Syntheses, Structures, and Electrochemical Properties of Metallacyclic Oxidovanadium(V) Complexes with Asymmetric Multidentate Linking Ligands

Trinuclear metallacyclic oxidovanadium(V) complexes, [{VO(L3+2R)}3] (1-3) with asymmetric multidentate linking ligands (H3L3+2R: R = H, Me, Br), were synthesized. The molecular structure of 1 is characterized as a tripod structure, with each V(V) ion coordinated by ONO-atoms from a tridentate Schiff base site and ON-atoms from a bidentate benzoxazole site of two respective H3L3+2H ligands. The intramolecular V⋯V distances range from 8.0683 to 8.1791 Å. Complex 4 is a mononuclear dioxidovanadium(V) complex, (Et3NH)[VO2(HL3+2H)]. Cyclic voltammograms of 1-3 in DMF revealed redox couples attributed to three single-electron transfer processes.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of cyclo-tetra-bromido-1κ2Br,3κ2Br-tetra-kis-(μ2-2-{[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]amino}-ethane-1-thiol-ato-κ3N,S:S)tetra-mercury(II)

The macrometallacyclic title compound, [Hg4Br4(C8H11N2S)4] or [((HgL 2)(HgBr2))2] (1) where HL = 2-{[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]amino}-ethane-1-thiol, was prepared and structurally characterized. The Hg2+ complex crystallizes in the P21/c space group. The centrosymmetric Hg4S4 metallacycle is constructed from metal ions with alternating distorted tetra-hedral Br2S2 and distorted seesaw N2S2 primary coordination environments with pendant pyridyl groups. The backfolded extended chair metallacycle conformation suggests inter-actions between each of the bis-chelated mercury atoms and Br atoms lying above and below the central Hg2S4 plane. Supra-molecular inter-actions in 1 include a fourfold aryl embrace and potential hydrogen bonds with bromine as the acceptor. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H⋯H (51.7%), Br⋯H/H⋯Br (23.0%) and C⋯H/H⋯C (9.5%) inter-actions are dominant.

Near-Infrared Emissive Cascaded Artificial Light-Harvesting System with Enhanced Antibacterial Efficiency

Combination of platinum(II) metallacycles and photodynamic inactivation presents a promising antibacterial strategy. Herein, a cascaded artificial light-capturing system is developed in which an aggregation-induced emission-active platinum(II) metallacycle (PtTPEM) is utilized as the antenna, sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) as a key conveyor, and the near-infrared emissive photosensitizer Chlorin-e6 (Ce6) as the final energy acceptor. The well-dispersed Ce6 in the proximity of energy donors not only avoids self-quenching in the physiological environment but also contributes to energy transfer from donor to acceptor, thereby significantly improving the 1 O2 generation ability of the light-harvesting system under white light irradiation. By integrating the platinum(II) metallacycle and 1 O2 , a more efficient synergistic antibacterial effect is achieved at low concentrations, along with a significant decrease in dark toxicity caused by PtTPEM.

A Metallabicycle From Thiocarbonyl-Cyclopropenium Coupling

Addition of triphenylcyclopropenium bromide to the thiocarbonyl complex [RhCl(CS)(PPh3 )2 ] affords novel bicyclic metalla-3-mercapto-thiapyrylliums [Rh(κ2 -C,S-C5 S2 Ph3 )(PPh3 )2 X2 ] (X=Cl, Br) - heterocycles with no metal-free isolobal precedent. Halide abstraction with silver triflate (AgOTf) in acetonitrile affords the salt [Rh(κ2 -C,S-C5 S2 Ph3 )(NCMe)2 (PPh3 )2 {Ag(OH2 )2 }{Ag(OTf)3 }]-OTf which in turn reacts with sodium chloride to return [Rh(κ2 -C,S-C5 S2 Ph3 )(PPh3 )2 Cl2 ].

