Dinuclear Oxidovanadium(IV) and Dioxidovanadium(V) Complexes of 5,5′-Methylenebis(dibasic tridentate) Ligands: Synthesis, Spectral Characterisation, Reactivity, and Catalytic and Antiamoebic Activities

Mononuclear/Binuclear [VIVO]/[VVO2] Complexes Derived from 1,3-Diaminoguanidine and Their Catalytic Application for the Oxidation of Benzoin via Oxygen Atom Transfer

Ligands H₄sal-dag (I) and H₄Brsal-dag (II) derived from 1,3-diaminoguanidine and salicylaldehyde or 5-bromosalicylaldehyde react with one or 2 mol equivalent of vanadium precursor to give two different series of vanadium complexes. Thus, complexes [V^IVO(H₂sal-dag) (H₂O)] (1) and [V^IVO(H₂Brsal-dag) (H₂O)] (2) were isolated by the reaction of an equimolar ratio of these ligands with [V^IVO(acac)₂] in MeOH. In the presence of K⁺/Cs⁺ ion and using aerially oxidized [V^IVO(acac)₂], the above reaction gave complexes [K(H₂O){V^VO₂(H₂sal-dag)}]₂ (3), [Cs(H₂O){V^VO₂(H₂sal-dag)}]₂ (4), [K(H₂O){VO₂(H₂Brsal-dag)}]₂ (5), and [Cs(H₂O){V^VO₂(H₂Brsal-dag)}]₂ (6), which could also be isolated by direct aerial oxidation of complexes 1 and 2 in MeOH in the presence of K⁺/Cs⁺ ion. Complexes [(H₂O)V^IVO(Hsal-dag)V^VO₂] (7) and [(H₂O)V^IVO(HBrsal-dag)V^VO₂] (8) were isolated upon increasing the ligand-to-vanadium precursor molar ratio to 1:2 under an air atmosphere. When I and II were reacted with aerially oxidized [V^IVO(acac)₂] in a 1:2 molar ratio in MeOH in the presence of K⁺/Cs⁺ ion, they formed [K(H₂O)₅{(V^VO₂)₂(Hsal-dag)}]₂ (9), [Cs(H₂O)₂{(V^VO₂)₂(Hsal-dag)}]₂ (10), [K₂(H₂O)₄{(V^VO₂)₂(Brsal-dag)}]₂ (11), and [Cs₂(H₂O)₄{(V^VO₂)₂(Brsal-dag)}]₂ (12). The structures of complexes 3, 4, 5, and 9 determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study confirm the mono-, bi-, tri-, and tetra-anionic behaviors of the ligands. All complexes were found to be an effective catalyst for the oxidation of benzoin to benzil via oxygen atom transfer (OAT) between DMSO and benzoin. Under aerobic condition, this oxidation also proceeds effectively in the absence of DMSO. Electron paramagnetic resonance and ⁵¹V NMR studies demonstrated the active role of a stable V(IV) intermediate during OAT between DMSO and benzoin.

Binding of VIV O2+ , VIV OL, VIV OL2 and VV O2 L Moieties to Proteins: X-ray/Theoretical Characterization and Biological Implications

Vanadium compounds have frequently been proposed as therapeutics, but their application has been hampered by the lack of information on the different V-containing species that may form and how these interact with blood and cell proteins, and with enzymes. Herein, we report several resolved crystal structures of lysozyme with bound V^IV O²⁺ and V^IV OL²⁺ , where L=2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and of trypsin with V^IV O(picolinato)₂ and V^V O₂ (phen)⁺ moieties. Computational studies complete the refinement and shed light on the relevant role of hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and microsolvation in stabilizating the structure. Noteworthy is that the trypsin-V^V O₂ (phen) and trypsin-V^IV O(OH)(phen) adducts correspond to similar energies, thus suggesting a possible interconversion under physiological/biological conditions. The obtained data support the relevance of hydrolysis of V^IV and V^V complexes in the several types of binding established with proteins and the formation of different adducts that might contribute to their pharmacological action, and significantly widen our knowledge of vanadium-protein interactions.

