PEGylation of Terminal Ligands as a Route to Decrease the Toxicity of Radiocontrast Re6-Clusters

The development of novel radiocontrast agents, mainly used for the visualization of blood vessels, is still an emerging task due to the variety of side effects of conventional X-ray contrast media. Recently, we have shown that octahedral chalcogenide rhenium clusters with phosphine ligands-Na2H14[{Re6Q8}(P(C2H4COO)3)6] (Q = S, Se)-can be considered as promising X-ray contrast agents if their relatively high toxicity related to the high charge of the complexes can be overcome. To address this issue, we propose one of the most widely used methods for tuning the properties of proteins and peptides-PEGylation (PEG is polyethylene glycol). The reaction between the clusters and PEG-400 was carried out in acidic aqueous media and resulted in the binding of up to five carboxylate groups with PEG. The study of cytotoxicity against Hep-2 cells and acute toxicity in mice showed a twofold reduction in toxicity after PEGylation, demonstrating the success of the strategy chosen. Finally, the compound obtained has been used for the visualization of blood vessels of laboratory rats by angiography and computed tomography.

Evolution of the Electronic Structure of the trans-[Re6S8bipy4Cl2] Octahedral Rhenium Cluster during Reduction

Understanding the processes that occur during the redox transformations of complexes coordinated by redox-active apical ligands is important for the design of electrochemically active compounds with functional properties. In this work, a detailed analysis of the interaction energy and electronic structure was performed for cluster complexes trans-[Re₆S₈bipy₄Cl₂]ⁿ (n = 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-), which can be obtained by stepwise electrochemical reduction of a neutral cluster trans-[Re₆S₈bipy₄Cl₂] in DMSO solution. It was shown that the formation of open-shell paramagnetic ions with S = 1, 2 and 1 is the most energetically favorable for n = 2-, 4- and 6-, respectively.

Selective Oxidation of Inner Pnictogenide Ligands in Mixed-Ligand Rhenium Cubane-Type Cluster Complexes

Reactivity of new tetrahedral rhenium cluster complexes with pnictogenide inner ligands μ₃-As^3-, μ₃-Sb^3-, and μ₃-Bi^3- has been investigated in reactions with aqueous H₂O₂. It has been found that the oxidation of clusters [{Re₄As₃Q}(CN)₁₂]^7- (Q = S or Se) led to the formation of stable clusters with μ₃-(AsO)^3- ligands. Under the same conditions, the oxidation of [{Re₄As₂S₂}(CN)₁₂]^6- cluster led to substitution of μ₃-As^3- ligands to μ₃-O^2-. The resulting cluster [{Re₄O₂S₂}(CN)₁₂]^4- easily undergoes further oxidation, and even at room temperature, a unique {Re₄} to {Re₃} rearrangement occurs with the formation of the new triangular cluster [{Re₃(μ₃-S)(μ-O)₂(μ-SO₂)}(CN)₉]^5-. Upon heating, this process proceeds faster and the triangular cluster can be isolated as individual compounds. Cluster anions [{Re₄SbSe₃}(CN)₁₂]^5- and [{Re₄BiS₃}(CN)₁₂]^5- reacted with H₂O₂, yielding clusters containing μ₃-O^2- ligands, namely, [{Re₄OSe₃}(CN)₁₂]^4- and [{Re₄OS₃}(CN)₁₂]^4-. This indicates that oxidized forms of μ₃-Sb^3- and μ₃-Bi^3- ligands can be easily substituted.

Coordination Polymers Based on Rhenium Octahedral Chalcocyanide Cluster Anions and Ag+ Cations with Bipyridine Analogs

A series of six coordination polymers based on octahedral cluster anions [Re₆Q₈(CN)₆]^4- (Q = S or Se) and Ag⁺ cations coordinated by bipyridine analogs were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Their structures have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 described by the general formula [{Ag(phen)}₄Re₆Q₈(CN)₆] (Q = Se (1), S (2); phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) exhibit layered structures assembled into a supramolecular network by CH…π contacts. At the same time, compounds [{Ag(bipym)}₂Ag₂Re₆Se₈(CN)₆] (bipym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) (3), [{Ag₂(bipy)}Ag₂Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]·CH₃CN (bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine) (4) and [{Ag(dpbp)}₄Re₆Q₈(CN)₆]·2H₂O·2CH₃CN (Q = Se (5), S (6); dpbp = 4,4'-Di(4-pyridyl)biphenyl)) evince framework structures. In 1, 2, 5 and 6 weak Ag⋯Ag interactions are observed. All the compounds show luminescence in the red region. The luminescence quantum yields and lifetimes were found to be notably higher than those for most of the coordination polymers based on the octahedral rhenium cluster complexes.

