Zn(ii) detection and biological activity of a macrocycle containing a bis(oxadiazole)pyridine derivative as fluorophore.

The synthesis, photochemical properties, biological effects and the X-ray crystal structure of a fluorescent polyamine macrocycle L are reported. L is a polyamine cyclophane macrocycle in which 2,6-bis(5-(2-methylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridine (POXAPy) acts as a fluorescent sensor and the polyamine as a metal ion binding unit. L performs as a PET-mediated chemosensor, with a maximum emission wavelength close to 360 nm. This gives rise to a signal that is visible to the naked eye in the blue visible range. L is able to detect the Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) metal ions in an aqueous solution at pH = 7, with the coordination of the ions switching the emission ON through a CHEF effect. In contrast, paramagnetic metal ions like Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) completely quench the already low emission of L at this pH value. L affects the cell survival of a leukemic cellular model (U937) at micromolar concentrations with cell death starting after only 24 h of exposure; starting from a final concentration of 5 µM, L almost completely abrogates the survival of the leukemic cells over 72 h, with a mechanism that is compatible with a genomic DNA interaction.

A Biphenol-Based Chemosensor for Zn(II) and Cd(II) Metal Ions: Synthesis, Potentiometric Studies, and Crystal Structures.

We synthesized and characterized the ligand N,N'-bis[(2,2'-dihydroxybiphen-3-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (L), which contains two biphenol moieties linked as side arms to an N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine scaffold. The ligand is highly soluble in a 50/50 (v/v) water/ethanol mixture and, in its deprotonated form H-2L(2-), is able to coordinate transition-metal ions such as Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pd(II). The crystal structures of [Ni(H-2L)·2n-BuOH], [Ni(H-2L)·2MeOH], [Cd(H-2L)·2DMF], [Cu(H-2L)(DMF)], and [Pd(H-2L)(DMF)] were also determined and described. Potentiometric titrations were carried out in a mixed solvent with Zn(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) metal ions to determine the acid-base and stability constants. L was highly fluorescent in the visible range (400 nm). Moreover, its emission intensity increased upon the addition of Zn(II) or Cd(II) ions in an ethanol/water solution and behaved as a chemosensor for the presence of these ions in the solution.

PdII and PtII complexes with a thio-aza macrocycle ligand containing an intercalating fragment: Structural and antitumor activity studies.

Two new PtII and PdII complexes of formula [LMCl2] (M=Pt, Pd) were synthesized and characterized both in solution and solid state. They were obtained using the thio-aza macrocycle 9,18-dimethyl-12,17dithia-9,18,27,28-tetraaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.02,7.020,25]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,281-octaene (L) containing the 2,5-diphenyl [1, 3, 4]oxadiazole as intercalating fragment. MII is coordinated in cis-position by the two S atoms of L. The two crystal structures of [LPtCl2] and [LPdCl2] complexes showed that the MII ion is located outside the macrocyclic cavity. The square planar coordination sphere is fulfilled by two chloride anions in a cisplatin-like arrangement with the chloride leaving groups exposed to the environment. The biological activity of both [LPtCl2] and [LPdCl2], monitored towards a leukemic cellular model (U937), is coherent with their ability to interfere, at different levels, with the DNA structure.

A preorganized metalloreceptor for alkaline earth ions showing calcium versus magnesium selectivity in water: biological activity of selected metal complexes.

The N,N'-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (Malten = L) forms the highly stable [CuH(-2)L] species in water, in which the converging maltol oxygen atoms form an electron-rich area able to host hard metal ions. When considering the alkaline earth series (AE), the [Cu(H(-2)L)] species binds all metal ions, with the exception of Mg(2+), exhibiting the relevant property to discriminate Ca(2+) versus Mg(2+) at physiological pH 7.4; the binding of the AE metal is visible to the naked eye. The stability constant values of the trinuclear [AE{Cu(H(-2)L)}2](2+) species formed reach the maximum for Ca(2+) (log K=7.7). Ca(2+) also forms a tetranuclear [Ca{Cu(H(-2)L)}]2(4+) species at a high Ca(2+) concentration. Tri- and tetranuclear calcium complexes show blue- and pink-colored crystals, respectively. [Cu(H(-2)L)] is the most active species in inducing DNA alterations. The DNA damages are compatible with its hydrolytic cleavages.