CS-Symmetric Pyridine(diimine) Iron Methyl Complexes for Catalytic [2+2] Cycloaddition and Hydrovinylation: Metallacycle Geometry Determines Selectivity

A series of C_S-symmetric (aryl,alkyl)-substituted pyridine(dimine) iron methyl (^CyA^RPDI)FeCH₃ complexes have been prepared, characterized, and evaluated as precatalysts for the [2+2]-cycloaddition of butadiene and ethylene. Mixtures of vinylcyclobutane and (Z)-hexa-1,4-diene were observed in each case. By comparison, C_2v-symmetric, arylated (PDI) iron catalysts are exclusively selective for reversible [2+2]-cycloaddition to yield vinylcyclobutane. The alteration in the chemoselectivity of the catalytic reaction was investigated through a combination of precatalyst stability studies, identification of catalytic resting state(s), and ²H and ¹³C isotopic labeling experiments. While replacement of an aryl-imine substituent with an N-alkyl group decreases the stability of the formally iron(0) dinitrogen and butadiene complexes, two diamagnetic metallacycles were identified as catalyst resting states. Deuterium labeling and NOESY/EXSY NMR experiments support 1,4-hexadiene arising from catalytic hydrovinylation involving reversible oxidative cyclization leading to accessible cis-metallacycle. Cyclobutane formation proceeds by irreversible C(sp³)-C(sp³) bond-forming reductive elimination from a trans-metallacycle. These studies provide key mechanistic understanding into the high selectivity of bis(arylated) pyridine(diimine) iron catalysts for [2+2]-cycloaddition, unique, thus far, to this class of iron catalysts.

Electrophilic Si-H Activation by Acetonitrilo Benzo[h]quinoline Iridacycles: Influence of Electronic Effects in Catalysis

The performance of six newly synthesized benzo[h]quinoline-derived acetonitrilo pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium(III) tetrakis(3,5-bis-trifluoromethylphenyl)borate salts bearing different substituents -X (-OMe, -H, -Cl, -Br, -NO2 and -(NO2)2) on the heterochelating ligand were evaluated in the dehydro-O-silylation of benzyl alcohol and the monohydrosilylation of 4-methoxybenzonitrile by Et3SiH, two reactions involving the electrophilic activation of the Si-H bond. The benchmark shows a direct dependence of the catalytic efficiency with the electronic effect of -X, which is confirmed by theoretical assessment of the intrinsic silylicities Π of hydridoiridium(III)-silylium adducts and by the theoretical evaluation of the propensity of hydridospecies to transfer the hydrido ligand to the activated substrate. The revisited analysis of the Ir-Si-H interactions shows that the most cohesive bond in hydridoiridium(III)-silylium adducts is the Ir-H one, while the Ir-Si is a weak donor-acceptor dative bond. The Si…H interaction in all the cases is noncovalent in nature and dominated by electrostatics confirming the heterolytic cleavage of the hydrosilane's Si-H bond in this key catalytically relevant species.

A Redox Transmetalation Step in Nickel-Catalyzed C-C Coupling Reactions

Ni-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions are becoming efficient routes to access a variety of functionalized arenes, yet the mechanisms of these catalytic C-C coupling reactions are not well understood. Here, we report the catalytic and stoichiometric arylation reactions of a nickel(II) metallacycle. Treatment of this species with silver(I)-aryl complexes results in facile arylation, consistent with a redox transmetalation step. Additionally, treatment with electrophilic coupling partners generates C-C and C-S bonds. We anticipate that this redox transmetalation step may be relevant to other coupling reactions that employ silver salts as additives.

An Aluminium Imide as a Transfer Agent for the [NR]2- Function via Metathesis Chemistry

The reactions of a terminal aluminium imide with a range of oxygen-containing substrates have been probed with a view to developing its use as a novel main group transfer agent for the [NR]^2- fragment. We demonstrate transfer of the imide moiety to [N₂ ], [CO] and [Ph(H)C] units driven thermodynamically by Al-O bond formation. N₂ O reacts rapidly to generate the organoazide DippN₃ (Dipp=2,6-ⁱ Pr₂ C₆ H₃ ), while CO₂ (under dilute reaction conditions) yields the corresponding isocyanate, DippNCO. Mechanistic studies, using both experimental and quantum chemical techniques, identify a carbamate complex K₂ [(NON)Al-{κ² -(N,O)-N(Dipp)CO₂ }]₂ (formed via [2+2] cycloaddition) as an intermediate in the formation of DippNCO, and also in an alternative reaction leading to the generation of the amino-dicarboxylate complex K₂ [(NON)Al{κ² -(O,O')-(O₂ C)₂ N-(Dipp)}] (via the take-up of a second equivalent of CO₂ ). In the case of benzaldehyde, a similar [2+2] cycloaddition process generates the metallacyclic hemi-aminal complex, K_n [(NON)Al{κ² -(N,O)-(N(Dipp)C(Ph)(H)O}]_n . Extrusion of the imine, PhC(H)NDipp, via cyclo-reversion is disfavoured thermally, due to the high energy of the putative aluminium oxide co-product, K₂ [(NON)Al(O)]₂ . However, addition of CO₂ allows the imine to be released, driven by the formation of the thermodynamically more stable aluminium carbonate co-product, K₂ [(NON)Al(κ² -(O,O')-CO₃ )]₂ .