The Cluster Polyazide Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and 14N NMR Studies of [{Re3(μ-X)3}(N3)9]3- (X = Br or I)

Azide cluster complexes [{Re₃(μ-Br)₃}(N₃)₉]^3- and [{Re₃(μ-I)₃}(N₃)₉]^3- were obtained by reaction of Re₃X₉ (X = Br or I, respectively) with sodium azide in methanol. The complexes were crystallized as cesium salts of the compositions Cs₃[{Re₃(μ-Br)₃}(N₃)₉]·H₂O (1) and Cs₃[{Re₃(μ-I)₃}(N₃)₉]·H₂O (2) and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, ¹⁴N NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. In the anions, each rhenium atom is coordinated by three azide ligands. To the best of our knowledge, these compounds represent the first case of metal cluster polyazide complexes (i.e., where each metal atom bears more than one azide ligand). Both complexes are stable in air but are very shock sensitive, and spontaneous explosive decomposition is also possible.

Heterometallic Re/Mo and Re/W cubane-type cluster complexes

A series of heterometallic Re/Mo and Re/W cubane-type cluster complexes were obtained. New cluster anions demonstrate a regular change in geometric characteristics and redox potentials depending on the composition of the cluster core.

Stabilization of Re37+/Re38+ Metalloclusters by Cyanide Ligands in New Trinuclear Rhenium Cluster Complexes [{Re3X3}(CN)9]4-/[{Re3X3}(CN)9]5- (X = Br or I)

The interaction of rhenium(III) halides Re₃Br₉ and Re₃I₉ with aqueous solution of sodium cyanide resulted in the formation of the first trinuclear halide-cyanide rhenium cluster complexes [{Re₃X₃}(CN)₉]^5-/[{Re₃X₃}(CN)₉]^4- (X = Br or I) crystallized as salts of the compositions Cs₄Na[{Re₃Br₃}(CN)₉]·5.25H₂O (1), Cs₄Na[{Re₃I₃}(CN)₉]·6H₂O (2), Cs₄[{Re₃Br₃}(CN)₉]·2H₂O·0.5CsCl (3), and Cs₄[{Re₃I₃}(CN)₉]·(4). All of the compounds are stable in air in the solid state and in aqueous solution. The substitution of apical halide ligands in the parent compounds Re₃X₉ by cyanides led to reduction of the original metallocluster Re₃⁹⁺ (12 cluster valence electrons (CVEs)) to Re₃⁷⁺ (14 CVEs), forming the compounds 1 and 2. The apical CN^- ligands affect the electronic structure of the Re₃ metallocluster stabilizing reduced form. Complexes 1 and 2 represent the first examples of triangular rhenium clusters with the Re₃⁷⁺ metallocluster. The reaction of 1 and 2 with H₂O₂ resulted in formation of compounds 3 and 4 with the formal charge of the Re₃ metallocluster equal to 8+, and no further oxidation to Re₃⁹⁺ occurred. The compounds were characterized by the X-ray diffraction analysis, NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements.

Inorganic Ligands Sb3- and Bi3-: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Complexes with Mixed-Ligand Cluster Cores {Re4Se3Sb}7+ and {Re4Se3Bi}7

The reactions of ReI₃, Se, and KCN with Sb₂O₃ or Bi₂O₃ at elevated temperature led to the formation of two new tetrahedral clusters with mixed-ligand cluster cores {Re₄Se₃Sb}⁷⁺ and {Re₄Se₃Bi}⁷⁺. They are the first examples of complexes with either Sb^3- or Bi^3- ligands, which have never been previously described in the literature.