Modulating the sensor response to halide using NBD-based azamacrocycles.

Ligand L (2,6-bis{[7-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazole-4-yl)-3,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododeca-1-yl]methyl}phenol) is a fluorescent sensor that is useful for detecting Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II). Some of the complexes formed are able to sense the presence of halides in solution. L passes through the cellular membrane, becoming fluorescent inside cells. The H(-1)L- species is able to form dinuclear complexes with [M(2)H(-1)L]3+ stoichiometry with Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions, experiencing a CHEF effect upon metal coordination in an acetonitrile/water 95:5 (v/v) solution. In all three of the complexes investigated, the metal cations are coordinatively unsaturated and can therefore bind secondary ligands as anionic species. The crystal structure of [Cd(2)(H(-1)L)Cl(2)](ClO(4))·4H(2)O is discussed. The Zn(II) complex behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for fluoride and chloride anions.

Di-maltol-polyamine ligands to form heterotrinuclear metal complexes: solid state, aqueous solution and magnetic characterization.

The binding properties of the two ligands (L) N,N'-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (Malten) and 4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (Maltonis) towards M(II) transition metal ions (M(II) = Cu(II) for Malten and Co(II) for Maltonis, respectively), were investigated in aqueous solution. Each compound contains two 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone units (Maltol) symmetrically spaced by a different polyamine fragment. The formation of only mononuclear complexes was detected and the main species present in a wide range of pH is the neutral [M(II)(H-2L)] complex. This is able to stabilize one hard M(III) metal ion such as Gd(III) and Y(III), giving rise to the formation of new hetero-trinuclear complexes of M(II)-M(III)-M(II) sequence. The trinuclear species having the formula {M(III)[M(II)(H-2L)]2}(3+) (M(II) = Cu(II) and M(III) = Y(III) or Gd(III) for Malten and M(II) = Co(II) and M(III) = Gd(III) for Maltonis) are also formed in a wide range of pH, including pH = 7 and can be isolated in high yield as a perchlorate salt. The crystal structures of all the studied hetero-trinuclear species highlight that such systems are formed thanks to the synergy between the different stereochemical requirement of the transition metal (Cu(II) or Co(II)) and the different donor atoms set of the ligands which preorganize the maltol units for the binding of the hard M(III) metal, otherwise difficult to bind in water, through L/M(II)/M(III) self-assembling. The magnetic properties of the hetero-trinuclear spin systems were investigated; in the M(II)-Gd(III)-M(II) species, Gd(III) interacts with the two 3d ions of this class of compounds by similar coupling mechanism.

Preorganizing binding side-arms on a cyclen scaffold: the choice of a suitable metal ion.

The binding properties of 4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L1) and 4,10-bis[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L2) towards Cu(II) and Co(II) transition metal ions in aqueous solution and in the solid state were studied and compared. Each system consists of a cyclen scaffold bearing two different side-arms; the role of the two transition metal ions to involve side-arms in coordination was investigated. Each metal ion is coordinated in a similar way by both ligands although a different side-arm arrangement occurs. The Me2Cyclen base is always involved in the coordination of the transition metal cation with the four amine functions; both side-arms bind Co(II) while only one of them binds Cu(II). As a consequence, Co(II) forms only mononuclear species with both ligands; the main [Co(H−2L)] species exhibits both side-arms on the same part with respect to the macrocyclic plane. In the case of L1, this allows the formation of an electron rich area, formed by the four converging oxygen atoms of the two maltol functions, able to lodge one hard metal ion such as sodium. On the other hand, L1 forms a dinuclear Cu(II)-species using the remaining unbound maltolic function which affords a Cu(II)-tetranuclear species in the solid state. This behavior is attributed to the different coordination requirements of the two metals, thus providing information for the choice of a suitable metal to preorganize side-arms on a polyamine macrocyclic scaffold. Potentiometric and UV-Vis solution studies as well as four crystal structures of metal-complexes support this conclusion.