Long wavelength-emissive Ru(II) metallacycle-based photosensitizer assisting in vivo bacterial diagnosis and antibacterial treatment

Ruthenium (Ru) complexes are developed as latent emissive photosensitizers for cancer and pathogen photodiagnosis and therapy. Nevertheless, most existing Ru complexes are limited as photosensitizers in terms of short excitation and emission wavelengths. Herein, we present an emissive Ru(II) metallacycle (herein referred to as 1) that is excited by 808-nm laser and emits at a wavelength of ∼1,000 nm via coordination-driven self-assembly. Metallacycle 1 exhibits good optical penetration (∼7 mm) and satisfactory reactive oxygen species production properties. Furthermore, 1 shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (including against drug-resistant Escherichia coli) as well as low cytotoxicity to normal mammalian cells. In vivo studies reveal that 1 is employed in precise, second near-infrared biomedical window fluorescent imaging-guided, photo-triggered treatments in Staphylococcus aureus-infected mice models, with negligible side effects. This work thus broads the applications of supramolecular photosensitizers through the strategy of lengthening their wavelengths.

Self-Assembly of [3]Catenane and [4]Catenane Based on Neutral Organometallic Scaffolds

Transition metal-mediated templating and self-assembly have shown great potential to construct mechanically interlocked molecules. Herein, we describe the formation of the bimetallic [3]catenane and [4]catenane based on neutral organometallic scaffolds via the orthogonality of platinum-to-oxygen coordination-driven self-assembly and copper(I) template-directed strategy of a [2]pseudorotaxane. The structures of these bimetallic [3]catenane and [4]catenane were characterized by multinuclear NMR {¹H and ³¹P} spectroscopy, electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS), and PM6 semiempirical molecular orbital theoretical calculations. In addition, single-crystal X-ray analyses of the [3]catenane revealed two asymmetric [2]pseudorotaxane units inside the metallacycle. It was discovered that tubular structures were formed through the stacking of individual [3]catenane molecules driven by the strong π-π interactions.

Design of a Metallacycle-Based Supramolecular Photosensitizer for In Vivo Image-Guided Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacteria

Bacterial infection is one of the greatest threats to public health. In vivo real-time monitoring and effective treatment of infected sites through non-invasive techniques, remain a challenge. Herein, we designed a Pt^II metallacycle-based supramolecular photosensitizer through the host-guest interaction between a pillar[5]arene-modified metallacycle and 1-butyl-4-[4-(diphenylamino)styryl]pyridinium. Leveraging the aggregation-induced emission supramolecular photosensitizer, we improved fluorescence performance and antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation. In vivo studies revealed that it displayed precise fluorescence tracking of S. aureus-infected sites, and in situ performed image-guided efficient PDI of S. aureus without noticeable side effects. These results demonstrated that metallacycle combined with host-guest chemistry could provide a paradigm for the development of powerful photosensitizers for biomedicine.