Heterogeneous photoactive antimicrobial coatings based on a fluoroplastic doped with an octahedral molybdenum cluster compound

Despite the wide variety of strategies developed to combat pathogenic microorganisms, the infectious diseases they cause remain a worldwide health issue. Hence, the search for new disinfectants, which prevent infection spread, constitutes an extremely urgent task. One of the most promising methods is the use of photoactive compounds - photosensitizers, capable of generating reactive oxygen species, in particular, singlet oxygen (O2(1Δg)), which causes rapid and effective death of microorganisms of all types. In this work, we propose the utilization of the powdered cluster complex (Bu4N)2[{Mo6I8}(OTs)6] as a photoactive additive to commercially available fluoroplastic lacquer F-32L to create heterogeneous self-sterilizing coatings. We show that soaking of the prepared films in water for 60 days did not lead to a decrease in their photosensitization properties indicating their excellent stability. Moreover, the use of the cluster complex in the solid state allowed significant expansion of the operating wavelength range, which covers the UV region and a large part of the visible region (250-650 nm). The films displayed high photoantimicrobial activity against five common pathogens (bacteria and fungi) under white-light irradiation. Overall, the properties demonstrated make these materials promising for practical use in everyday outdoor and indoor disinfection since they are active under both sunlight and artificial lighting.

Cyanide Complexes Based on {Mo6I8}4+ and {W6I8}4+ Cluster Cores

Compounds based on new cyanide cluster anions [{Mo₆I₈}(CN)₆]^2–, trans-[{Mo₆I₈}(CN)₄(MeO)₂]^2– and trans-[{W₆I₈}(CN)₂(MeO)₄]²⁻ were synthesized using mechanochemical or solvothermal synthesis. The crystal and electronic structures as well as spectroscopic properties of the anions were investigated. It was found that the new compounds exhibit red luminescence upon excitation by UV light in the solid state and solutions, as other cluster complexes based on {Mo₆I₈}⁴⁺ and {W₆I₈}⁴⁺ cores do. The compounds can be recrystallized from aqueous methanol solutions; besides this, it was shown using NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy that anions did not undergo hydrolysis in the solutions for a long time. These facts indicate that hydrolytic stabilization of {Mo₆I₈} and {W₆I₈} cluster cores can be achieved by coordination of cyanide ligands.

Cyclodextrin-Assisted Hierarchical Aggregation of Dawson-type Polyoxometalate in the Presence of {Re6Se8} Based Clusters

The association of metallic clusters (CLUS) and polyoxometalates (POM) into hierarchical architectures is achieved using γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) as a supramolecular connector. The new self-assembled systems, so-called CLUSPOM, are formed from Dawson-type polyoxometalate [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6- and electron-rich rhenium clusters. It is worth noting that a cluster-based cation [{Re₆Se₈}(H₂O)₆]²⁺ on one hand and a cluster-based anion on the other hand [{Re₆Se₈}(CN)₆]^4- can be associated with the anionic POM. In the absence of the supramolecular connector, a "CLUSPOM salt" was obtained from aqueous solution of the cationic cluster and the polyoxometalate. In this solid, the arrangement between the polymetallic building blocks is mainly governed by long-range Coulombic interactions. In the presence of γ-CD, the Dawson anion and the cationic cluster are assembled differently, forming a hierarchical supramolecular solid, K₂[{Re₆Se₈}(H₂O)₆]₂{[P₂W₁₈O₆₂]@2γ-CD}·42H₂O, where the organic macrocycle acts as a ditopic linker between the inorganic building blocks. In such an edifice, the short-range molecular recognition dominates the long-range Coulombic interactions leading to a specific three-dimensional organization. Interestingly, the assembling of anionic POM [P₂W₁₈O₆₂]^6- with the anionic rhenium cluster [{Re₆Se₈}(CN)₆]^4- is also achieved with γ-CD despite the repulsive forces between the nanosized anions. The resulting solid, K₁₀{[{Re₆Se₈}(CN)₆]@2γ-CD}[P₂W₁₈O₆₂]·33H₂O, is built from 1:2 inclusion complexes {[{Re₆Se₈}(CN)₆]@2γ-CD}^4- linked by a POM unit interacting with the exterior wall of the organic macrocycle. Multinuclear NMR and small-angle X-ray scattering investigations support supramolecular preorganization in aqueous solution prior to crystallization.

