Incorporation of Manganese Complexes within Hybrid Resol-Silica and Carbon-Silica Nanoparticles.

The incorporation of a luminescent probe into a nano-vector is one of the approaches used to design chemosensors and nanocargos for drug delivery and theranostics. The location of the nano-vector can be followed using fluorescence spectroscopy together with the change of environment that affects the fluorescence properties. The ligand 9-anthracene carboxylate is proposed in this study as a luminescent probe to locate two types of manganese complexes inside three series of porous nanoparticles of different composition: resol-silica, carbon-silica and pure silica. The manganese complexes are a tetranuclear MnIII cluster [MnIII4(µ-O)2(µ-AntCO2)6(bpy)2(ClO4)2] with a butterfly core, and a MnII dinuclear complex [{MnII(bpy)(AntCO2)}2(µ-AntCO2)2(µ-OH2)]. The magnetic measurements indicate that both complexes are present as dinuclear entities when incorporated inside the particles. Both the Mn complexes and the nanoparticles are luminescent. However, when the metal complexes are introduced into the nanoparticles, the luminescent properties of both are altered. The study of the fluorescence of the nanoparticles' suspensions and of the supernatants shows that MnII compounds seem to be more retained inside the particles than MnIII compounds. The resol-silica nanoparticles with MnII complexes inside is the material that presents the lowest complex leaching in ethanol.

A 2D rhomboidal system of manganese(ii) [Mn(3-MeC6H4COO)2(H2O)2]n with spin canting: rationalization of the magnetic exchange.

The crystal structure of Mn(ii) carboxylate with 3-methylbenzoate as a bridging ligand [Mn(3-MeC6H4COO)2(H2O)2]n shows a rhomboidal layer, where each pair of neighbor Mn(ii) ions are bridged through only one carboxylate group with a syn-anti conformation. The magnetic exchange between neighbor ions is weakly antiferromagnetic (J = -0.52 cm-1, g = 2.04), and at low temperature the system shows spin canting with TB = 3.8 K. Computational studies, based on periodic calculations of the energies of the significant spin states on the magnetic cell and some higher supercells, corroborate the weak AF interaction between the adjacent Mn(ii) ions and preclude the negligible effect of frustration caused by very weak interactions between the non-adjacent ions in the magnetic response of the system. The results provide compelling evidence that the observed spin canting is due to the local coordination geometry of the manganese ions leading to two antiferromagnetically coupled subnets with different axial vectors.

Influence of the Disposition of the Anisotropy Axes into the Magnetic Properties of MnIII Dinuclear Compounds with Benzoato Derivative Bridges.

The two new MnIII dinuclear compounds [{Mn(H2O)(phen)}2(µ-4-CH3C6H4COO)2(µ-O)](ClO4)2·3CH3CN·H2O (1·3CH3CN·H2O) and [{Mn(H2O)(phen)}(µ-O)(µ-2-BrC6H4COO)2{Mn(NO3)(phen)}]NO3 (2) have been synthesized. Their structural data reveal significant differences in the shape of the coordination octahedron around the MnIII ions in both compounds. The different distortions from ideal geometry incite a very different magnetic behavior, affecting both the zero-field splitting parameters of the MnIII ions (DMn and EMn) and the magnetic interaction between them. Compound 1, with elongation in the monodentate ligand direction, shows antiferromagnetic coupling (ground state S = 0) and local DMn < 0, while compound 2, with compression in the oxo bridge direction, displays a ferromagnetic interaction (ground state S = 4) and local DMn > 0. Theoretical CASSCF and DFT calculations corroborate the different magnetic anisotropy and exchange coupling found in both compounds. Moreover, with the help of theoretical calculations, some interesting magneto-structural correlations have been found between the degree of distortion of the coordination octahedra and the magnetic coupling; it becomes more antiferromagnetic when the elongation parameter, Δ, in absolute value is increased.

Determination of ZFS parameters from the EPR spectra of mono-, di- and trinuclear MnII complexes: impact of magnetic coupling.

