Gold(III) six-membered N

The first six-membered gold(III) N^C^N pincer complex was obtained in good yield, under very mild conditions, by transmetalation of [Hg(κC-N^C^N)Cl] (N^CH^N = 1,3-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)benzene, HL(1)) with Na[AuCl(4)]. The X-ray crystal structure of [Au(N^C^N)Cl][PF(6)] showed that the fused six-membered metallacycles each exist in a strongly puckered boat conformation. As shown by the (1)H NMR spectra in various solvents, the same structure is also retained in solution: no inversion of the six-membered metallacycles is observed in DMSO up to 95 °C. This correlates well with a reaction barrier of 17.5 kcal/mole, as determined by quantum chemical calculations. The reactivity of the present pincer complex is compared to that of the analogous 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzene, HL(2), derivative, which has five-membered fused metallacycles. Sharp differences are found in the reactions with phosphines, such as PPh(3) and dppe (1,2-bis-diphenylphosphino-ethane), and with silver salts. Theoretical calculations were carried out on the two pincer complexes in order to try to understand these differences, and we found that the gold-chlorine bond is significantly stronger in the case of the complex containing five-membered metallacyclic rings.

Large effect of a small substitution: competition of dehydration with charge retention and coulomb explosion in gaseous [(bipy(R))Au(mu-O)2Au(bipy(R))]2+ dications.

Dinuclear gold(III) clusters with a rhombic Au(2)O(2) core and 2,2'-bipyridyl ligands substituted in the 6-position (bipy(R)) are examined by tandem mass spectrometry. Electrospray ionization of the hexafluorophosphate salts affords the complexes [(bipy(R))Au(mu-O)(2)Au(bipy(R))](2+) as free dications in the gas phase. The fragmentation behavior of the mass-selected dications is probed by means of collision-induced dissociation experiments which reveal an exceptionally pronounced effect of substitution. Thus, for the parent compound with R = H, i.e., [(bipy)Au(mu-O)(2)Au(bipy)](2+), fragmentation at the dicationic stage prevails to result in a loss of neutral H(2)O concomitant with an assumed rollover cyclometalation of the bipyridine ligands. In marked contrast, all complexes with alkyl substituents in the 6-position of the ligands (bipy(R) with R = CH(3), CH(CH(3))(2), CH(2)C(CH(3))(3), and 2,6-C(6)H(3)(CH(3))(2)) as well as the corresponding complex with 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridyl as a ligand exclusively undergo Coulomb explosion to produce two monocationic fragments. It is proposed that the additional steric strain introduced to the central Au(2)O(2) core by the substituents on the bipyridine ligand, in conjunction with the presence of oxidizable C-H bonds in the substituents, crucially affects the subtle balance between dication dissociation under maintenance of the 2-fold charge and Coulomb explosion into two singly charged fragments.

Chemistry, antiproliferative properties, tumor selectivity, and molecular mechanisms of novel gold(III) compounds for cancer treatment: a systematic study.

The antiproliferative properties of a group of 13 structurally diverse gold(III) compounds, including six mononuclear gold(III) complexes, five dinuclear oxo-bridged gold(III) complexes, and two organogold(III) compounds, toward several human tumor cell lines were evaluated in vitro using a systematic screening strategy. Initially all compounds were tested against a panel of 12 human tumor cell lines, and the best performers were tested against a larger 36-cell-line panel. Very pronounced antiproliferative properties were highlighted in most cases, with cytotoxic potencies commonly falling in the low micromolar--and even nanomolar--range. Overall, good-to-excellent tumor selectivity was established for at least seven compounds, making them particularly attractive for further pharmacological evaluation. Compare analysis suggested that the observed antiproliferative effects are caused by a variety of molecular mechanisms, in most cases "DNA-independent," and completely different from those of platinum drugs. Remarkably, some new biomolecular systems such as histone deacetylase, protein kinase C/staurosporine, mammalian target of rapamycin/rapamycin, and cyclin-dependent kinases were proposed for the first time as likely biochemical targets for the gold(III) species investigated. The results conclusively qualify gold(III) compounds as a promising class of cytotoxic agents, of outstanding interest for cancer treatment, while providing initial insight into their modes of action.

Reactivity of 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzene, N--CH--N, with gold(III) chlorides: salts, adducts and cyclometalated pincer derivatives. Crystal and molecular structures of [HN--CH--N][AuCl4], [Au(N--C--N)Cl][PF6] and [Au(N--C--N)Cl(PPh3)2][PF6].