Carboxylation of a Palladacycle Formed via C(sp3 )-H Activation: Theory-Driven Reaction Design

Theory-driven organic synthesis is a powerful tool for developing new organic transformations. A palladacycle(II), generated from 8-methylquinoline via C(sp³ )-H activation, is frequently featured in the scientific literature, albeit that the reactivity toward CO₂ , an abundant, inexpensive, and non-toxic chemical, remains elusive. We have theoretically discovered potential carboxylation pathways using the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method, a density-functional-theory (DFT)-based automated reaction path search method. The thus obtained results suggest that the reduction of Pd(II) to Pd(I) is key to promote the insertion of CO₂ . Based on these computational findings, we employed various one-electron reductants, such as Cp*₂ Co, a photoredox catalyst under blue LED irradiation, and reductive electrolysis ((+)Mg/(-)Pt), which afforded the desired carboxylated products in high yields. After screening phosphine ligands under photoredox conditions, we discovered that bidentate ligands such as dppe promoted this carboxylation efficiently, which was rationally interpreted in terms of the redox potential of the Pd(II)-dppe complex as well as on the grounds of DFT calculations. We are convinced that these results could serve as future guidelines for the development of Pd(II)-catalyzed C(sp³ )-H carboxylation reactions with CO₂ .

Predictive Catalysis in Olefin Metathesis with Ru-based Catalysts with Annulated C60 Fullerenes in the N-heterocyclic Carbenes

Predictive catalysis must be the tool that does not replace experiments, but acts as a selective agent, so that synthetic strategies of maximum profitability are used in the laboratory in a surgical way. Here, nanotechnology has been used in olefin metathesis from homogeneous Ru-NHC catalysts, specifically annulating a C₆₀ fullerene to the NHC ligand. Based on results with the C₆₀ in the backbone, a sterile change with respect to the catalysis of the metal center, an attempt has been made to bring C₆₀ closer to the metal, by attaching it to one of the two C-N bonds of the imidazole group of the SIMes (1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) ligand (reference NHC ligand of the 2^nd generation Grubbs catalysts) to increase the steric pressure of C₆₀ in the first sphere of reactivity of the metal. The DFT calculated thermodynamics and the kinetics of SIMes-derived systems show that they are efficient catalysts for olefin metathesis.

Ruthenacycles and Iridacycles as Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts

In this review, we describe the synthesis and use in hydrogen transfer reactions of ruthenacycles and iridacycles. The review limits itself to metallacycles where a ligand is bound in bidentate fashion to either ruthenium or iridium via a carbon–metal sigma bond, as well as a dative bond from a heteroatom or an N-heterocyclic carbene. Pincer complexes fall outside the scope. Described are applications in (asymmetric) transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes, ketones, and imines, as well as reductive aminations. Oxidation reactions, i.e., classical Oppenauer oxidation, which is the reverse of transfer hydrogenation, as well as dehydrogenations and oxidations with oxygen, are described. Racemizations of alcohols and secondary amines are also catalyzed by ruthenacycles and iridacycles.

Acid-Activated Motion Switching of DB24C8 between Two Discrete Platinum(II) Metallacycles

The precise operation of molecular motion for constructing complicated mechanically interlocked molecules has received considerable attention and is still an energetic field of supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we reported the construction of two tris[2]pseudorotaxanes metallacycles with acid-base controllable molecular motion through self-sorting strategy and host-guest interaction. Firstly, two hexagonal Pt(II) metallacycles M1 and M2 decorated with different host-guest recognition sites have been constructed via coordination-driven self-assembly strategy. The binding of metallacycles M1 and M2 with dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) to form tris[2]pseudorotaxanes complexes TPRM1 and TPRM2 have been investigated. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the strong binding affinity between the protonated metallacycle M2 and DB24C8, the addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a stimulus successfully induces an acid-activated motion switching of DB24C8 between the discrete metallacycles M1 and M2. This research not only affords a highly efficient way to construct stimuli-responsive smart supramolecular systems but also offers prospects for precisely control multicomponent cooperative motion.

β-Cyclodextrin modified Pt(II) metallacycle-based supramolecular hyperbranched polymer assemblies for DOX delivery to liver cancer cells

Despite the widespread clinical application of chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs, their adverse side effects and inefficient performances remain ongoing issues. A drug delivery system (DDS) designed for a specific cancer may therefore overcome the drawbacks of single chemotherapeutic drugs and provide precise and synergistical cancer treatment by introducing exclusive stimulus responsiveness and combined chemotherapy properties. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a supramolecular drug delivery assembly 1 constructed by orthogonal self-assembly technique in aqueous media specifically for application in liver cancer therapy. Complex 1 incorporates the β-cyclodextrin host molecule-functionalized organoplatinum(II) metallacycle 2 with two specific stimulus-responsive motifs to the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO), in addition to the three-armed polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized ferrocene 3 with redox responsiveness. With this molecular design, the particularly low critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of assembly 1 allowed encapsulation of the commercial anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Controlled drug release was also achieved by morphological transfer via a sensitive response to the endogenous redox and NO stimuli, which are specifically related to the microenvironment of liver tumor cells. Upon combination of these properties with the anticancer ability from the platinum acceptor, in vitro studies demonstrated that DOX-loaded 1 is able to codeliver anticancer drugs and exhibit therapeutic effectiveness to liver tumor sites via a synergistic effect, thereby revealing a potential DDS platform for precise liver cancer therapeutics.