A family of new MnII compounds, consisting of seven dinuclear, three mononuclear, and four trinuclear ones, were synthesised using benzoic acid derivatives n-RC6H4COOH, where n-R = 2-MeO, 3-MeO, 4-MeO, or 4-tBu, and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen) as blocking ligands. The crystal structures of nine of these compounds and the magnetic studies of all of them are reported here. Each type of compound was formed depending on the presence or absence of ClO4- ions, the solvent used, and/or the presence of a small amount of water in the reaction medium. The use of the tert-buthylbenzoate ligand gave unexpected results, very likely due to the steric hindrance caused by the voluminous tBu groups. The EPR spectra of each type of compound give some peculiar features that allow its identification. Attempts to fit these spectra have been made in order to determine the ZFS parameters, D and E, of the MnII ion (for mononuclear and dinuclear systems) or of the ground state (for trinuclear systems). For trinuclear systems, the single-ion ZFS parameters estimated from those of the ground state provided a good simulation of the EPR spectra of these compounds. The EPR signals observed in each case have been rationalised according to the energy level distribution and the plausible population in the excited states. In some particular situations, the sign of DMn could be determined from the fit of the EPR spectra of the antiferromagnetic dinuclear compounds, the source of the difference between the spectra lying in the second excited state.

New insights into the comprehension of the magnetic properties of dinuclear Mn(III) compounds with the general formula [{MnL(NN)}2(µ-O)(µ-n-RC6H4COO)2]X2.

Five new dinuclear Mn(iii) compounds with benzoato derivative bridges [{Mn(bpy)L}2(µ-O)(µ-n-RC6H4COO)2]X2 (n-R = 3-MeO, 4-MeO and 4-tBu, X = NO3(-) and ClO4(-)) were synthesised and characterised. According to X-ray diffraction, the X anions tend to be coordinated to the Mn ions and may occupy the place of the monodentate ligand L. Two structural isomers that only differ in one of their monodentate ligands have been obtained with the 3-MeOC6H4COO(-) bridges. For all compounds, the Mn(iii) ions display elongated octahedra with a pronounced rhombic distortion. To quantify these distortions separately, the elongation and rhombicity parameters Δ and ρ have been defined. The magnetic study shows a good relationship between the distortion of the coordination polyhedra and the zero field splitting parameters (DMn and EMn). From the magnetic data of a powder sample, it is possible to determine the sign and magnitude of DMn for ferromagnetic systems or weak antiferromagnetic systems with DMn < 0. For this kind of dinuclear compound, the R group at the meta position, the rhombic distortion of the octahedra, and large torsion angles between the Jahn-Teller axes lead to ferromagnetic interactions.

Magnetic Behavior of Heterometallic Wheels Having a [Mn(IV)6M2O9](10+) Core with M = Ca(2+) and Sr(2+).

Two new heterometallic Mn(IV)-M(2+) compounds with formula [Mn6M2O9(4-(t)BuC6H4COO)10(4-(t)BuC6H4COOH)5] (M = Ca(2+) (1), Sr(2+) (2)) have been crystallized. The core of both compounds consists of a planar Mn6 ring, where the Mn(IV) ions are alternatively bridged by (µ3-O)2(µ-RCOO) and (µ4-O)(µ-RCOO)2 ligands, and the two alkaline earth ions are located to both sides of the wheel, linked to the oxo bridges, generating three fused [Mn2M2O4](4+) cuboids. These compounds show a net antiferromagnetic behavior, more important for 2 (Sr(2+)) than for 1 (Ca(2+)). The fitting of the experimental data was performed with the support of DFT calculations, considering four different exchange pathways: two between adjacent Mn(IV) ions (J1 and J2) and two between nonadjacent Mn(IV) ions (J3 and J4). The results of the analysis show that J1 and J2 are of the opposite sign, the ferromagnetic contribution corresponding to the [Mn2(µ4-O)(µ-RCOO)2](4+) unit (J2). The influence of the M(2+) ions in the magnetic behavior is analyzed for 1 and 2 and for three hypothetical models with the structural parameters of 1 containing Mg(2+), Sr(2+) or without the M(2+) ions. In spite of the diamagnetic character of the alkaline earth ions, their influence on the magnetic behavior has been evidenced and correlated with their polarizing effect. Moreover, the magnetic interactions between nonadjacent ions are non-negligible.