The {Re4} Tetrahedral Cyanometalate Cluster Anion [{Re4(μ3-CCN)4}(CN)12]8- with Inner (μ3-CCN)3- Ligands and Its Features in Coordination of Cu2+ Cations

A reaction between ReI₃ and KCN at elevated temperature led to the formation of the new cyanometalate cluster anion [{Re₄(μ₃-CCN)₄}(CN)₁₂]^8- (1). The anion contains μ₃-CCN^3- ligands, which are stabilized by the coordination to the triangular faces of the tetrahedral {Re₄} metallocluster in a μ₃ mode. The compound crystallized as a potassium salt, and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It was shown that μ₃-CCN^3- ligands are ambidentate and can interact with transition-metal cations similarly to terminal CN groups, resulting in the polymer framework formation.

Soluble Molecular Rhenium Cluster Complexes Exhibiting Multistage Terminal Ligands Reduction

Substitution of terminal halide ligands of octahedral rhenium cluster complexes [Re₆Q₈X₆]^4- in a melt of 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) led to us obtaining four new compounds with the general formula trans-[Re₆Q₈(bpy)₄X₂] (Q = S or Se; X = Cl or Br) in high yield. In contrast to most of the known molecular rhenium cluster complexes with heteroaromatic terminal ligands, compounds 1-4 are soluble in organic solvents. This made it possible to carry out a detailed characterization of the new compounds both in solids and in solutions. In particular, it was shown that compounds 1-4 in the DMSO solution exhibit four reversible reduction processes. A comparison of the obtained data with the results of DFT calculations of the electronic structure suggests that these processes correspond to two-electron reduction of all four bpy ligands. The reduction potentials are shifted to the positive region compared with the potential of free bipyridine, and the value of the shift depends on the composition of the cluster core. The presence of four transitions also suggests that electronic exchange between terminal ligands in the cis-position is possible. The study of the luminescence of the compounds showed that emission maxima of selenide clusters almost coincide with those of sulfide ones, while luminescence spectra of the complexes with chloride terminal ligands (1 and 3) are slightly blue-shifted relative to the spectra of the complexes with bromide ligands (2 and 4).

Metal–organic frameworks with solvent-free lanthanide coordination environments: synthesis from aqueous ethanol solutions

Twelve MOFs with a solvent-free environment of Ln³⁺ cations were obtained through solution synthesis in the presence of cluster anions.

Photodynamic properties of tungsten iodide clusters incorporated into silicone: A2[M6I8L6]@silicone

The light-induced antibacterial and antifungal properties of A₂[M₆I₈L₆] with M = Mo and W, A = organic cation, L = ligand have been studied. The photoactive compounds (TBA)₂[W₆I₈(C₇H₇SO₃)₆] and (TBA)₂[W₆I₈(COOCF₃)₆] have been incorporated into a permeable silicone matrix and were measured for their application in the decomposition of multi-resistant bioactive species (hospital germs) such as S. aureus and P. aeruginosa as well as fungi. In addition, we present a new high volume synthesis route for these types of cluster compounds departing from the soluble compound W₆I₂₂.

The light-induced antibacterial and antifungal properties of A₂[M₆I₈L₆] with M = Mo and W, A = organic cation, L = ligand have been studied.

[{Re6Q8}(SO3)6]10- (Q = S or Se): Facile Synthesis and Properties of the Most Highly Charged Octahedral Cluster Complexes and High Magnetic Relaxivity of Their Colloids with Gd3+ Ions

New octahedral rhenium cluster complexes [{Re₆Q₈}(SO₃)₆]^10- (Q = S or Se) were synthesized starting from [{Re₆Q₈}(H₂O)₄(OH)₂]·12H₂O. The complexes were crystallized as sodium salts and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and elemental analyses, IR, UV/vis and luminescence spectroscopies. Magnetic relaxation data demonstrate the complex formation of the cluster units with gadolinium ions. The analysis of the magnetic relaxation rates measured at various Gd:cluster ratios and different concentrations revealed the conversion of the aggregates (Gd_x[{Re₆Se₈}(SO₃)₆]_y)^n- into a nanoparticulate form even at x = 1 and y ≥ 1. Thus, the self-assembly of the cluster units into the nanoparticles is greatly facilitated by counterion binding with sodium cations. The concentration conditions were optimized for the formation and hydrophilization of Na_xGd_y[{Re₆Q₈}(SO₃)₆]-based colloids with the magnetic relaxivity values of r₁₍₂₎ = 21.0(24.1) and r₁₍₂₎ = 25.9(29.8) mM^-1 s^-1 for the {Re₆S₈}²⁺ and {Re₆Se₈}²⁺ derivatives, respectively.

