide and [Zn₂(BPMP)(μ₂-OH)]²⁺ (5), a two-electron redox reaction between coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 and elemental S (S₈) generated diphenyl disulfide and the binuclear zinc(II) pentasulfido complex 6. Complex 6 features a chelating, dianionic, pentasulfido (S₅^2-) chain and can consume up to a maximum of 3 equiv of PPh₃ to generate Ph₃PS and 5, while the reaction of 6 with 1 equiv of diphenylphosphinoethane allowed the isolation of [Zn₂(BPMP)(μ₂-S₄)]⁺ (7). A proteolysis reaction of the coordinated S₅^2- chain in 6 with fluoroboric acid (HBF₄), benzoic acid (PhCOOH), and thioacetic acid (MeCOSH) generates the complexes [Zn₂(BPMP)(MeCN)₂]³⁺ (1), [Zn₂(BPMP)(μ₂-PhCOO)₂]⁺ (8), and [Zn₂(BPMP)(μ₂-SCOMe)₂]⁺ (9), respectively, while the protonated S₅^2- chain liberates S₈ and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Finally, the transfer of the coordinated benzenethiolate ligands in 4 and the S₅^2- chain in 6 to selected organic compounds, namely, PhCH₂Br and PhC(O)Cl, for the generation of various organosulfur compounds is demonstrated.

Cysteine-Activated Small-Molecule H2Se Donors Inspired by Synthetic H2S Donors

The importance of selenium (Se) in biology and health has become increasingly clear. Hydrogen selenide (H₂Se), the biologically available and active form of Se, is suggested to be an emerging nitric oxide (NO)-like signaling molecule. Nevertheless, the research on H₂Se chemical biology has technique difficulties due to the lack of well-characterized and controllable H₂Se donors under physiological conditions, as well as a robust assay for direct H₂Se quantification. Motivated by these needs, here, we demonstrate that selenocyclopropenones and selenoamides are tunable donor motifs that release H₂Se upon reaction with cysteine (Cys) at pH 7.4 and that structural modifications enable the rate of Cys-mediated H₂Se release to be tuned. We monitored the reaction pathways for the H₂Se release and confirmed H₂Se generation qualitatively using different methods. We further developed a quantitative assay for direct H₂Se trapping and quantitation in an aqueous solution, which should also be operative for investigating future H₂Se donor motifs. In addition, we demonstrate that arylselenoamide has the capability of Cys-mediated H₂Se release in cellular environments. Importantly, mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations illustrate the plausible pathways of Cys-activated H₂Se release from arylselenoamides in detail, which may help understand the mechanistic issues of the H₂S release from pharmacologically important arylthioamides. We anticipate that the well-defined chemistries of Cys-activated H₂Se donor motifs will be useful for studying Se biology and for development of new H₂Se donors and bioconjugate techniques.

Organometallic Fe2(μ-SH)2(CO)4(CN)2 Cluster Allows the Biosynthesis of the [FeFe]-Hydrogenase with Only the HydF Maturase

The biosynthesis of the active site of the [FeFe]-hydrogenases (HydA1), the H-cluster, is of interest because these enzymes are highly efficient catalysts for the oxidation and production of H2. The biosynthesis of the [2Fe]H subcluster of the H-cluster proceeds from simple precursors, which are processed by three maturases: HydG, HydE, and HydF. Previous studies established that HydG produces an Fe(CO)2(CN) adduct of cysteine, which is the substrate for HydE. In this work, we show that by using the synthetic cluster [Fe2(μ-SH)2(CN)2(CO)4]2- active HydA1 can be biosynthesized without maturases HydG and HydE.