Biomimetic Mn-Catalases Based on Dimeric Manganese Complexes in Mesoporous Silica for Potential Antioxidant Agent.

Two new structural and functional models of the Mn-catalase with formula [{Mn(III)(bpy)(H2O)}(µ-2-MeOC6H4CO2)2(µ-O){Mn(III)(bpy)(X)}]X, where X = NO3 (1) and ClO4 (2) and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. In both cases, a water molecule and an X ion occupy the monodentate positions. The magnetic properties of these compounds reveal a weak antiferromagnetic behavior (2J = -2.2 cm(-1) for 1 and -0.7 cm(-1) for 2, using the spin Hamiltonian H = -2J S1·S2) and negative zero-field splitting parameter DMn (-4.6 cm(-1) and -3.0 cm(-1) for 1 and 2, respectively). This fact, together with the nearly orthogonal orientation of the Jahn-Teller axes of the Mn(III) ions explain the unusual shape of χMT versus T plot at low temperature. Compound 1 presents a better catalase activity than 2 in CH3CN-H2O media, probably due to a beneficial interaction of the NO3(-) ion with the Mn complex in solution. These compounds were successfully inserted inside two-dimensional hexagonal mesoporous silica (MCM-41 type) leading to the same hybrid material ([Mn2O]@SiO2), without the X group. The manganese complex occupies approximately half of the available pore volume, keeping the silica's hexagonal array intact. Magnetic measurements of [Mn2O]@SiO2 suggest that most of the dinuclear unit is preserved, as a non-negligible interaction between Mn ions is still observed. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the Mn 3s peak confirms that Mn remains as Mn(III) inside the silica. The catalase activity study of material [Mn2O]@SiO2 reveals that the complex is more active inside the porous silica, probably due to the surface silanolate groups of the pore wall. Moreover, the new material shows catalase activity in water media, while the coordination compounds are not active.

Neodymium 1D systems: targeting new sources for field-induced slow magnetization relaxation.

Two non-isostructural homometallic 1D neodymium species displaying field-induced slow magnetization relaxations are presented together with theoretical studies. It is established that both systems are better described as organized 1D single molecule magnets (SMMs). Studies show great potential of Nd(III) ions to provide homometallic chains with slow magnetic relaxation.

Designed synthesis of CO2-promoted copper(II) coordination polymers: synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and studies of versatile functional properties.

A series of CO2-promoted Cu(II) coordination polymers in different coordination environments has been synthesized. The molecular description and properties of the four complexes have been investigated by CHN, MS, UV-VIS, IR, PXRD, TEM, SQUID, SC-XRD, NLDFT, and electrical property characterizations. Single crystal X-ray structure determination of [Cu(bpy)(C2O4)]n (1) and [Cu(2-AMP)2(C2O4)]n (2) depicts their polynuclearity [bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, 2-AMP = 2-aminopyridine; 2-AMP is a cleaved ligand of starting ligand L1= N-(phenyl(pyridin-2-ylamino)methyl)pyridin-2-amine]. Both complexes have distorted octahedral geometry. Starting from another tripodal ligand L2 [ L2 = 2-((((2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)(pyridin-2-yl)methyl)amino)methyl)phenol, L2' (cleaved L(2) ligand) = 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)ethanamine], a mononuclear complex [Cu(L(2))(Cl)] (3) has been obtained with a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Polynuclear complexes 1, 2, and 4 are CO2-mediated functional materials that have been produced in benzonitrile solvent medium. Interestingly, complex 4 of cleaved ligand L2 is a wonderful copper-based functional material with appreciable surface area. Powder XRD and TEM analysis of complex 4 supports its mesoporosity. Moreover, all four complexes can function as semiconductors over a wide temperature range.

Tetranuclear [Co-Gd]2 complexes: aiming at a better understanding of the 3d-Gd magnetic interaction.