Luminescent twelve-nuclear rhenium clusters

The first luminescent twelve-nuclear rhenium cluster complexes were obtained. Three new clusters, namely, [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-Cl)₃Cl₆]^5-, [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-Br)₃Cl₆]^5- and [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-Br)₃Br₆]^5-, were synthesized using the non-isovalent substitution of μ-O ligands within the {Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-O)₃}⁰ cluster core by halide anions. The geometry of the new clusters was investigated by X-ray structural analysis, and the electronic structures were evaluated by the use of DFT calculations. It was found that compounds based on these anions showed red luminescence in both the solid state and solution that was never observed before for previously studied twelve-nuclear rhenium clusters.

PO23- and AsO3-: Pnictogenide Ligands in the Highly Charged Re4 Cluster Anions [{Re4(PO)3(PO2)}(CN)12]8-, [{Re4As2(AsO)2}(CN)12]8-, and [{Re4(AsO)4}(CN)12]8

New tetrahedral anionic rhenium cluster complexes [{Re₄(PO)₃(PO₂)}(CN)₁₂]^8- (1) and [{Re₄As₂(AsO)₂}(CN)₁₂]^8- (2) have been synthesized by the reaction of ReI₃ with NaCN and P_red or KCN and As_gray, respectively. Compound 2 was further oxidized by aqueous H₂O₂ to produce the cluster anion [{Re₄(AsO)₄}(CN)₁₂]^8- (3). The anions contain new pnictogen/oxygen-based ligands, PO₂^3- and AsO^3-, which were stabilized by the coordination to the triangular faces of the tetrahedral Re₄ metallocluster in μ₃-mode. All three compounds were crystallized as either sodium or potassium salts, and their crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Metal–organic frameworks based on polynuclear lanthanide complexes and octahedral rhenium clusters

A series of MOFs comprising tetrahedral lanthanide complexes, isonicotinate linkers, and the octahedral cluster anion [Re₆S₈(CN)₆]^4– demonstrate structure-directing effects of the rhenium cluster.

Water-soluble Re6-clusters with aromatic phosphine ligands – from synthesis to potential biomedical applications

New hexarhenium clusters exhibit radio- and photoluminescence, have low cytotoxicity, are capable of penetrating into cells and exhibit photodynamic toxicity.

Tuning the chaotropic effect as an assembly motif through one-electron transfer in a rhenium cluster

As small change as one electron transfer within the hydrophilic rhenium cluster [{Re₆Se₈}(CN)₆]^4−/3− induces dramatic alteration in supramolecular self-assembly properties with γ-cyclodextrin as a result of chaotropic effect driven process.

From oxide to a new type of molecular tungsten compound: formation of bitetrahedral cluster complexes [{W6(μ4-O)2(μ3-CCN)4}(CN)16]10- and [{W6(μ4-O)2(μ3-As)4}(CN)16]10

Tungsten trioxide has been found to be a convenient precursor for the synthesis of metal cluster compounds with new types of cluster cores. The reaction between WO3 and KCN led to the formation of the cluster complex [{W6(μ4-O)2(μ3-CCN)4}(CN)16]10-. Unexpectedly, it includes the fully deprotonated form of acetonitrile, the CCN3- anion, as a μ3-bridging ligand coordinated to the trigonal faces of the bitetrahedral W6 metallocluster. A similar complex [{W6(μ4-O)2(μ3-As)4}(CN)16]10- containing μ3-As3- ligands instead of μ3-CCN3- ones has been synthesized by the reaction between WO3, As and KCN.