Misinterpretations in Evaluating Interactions of Vanadium Complexes with Proteins and Other Biological Targets

In aqueous media, VIV- and VV-ions and compounds undergo chemical changes such as hydrolysis, ligand exchange and redox reactions that depend on pH and concentration of the vanadium species, and on the nature of the several components present. In particular, the behaviour of vanadium compounds in biological fluids depends on their environment and on concentration of the many potential ligands present. However, when reporting the biological action of a particular complex, often the possibility of chemical changes occurring has been neglected, and the modifications of the complex added are not taken into account. In this work, we highlight that as soon as most vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) compounds are dissolved in a biological media, they undergo several types of chemical transformations, and these changes are particularly extensive at the low concentrations normally used in biological experiments. We also emphasize that in case of a biochemical interaction or effect, to determine binding constants or the active species and/or propose mechanisms of action, it is essential to evaluate its speciation in the media where it is acting. This is because the vanadium complex no longer exists in its initial form.

Therapeutic potential of vanadium complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline ligands, quo vadis? Fate of complexes in cell media and cancer cells

V^IVO-complexes formulated as [V^IVO(OSO₃)(phen)₂] (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), [V^IVO(OSO₃)(Me₂phen)₂] (2) (Me₂phen = 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and [V^IVO(OSO₃)(amphen)₂] (3) (amphen = 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared and stability in cell incubation media evaluated. Their cytotoxicity was determined against the A2780 (ovarian), MCF7 (breast) and PC3 (prostate) human cancer cells at different incubation times. While at 3 and 24 h the cytotoxicity differs for complexes and corresponding free ligands, at 72 h incubation all compounds are equally active presenting low IC₅₀ values. Upon incubation of A2780 cells with 1-3, cellular distribution of vanadium in cytosol, membranes, nucleus and cytoskeleton, indicate that the uptake of V is low, particularly for 1, and that the uptake pattern depends on the ligand. Nuclear microscopic techniques are used for imaging and elemental quantification in whole PC3 cells incubated with 1. Once complexes are added to cell culture media, they decompose, and with time most V^IV oxidizes to V^V-species. Modeling of speciation when [V^IVO(OSO₃)(phen)₂] (1) is added to cell media is presented. At lower concentrations of 1, V^IVO- and phen-containing species are mainly bound to bovine serum albumin, while at higher concentrations [V^IVO(phen)_n]²⁺-complexes become relevant, being predicted that the species taken up and mechanisms of action operating depend on the total concentration of complex. This study emphasizes that for these V^IVO-systems, and probably for many others involving oxidovanadium or other labile metal complexes, it is not possible to identify active species or propose mechanisms of cytotoxic action without evaluating speciation occurring in cell media.

New thiosemicarbazide and dithiocarbazate based oxidovanadium(iv) and dioxidovanadium(v) complexes. Reactivity and catalytic potential

The new thiosemicarbazide and dithiocarbazate based vanadium complexes show remarkable catalytic potential for oxidation of alcohols and simple arenes.

In vitro apoptosis-induction, antiproliferative and BSA binding studies of a oxidovanadium(V) complex

In our ongoing efforts to develop novel trace metal complexes with therapeutically interesting properties, a neutral mono nuclear oxidomethoxidovanadium(V) complex, [V^VO(OCH₃)(hpdbal-sbdt)] (1) and a μ-O bridged dinuclear oxidovanadium(V) complex, [{V^VO(hpdbal-sbdt)}₂μ-O] (2) [H₂hpdbal-sbdt (I) is a tridentate and dibasic ONS^2- donor ligand obtained through the Schiff base reaction of 2-hydroxy-5-(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde (Hhpdbal) and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (Hsbdt)] have been synthesized and characterized by various analytical techniques such as TGA, EDS, ATR-IR, UV-Vis, CV, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ⁵¹V NMR. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 confirms the coordination of phenolate oxygen, imine nitrogen and thioenolate sulfur of the ligand to the vanadium center with a distorted tetragonal-pyramidal geometry. The compound 2 triggered apoptotic and reproductive death of the cancer cells in vitro with 76% and 62% growth inhibition of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and human lung carcinoma cells (A549) respectively. The compound 2 was found to be sufficiently stable over a wide window of physiological pH. The complex 2 was studied further for its interaction with a drug carrier protein BSA with the aid of spectroscopic techniques viz. fluorescence, temperature controlled UV-vis and deconvoluted IR techniques.

Catalytic Applications of Vanadium: A Mechanistic Perspective

The chemistry of vanadium has seen remarkable activity in the past 50 years. In the present review, reactions catalyzed by homogeneous and supported vanadium complexes from 2008 to 2018 are summarized and discussed. Particular attention is given to mechanistic and kinetics studies of vanadium-catalyzed reactions including oxidations of alkanes, alkenes, arenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and sulfur species, as well as oxidative C-C and C-O bond cleavage, carbon-carbon bond formation, deoxydehydration, haloperoxidase, cyanation, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and oxo/imido heterometathesis. Additionally, insights into heterogeneous vanadium catalysis are provided when parallels can be drawn from the homogeneous literature.