Chemistry inside a Porphyrin Skeleton: Platinacyclopentadiene from Tellurophene

Platinum(II) binds to 21,23-ditelluraporphyrin forming a side-on complex, which can be easily transformed into an aromatic metallaporphyrin, that is, 21-platina-23-telluraporphyrin, with a platinacyclopentadiene unit built in the porphyrin skeleton in place of one pyrrole ring. The central platinum(II) ion with a CCNTe square-planar coordination sphere can be oxidized to platinum(IV) by chlorine, bromine, methyl iodide or allyl chloride to yield octahedral complexes. All platinatelluraporphyrins show dynamic behavior involving the platinum ion coordination sphere fluxionality and the porphyrin skeleton deformation, both in-plane and out-of-plane, as demonstrated by ¹ H NMR spectroscopy.

Biomedically Relevant Self-Assembled Metallacycles and Metallacages

Diverse metal-organic complexes (MOCs), shaped as rectangles, triangles, hexagons, prisms, and cages, can be formed by coordination between metal ions (Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ir, Zn, Co, and Cd) and organic ligands, with potential applications as alternatives to conventional biomedical materials for therapeutic, sensing, and imaging purposes. MOCs have been investigated as anticancer drugs in the treatment of malignant tumors in lung, cervical, breast, colon, liver, prostate, ovarian, brain, stomach, bone, skin, mouth, thyroid, and other cancers. MOCs with one, two, and three cavities have also been investigated as drug carriers and prepared for the loading and release of different drugs. In addition, MOCs can target proteins by the shape effect and recognize sugars and DNA by electrostatic interactions, as well as estradiol by host-guest interactions, etc. This Perspective mainly covers achievements in the biomedical application of MOCs. We aim to identify some key trends in the reported MOC structures in relation to their biomedical activity and potential applications.

Melanin-dot-mediated delivery of metallacycle for NIR-II/photoacoustic dual-modal imaging-guided chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy

Discrete Pt(II) metallacycles have potential applications in biomedicine. Herein, we engineered a dual-modal imaging and chemo-photothermal therapeutic nano-agent 1 that incorporates discrete Pt(II) metallacycle 2 and fluorescent dye 3 (emission wavelength in the second near-infrared channel [NIR-II]) into multifunctional melanin dots with photoacoustic signal and photothermal features. Nano-agent 1 has a good solubility, biocompatibility, and stability in vivo. Both photoacoustic imaging and NIR-II imaging in vivo confirmed that 1 can effectively accumulate at tumor sites with good signal-to-background ratio and favorable distribution. Guided by precise dual-modal imaging, nano-agent 1 exhibits a superior antitumor performance and less severe side effects compared with a single treatment because of the high efficiency of the chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy. This study shows that nano-agent 1 provides a promising multifunctional theranostic platform for potential applications in biomedicine.

Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly of Silver(I) and Gold(I) Rings: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical Studies

In this work, we investigate the self-assembly between Ag(I) and Au(I) centers and pyridyl donors to form hexagonal metallacycles and related linear complexes. The precipitation of hexagonal metallacycles upon assembly in chloroform/methanol mixtures results in high solid-state photo-stability. Whereas, the Ag(I) species have fast kinetics and high formation constants in acetone, this solvent interferes in the formation of the analogous Au(I) complexes. The photophysical properties of this suite of metallacycles was investigated including steady-state absorption, emission, and time-resolved lifetime measurements. All ligands and hexagons exhibited ligand-centered singlet emissions with ground-state absorption and emission perturbed upon coordination. The ligand-based fluorescent photoluminescence was affected by the heavy-atom effect when halide or metals are present, attenuating quantum yields as evidenced by increases in the experimentally measured non-radiative rate constants. The formation of group 11 metallacycles is motivated by their potential applications in mixed-matrix materials wherein metal ions can interact with substrate to facilitate separations chemistry with reduced energy requirements, in particular the isolation of ethylene and light olefins. Existing processes involve cryogenic distillation, an energy intensive and inefficient method.