Luminescent silica mesoparticles for protein transduction

Unlike silica nanoparticles, the potential of silica mesoparticles (SMPs) (i.e. particles of submicron size) for biological applications in particular the in vitro (let alone in vivo) cellular delivery of biological cargo has so far not been sufficiently studied. Here we examine the potential of luminescent (namely, octahedral molybdenum cluster doped) SMPs synthesised by a simple one-pot reaction for the labelling of cells and for protein transduction into larynx carcinoma (Hep-2) cells using GFP as a model protein. Our data demonstrates that the SMPs internalise into the cells within half an hour. This results in cells that detectably luminesce via conventional methods. In addition, the particles are non-toxic both in darkness and upon photo-irradiation. The SMPs were modified to allow their functionalisation by a protein, which then delivered the protein (GFP) efficiently into the cells. Thus, the luminescent SMPs offer a cheap and trackable alternative to existing materials for cellular internalisation of proteins, such as the HIV TAT protein and commercial protein delivery agents (e.g. Pierce™).

Host-Guest Binding Hierarchy within Redox- and Luminescence-Responsive Supramolecular Self-Assembly Based on Chalcogenide Clusters and γ-Cyclodextrin

Water-soluble salts of anionic [Re₆ Q₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- (Q=S, Se, Te) chalcogenide octahedral rhenium clusters react with γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) producing a new type of inclusion compounds. Crystal structures determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed supramolecular host-guest assemblies resulting from close encapsulations of the octahedral cluster within two γ-CDs. Interestingly, nature of the inner Q ligands influences strongly the host-guest conformation. The cluster [Re₆ S₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- interacts preferentially with the primary faces of the γ-CD while the bulkier clusters [Re₆ Se₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- and [Re₆ Te₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- exhibit specific interactions with the secondary faces of the cyclic host. Furthermore, analysis of the crystal packing reveals additional supramolecular interactions that lead to 2D infinite arrangements with [Re₆ S₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- or to 1D "bamboo-like" columns with [Re₆ Se₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- and [Re₆ Te₈ (CN)₆ ]^4- species. Solution studies, using multinuclear NMR methods, ESI-MS and Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) corroborates nicely the solid-state investigations showing that supramolecular pre-organization is retained in aqueous solution even in diluted conditions. Furthermore, ITC analysis showed that host-guest stability increases significantly ongoing from S to Te. At last, we report herein that deep inclusion alters significantly the intrinsic physical-chemical properties of the octahedral clusters, allowing redox tuning and near IR luminescence enhancement.

Multifunctional Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Redox-Active Rhenium Octahedral Clusters

The redox-active rhenium octahedral cluster unit [Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]^4- was combined with Gd³⁺ ions and dicarboxylate linkers in novel types of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that display a set of functional properties. The hydrolytically stable complexes [{Gd(H₂O)₃}₂(L)Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]·nH₂O (1, L = furan-2,5-dicarboxylate, fdc; 2, L = thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate, tdc) exhibit a 3D framework of trigonal symmetry where 1D chains of [{Gd(H₂O)₃}₂(L)]⁴⁺ are connected by [Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]^4- clusters. Frameworks contain spacious channels filled with H₂O. Solvent molecules can be easily removed under vacuum to produce permanently porous solids with high volumetric CO₂ uptake and remarkable CO₂/N₂ selectivity at room temperature. The frameworks demonstrate an ability for reversible redox transformations of the cluster fragment. The orange powders of compounds 1 and 2 react with Br₂, yielding dark-green powders of [{Gd(H₂O)₃}₂(L)Re₆Se₈(CN)₆]Br·nH₂O (3, L = fdc; 4, L = tdc). Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural with 1 and 2 and also have permanently porous frameworks but display different optical, magnetic, and sorption properties. In particular, oxidation of the cluster fragment "switches off" its luminescence in the red region, and the incorporation of Br^- leads to a decrease of the solvent-accessible volume in the channels of 3 and 4. Finally, the green powders of 3 and 4 can be reduced back to the orange powders of 1 and 2 by reaction with hydrazine, thus displaying a rare ability for fully reversible chemical redox transitions. Compounds 1-4 are mentioned as a new class of redox-active cluster-based MOFs with potential usage as multifunctional materials for gas separation and chemical contamination sensors.