Tetranuclear [Co-Gd](2) complexes were prepared by using trianionic ligands possessing amide, imine, and phenol functions. The structural determinations show that the starting cobalt complexes present square planar or square pyramid environments that are preserved in the final tetranuclear [Co-Gd](2) complexes. These geometrical modifications of the cobalt coordination spheres induce changes in the cobalt spin ground states, going from S = 1/2 in the square planar to S = 3/2 for the square pyramid environments. Depending on the ligand, the complexes display antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic Co(II)-Gd(III) interactions. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility-temperature products indicate that the Co-Gd interaction is ferromagnetic when high spin Co ions are concerned and antiferromagnetic in the case of low spin Co ions. This different magnetic behavior can be explained if we observe that the singly occupied σ d(x(2)-y(2)) orbital is populated (S = 3/2 Co ions) or unoccupied (S = 1/2 Co ions). Such an observation furnishes invaluable information for the understanding of the more general 3d-4f magnetic interactions.

Magneto-structural studies of two new cobalt(II)-N,N-diisobutylisonicotinamide compounds: [CoLCl2]n and [Co(L)2(H2O)4][CoLBr3]2·2H2O.

Two similar synthetic pathways using the ligand N,N-diisobutylisonicotinamide (L) with anhydrous CoX(2) salts (being X = Cl(-), Br(-)) led to different species: a one-dimensional system, [CoLCl(2)](n), 1, and an ionic product [Co(L)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][CoLBr(3)](2)·2H(2)O, 2, respectively. Compound 1 is a polymer in which ligand L coordinates to tetrahedral Co(II) ions in a bidentate bridging fashion using the pyridine nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atoms. Compound 2 consists of one octahedral cationic [Co(L)(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2+) entity and two tetrahedral anionic [CoLBr(3)](-) units. In this system, the ligand molecules coordinate only through the pyridine nitrogen atoms. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 were investigated in the temperature range of 2.0 to 300.0 K and correlations between both (due to the existence of similar features) examined. The study of the magnetic properties of 1 was carried out by considering each Co(II) ion as a perfectly isolated system, hence, J = 0, but taking into account a significant zero-field splitting contribution due to distortions on the tetrahedral environment of the cobalt atoms. The fit of the magnetic susceptibility data together with reduced magnetization vs H/T measurements provided similar parameters (|D| = 10.8 cm(-1), g(⊥) = 1.92, g(‖) = 2.92 for the former and |D| = 11.04 cm(-1)and g = 2.05 for the latter, respectively). On the other hand, the magnetic response of compound 2 has been analyzed using a model which considers the presence of two tetrahedral and one octahedral Co(ii) ions (Co(Td) and Co(Oh)). The study was carried out in two separated blocks, above and below 80 K, where only the most significant effects at each interval of temperature were considered. As a result, the analysis of the magnetic data shows weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(Oh)and the two Co(Td) ions (J = -0.41 cm(-1)) in 2. The best fit parameters were g(Co(Td)) = 2.89, g(Co(Oh)) = 3.50, |D(Co(Td))| = 10.62 cm(-1), |E(Co(Td))| = 2.95 cm(-1), Δ = 240.9 cm(-1) and J(L-S) = -107.1 cm(-1), from where λ was calculated with a final value of -144.8 cm(-1) (J(L-S) = Aκλ). The approximations performed to obtain these values provide reasonable results in agreement with compound 1 and also to other systems in the literature.

Magneto-structural correlations in dinuclear Mn(III) compounds with formula [{Mn(L)(NN)}(µ-O)(µ-2-RC6H4COO)2{Mn(L')(NN)}]n+.