Subcellular Duplex DNA and G-Quadruplex Interaction Profiling of a Hexagonal PtII Metallacycle

Metal-driven self-assembly afforded a multitude of fascinating supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) with applications as catalysts, host-guest, and stimuli-responsive systems. However, the interest in the biological applications of SCCs is only starting to emerge and thorough characterization of their behavior in biological milieus is still lacking. Herein, we report on the synthesis and detailed in-cell tracking of a Pt₂ L₂ metallacycle. We show that our hexagonal supramolecule accumulates in cancer cell nuclei, exerting a distinctive blue fluorescence staining of chromatin resistant to UV photobleaching selectively in nucleolar G4-rich regions. SCC co-localizes with epitopes of the quadruplex-specific antibody BG4 and replaces other well-known G4 stabilizers. Moreover, the photophysical changes accompanying the metallacycle binding to G4s in solution (fluorescence quenching, absorption enhancement) also take place intracellularly, allowing its subcellular interaction tracking.

New Rigid Polycyclic Bis(phosphane) for Asymmetric Catalysis

A simple, highly efficient synthesis of a series of novel chiral non-racemic rigid tetracyclic phosphorus ligands, applicable in important chemical asymmetric transformations, was performed. In a tandem cross-coupling/C-H bond activation reaction, a well-recognised and readily available ligand (R,R)-NORPHOS was used as the starting material. The palladium complexes of new ligands were obtained and characterised on the example of a crystalline dichloropalladium complex of [(1R,2R,9S,10S,11R,12R)-4-phenyltetracyclo[8.2.1.0^2,9.0^3,8]trideca-3,5,7-triene-11,12-diyl]bis(diphenylphosphane). A notably high activity and stereoselectivity of the palladium catalysts based on the new ligands were confirmed in a model asymmetric allylic substitution reaction. Herein, we discuss the geometry of the palladium complexes formed and its impact on the efficiency of the catalysts. A comparison of their geometric features with other bis(phosphane) ligand complexes found in the Cambridge Structural Database and built density functional theory (DFT) commutated models is also presented and rationalised.

Rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycle-based NIR-II theranostic nanoprobe for tumor diagnosis and image-guided therapy

Fluorescent theranostics probes at the second near-IR region (NIR-II; 1.0-1.7 µm) are in high demand for precise theranostics that minimize autofluorescence, reduce photon scattering, and improve the penetration depth. Herein, we designed and synthesized an NIR-II theranostic nanoprobe 1 that incorporates a Pt(II) metallacycle 2 and an organic molecular dye 3 into DSPE-mPEG5000 (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-5000]). This design endows 1 with good photostability and passive targeting ability. Our studies show that 1 accurately diagnoses cancer with high resolution and selectively delivers the Pt(II) metallacycle to tumor regions via an enhanced permeability and retention effect. In vivo studies reveal that 1 efficiently inhibits the growth of tumor with minimal side effects. At the same time, improved fluorescent imaging quality and signal-to-noise ratios are shown due to the long emission wavelengths. These studies demonstrate that 1 is a potential theranostic platform for tumor diagnosis and treatment in the NIR-II region.

Biomedical Applications of Metallosupramolecular Assemblies-Structural Aspects of the Anticancer Activity