A novel biocompatible NiII tethered moiety as a glucose uptake agent and a hit against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In the efforts to develop a biocompatible transition metal complex as a drug alike for some of the prevailing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases (CDs), a novel binuclear Ni^II compound [{Ni^II(hpdbal-sbdt)}₂] (2) has been synthesized by the reaction of Ni(OAc)₂.4H₂O and H₂hpdbal-sbdt (1) [1 is a dibasic tridentate ONS^2- donor Schiff base ligand obtained by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-5-(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde (Hhpdbal) and S-benzyldithiocarbazate (Hsbdt)]. Both ligand 1 and compound 2 were structurally characterized in the solid and solution state using various spectroscopic techniques like ATIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, TGA, FESEM, EDS and CHNS analysis. The antidiabetic activity of H₂hpdbal-sbdt (1) and [{Ni^II(hpdbal-sbdt)}₂] (2) were assessed using 2-NBDG uptake assay. The assay results showed 85% and 95% of fluorescent glucose uptake by insulin resistant HePG2 cells treated with compounds 1 and 2 respectively. The 2-NBDG uptake by the cells treated with the compound 2 was observed to be comparable to the standard antidiabetic drug metformin. Compounds 1 and 2 were also tested against five bacterial and two fungi strains in order to evaluate pathogen killing activity. Compound 2 showed significant inhibitory action towards the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain with an MIC value of 2 μg/mL whereas the ligand 1 was found to be inactive. Furthermore, the interactive nature of compound 2 with a model serum carrier protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied using a multi-spectroscopic approach which provided an insight into the nature and extent of binding, conformational changes and the quenching of amino acid residues of the protein.

Theoretical Study of Terminal Vanadium(V) Chalcogenido Complexes Bearing Chlorido and Methoxido Ligands

Solvent (methanol) coordinated vanadium(V) chalcogenido complexes bearing chlorido and methoxido ligands have been studied computationally by means of density functional (DFT) methods. The gas phase complexes were fully optimized using B3LYP/GEN functionals with 6-31+G⁎⁎ and LANL2DZ basis sets. The optimized complexes show distorted octahedral geometries around the central vanadium atom. The ligand pπ-vanadium dπ interactions were analyzed by natural bond order (NBO) and natural population analyses (NPA). These results show strong stabilization of the V=O bond as was further confirmed by the analyses of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs). Second-order perturbation analyses also revealed substantial delocalization of lone pair electrons from the oxido ligand into vacant non-Lewis (Rydberg) orbitals as compared to the sulfido and seleno analogues. These results show significant ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) interactions. Full interaction map (FIM) of the reference complex confirms hydrogen bond interactions involving the methanol (O-H) and the chlorido ligand.

Evaluation of cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and cellular ultrastructural effects of heteroleptic oxidovanadium(IV) complexes of salicylaldimines and polypyridyl ligands

Searching for prospective vanadium-based drugs for cancer treatment, a new series of structurally related [V^IVO(L-2H)(NN)] compounds (1-8) was developed. They include a double deprotonated salicylaldimine Schiff base ligand (L-2H) and different NN-polypyridyl co-ligands having DNA intercalating capacity. Compounds were characterized in solid state and in solution. EPR spectroscopy suggests that the NN ligands act as bidentate and bind through both nitrogen donor atoms in an axial-equatorial mode. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in human tumoral cells (ovarian A2780, breast MCF7, prostate PC3). The cytotoxic activity was dependent on type of cell and incubation time. At 24h PC3 cells presented low sensitivity, but at 72h all complexes showed high cytotoxic activity in all cells. Human kidney HEK293 and ovarian cisplatin resistant A2780cisR cells were also included to evaluate selectivity towards cancer cells and potency to overcome cisplatin resistance, respectively. Most complexes showed no detectable interaction with plasmid DNA, except 2 and 7 which depicted low ability to induce single strand breaks in supercoiled DNA. Based on the overall cytotoxic profile, complexes with 2,2´-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands (1 and 2) were selected for further studies, which consisted on cellular distribution and ultrastructural analyses. In the A2780 cells both depicted different distribution profiles; the former accumulates mostly at the membrane and the latter in the cytoskeleton. Morphology of treated cells showed nuclear atypia and membrane alterations, more severe for 1. Complexes induce different cell death pathways, predominantly necrosis for 1 and apoptosis for 2. Complexes alternative mode of cell death motivates the possibility for further developments.