Isolation of a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus able to grow in minimal medium added with an industrial cyanide waste.

The present note refers the results about the isolation of an Aspergillus fumigatus strain able to grow on an industrial cyanide waste as nitrogen source. The fungus was selected from an alkaline unpolluted soil in enrichment cultures in 50 ml of Minimal Medium added with 20 mmol glucose and supplemented initially with 0.1 mmol KCN and then with 70 µl of a waste solution from a jewelry industry containing free cyanide and cyanide complexes of heavy metal ions including copper, silver, nickel, and others. The cyanide content of the waste was 1,500 ppm. The fungal growth was monitored determining dry weight, protein content and glucose consumption. The fungus efficiently utilized the cyanide as evidenced by the decrease in the inoculated medium of the compound under detection limits within 24 h and the concomitant growth within 15 days during which periodical additions of the waste to the cultures were made. The amount of the cyanide in the biomass of the fungus grown in presence of the waste was very scarce and comparable to that in absence of the pollutant. Furthermore the fungus was able to sequestrate metals such Ag, Cu, and Ni as a resistance mechanism against heavy metals. In conclusion our results are of interest for biodegradation plans of electroplating industrial wastes containing cyanide based pollutants.

Synthesis, basicity, structural characterization, and biochemical properties of two [(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]amine derivatives showing antineoplastic features.

The N,N'-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (malten) and 4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (maltonis) were synthesized and characterized. The acid-base behavior, structural characterizations, and biochemical studies in aqueous solution were reported. Each compound contains two 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone units (maltol) symmetrically spaced by a polyamine fragment, the 1,4-dimethylethylendiamine (malten), or the 1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (maltonis). They are present at physiological pH 7.4 in the form of differently charged species: neutral but in a zwitterion form for malten and monopositive with an internal separation of charges for maltonis. Malten and maltonis are both able to alter the chromatin structure inducing the covalent binding of genomic DNA with proteins, a feature consistent with the known antiproliferative activity exerted by this class of molecules. Solid-state results and MD simulations in water show that malten, because of its molecular topology, should be more prone than maltonis to act as a donor of H-bonds in intermolecular contacts, thus it should give a better noncovalent approach with the negatively charged DNA. Crystal structures of [H(2)malten](2+) and [H(2)maltonis](2+) cations were also reported.

Multi-use NBD-based tetra-amino macrocycle: fluorescent probe for metals and anions and live cell marker.

Ligand L (4-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazole-4-yl)-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane) is a versatile fluorescent sensor useful for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal detection, as a building block of fluorescent metallo-receptor for halide detection, and as an organelle marker inside live cells. Ligand L undergoes a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect upon metal coordination in acetonitrile solution. In all three complexes investigated the metal cation is coordinatively unsaturated; thus, it can bind secondary ligands as anionic species. The crystal structure of [ZnLCl](ClO(4)) is discussed. Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are quenched upon halide interaction, whereas the [CdL](2+) species behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for halide anions in acetonitrile solution. The mechanism of the fluorescence response in the presence of the anion depends on the nature of the metal ion employed and has been studied by spectroscopic methods, such as NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis and fluorescence techniques and by computational methods. Subcellular localization experiments performed on HeLa cells show that L mainly localizes in spot-like structures in a polarized portion of the cytosol that is occupied by the Golgi apparatus to give a green fluorescence signal.

A macrocyclic ligand as receptor and Zn(II)-complex receptor for anions in water: binding properties and crystal structures.