Reactivity of chloroacetamides toward sulfide + black carbon: Insights from structural analogues and dynamic NMR spectroscopy

Chloroacetamides are commonly used in herbicide formulations, and their occurrence has been reported in soils and groundwater. However, how their chemical structures affect transformation kinetics and pathways in the presence of environmental reagents such as hydrogen sulfide species and black carbon has not been investigated. In this work, we assessed the impact of increasing Cl substituents on reaction kinetics and pathways of six chloroacetamides. The contribution of individual pathways (reductive dechlorination vs. nucleophilic substitution) to the overall decay of selected chloroacetamides was differentiated using various experimental setups; both the transformation rates and product distributions were characterized. Our results suggest that the number of Cl substituents affected reaction pathways and kinetics: trichloroacetamides predominantly underwent reductive dechlorination whereas mono- and dichloroacetamides transformed via nucleophilic substitution. Furthermore, we synthesized eight dichloroacetamide analogs (Cl₂CHC(=O)NRR') with differing R groups and characterized their transformation kinetics. Dynamic NMR spectroscopy was employed to quantify the rotational energy barriers of dichloroacetamides. Our results suggest that adsorption of dichloroacetamides on black carbon constrained R groups from approaching the dichloromethyl carbon and subsequently favored nucleophilic attack. This study provides new insights to better predict the fate of chloroacetamides in subsurface environments by linking their structural characteristics to transformation kinetics and pathways.

Imidazo-pyridine-based zinc(II) complexes as fluorescent hydrogen sulfide probes

In this work we explore the interaction of HS^- with a family of fluorescent zinc complexes. In particular we selected a family of complexes with N,O-bidentate ligands aiming at assessing whether the zinc-chelating ligand plays a role in influencing the reactivity of HS^- with the complexes under investigation. Different experiments, performed by diverse spectroscopic techniques, provide evidence that HS^- binds the zinc center of all the complexes included in this study. The results highlight the potential of the devised systems to be used as HS^-/H₂S fluorescent sensors via a coordinative-based approach. To shed light on the species formed in solution when HS^-/H₂S interacts with the title complexes and aiming to rationalize the photophysical properties of the sensing constructs, we performed a computational analysis based on the time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Preliminary bio-imaging experiments were also performed and the results indicate the potential of this class of compounds as probes for the detection of H₂S in living cells.

Deuterium equilibrium isotope effects in a supramolecular receptor for the hydrochalcogenide and halide anions

We highlight a convenient synthesis to selectively deuterate an aryl C-H hydrogen bond donor in an arylethynyl bisurea supramolecular anion receptor and use the Perrin method of competitive titrations to study the deuterium equilibrium isotope effects (DEIE) of anion binding for HS-, Cl-, and Br-. This work highlights the utility and also challenges in using this method to determine EIE with highly reactive and/or weakly binding anions.

The contribution of metalloporphyrin complexes in molecular sensing and in sustainable polymerization processes: a new and unique perspective

This review highlights the recent developments in the field of metalloporphyrins as optical probes for biologically relevant molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and as catalysts for the preparation of sustainable polymers such as polyesters, by the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters and the ring-opening co-polymerization (ROCOP) of epoxides and anhydrides, and polycarbonates by the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2). The great potential of porphyrins is mainly due to the possibility of making various synthetic modifications to the porphyrin ring, such as modifying the coordinated metal, peripheral substituents, or even the molecular skeleton. Due to the strict structure-property relationships, one can use porphyrinoids in several different applications such as, for instance, activation of molecular oxygen or catalysis of photosynthetic processes. These possibilities broaden the application of porphyrins in several different fields of research, further mimicking what nature does. In this context, here, we want to provide evidence for the great flexibility of metalloporphyrins by presenting an overview of results obtained by us and others in the research fields we are currently involved in. More specifically, we report a survey of our most significant achievements regarding their use as optical probes in the context of the results reported in the literature from other research groups, and of the use of porphyrin metal(iii) complexes as catalysts for sustainable polymerization processes. As for the optical probe section, in addition to the metalloporphyrins synthesized ad hoc in the laboratory, the present work also covers the natural proteins containing a porphyrin core.