Three dinuclear Mn(III) compounds with oxo and carboxylato bridges have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction: [{Mn(L)(NN)}(µ-2-ClC(6)H(4)COO)(2)(µ-O){Mn(L')(NN)}](n+) with NN = 2,2'-bipyridine (1 and 2) or 1,10-phenanthroline (3). The counteranion is either NO(3)(-) (1 and 3) or ClO(4)(-) (2) and the monodentate positions (L, L') could be occupied by molecules of water or the counteranion. For compound 1, L = H(2)O and L' = NO(3)(-); compound 2 shows two different dinuclear units and L and L' could be H(2)O or ClO(4)(-), and for compound 3 both monodentate positions are occupied by nitrate anions. The magnetic properties of the three compounds have been analyzed using the Hamiltonian H = -JS(1)·S(2). Compound 1 exhibits a dominant ferromagnetic behavior, with J = 3.0 cm(-1), |D(Mn)| = 1.79 cm(-1), |E(Mn)| = 0.60 cm(-1) with intermolecular interactions zJ' = -0.18 cm(-1). Due to the anisotropy of the Mn(III) ions, the ground state S = 4 shows ZFS with |D(4)| = 0.58 cm(-1). Compounds 2 and 3 show antiferromagnetic couplings, with J = -10.9 and -0.3 cm(-1), respectively. The magnetic interaction in this kind of compound depends on several structural factors. In the present work, the distortion around manganese ions, the torsion angle between the phenyl ring and the carboxylate group and the relative disposition of the coordination octahedra have been analyzed.

Control of molecular architecture by steric factors: mononuclear vs polynuclear manganese(III) compounds with tetradentate N2O2 donor Schiff bases.

Three manganese(III) compounds, [Mn(III)(vanoph)(DMF)(H(2)O)]ClO(4) (1), [Mn(III)(vanoph)(N(3))(H(2)O)]·2H(2)O (2) and [Mn(III)(saloph)(µ(1,3)-N(3))](n) (3), where H(2)vanoph = N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneimine), H(2)saloph = N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)-bis(salicylideneamine) are tetradentate N(2)O(2) ligands and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 1 and 2 are monomeric but compound 3 consists of a chain system with the repeating unit [Mn(III)(saloph)(N(3))] bridged by µ-1,3 azide. Compound 1 crystallises in monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with cell dimensions of a = 11.1430(2), b = 16.3594(3), c = 15.4001(3) Å, ß = 108.417(1), Z = 4 whereas compounds 2 and 3 crystallise in orthorhombic space groups Pbca and Pna2(1), respectively, with cell dimensions of a = 16.069(3), b = 15.616(3), c = 18.099(4) Å, Z = 8 (for 2) and a = 18.760(9), b = 13.356(5), c = 6.616(3) Å, Z = 4 (for 3). In all the compounds, Mn(III) has a six-coordinated pseudo-octahedral geometry in which O(2), O(3), N(1) and N(2) atoms of the deprotonated di-Schiff base constitute the equatorial plane. In both compounds 1 and 2, water molecules are present in the fifth coordination sites in the apical positions. The sixth coordination sites are occupied by one O atom of a solvent DMF in compound 1 and an N atom of azide in compound 2. The coordinated water initiates hydrogen-bonded networks in both compounds 1 and 2 to form well-isolated supramolecular dimers. At room temperature the χ(M)T values for the compounds 1 and 2 remain almost constant until 30 K. Below this temperature, the χ(M)T values drastically drop to 0.72 cm(3) mol(-1) K for 1 and 0.52 cm(3) mol(-1) K for 2. The best fits were obtained with J = -0.92 cm(-1), |D| = 2.05 cm(-1), g = 2.0 and R = 8.1 × 10(-4) for 1 and J = -1.16 cm(-1), |D| = 2.05 cm(-1), g = 2.0 and R = 1.2 × 10(-3) for 2. However, in compound 3, two axial positions are occupied by the azide ions. The Mn···Mn repeating distance is 6.616 Å along the chain. Magnetic characterisation shows that the µ(1,3)-bridging azide ion mainly transmits an antiferromagnetic interaction (J = -6.36 cm(-1)) between Mn(III) ions. The presence of two methoxy groups increases the steric crowding in the H(2)vanoph moiety and thereby inhibits the formation of a polynuclear compound with this ligand.

A µ(1,1)- or µ(1,3)-carboxylate bridge makes the difference in the magnetic properties of dinuclear Mn(II) compounds.