The reaction of 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzene, N--CH--N, with H[AuCl(4)] has been studied under different conditions. Mono- ([N--CH--NH][AuCl(4)]) and di-protonated salts ([HN--CH--NH][AuCl(4)](2)), as well as an adduct, [(N--CH--N)(AuCl(3))(2)], have been isolated. Very rare cyclometalated pincer derivatives, [Au(N--C--N)Cl](+) have been obtained as different salts, either by transmetallation from the corresponding mercury(ii) derivative, [Hg(N--C--N)Cl], or by direct C-H activation. The structures in the solid state of [N--CH--NH][AuCl(4)] and [Au(N--C--N)Cl][PF(6)] have been solved by X-ray diffraction. Reaction of the pincer derivatives with PPh(3), dppm (bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) and dppe (1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) occurs with displacement of the coordinated nitrogen atoms to afford [Au(N--C--N)(Cl)(PPh(3))(2)](+), [Au(N--C--N)(Cl)(dppm)(2)](+) and [Au(N--C--N)(Cl)(dppe)](+), respectively. The X-ray structure of [Au(N--C--N)(Cl)(PPh(3))(2)][PF(6)] confirms that the ligand N--C--N is only sigma-carbon bonded and the PPh(3) molecules are in a trans-arrangement. The pattern of the (31)P{(1)H}NMR spectrum of [Au(N--C--N)(Cl)(dppm)(2)](+), a pair of "triplets", deserves comments: the spectrum is not of the A(2)X(2) type but a case of a deceptively simple AA'XX' spin system.

Structural characterization, solution studies, and DFT calculations on a series of binuclear gold(III) oxo complexes: relationships to biological properties.

A series of structurally related oxo-bridged binuclear gold(III) compounds, [Au2(mu-O)2(N;N)2](PF6)2, where N;N is 2,2'-bipyridine or a substituted 2,2'-bipyridine, have recently been shown to exhibit appreciable stability under physiological-like conditions and to manifest important antiproliferative effects toward selected human tumor cell lines (J. Med. Chem. 2006, 49, 5524). The crystal structures of four members of this series, namely, [Au2(mu-O)2(bipy)2](PF6)2, cis-[Au2(mu-O)2(6-Mebipy)2](PF6)2, trans-[Au2(mu-O)2(6-oXylbipy)2](PF6)2, and [Au2(mu-O)2(6,6'-Me2bipy)2](PF6)2, have been solved here and the respective structural parameters comparatively analyzed. Remarkably, all of the compounds contain a common structural motif consisting of a Au2O2 "diamond core" linked to two bipyridine ligands in a roughly planar arrangement. Interestingly, introduction of different kinds of alkyl or aryl substituents on the 6 (and 6') position(s) of the bipyridine ligand leads to small structural changes that nonetheless greatly affect the reactivity of the metal centers. The chemical behavior of these compounds in solution has been studied in detail, focusing in particular on the electrochemical properties. Some initial correlations among the structural parameters, the chemical behavior in solution, and the known cytotoxic effects of these compounds are proposed. Notably, we have found that the 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine derivative, which showed the largest structural deviations with respect to the model compound [Au2(mu-O)2(bipy)2](PF6)2, also had the highest oxidizing power, the least thermal stability, and the greatest cytotoxic activity. The positive correlation that exists between the oxidizing power and the antiproliferative effects seems to be of particular interest. Moreover, the electronic structures of these compounds were extensively analyzed using DFT methods, and the effects of the various substituents on reactivity were predicted; overall, very good agreement between theoretical expectations and experimental data was achieved. In turn, theoretical predictions offer interesting hints for the design of new, more active binuclear gold(III) compounds.

Synthesis and properties of gold alkene complexes. Crystal structure of [Au(bipy(oXyl))(eta(2)-CH(2)=CHPh)](PF(6)) and DFT calculations on the model cation [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)=CH(2))](+).

Unprecedented 16-electron gold(i) olefin complexes of general formula [Au(bipy(R,R'))(eta(2)-olefin)](PF(6)) and [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-diolefin)](PF(6))(2) (bipy(R,R') = 6-substituted-2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared by reaction of dinuclear gold(III) oxo complexes [Au(2)(bipy(R,R'))(2)(mu-O)(2)](PF(6))(2) with the appropriate olefin. The X-ray crystal structures of two mononuclear complexes (olefin = styrene) show in-plane coordination of the olefin and a C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond distance considerably lengthened with respect to the free olefin. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes are discussed and compared with those of analogous d(10) metal derivatives. Both structural and spectroscopic information indicate a substantial contribution of pi-back-donation to the Au-olefin bond in the three-coordinate species. Theoretical calculations carried out at the hybrid-DFT level on the model compound [Au(bipy)(eta(2)-CH(2)[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2))](+) show excellent agreement with the experimental findings giving in addition an estimate of a pi-back-bonding contribution higher than that of the sigma-bonding.

Structural and solution chemistry, antiproliferative effects, and DNA and protein binding properties of a series of dinuclear gold(III) compounds with bipyridyl ligands.