Binding properties of 24,29-dimethyl-6,7,15,16-tetraoxotetracyclo[19.5.5.0(5,8).0(14,17)]-1,4,9,13,18,21,24,29-octaazaenatriaconta-Δ(5,8),Δ(14,17)-diene ligand L towards Zn(II) and anions, such as the halide series and inorganic oxoanions (phosphate (Pi), sulfate, pyrophosphate (PPi), and others), were investigated in aqueous solution; in addition, the Zn(II)/L system was tested as a metal-ion-based receptor for the halide series. Ligand L is a cryptand receptor incorporating two squaramide functions in an over-structured chain that connects two opposite nitrogen atoms of the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) polyaza macrocyclic base. It binds Zn(II) to form mononuclear species in which the metal ion, coordinated by the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) moiety, lodges inside the three-dimensional cavity. Zn(II)-containing species are able to bind chloride and fluoride at the physiologically important pH value of 7.4; the anion is coordinated to the metal center but the squaramide units play the key role in stabilizing the anion through a hydrogen-bonding network; two crystal structures reported here clearly show this aspect. Free L is able to bind fluoride, chloride, bromide, sulfate, Pi, and PPi in aqueous solution. The halides are bound at acidic pH, whereas the oxoanions are bound in a wide range of pH values ranging from acidic to basic. The cryptand cavity, abundant in hydrogen-bonding sites at all pH values, allows excellent selectivity towards Pi to be achieved mainly at physiological pH 7.4. By joining amine and squaramide moieties and using this preorganized topology, it was possible, with preservation of the solubility of the receptor, to achieve a very wide pH range in which oxoanions can be bound. The good selectivity towards Pi allows its discrimination in a manner not easily obtainable with nonmetallic systems in aqueous environment.

Efficient fluorescent sensors based on 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole: a case of specific response to Zn(II) at physiological pH.

The coordination properties and photochemical responses of three fluorescent polyamine macrocycles, 9,12,15,24,25-pentaaza-26-oxatetracyclo[21.2.1.0(2,7).0(17,22)]hexaicosa-2,4,6,17,19,21,23,25(1)-octaene (L1), 9,12,15,18,27,28-hexaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.0(2,7).0(20,25)]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,28(1)-octaene (L2), and 9,12,15,18,21,30,31-heptaaza-32-oxatetracyclo[27.2.1.0(2,7).0(23,28)]diatriconta-2,4,6,23,25,27,29,31(1)-octaene (L3), toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) are reported. Each ligand contains the 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole (PPD) moiety inserted in a polyamine macrocycle skeleton. The stability constants were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution. L1 forms mononuclear complexes only with Cu(II). L2 and L3 form stable mononuclear species with all of the metals, while L3 is able to form dinuclear Cu(II) species. The fluorescence of all ligands was totally quenched by the presence of Cu(II). L2 behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for Zn(II) under physiological conditions, even in the presence of interfering species such as Cd(II) and Pb(II). This ligand combines selective binding of Zn(II) with a highly specific fluorescent response to Zn(II) due to the chelating enhancement of fluorescence (CHEF) effect. The interaction of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) with L3 does not produce an appreciable enhancement of fluorescence at the same pH. The different behavior is attributed to the cavity size of the macrocycle and to the number of amine functions. L2 possesses the best arrangement of these two characteristics, allowing a full participation of all of the amine functions in metal coordination, as shown by the crystal structures of [CuL2(ClO(4))](ClO(4))·H(2)O and [ZnL2Br]Br·H(2)O species; this prevents the PET effect and supplies the higher CHEF effect. The interaction between L2 and Zn(II) can also be observed with the naked eye as an intense sky blue emission.

New family of polyamine macrocycles containing 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole as a signaling unit. Synthesis, acid-base and spectrophotometric properties.