Six new dinuclear Mn(II) compounds with carboxylate bridges have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction: [{Mn(phen)(2)}(2)(µ-RC(6)H(4)COO)(2)](ClO(4))(2) with R = 2-Cl (1), 2-CH(3) (2), 3-Cl (3), 3-CH(3) (4), 4-Cl (5) and 4-CH(3) (6). Compounds 1 and 2 show two µ(1,3)-carboxylate bridges in a syn-anti mode while compounds 3-6 present a very uncommon coordination mode of the carboxylate ligand: the µ(1,1)-bridge. The magnetic properties of these compounds are very sensitive to the bridging mode of the carboxylate ligands. While compounds 1 and 2 (µ(1,3)-bridge) display antiferromagnetic interactions, with J values of -1.41 and -1.66 cm(-1), respectively, compounds 3-6 (µ(1,1)-bridge) show ferromagnetic interactions, with J values of 1.01, 0.98, 1.04 and 1.06 cm(-1), respectively. It is worth noting that compounds 3-6 are the first of their class to be magnetically characterized. The EPR spectra at 4 K for compounds with antiferromagnetic coupling (1 and 2) are more complex than those for compounds with a ferromagnetic interaction (3-6). Quite good simulations can be obtained with the ZFS parameters of the Mn(II) ion D(Mn) ~ 0.095 cm(-1) and E(Mn) ~ 0.025 cm(-1) for compounds 1 and 2 and D(Mn) ~ 0.060 cm(-1) and E(Mn) ~ 0.004 cm(-1) for compounds 3-6.

First report on N,N'-diisoalkylisonicotinamide 1D coordination network containing linear trinuclear [Co3L4Cl6] units with mixed Co(II)(Td)-Co(II)(Oh)-Co(II)(Td) geometries: structure and magnetic properties.

Reaction of anhydrous CoCl(2) with N,N'-diisopropylisonicotinamide (L) has yielded a coordination polymer containing linear trinuclear [Co(3)L(4)Cl(6)] units with a rare, mixed Co(T(d))-Co(O(h))-Co(T(d)) assembly (compound 1). The central Co(II) ion, of each trinuclear entity, exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry, with two ligand molecules coordinating through their carbonyl oxygen atoms along with two bridging Cl(-) ions and two pyridine N atoms from the neighboring molecules. Also, in each unit, two outer Co(II) ions display distorted tetrahedral geometry, coordinating to one ligand molecule through the pyridine N atom and to three Cl(-) ions (one of them bridged to the central Co(II) and the two acting as a terminal ligands). The magnetic properties of this compound were investigated in the temperature range of 2.0 to 300.0 K. Owing to the complexity of the system and the weak interactions among trinuclear aggregates, the magnetic response has been analyzed using a model which considers these units as isolated systems. In addition, magnetic data has been examined in two separated blocks, above and below 50 K, applying programs VPMAG FORTRAN and MAGPACK-fit, respectively. This way, only the most significant effects at each interval of temperature were considered: spin-orbit coupling of the Co(O(h)), at high temperatures and zero-field splitting parameters of the Co(T(d)) at the low. Spin-spin magnetic interaction has been taken into account for the whole range of temperatures. As a result, the analysis of the magnetic data shows that, within every trinuclear unit, the central position matches well with a high-spin Co(II) (S = 3/2) and also reveals weak ferromagnetic interactions between the Co(O(h)) and the two terminal Co(T(d)) ions (J = +0.34 cm(-1)).

Study protocol of effectiveness of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in the evolution of non-specific sub-acute low back pain in the working population: cluster randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific low back pain is a common cause for consultation with the general practitioner, generating increased health and social costs. This study will analyse the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention to reduce disability, severity of pain, anxiety and depression, to improve quality of life and to reduce the incidence of chronic low back pain in the working population with non-specific low back pain, compared to usual clinical care. METHODS/DESIGN: A Cluster randomised clinical trial will be conducted in 38 Primary Health Care Centres located in Barcelona, Spain and its surrounding areas. The centres are randomly allocated to the multidisciplinary intervention or to usual clinical care. Patients between 18 and 65 years old (n = 932; 466 per arm) and with a diagnostic of a non-specific sub-acute low back pain are included. Patients in the intervention group are receiving the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, in addition to a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention consisting of group educational sessions lasting a total of 10 hours. The main outcome is change in the score in the Roland Morris disability questionnaire at three months after onset of pain. Other outcomes are severity of pain, quality of life, duration of current non-specific low back pain episode, work sick leave and duration, Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Goldberg Questionnaires. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Analysis will be by intention to treat. The intervention effect will be assessed through the standard error of measurement and the effect-size. Responsiveness of each scale will be evaluated by standardised response mean and receiver-operating characteristic method. Recovery according to the patient will be used as an external criterion. A multilevel regression will be performed on repeated measures. The time until the current episode of low back pain takes to subside will be analysed by Cox regression. DISCUSSION: We hope to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in avoiding the chronification of low back pain, and to reduce the duration of non-specific low back pain episodes. If the intervention is effective, it could be applied to Primary Health Care Centres. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN21392091.