Symmetrical N-acylsubstituted dihydrazones containing bithiophene core--Photophysical, electrochemical and thermal characterization

Four symmetrical N-acylsubstituted dihydrazones containing bithiophene core were synthesized from condensation of 2,2'-bithiophene-5,5'-dicarboxyaldehyde with benzoic, isonicotinoyl, 2-thiophenic and 2-furoic hydrazide. The obtained compounds were characterized through the data from (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. Additionally, the electronic properties including orbital energies and resulting energy gaps were calculated by density functional theory (DFT). Their thermal behavior was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). They were thermal sable up to 320°C. The prepared N-acylsubstituted dihydrazones emitted light with λ(em) in the range of 499-530 nm in solution, whereas, in solid state as blend with PMMA blue emission was observed. They undergo quasi-reversible and irreversible electrochemical reduction and oxidation processes, respectively. Additionally, the selected compounds were tested preliminary as component of active layer in organic photovoltaic cells. The highest value of power conversion efficiency, equal to 1.68% under simulated 100 mW/cm(2) AM 1.5G irradiation was found for device with the architecture ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM:FBTH (1:2:2)/Al.

Chemistry of Monomeric and Dinuclear Non-Oxido Vanadium(IV) and Oxidovanadium(V) Aroylazine Complexes: Exploring Solution Behavior

A series of mononuclear non-oxido vanadium(IV) [V(IV)(L(1-4))2] (1-4), oxidoethoxido vanadium(V) [V(V)O(L(1-4))(OEt)] (5-8), and dinuclear μ-oxidodioxidodivanadium(V) [V(V)2O3(L(1))2] (9) complexes with tridentate aroylazine ligands are reported [H2L(1) = 2-furoylazine of 2-hydroxy-1-acetonaphthone, H2L(2) = 2-thiophenoylazine of 2-hydroxy-1-acetonaphthone, H2L(3) = 1-naphthoylazine of 2-hydroxy-1-acetonaphthone, H2L(4) = 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoylazine of 2-hydroxy-1-acetonaphthone]. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, by various spectroscopic techniques, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9). The non-oxido V(IV) complexes (1-4) are quite stable in open air as well as in solution, and DFT calculations allow predicting EPR and UV-vis spectra and the electronic structure. The solution behavior of the [V(V)O(L(1-4))(OEt)] compounds (5-8) is studied confirming the formation of at least two different types of V(V) species in solution, monomeric corresponding to 5-8, and μ-oxidodioxidodivanadium [V(V)2O3(L(1-4))2] compounds. The μ-oxidodioxidodivanadium compound [V(V)2O3(L(1))2] (9), generated from the corresponding mononuclear complex [V(V)O(L(1))(OEt)] (5), is characterized in solution and in the solid state. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the non-oxido vanadium(IV) compounds (2 and 3) show a N2O4 binding set and a trigonal prismatic geometry, and those of the V(V)O complexes 5, 6, and 8 and the μ-oxidodioxidodivanadium(V) (9) reveal that the metal center is in a distorted square pyramidal geometry with O4N binding sets. For the μ-oxidodioxidodivanadium species in equilibrium with 5-8 in CH2Cl2, no mixed-valence complexes are detected by chronocoulometric and EPR studies. However, upon progressive transfer of two electrons, two distinct monomeric V(IV)O species are detected and characterized by EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

A study of DNA/BSA interaction and catalytic potential of oxidovanadium(v) complexes with ONO donor ligands

The study of DNA/BSA interaction and the catalytic potential of five mono- and dinuclear oxidoethoxido vanadium(v) complexes.