Synthesis and acid-base properties for three fluorescent polyamine macrocycles 9,12,15,24,25-pentaaza-26-oxatetracyclo[21.2.1.0(2,7).0(17,22)]hexaicosa-2,4,6,17,19,21,23,25(1)-octaene (L1), 9,12,15,18,27,28-hexaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.0(2,7).0(20,25)]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,28(1)-octaene (L2) and 9,12,15,18,21,30,31-heptaaza-32-oxatetracyclo[27.2.1.0(2,7).0(23,28)]diatriconta-2,4,6,23,25,27,29,31(1)-octaene (L3) are reported. Each ligand contains the 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole (PPD) unit incorporated in the polyamine macrocycle. The protonation constants of L1-L3 were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in 0.15 mol dm(-3) NaCl aqueous solution at 298.1 K. All the ligands are highly fluorescent in aqueous solution under acidic conditions (pH < 2) and their emission drastically decreases when the pH is increased. At pH > 8, a total quenching of fluorescence is observable in all the ligands. The fluorescence is given by the PPD unit, while the behavior as a function of pH can be rationalized on the basis of photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer (PET) from the HOMO of the donor macrocycle nitrogen atoms to the excited fluorophore unit. The insertion of PPD in a polyamine skeleton strongly improves the fluorescence quantum yield of this class of ligands with respect to those already known.

A new versatile solvatochromic amino-macrocycle. From metal ions to cell sensing in solution and in the solid state.

A new fluorescent NBD-polyaza-macrocycle sensor (L) was synthesized. The coordination of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in acetonitrile switches on the fluorescence with different emission wavelengths. Cu(ii) complexes showed solid-state fluorescence. Both L and Cu-complex interact with human cell line (U937) highlighting the cell membrane by fluorescence microscopy.

Polynuclear complexes: two amino-phenol macrocycles spaced by several linear polyamines; synthesis, binding properties, and crystal structure.

The synthesis and characterization of the new polytopic ligands 1,14-bis(3,6,9-triaza-15-hydroxybicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-11,13,1(15)-trien-6-yl)-3,6,9,12-tetraazatetradecane L1, 1,15-bis(3,6,9-triaza-15-hydroxybicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-11,13,1(15)-trien-6-yl)-3,6,10,13-tetraazapentadecane L2, and 1,16-bis(3,6,9-triaza-15-hydroxybicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-11,13,1(15)-trien-6-yl)-3,7,10,14-tetraazahexadecane L3, containing two equal amino-phenol macrocycles spaced by several linear tetraamines, are reported. The basicity and coordination behavior toward the Cu(II) ion were potentiometrically determined in aqueous solution at 298.1 K. All the ligands show similar acid-base properties behaving as octaprotic bases in the examined pH range (pH = 2-12). The acid protons of L1-L3 cannot be removed under the experimental conditions used; thus, the main deprotonated species obtainable in aqueous solution are the neutral ligands, having amphionic character as demonstrated by UV-vis experiments. These species are able to form mono-, di-, and trinuclear Cu(II) complexes having stoichiometry [CuL](2+), [Cu(2)L](4+), and [Cu(3)L](6+), respectively, that can lose one or two protons giving rise to [CuH(-1)L](+), [Cu(2)H(-2)L](2+), and [Cu(3)H(-2)L](4+). Depending on the used ligand to metal molar ratio, the mono-, di-, or trinuclear species prevail over the others in solution. Both di- and trinuclear complexes are able to add secondary ligands (such as OH(-)), and in some cases two Cu(II) can cooperate to stabilize them by coordinating the guest in a bridged conformation. The structure of the [Cu(2)L3](4+) cation was resolved by X-ray analysis of the {[Cu(2)L3](ClO(4))(4) x 3 H(2)O}(2) x H(2)O crystalline complex. It shows that each Cu(II) is penta-coordinated by one phenolate oxygen, two amine functions, belonging to one macrocyclic unit, and two amine functions of the spacer; in this species the distance between the two Cu(II) is about 5.3 A.

Phosphates sensing: two polyamino-phenolic zinc receptors able to discriminate and signal phosphates in water.