Synthesis of a Series of a Few Hydrosulfide Complexes of Cu(I). A μ3-SH-Bridged Rare Cubane-like Tetramer Showing Efficient Catalytic Activity toward Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition

A cubane-like tetranuclear hydrosulfido complex of Cu(I), [Cu₄(SH)₄(PPh₃)₄] (1), has been synthesized by the reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, NaSCOPh, and Cu(PPh₃)₂NO₃ and characterized structurally. Complex 1 represents the first example of crystallographically characterized μ₃-SH-bridged cubanoid hydrosulfide. By direct reactions of [(PPh₃)₂Cu(NO₃)] and NaSH, neutral hydrosulfide complexes [Cu(SH)(PPh₃)₂]·C₆H₆ (2), [Cu₂(SH)₂(PPh₃)₃] (3), and [Cu₂(SH)₂(PPh₃)₄] (4) have also been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 2 is monomeric with a terminal hydrosulfide ligand. The other two, 3 and 4, are μ₂-SH-bridged unsymmetrical and symmetrical dinuclear complexes, respectively. In the symmetric one (4), both Cu(I) ions are tetrahedrally coordinated while in the unsymmetric one (3), one Cu(I) ion is tetrahedral and the other one has a trigonal-planar coordination geometry. The catalytic activity of a hydrosulfido complex in a "click" azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction has been explored for the first time, and complex 1 is found to be an efficient catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of glycoconjugate triazoles.

Synthesis of Terminal Bis(hydrosulfido) and Disulfido Complexes of Ni(II) from a Geometrically Frustrated Tetrahedral Ni(II) Chloride Complex

Recent studies have highlighted how reactive sulfur species (RSS) can be regulated and transported by metal-sulfur coordination compounds. We report herein the reactivity of ^PhB(^tBuIm)₃NiCl (1) with RSS, including the hydrosulfide anion ([Bu₄N][SH]) and a reduced tetrasulfide ([K18-C-6]₂[S₄]). The strongly donating tris(carbene) ligand in 1 is geometrically constrained to a tetrahedral geometry, and the energetically preferable square planar geometry is not achievable with the [^PhB(^tBuIm)₃]^- ligand. Upon reaction of 1 with [Bu₄N][SH] and [K18-C-6]₂[S₄], the square planar complexes ^PhB(^tBuIm)₂(^tBuImH)Ni(SH)₂ (2) and ^PhB(^tBuIm)₂(^tBuImH)Ni(η²-S₂) (3) are formed, respectively, via the protonation of one carbene ligand donor atom. Mechanistic investigation suggest that protonation occurs either from decomposition of 1 during the reaction progress, reactions with advantageous [Bu₄N]⁺/[K18-C-6]⁺ countercations or from the generation of transient unidentified RSS that facilitate proton transfer reactions.

Computational and Experimental Investigations of the Fe2(μ-S2)/Fe2(μ-S)2 Equilibrium

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on Fe2S2(CO)6-2n(PMe3)2n for n = 0, 1, and 2 reveal that the most electron-rich derivatives (n = 2) exist as diferrous disulfides lacking an S-S bond. The thermal interconversion of the FeII2(S)2 and FeI2(S2) valence isomers is symmetry-forbidden. Related electron-rich diiron complexes [Fe2S2(CN)2(CO)4]2- of an uncertain structure are implicated in the biosynthesis of [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Several efforts to synthesize electron-rich derivatives of Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)6 (1) are described. First, salts of iron persulfido cyanides [Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)5(CN)]- and [Fe2(μ-S2)(CN)(CO)4(PPh3)]- were prepared by the reactions of NaN(tms)2 with 1 and Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)5(PPh3), respectively. Alternative approaches to electron-rich diiron disulfides targeted Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)4(diphosphine). Whereas the preparation of Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)4(dppbz) was straightforward, that of Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)4(dppv) required an indirect route involving the oxidation of Fe2(μ-SH)2(CO)4(dppv) (dppbz = C6H4-1,2-(PPh2)2, dppv = cis-C2H2(PPh2)2). DFT calculations indicate that the oxidation of Fe2(μ-SH)2(CO)4(dppv) produces singlet diferrous disulfide Fe2(μ-S)2(CO)4(dppv), which is sufficiently long-lived as to be trapped by ethylene. The reaction of 1 and dppv mainly afforded Fe2(μ-SCH=CHPPh2)(μ-SPPh2)(CO)5, implicating a S-centered reaction.