Vanadium compounds in medicine

Vanadium is a transition metal that, being ubiquitously distributed in soil, crude oil, water and air, also found roles in biological systems and is an essential element in most living beings. There are also several groups of organisms which accumulate vanadium, employing it in their biological processes. Vanadium being a biological relevant element, it is not surprising that many vanadium based therapeutic drugs have been proposed for the treatment of several types of diseases. Namely, vanadium compounds, in particular organic derivatives, have been proposed for the treatment of diabetes, of cancer and of diseases caused by parasites. In this work we review the medicinal applications proposed for vanadium compounds with particular emphasis on the more recent publications. In cells, partly due to the similarity of vanadate and phosphate, vanadium compounds activate numerous signaling pathways and transcription factors; this by itself potentiates application of vanadium-based therapeutics. Nevertheless, this non-specific bio-activity may also introduce several deleterious side effects as in addition, due to Fenton's type reactions or of the reaction with atmospheric O2, VCs may also generate reactive oxygen species, thereby introducing oxidative stress with consequences presently not well evaluated, particularly for long-term administration of vanadium to humans. Notwithstanding, the potential of vanadium compounds to treat type 2 diabetes is still an open question and therapies using vanadium compounds for e.g. antitumor and anti-parasitic related diseases remain promising.

Vanadium(V) complexes of a tripodal ligand, their characterisation and biological implications

The reaction of the tripodal tetradentate dibasic ligand 6,6'-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylazanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenol), H2L(1)I, with [V(IV)O(acac)2] in CH3CN gives the V(V)O-complex, [V(V)O(acac)(L(1))] 1. Crystallisation of 1 in CH3CN at ∼0 °C gives dark blue crystals of 1, while at room temperature it affords dark green crystals of [{V(V)O(L(1))}2μ-O] 3. Upon prolonged treatment of 1 in MeOH, [V(V)O(OMe)(MeOH)(L(1))] 2 is obtained. All three complexes were analysed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, depicting a distorted octahedral geometry around vanadium. In the reaction of H2L(1) with V(IV)OSO4 partial hydrolysis of the tripodal ligand results in the elimination of the pyridyl fragment of L(1) and the formation of H[V(V)O2(L(2))] 4 containing the ONO tridentate ligand 6,6'-azanediylbis(methylene)bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenol), H2L(2)II. Compound 4, which was not fully characterised, undergoes dimerization in acetone yielding the hydroxido-bridged [{V(V)O(L(2))}2μ-(OH)2] 5 having a distorted octahedral geometry around each vanadium. In contrast, from a solution of 4 in acetonitrile, the dinuclear compound [{V(V)O(L(2))}2μ-O] 6 is obtained, with a trigonal bipyramidal geometry around each vanadium. The methoxido complex 2 is successfully employed as a functional catechol-oxidase mimic in the oxidation of catechol to o-quinone under air. The process was confirmed to follow a Michaelis-Menten type kinetics with respect to catechol, the Vmax and KM values obtained being 7.66 × 10(-6) M min(-1) and 0.0557 M, respectively, and the turnover frequency is 0.0541 min(-1). A similar reaction with the bulkier 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol proceeded at a much slower rate. Complex 2 was also used as a catalyst precursor for the oxidative bromination of thymol in aqueous medium. The selectivity shows quite interesting trends, namely when not using excess of the primary oxidizing agent, H2O2, the para mono-brominated product corresponds to ∼93% of the products and no dibromo derivative is formed.

Thirty years through vanadium chemistry

The relevance of vanadium in biological systems is known for many years and vanadium-based catalysts have important industrial applications, however, till the beginning of the 80s research on vanadium chemistry and biochemistry did not receive much attention from the scientific community. The understanding of the broad bioinorganic implications resulting from the similarities between phosphate and vanadate(V) and the discovery of vanadium dependent enzymes gave rise to an enormous increase in interest in the chemistry and biological relevance of vanadium. Thereupon the last 30years corresponded to a period of enormous research effort in these fields, as well as in medicinal applications of vanadium and in the development of catalysts for use in fine-chemical synthesis, some of these inspired by enzymatic active sites. Since the 80s my group in collaboration with others made contributions, described throughout this text, namely in the understanding of the speciation of vanadium compounds in aqueous solution and in biological fluids, and to the transport of vanadium compounds in blood plasma and their uptake by cells. Several new types of vanadium compounds were also synthesized and characterized, with applications either as prospective therapeutic drugs or as homogeneous or heterogenized catalysts for the production of fine chemicals. The developments made are described also considering the international context of the evolution of the knowledge in the chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry of vanadium compounds during the last 30years. This article was compiled based on the Vanadis Award presentation at the 9th International Vanadium Symposium.

A family of mixed-ligand oxidovanadium(v) complexes with aroylhydrazone ligands: a combined experimental and computational study on the electronic effects of para substituents of hydrazone ligands on the electronic properties, DNA binding and nuclease activities

Substituents at 5-position in the acetophenone ring of the hydrazone ligands in a family of mixed-ligand oxidovanadium(v) complexes show marked influence on the electronic properties, DNA binding ability and nuclease activity.