Two Zn(II)-dinuclear systems were studied as receptors for phosphates; they were obtained by using the two polyamino-phenolic ligands 3,3'-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl (L1) and 2,6-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]phenol (L2) in which the difference lies in the spacers between the two dien units, biphenol or phenol in L1 and L2, respectively. The metallo-receptors obtained are able to selectively discriminate phosphate (Pi) from pyrophosphate (PPi) and vice versa in aqueous solution in a wide range of pH (6 < pH < 10). The L1 receptor system shows selectivity toward PPi over Pi, and on the contrary the L2 system exhibits opposite selectivity. This different selectivity is ascribed to the different Zn(II)-Zn(II) distances between the two metal centers which, showing a similar coordination requirement and binding phosphate in a bridge disposition, fit in a different way with the different guests. Furthermore, NMR studies supported the model of interaction proposed between guests and receptors, highlighting that they are also able to bind biological phosphates such as G6P and ATP at physiological pH. Fluorescence studies showed that the receptor system based on L1 is able to signal the presence in solution of Pi and PPi at physiological pH; the presence of Pi is detected by a quenching of the emission, that of PPi by an enhancement of it. With the aid of an external colored sensor (PCV), the receptors were then used to produce simple signaling systems for phosphates based on the displacement method; the two chemosensors obtained are able to signal and quantify these anions at physiological pH, preserving the selectivity between phosphate and pyrophosphate and extending it to G6P and ATP.

A new branched phenanthroline derivative ligand: synthesis, solution chemistry, and crystal structures of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of the new ligand 2,9-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-1,10-phenanthroline (L) are reported. L contains two diethylenetriamine units connected on the central nitrogen atom by a 1,10-phenanthroline group forming a symmetrical branched ligand. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II) and Zn(II) in aqueous solution were determined by means of potentiometric, UV-vis, fluorescence, and 1H and 13C NMR techniques. L behaves as pentaprotic base under the experimental conditions used; from HL+ to H4L4+ species it is the secondary amine functions that are protonated while in the H5L5+ species also the phenanthroline is involved in protonation. L does not show fluorescence properties in the range of pH (0-14) investigated. It forms both mono- and dinuclear stable species where the phenanthroline is directly involved with both nitrogens in the coordination of the first metal which is coordinated in a pentacoordination environment also by one dien unit. The other dien unit undergoes easy protonation in the mononuclear complex while it binds the second metal in the dinuclear species. For this reason, L, in providing two different binding areas for metal coordination, behaves as an unsymmetrical compartmental ligand; one area is formed by one dien unit and by the phenanthroline, and the other by the remaining dien unit. This produces unsymmetrical metal complexes both for the mono- and dinuclear species; however, the role of the binding areas is fast exchanging in aqueous solution, at least on the NMR time scale. Solution studies and the three crystal structures of the [Zn(H2L)]4+, [[Cu(H2L)](ClO4)]3+, and [[Cu2LCl2](ClO4)]+ species highlight the unsymmetrical compartmental behavior of L as well as the host properties of the complexes in adding exogenous ligands such as hydroxide, pherchlorate, and chloride anions.

Modulating the M-M distance in dinuclear complexes. New ligand with a 2,2'-Biphenol fragment as key unit: synthesis, coordination behavior, and crystal structures of Cu(II) and Zn(II) dinuclear complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of the new polyamino-phenolic ligand 3,3'-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl (L) are reported. L contains two diethylenetriamine units linked by a 1,1'-bis(2-phenol) group (BPH) on the central nitrogen atom which allows two separate binding amino subunits in a noncyclic ligand. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II) and Zn(II) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I = 0.15 mol dm-3). L behaves as a pentaprotic base and as a monoprotic acid under the experimental conditions used, yielding the H5L5+ or H-1L- species, respectively. L forms both mono- and dinuclear species with both metal ions investigated; the dinuclear species are largely prevalent in aqueous solution with a L/M(II) molar ratio of 1:2 at pH higher than 7. L shows different behavior in Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding, affecting the dinuclear species formed and the distance between the two coordinated metal ions, which is greater in the Zn(II) than in the Cu(II) dinuclear species. This difference can be attributed to the different degree of protonation of BPH which influences the angle between the phenyl rings in the two systems. In this way, it is possible to modulate the M(II)-M(II) distance by the choice M(II) and to space the two M(II) farther away than was possible with the previously synthesized ligands. L does not saturate the coordination sphere of the coordinated M(II) ions in the dinuclear species, and thus, these latter species are prone to add guests. 1H and 13C NMR experiments carried out in aqueous solution, as well as the crystal structures of the dinuclear Cu(II) and Zn(II) species formed in aqueous solution, aided in elucidating the involvement of L and BPH in Zn(II) and Cu(II) stabilization.