A series of six dinuclear gold(III) oxo complexes with bipyridyl ligands, of general formula [Au2(N,N)2(mu-O)2][PF6]2 (Auoxo1-Auoxo6) [where N,N = 2,2'-bipyridine (1), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl- (2), 6-methyl- (3), 6-neopentyl- (4), 6-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)- (5), 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (6)], were investigated as potential cytotoxic and anticancer agents, and their antiproliferative properties were evaluated in vitro toward the reference A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line. While five compounds manifested moderate cytotoxic properties (with IC50 approximately 10-30 microM), the sixth one (Auoxo6), turned out to be approximately 5-15 times more active against both cell lines and will merit further pharmacological studies. The interactions of Auoxo1 and Auoxo6 with a few model proteins (serum albumin, cytochrome c, ubiquitin) and with calf thymus DNA were analyzed in detail by various spectroscopic methods. Both tested compounds manifested a high and peculiar reactivity toward the mentioned model proteins; specific differences were detected in their reactivity with DNA. The mechanistic implications of these results are discussed.

Reaction of gold(III) oxo complexes with alkenes. Synthesis of unprecedented gold alkene complexes, [Au(N,N)(alkene)][PF6]. Crystal structure of [Au(bipy(ip))(eta2-CH2=CHPh)][PF6] (bipy(ip) = 6-isopropyl-2,2'-bipyridine).

Gold alkene complexes [Au(bipyR)(eta2-alkene)][PF6] (bipyR = 6-alkyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been obtained by reaction of gold(III) oxo complexes [Au2(bipyR)2(mu-O)2][PF6]2 with alkenes. The crystal structure of the styrene adduct [Au(bipy(ip))(eta2-CH2=CHPh)][PF6] (bipy(ip) = 6-isopropyl-2,2'-bipyridine) has been solved by X-ray analysis.

Reactions of gold(III) complexes with serum albumin.

The reactions of a few representative gold(III) complexes -[Au(ethylenediamine)2]Cl3, [Au(diethylentriamine)Cl]Cl2, [Au(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)](ClO4)2Cl, [Au(2,2',2'-terpyridine)Cl]Cl2, [Au(2,2'-bipyridine)(OH)2][PF6] and the organometallic compound [Au(6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-H)(OH)][PF6]- with BSA were investigated by the joint use of various spectroscopic methods and separation techniques. Weak metal-protein interactions were revealed for the [Au(ethylenediamine)2]3+ and [Au(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)]3+ species, whereas progressive reduction of the gold(III) centre was observed in the cases of [Au(2,2'-bipyridine)(OH)2]+ and [Au(2,2',2'-terpyridine)Cl]2+. In contrast, tight metal-protein adducts are formed when BSA is reacted with either [Au(diethylentriamine)Cl]2+ and [Au(6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-H)(OH)]+. Notably, binding of the latter complex to serum albumin results in the appearance of characteristic CD bands in the visible spectrum. It is suggested that adduct formation for both of these gold(III) complexes occurs through coordination at the level of surface histidines. Stability of these gold(III) complexes/serum albumin adducts was tested under physiologically relevant conditions and found to be appreciable. Metal binding to the protein is tight; complete detachment of the metal from the protein has been achieved only after the addition of excess potassium cyanide. The implications of the present results for the pharmacological activity of these novel cytotoxic agents are discussed.

Gold(III) complexes with bipyridyl ligands: solution chemistry, cytotoxicity, and DNA binding properties.

Gold(III) compounds generally exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines and are of potential interest as antitumor drugs. We report here on the solution chemistry, the cytotoxicity, and the DNA binding properties of two new bipyridyl gold(III) compounds: [Au(bipy)(OH)(2)][PF(6)] (1) and the organometallic compound [Au(bipy(c)-H)(OH)][PF(6)] (2) (bipy(c) = 6-(1,1-dimethylbenzyl)-2,2'-bipyridine). Both compounds are sufficiently soluble, and stable for hours, within a physiological buffer at 37 degrees C; [Au(bipy)(OH)(2)][PF(6)], at variance with [Au(bipy(c)-H)(OH)][PF(6)], is quickly and quantitatively reduced by ascorbate. Both compounds showed relevant cytotoxic effects toward the A2780S, A2780R, and SKOV3 tumor cell lines; lower effects were detected on the CCRF-CEM/S and CCRF-CEM/R lines. In most cases the mechanisms of resistance to CDDP are only marginally effective against these gold(III) complexes. The interactions of [Au(bipy)(OH)(2)][PF(6)] and [Au(bipy(c)-H)(OH)][PF(6)] with calf thymus DNA were investigated in vitro by various techniques to establish whether DNA represents a primary target for these compounds. Addition of saturating amounts of DNA did not affect appreciably the visible spectra of these gold(III) complexes. Some slight modifications of the CD spectra of calf thymus DNA and of the DNA melting parameters were observed; in any case, ultrafiltration experiments showed that binding of these gold(III) complexes to DNA is weak and reversible. The mechanistic implications of these findings are discussed.