Two temperature-independent spinomers of the dinuclear Mn(III) compound [{Mn(H(2)O)(phen)}(2)(mu-2-ClC(6)H(4)COO)(2)(mu-O)](ClO(4))(2).

Two spin isomers or spinomers of [{Mn(H(2)O)(phen)}(2)(mu-2-ClC(6)H(4)COO)(2)(mu-O)](ClO(4))(2) have been synthesized, characterized, and theoretically analyzed. The thermodynamically most stable, compound 1, shows a spin ground state S = 4, while the kinetically most favorable, compound 2.H(2)O, shows a spin ground state S = 0. Compound 1 exhibits ferromagnetic behavior, with J = 2.7 cm(-1), |D(Mn)| = 2.06 cm(-1), |E(Mn)| = 0.69 cm(-1), and zJ' = -0.11 cm(-1). Because of the anisotropy of the Mn(III) ions, the ground state S = 4 shows zero-field splitting (ZFS) with |D(4)| = 0.51 cm(-1), appreciably smaller than the D value for the single ion (D(Mn)), due to the relative orientations of the Jahn-Teller axes of both Mn(III) ions, which are quite perpendicular (102 degrees ). Compound 2.H(2)O shows antiferromagnetic coupling, with J = -12.6 cm(-1) (H = -JS(1).S(2) for both compounds). The formation of two spinomers has been explained by density functional theory (DFT) studies, which show that the stability of these compounds and their magnetic interaction are very sensitive to the rotation of the phenyl ring with respect to the carboxylate group of the 2-ClC(6)H(4)COO bridging ligand.

Mn(II) complexes containing the polypyridylic chiral ligand (-)-pinene[5,6]bipyridine. Catalysts for oxidation reactions.

A series of mononuclear and dinuclear chiral manganese(II) complexes containing the neutral bidentate chiral nitrogen ligand (-)-pinene[5,6]bipyridine, (-)-L, were prepared from different manganese salts. The chirality in these complexes arises from the pinene ring that has been fused to the 5,6 positions of one pyridine group of the bipyridine ligand. These complexes have been characterized through analytical, spectroscopic (IR, UV/Vis, ESI-MS) and electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry). Single X-ray structure analysis revealed a five-coordinated Mn(II) ion in [{MnCl((-)-L)}2(mu-Cl)2] (2), [{Mn((-)-L)}2(mu-OAc)3](PF6) (3) and [MnCl2(H2O)((-)-L)] (4) and a six-coordinated one in [MnCl2((-)-L)2] (5), [Mn(CF3SO3)2((-)-L)2] (6) and [Mn(NO3)(H2O)((-)-L)2)](NO3) (7). The magnetic properties of the binuclear compounds 2 and 3 have been studied. Both compounds show a weak antiferromagnetic coupling (2, J = -0.22 cm(-1); 3, J = -0.85 cm(-1)). The catalytic activity of the whole set of complexes has been tested with regard to the epoxidation of aromatic alkenes with peracetic acid. In the particular case of styrene, good selectivities and moderate enantioselectivities were obtained. Furthermore, total retention of the initial cis configuration was achieved when epoxidizing cis-beta-methylstyrene with the chloride complexes. In general, the epoxidation activity of these manganese complexes is strongly dependent on the steric encumbrance of the substrates employed.

Structural and kinetic study of reversible CO2 fixation by dicopper macrocyclic complexes. From intramolecular binding to self-assembly of molecular boxes.