A new macrocyclic cryptand with squaramide moieties: an overstructured Cu(II) complex that selectively binds halides: synthesis, acid/base- and ligational behavior, and crystal structures.

The synthesis and characterization of the novel 24,29-dimethyl-6,7,15,16-tetraoxotetracyclo-[19.5.5.0(5,8).0(14,17)]-1,4,9,13,18,21,24,29-octaazaenatriaconta-Delta(5,8),Delta(14,17)-diene (L) are reported. Molecule L incorporates two squaramide functions in a overstructured chain connecting two opposite nitrogen atoms of the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) polyaza macrocyclic base to obtain a cage topology. The basicity and binding properties of L towards Cu(II) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1+/-0.1 K, I=0.15 mol dm(-3)). Molecule L behaves as a diprotic base under the experimental conditions employed and forms only mononuclear Cu(II) complexes in which the squaramide moieties are not involved in the stabilization of the metal ion that is stabilized by the amine functions of the polyaza base inside the three-dimensional cavity. The [CuL](2+) species was tested as a host for the series of halide anions. UV-visible spectrophotometric experiments permitted the determination of the addition constants of halides to the Cu(II)-complexed species. The [CuL](2+) species binds the anions F(-), Cl(-), and Br(-) by forming the [CuLX](+) species, but does not bind the biggest I(-) anion. A trend of selectivity as a function of the hydrogen-bonding capability as well as the dimensions of the anion were established; the maximum value of selectivity was for addition of the F(-) anion (log K=4.8). This selectivity is due to the presence of the overstructured chain containing the squaramide groups up to the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) macrocyclic base. The squaramide groups, by providing hydrogen-bond contacts, permit the [CuL](2+) species to selectively bind these anions through the formation of a hydrogen-bond network with F(-) and Cl(-). The crystal structures of the [CuLF](+) and [CuLCl](+) cations support the results obtained in aqueous solution.

Synthesis of a large amino-phenolic cage. Synthesis, crystal structures, and acid-base and coordination behavior toward cations and anions.

The synthesis and characterization of the new polyaza-phenolic-macrobicycle 32-hydroxy-1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22-octaazatricyclo-[11.11.7.1(26,30)]-diatriconta-26,28,Delta(30,32)-triene (L) are reported. L incorporates a 2,6-dimethyl-phenolic unit bridging two opposite amine functions of the [24]aneN(8) polyazamacrocyclic base to obtain a large cage. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cl(-) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I = 0.15 mol dm(-3)). L can add up to six acidic protons, yielding the H(5)L(5+) species or the H(6)L(6+) species, depending on the ionic medium used. The molecular topology of L permits the formation of a highly positive three-dimensional cavity in the polyprotonated species that is able to host the chloride anion. This was detected both using potentiometric data, log K = 41.33 for the reaction L + 6H(+) + Cl(-) = H(6)LCl(5+), and in (35)Cl NMR experiments that showed interactions also with the H(5)L(5+) and H(4)L(4+) species. The anion is probably hosted inside the three-dimensional cavity of L, and stabilized by H-bonding interactions with the ammonium groups, as depicted in the crystal structure of the H(6)L(6+) cation reported. L forms mono- and dinuclear complexes with all the metal ions investigated; the dinuclear species are the only existing species with an L:M(II) molar ratio of 1:2 at pH higher than 6. The phenolate oxygen atom coordinates the two metal ions in a bridged disposition, drawing them inside the macrobicyclic cavity. The two metals were found to be quite isolated by the medium, and were coordinated by all the amine groups of L, as shown by the crystal structure of the dinuclear [Zn(2)H(-1)L](3+) species. This species can bind guests such as hydroxide and phosphate anions. Studies of anion binding in aqueous solution using pyrochatecol violet as the sensing guest revealed that the [Zn(2)H(-1)L](3+) species is able to bind one phosphate at physiological pH.