Thermochemistry of Tungsten-3p Elements for Density Functional Theory, Caveat Lector!

There are two primary foci in this research on WE (E = Si, P, and S) bonds: prediction of their bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs), including σ- and π-bond energy components, and assessing the uncertainty of these BDE predictions for levels of theory commonly used in the literature. The internal standards for computational accuracy include metal-element bond lengths (mean absolute error = 1.8 ± 1.2%), main group homolog BDEs versus higher levels of ab initio theory (W1U and G4 BDEs, R² = 0.98), and DLPNO-CCSD(T)/def2-QZVPP calculations for metal-ligand BDEs (R² = 0.88). The W═Si first π-bond is underreported for density functional theory (DFT)/MP2 methods versus DLPNO-CCSD(T), while the latter shows negligible strength for the W;Si second π-bond, consistent with the literature. This research highlights clear issues with the underlying assumptions required for the use of perturbation theory methods for the fragments derived from W-P homolysis. The difficulties associated with modeling the metal thermochemistry with DFT (and MP2) levels of theory are manifest in the broad standard deviations observed. However, the average BDEs found using 48 popular DFT and MP2 levels of theory are reliable, 10.8 ± 6.8% mean absolute error (with W-P removed) versus DLPNO-CCSD(T), with the caveat that the individual basis set/pseudopotential/valence basis set combination can vary wildly. Analysis of the absolute error percentages with respect to the level of theory indicates little benefit to going higher on Jacob's Ladder, as simpler methods have lower error versus high-level ab initio techniques such as G4 and DLPNO-CCSD(T).

Thiolate Coordination vs C-S Bond Cleavage of Thiolates in Dinickel(II) Complexes

A detailed study for the synthesis of dinickel(II)-thiolate and dinickel(II)-hydrosulfide complexes and the complete characterization of the relevant intermediates involved in the C-S bond cleavage of thiolates are presented. Hydrated Ni(II) salts mediate the hydrolytic C-S bond cleavage of thiolates (NaSR/RSH; R = Me, Et, ⁿBu, ^tBu), albeit inefficiently, to yield a mixture of a dinickel(II)-hydrosulfide complex, [Ni₂(BPMP)(μ-SH)(DMF)₂]²⁺ (1), and the corresponding dinickel(II)-thiolate complexes, such as [Ni₂(BPMP)(μ-SEt)(ClO₄)]¹⁺ (2) (HBPMP is 2,6-bis[[bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl]-4-methylphenol). A systematic study for the reactivity of thiolates with Ni(II) was therefore pursued which finally yielded 1 as a pure product which has been characterized in comparison with the dinickel(II)-dichloride complex, [Ni₂(BPMP)(Cl)₂(MeOH)₂]¹⁺ (3). While the reaction of thiolates with anhydrous Ni(OTf)₂ in dry conditions could only yield [Ni₂(BPMP)(OTf)₂]¹⁺ (5) instead of the expected dinickel(II)-thiolate compound, the C-S bond cleavage could be suppressed by the use of a chelating thiol, such as PhCOSH, to yield [Ni₂(BPMP)(SCOPh)₂]¹⁺ (6). Finally, with the suitable choice of a monodentate thiol, a dinickel(II)-monothiolate complex, [Ni₂(BPMP)(SPh)(DMF)(MeOH)(H₂O)]²⁺ (7), was isolated as a pure product within 1 h of reaction, which after a longer time of reaction yielded 1 and PhOH. Complex 7 may thus be regarded as the intermediate that precedes the C-S bond cleavage and is generated by the reaction of a thiolate with an initially formed dinickel(II)-solvento complex, [Ni₂(BPMP)(MeOH)₂(H₂O)₂]³⁺(4). Selected dinickel(II) complexes were explored further for the scope of substitution reactions, and the results include the isolation of a dinickel(II)-bis(thiolate) complex, [Ni₂(BPMP)(μ-SPh)₂]¹⁺ (8).