A study of the reversible CO2 fixation by a series of macrocyclic dicopper complexes is described. The dicopper macrocyclic complexes [Cu2(OH)2(Me2p)](CF3SO3)2, 1(CF3SO3)2, and [Cu2(mu-OH)2(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 2(CF3SO3)2, (Scheme 1) containing terminally bound and bridging hydroxide ligands, respectively, promote reversible inter- and intramolecular CO2 fixation that results in the formation of the carbonate complexes [{Cu2(Me2p)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 4(CF3SO3)4, and [Cu2(mu-CO3)(Me2m)](CF3SO3)2, 5(CF3SO3)2. Under a N2 atmosphere the complexes evolve CO2 and revert to the starting hydroxo complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2, a reaction the rate of which linearly depends on [H2O]. In the presence of water, attempts to crystallize 5(CF3SO3)2 afford [{Cu2(Me2m)(H2O)}2(mu-CO3)2](CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, which appears to rapidly convert to 5(CF3SO3)2 in acetonitrile solution. [Cu2(OH)2(H3m)]2+, 7, which contains a larger macrocyclic ligand, irreversibly reacts with atmospheric CO2 to generate cagelike [{Cu2(H3m)}2(mu-CO3)2](ClO4)4, 8(ClO4)4. However, addition of 1 equiv of HClO4 per Cu generates [Cu2(H3m)(CH3CN)4]4+ (3), and subsequent addition of Et3N under air reassembles 8. The carbonate complexes 4(CF3SO3)4, 5(CF3SO3)2, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 have been characterized in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. This analysis reveals that 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 consist of self-assembled molecular boxes containing two macrocyclic dicopper complexes, bridged by CO32- ligands. The bridging mode of the carbonate ligand is anti-anti-mu-eta1:eta1 in 4(CF3SO3)4, anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta1 in 6(CF3SO3)4 and anti-anti-mu-eta2:eta2 in 5(CF3SO3)2 and 8(ClO4)4. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on 4(CF3SO3)4, 6(CF3SO3)4, and 8(ClO4)4 indicate that the carbonate ligands mediate antiferromagnetic coupling between each pair of bridged CuII ions (J = -23.1, -108.3, and -163.4 cm-1, respectively, H = -JS1S2). Detailed kinetic analyses of the reaction between carbon dioxide and the macrocyclic complexes 1(CF3SO3)2 and 2(CF3SO3)2 suggest that it is actually hydrogen carbonate formed in aqueous solution on dissolving CO2 that is responsible for the observed formation of the different carbonate complexes controlled by the binding mode of the hydroxy ligands. This study shows that CO2 fixation can be used as an on/off switch for the reversible self-assembly of supramolecular structures based on macrocyclic dicopper complexes.

Versatility of 2,6-diacetylpyridine (dap) hydrazones in generating varied molecular architectures: synthesis and structural characterization of a binuclear double helical Zn(II) complex and a Mn(II) coordination polymer.

A binuclear complex of Zn(ii) with formula [Zn(dap(A)(2))](2).2.25DMF (.2.25DMF) and a Mn(ii) coordination polymer with formula [Mn(3)(dap(In)(2))(3)(H(2)O)(2).2DMSO](n) (.2DMSO)(n) have been prepared and structurally characterized [dap(A)(2) = dideprotonated form of 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(anthraniloyl hydrazone); dap(In)(2) = doubly deprotonated form of 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(isonicotinoyl hydrazone)]. In the Zn(ii) complex the molecular units are double helical, with the Zn(ii) ions in a square pyramidal environment. The Mn(ii) complex on the other hand is a coordination polymer containing two different types of hepta-coordinated Mn(ii) ions, which differ in their axial ligands. The magnetic properties of the Mn(ii) complex, along with those of a double helical pyridine bridged binuclear Ni(ii) complex, earlier synthesized by us, are also reported. The ability of the 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(aroyl hydrazone) ligands to form double helical complexes is analyzed in terms of the conformational flexibility of the ligands. The differences in the magnetic properties of the micro-N bridged binuclear complexes formed by 1,1 azido N-bridging ligands, and pyridine N-bridging ligands, is analyzed with the help of EHMO calculations.