Sulfide Oxidation by O2: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity of Novel Sulfide-Incorporated Fe(II) Bis(imino)pyridine Complexes

The unsymmetrical iron(II) bis(imino)pyridine complexes [FeII(LN3SMe)(H2O)3](OTf)2 (1), and [FeII(LN3SMe)Cl2] (2) were synthesized and their reactivity with O2 was examined. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, LDI-MS, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. The LN3SMe ligand was designed to incorporate a single sulfide donor and relies on the bis(imino)pyridine scaffold. This scaffold was selected for its ease of synthesis and its well-precedented ability to stabilize Fe(II) ions. Complexes 1 and 2 ware prepared via a metal-assisted template reaction from the unsymmetrical pyridyl ketone precursor 2-(O=CMe)-6-(2,6-(iPr2-C6H3N=CMe)-C5H3N. Reaction of 1 with O2 was shown to afford the S-oxygenated sulfoxide complex [Fe(LN3S(O)Me)(OTf)]2+(3), whereas compound 2, under the same reaction conditions, afforded the corresponding sulfone complex [Fe(LN3S(O2)Me)Cl]2+ (4).

Evaluation of the binding of oxovanadium(IV) to human serum albumin

The understanding of the biotransformations of insulin mimetic vanadium complexes in human blood and its transport to target cells is an essential issue in the development of more effective drugs. We present the study of the interaction of oxovanadium(iv) with human serum albumin (HSA) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), circular dichroism (CD) and visible absorption spectroscopy. Metal competition studies were done using Cu(II) and Zn(II) as metal probes. The results show that V(IV)O occupies two types of binding sites in albumin, which compete not only with each other, but also with hydrolysis of the metal ion. In one of the sites the resulting V(IV)O-HSA complex has a weak visible CD signal and its X-band EPR spectrum may be easily measured. This was assigned to amino acid side chains of the ATCUN site. The other binding site shows stronger signals in the CD in the visible range, but has a hardly measurable EPR signal; it is assigned to the multi metal binding site (MBS) of HSA. Studies with fatted and defatted albumin show the complexity of the system since conformational changes, induced by the binding of fatty acids, decrease the ability of V(IV)O to bind albumin. The possibility and importance of ternary complex formation between V(IV)O, HSA and several drug candidates - maltol (mal), picolinic acid (pic), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (hpno) and 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridinone (dhp) was also evaluated. In the presence of maltol the CD and EPR spectra significantly change, indicating the formation of ternary VO-HSA-maltol complexes. Modeling studies with amino acids and peptides were used to propose binding modes. Based on quantitative RT EPR measurements and CD data, it was concluded that in the systems with mal, pic, hpno, and dhp (V(IV)OL(2))(n)(HSA) species form, where the maximum value for n is at least 6 (mal, pic). The degree of formation of the ternary species, corresponding to the reaction V(IV)OL(2) + HSA -->/<-- V(IV)OL(2)(HSA) is hpno > pic ≥ mal > dhp. (V(IV)OL)(n)(HSA) type complexes are detected exclusively with pic. Based on the spectroscopic studies we propose that in the (V(IV)OL(2))(n)(HSA) species the protein bounds to vanadium through the histidine side chains.

MCM-41-supported oxo-vanadium(IV) complex: a highly selective heterogeneous catalyst for the bromination of hydroxy aromatic compounds in water

An ecofriendly solid catalyst has been synthesized by anchoring vanadium(IV) into organically modified MCM-41. First, the surface of Si-MCM-41 was modified with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (3-APTES), the amine group of which upon condensation with ortho-hydroxy-acetophenone affords a N(2)O(2)-type Schiff base moiety in the mesoporous matrix. The Schiff base moieties were used to anchor oxo-vanadium(IV) ions. The prepared catalyst has been characterized by UV-vis, IR spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAX), nitrogen sorption, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. It is observed that the mesostructure has not been destroyed in the multistep synthesis procedure, as evidenced by SAX and TEM measurements. The catalyst has shown unprecedented high conversion as well as para selectivity toward the bromination of hydroxy aromatic compounds using aqueous 30% H(2)O(2)/KBr in water. The reaction proceeds according to the stoichiometric ratio, and the monobrominated product was obtained as the major product using a stoichiometric amount of the bromine source. The immobilized complex does not leach or decompose during the catalytic reactions, showing practical advantages over the free metal complex.