Characterization of "Free Base" and Metal Complex Thioalkyl Porphyrazines by Magnetic Circular Dichroism and TDDFT Calculations

UV–vis absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of octakis thioethyl “free base” porphyrazine H₂OESPz and its metal complexes MOESPz (M = Mg, Zn, Ni, Pd, Cu), as well as of [MnOESPz(SH)] were recorded. In the last case, MCD proved to have quite good sensitivity to the coordination of this complex with 1-methylimidazole (1-mim) in benzene. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were carried out for the considered porphyrazine complexes and showed good performance on comparing with MCD and UV–vis experimental spectra, even in the open-shell Cu and Mn cases. Calculations accounted for the red shift observed in the thioalkyl compounds and allowed us to reveal the role of sulfur atoms in spectroscopically relevant molecular orbitals and to highlight the importance of the conformations of the thioethyl external groups. Calculated MCD spectra of [MnOESPz(SH)] confirm the Mn(III) → Mn(II) redox process, which leads to the [Mn(OESPz)(1-mim)₂] species, and the relevance of the spin state for MCD is revealed.

Synthesis and redox reactions of binuclear zinc(ii)–thiolate complexes with elemental sulfur

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of a series of binuclear zinc(ii) complexes are described featuring the redox reaction of coordinated thiolates with elemental sulfur.

Salen-type aluminum and zinc complexes as two-faced Janus compounds: contribution to molecular sensing and polymerization catalysis

The aim of the present review is to highlight the most recent achievements in different fields of application of salen-based zinc and aluminum complexes. More specifically this article focuses on the use of aluminum and zinc salen-type complexes as optical probes for biologically relevant molecules, as catalysts for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters and co-polymerization of epoxides and anhydrides (ROCOP) and in the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2). The intention is to provide an overview of the most recent results from our group within the framework of the state-of-art-results in the literature.

A Series of Homoleptic Linear Trimethylsilylchalcogenido Cuprates, Argentates and Aurates Cat[Me3SiE-M-ESiMe3] (M = Cu, Ag, Au; E = S, Se)

The syntheses and XRD molecular structures of a complete series of silylsulfido metalates Cat[M(SSiMe₃)₂] (M = Cu, Ag, Au) and corresponding silylselenido metalates Cat[M(SeSiMe₃)₂] (M = Cu, Ag, Au) comprising lattice stabilizing organic cations (Cat = Ph₄P⁺ or PPN⁺) are reported. Much to our surprise these homoleptic cuprates, argentates, and aurates are stable enough to be isolated even in the absence of any strongly binding phosphines or N-heterocyclic carbenes as coligands. Their metal atoms are coordinated by two silylchalcogenido ligands in a linear fashion. The silyl moieties of all anions show an unexpected gauche conformation of the silyl substituents with respect to the central axis Si-[E-M-E]-Si in the solid state. The energetic preference for the gauche conformation is confirmed by quantum chemical calculations and amounts to about 2-6 kJ/mol, thus revealing a rather shallow potential mainly depending on electronic effects of the metal. Furthermore, 2D HMQC methods were applied to detect the otherwise nonobservable NMR shifts of the ²⁹Si and ⁷⁷Se nuclei of the silylselenido compounds. Preliminary investigations reveal that these thermally and protolytically labile chalcogenido metalates are valuable precursors for the precipitation of binary coinage metal chalcogenide nanoparticles from organic solution and for coinage metal cluster syntheses.

Fluorescent salen-type Zn(II) Complexes As Probes for Detecting Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Anion: Bioimaging Applications

In this work, we investigate the mode of interaction of a family of fluorescent zinc complexes with HS- and H2S. Different experiments, performed by diverse spectroscopic techniques, provide evidence that HS- binds the zinc center of all the complexes under investigation. Treatment with neutral H2S exhibits a markedly different reactivity which indicates selectivity for HS- over H2S of the systems under investigation. Striking color changes, visible to the naked eye, occur when treating the systems with HS- or by an H2S flow. Accordingly, also the fluorescence is modulated by the presence of HS-, with the possible formation of multiple adducts. The results highlight the potential of the devised systems to be implemented as HS-/H2S colorimetric and fluorescent sensors. Bioimaging experiments indicate the potential of using this class of compounds as probes for the detection of H2S in living cells.