The design and development of metallosupramolecular systems has resulted in construction of a myriad of fascinating structures with highly diverse properties and potential applications. Assessment of the biomedical applications of metallosupramolecular assemblies is an emerging field of research that stems from the recently demonstrated promising results on such systems. After the pioneering works of Therrien and coworkers on organometallic Ru-cages with promising anticancer properties, this topic has evolved to the more recent studies on bioactivity of supramolecular coordination complexes built from different metal ions and various multidentate ligands. Sufficient amount of data on the anticancer activity of metallosupramolecules has already been reported and allows outlining some general tendencies in the structural aspects of the biological activity. The main structural properties of the complexes that can be readily modified to enhance their activity are the size, the shape and charge of the formed complexes. Moreover, the intrinsic properties of the building components could predetermine some of the main characteristics of the overall supramolecular complex, such as its optical properties, chemical reactivity, solubility, etc., and could, thereby, define the areas of its biomedical applications. The unique structural property of most of the metallosupramolecular assemblies, however, is the presence of a discrete cavity that renders a whole range of additional applications resulting from specific host-guest interactions. The encapsulations of small bioactive or fluorescent molecules have been employed for delivery or recognition purposes in many examples. On the other hand, metallosupramolecules have been imbedded into target-specific polymeric nanoparticles that resulted in a successful combination of their therapeutic and diagnostic properties, making them promising for theranostic application in cancer treatment. The aim of this review paper is to mark out some key tendencies in the reported metallosupramolecular structures in relation with their biological activity and potential areas of biomedical application. In this way, a useful set of guidelines can be delineated to help synthetic chemists broaden the application areas of their supramolecular systems by few structural changes.

Orthogonal self-assembly of an organoplatinum(II) metallacycle and cucurbit[8]uril that delivers curcumin to cancer cells

Curcumin (Cur) is a naturally occurring anticancer drug isolated from the Curcuma longa plant. It is known to exhibit anticancer properties via inhibiting the STAT3 phosphorylation process. However, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability impede its clinical application. Herein, we used organoplatinum(II) ← pyridyl coordination-driven self-assembly and a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])-mediated heteroternary host-guest complex formation in concert to produce an effective delivery system that transports Cur into the cancer cells. Specifically, a hexagon 1, containing hydrophilic methyl viologen (MV) units and 3,4,5-Tris[2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]benzoyl groups alternatively at the vertices, has been synthesized and characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. The MV units of 1 underwent noncovalent complexation with CB[8] to yield a host-guest complex 4. Cur can be encapsulated in 4, via a 1:1:1 heteroternary complex formation, resulting in a water-soluble host-guest complex 5. The host-guest complex 5 exhibited ca 100-fold improved IC₅₀ values relative to free Cur against human melanoma (C32), melanoma of rodents (B16F10), and hormone-responsive (MCF-7) and triple-negative (MDA-MB231) breast cancer cells. Moreover, strong synergisms of Cur with 1 and 4 with combinatorial indexes of <1 across all of the cell lines were observed. An induced apoptosis with fragmented DNA pattern and inhibited expression of phosphor-STAT3 supported the improved therapeutic potential of Cur in heteroternary complex 5.

Broad-Scope Rh-Catalyzed Inverse-Sonogashira Reaction Directed by Weakly Coordinating Groups

We report the alkynylation of C(sp2)-H bonds with bromoalkynes (inverse-Sonogashira reaction) directed by synthetically useful ester, ketone, and ether groups under rhodium catalysis. Other less common directing groups such as amine, thioether, sulfoxide, sulfone, phenol ester, and carbamate are also suitable directing groups. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds by a turnover-limiting C-H activation step via an electrophilic-type substitution.

Flexible ligated ruthenium(II) self-assemblies sensitizes glioma tumor initiating cells in vitro

The tumorigenic potentials of residual cancer stem-like cells within tumors represent limitations of current cancer therapies. Here, the authors describe the effects of synthesized flexible, ligated, supramolecular self-assembled chair type tetranuclear ruthenium (II) metallacycles (2–5) on glioblastoma and glioma stem like cells. These self-assemblies were observed to be selectively toxic to glioma cells and CD133-positive glioma stem like cells population. Of the self-assembled compounds tested, metallacycle 4 more efficiently induced glioma stem like cells death within a brain cancer cell population and simultaneously inhibited the formation of free-floating gliospheres by reducing the sphere size. Detailed cell death studies revealed that treatment with metallacycle 4 reduced mitochondrial membrane potentials (an indicator of apoptosis) of glioma stem like cells. These results shows the elimination of cancer stem-like cells using an appropriate ligand binding adaptor offers a potential means of developing metal-based compounds for the treatment of chemo-resistant tumors.

