Nitrogen heterocycles as building blocks for new metallosupramolecular architectures

Anti-cancer palladium complexes: a focus on PdX2L2, palladacycles and related complexes

Much success has been achieved with platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, i.e. through interactions with DNA. The long-term application of Pt complexes is thwarted by issues, leading scientists to examine other metals such as palladium which could exhibit complementary modes of action (given emphasis wherever known). Over the last 10 years several research groups have focused on the application of an eclectic array of palladium complexes (of the type PdX2L2, palladacycles and related structures) as potential anti-cancer agents. This review therefore provides readers with an up to date account of the advances that have taken place over the past several decades.

Synthesis and characterisation of eight isomeric bis(2-pyridyloxy)naphthalenes

Eight isomeric bis(2-pyridyloxy)naphthalenes have been prepared from reactions of 2-bromopyridine with the appropriate dihydroxynaphthalene and the products fully characterised by 1- and 2-D NMR spectroscopy.

Metal–metal interactions in dinuclear ruthenium complexes containing bridging 4,5-di(2-pyridyl)imidazolates and related ligands

The dinuclear bis(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium complex of 4,5-di(2-pyridyl)imidazolate has been prepared and separated into its (meso and rac) diastereoisomers. The 2-phenyl substituted analogue forms the meso isomer selectively. All three complexes have been characterised by 1H NMR and X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical measurements and spectroelectrochemistry of the mixed-valence states reveal strong metal-metal interactions and IVCT bands that are highly dependent on the electrolyte.

Ligand design in multimetallic architectures: six lessons learned

Metallosupramolecular chemistry involves the use of combinations of organic ligands and metals for the construction of both discrete and polymeric aggregates. This Account describes some lessons that we have learned about aspects of ligand design in the course of our work in this area. Specifically, we recommend the incorporation of a diverse range of heterocyclic rings and arene cores within the ligands, as well as attention to symmetry considerations, and offer suggestions for the introduction of chirality and flexibility within the ligands and the exploitation of other weak interactions to assist self-assembly processes.