Facile Substitution of Bridging SO22- Ligands in Re12 Bioctahedral Cluster Complexes

Selective substitution of μ-SO₂^2- groups by either O^2- or Se^2- ions occurs upon heating the bioctahedral rhenium cluster complex K₆[Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-SO₂)₃(CN)₆] in air atmosphere or in the presence of a Se source, respectively, manifesting the remarkable lability of SO₂^2- ligands bound to a transition-metal cluster. A series of compounds based on the new mixed-ligand anions, [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-O)₃(CN)₆]^6-, [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-Se)₃(CN)₆]^6-, and [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-O)₃(OH)₆]^6-, were isolated and their solid-state structures were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Along with the previously reported μ-sulfide clusters, the new species constitute a series of rhenium anionic complexes with the common formula [Re₁₂CS₁₄(μ-Q)₃L₆]^6- (Q = O, S, Se, L = CN^-; Q = O, S, L = OH^-), within which the total charge and number of cluster valence electrons (CVEs) are constant. The article presents insights into the mechanistic and synthetic aspects of the substitution process, and it comprehensively discusses the influence of inner ligand environment on the structure, spectroscopic characteristics, and electrochemical behavior of the novel compounds.

A comparative study of hydrophilic phosphine hexanuclear rhenium cluster complexes' toxicity

The octahedral rhenium cluster compound Na2H8[{Re6Se8}(P(C2H4CONH2)(C2H4COO)2)6] has recently emerged as a very promising X-ray contrast agent for biomedical applications. However, the synthesis of this compound is rather challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the hydrolysis of the initial P(C2H4CN)3 ligand during the reaction process. Therefore, in this report we compare the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Na2H8[{Re6Se8}(P(C2H4CONH2)(C2H4COO)2)6] with those of related compounds featuring the fully hydrolysed form of the phosphine ligand, namely Na2H14[{Re6Q8}(P(C2H4COO)3)6] (Q = S or Se). Our results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity and acute in vivo toxicity of the complex Na2H8[{Re6Se8}(P(C2H4CONH2)(C2H4COO)2)6] solutions were considerably lower than those of compounds with the fully hydrolysed ligand P(C2H4COOH)3. Such behavior can be explained by the higher osmolality of Na2H14[{Re6Q8}(P(C2H4COO)3)6] versus Na2H8[{Re6Se8}(P(C2H4CONH2)(C2H4COO)2)6].

A comparative study of optical properties and X-ray induced luminescence of octahedral molybdenum and tungsten cluster complexes

Octahedral W cluster complexes have more intensive X-ray excited optical luminescence than Mo ones.

Luminescent coordination polymers based on Ca2+ and octahedral cluster anions [{M6Cli8}Cla6]2− (M = Mo, W): synthesis and thermal stability studies

Preparation of 1D coordination polymers based on luminescent hexanuclear cluster complexes.

Water-soluble hybrid materials based on {Mo6X8}4+ (X = Cl, Br, I) cluster complexes and sodium polystyrene sulfonate

A water-soluble form of {Mo₆X₈}⁴⁺ clusters was developed.

Cellular internalization and morphological analysis after intravenous injection of a highly hydrophilic octahedral rhenium cluster complex - a new promising X-ray contrast agent

The octahedral cluster compound Na₂ H₈ [{Re₆ Se₈ }(P(C₂ H₄ CONH₂ )(C₂ H₄ COO)₂ )₆ ] has been shown to be highly radio dense, thus becoming a promising X-ray contrast agent. It was also shown that this compound had low cytotoxic effect in vitro, low acute toxicity in vivo and was eliminated rapidly from the body through the urinary tract. The present contribution describes a more detailed cellular internalization assay and morphological analysis after intravenous injection of this hexarhenium cluster compound at different doses. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀ ) of intravenously administrated compound was calculated (4.67 ± 0.69 g/kg). Results of the study clearly indicated that the cluster complex H_n [{Re₆ Se₈ }(P(C₂ H₄ CONH₂ )(C₂ H₄ COO)₂ )₆ ]^n-10 was not internalized into cells in vitro and induced only moderate morphological alterations of kidneys at high doses without any changes in morphology of liver, spleen, duodenum, or heart of mice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.