Photophysical Enhancement of Triplet Emitters by Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly

The quantum yields of organic fluorophores used as donors in coordination-driven self-assembly often suffer from the heavy atom effect of nearby metal sites. Here, the role of intersystem crossing from a deactivating process to one that delivers emissive triplet states was reversed. A phosphorescent trans bis-N-heterocyclic carbene platinum(II) compound, Pt(dhim)₂ (C≡C-4-py)₂ (D1; dhim=1,3-dihexyl-2-H-imidazol-2-ylidene), was used along with other linear donors 4,4'-bipyridine (D2) and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl ethynyl)benzene (D3) in self-assembly reactions with Pt(dtbpy)X₂ acceptors (dtbpy=4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine) to afford three metallacycles. Photophysical investigations revealed that, although the building blocks used to construct M1 have relatively low quantum yields (Φ=1.2 and <1 % for D1 and 2, respectively), the metallacycle has a quantum yield of 14 %. This increase reflects a change in radiative rate constant from 3.6×10⁴  s^-1 for D1 to 2.1×10⁵  s^-1 for M1.

Crystal structure of tricarbon-yl(N-di-phenyl-phosphanyl-N,N'-diisopropyl-P-phenyl-phospho-nous di-amide-κ(2) P,P')cobalt(I) tetra-carbonyl-cobaltate(-I) toluene 0.25-solvate

The title compound {Co(CO)₃[Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(H)i-Pr]}[Co(CO)₄] is an ionic species consisting of a Co(CO)₃[Ph₂PN(i-Pr)P(Ph)N(H)i-Pr] cation and a [Co(CO)₄] anion.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Co(C₂₄H₃₀N₂P₂)(CO)₃][Co(CO)₄]·0.25C₇H₈, consists of two crystallographically independent cations with similar conformations, two anions, and one-half of a toluene mol­ecule disordered about an inversion centre. In the cations, a Co/P/N/P four-membered slightly bent metallacycle is the key structural element. The pendant NH group is not coordinated to the Co^I atom, which displays a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry. Weak inter­ionic hydrogen bonds are observed between the NH groups and a carbonyl group of the tetrahedral [Co(CO)₄]⁻ anions.

Spectral studies of a Cr(PNP)-MAO system for selective ethylene trimerization catalysis: searching for the active species

Variable temperature spectroscopic, kinetic, and chemical studies were performed on a soluble Cr^IIICl₃(PNP) (PNP = bis(diarylphosphino)alkylamine) ethylene trimerization precatalyst to map out its methylaluminoxane (MAO) activation sequence. These studies indicate that treatment of Cr^IIICl₃(PNP) with MAO leads to first replacement of chlorides with alkyl groups, followed by alkyl abstraction, and then reduction to lower-valent species. Reactivity studies demonstrate that the majority of the chromium species detected is not catalytically active.

Organometallic mechanism of action and inhibition of the 4Fe-4S isoprenoid biosynthesis protein GcpE (IspG)

We report the results of a series of chemical, EPR, ENDOR, and HYSCORE spectroscopic investigations of the mechanism of action (and inhibition) of GcpE, E-1-hydroxy-2-methyl-but-2-enyl-4-diphosphate (HMBPP) synthase, also known as IspG, an Fe(4)S(4) cluster-containing protein. We find that the epoxide of HMBPP when reduced by GcpE generates the same transient EPR species as observed on addition of the substrate, 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-2, 4-cyclo-diphosphate. ENDOR and HYSCORE spectra of these transient species (using (2)H, (13)C and (17)O labeled samples) indicate formation of an Fe-C-H containing organometallic intermediate, most likely a ferraoxetane. This is then rapidly reduced to a ferracyclopropane in which the HMBPP product forms an eta(2)-alkenyl pi- (or pi/sigma) complex with the 4th Fe in the Fe(4)S(4) cluster, and a similar "metallacycle" also forms between isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and GcpE. Based on this metallacycle concept, we show that an alkyne (propargyl) diphosphate is a good (K(i) approximately 300 nM) GcpE inhibitor, and supported again by EPR and ENDOR results (a (13)C hyperfine coupling of approximately 7 MHz), as well as literature precedent, we propose that the alkyne forms another pi/sigma metallacycle, an eta(2)-alkynyl, or ferracyclopropene. Overall, the results are of broad general interest because they provide new mechanistic insights into GcpE catalysis and inhibition, with organometallic bond formation playing, in both cases, a key role.