Silver complexes of 1,2,4-triazole derived N-heterocyclic carbenes: Synthesis, structure and reactivity studies

Ruthenium(II) N-heterocyclic carbene polymer based sensors for detection of predatory drugs like ketamine and scopolamine

The current demand in the field of abusive drug research is to have a highly sensitive and rapid method for detecting ketamine and scopolamine, which are frequently used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults administered via beverages and food. We report here the first electrochemical sensors of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) coordinated ruthenium organometallic 1-dimensional polymers and their multi-walled carbon nano tube (MWCNT)-based composite for detecting ketamine and scopolamine. The preparation of ruthenium NHC organometallics and the MWCNT composite as sensors offers significant advantages for electrochemical applications, with enhanced sensitivities of 121.979 and 3.273 μA μM-1 cm-2 for ketamine and scopolamine, respectively, and selectivity in sensing applications. The complex-carbon composite sensor has a low limit of detection i.e., 0.194 and 3.18 nM for ketamine and scopolamine identification, respectively. Alongside, the selectivity of the composite sensor was evaluated in the presence of other blood constituents, and the study evidenced remarkable discernment towards the title drugs. Furthermore, real-time analyses using the composite sensor demonstrated quantitative identification of ketamine and scopolamine. Therefore, this innovation has the potential to provide valuable tools for forensic investigations and address the urgent need for real-time detection of date rape drugs. This contribution demonstrates a robust proof-of-concept that emphasizes the importance of creating non-enzymatic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective sensors for on-site sensing applications as point-of-care devices.

Discrete Singular Metallophilic Interaction in Stable Large 12-Membered Binuclear Silver and Gold Metallamacrocycles of Amido-Functionalized Imidazole and 1,2,4-Triazole-Derived N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Metallophilic interactions were observed in four pairs of 12-membered metallamacrocyclic silver and gold complexes of imidazole-derived N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), [1-(R¹)-3-N-(2,6-di-(R²)-phenylacetamido)-imidazol-2-ylidene]₂M₂ [R¹ = p-MeC₆H₄, R² = Me, M = Ag (1b) and Au (1c); R¹ = Me, R² = i-Pr, M = Ag (2b) and Au (2c); R¹ = Et, R² = i-Pr, M = Ag (3b) and Au (3c)], and a 1,2,4-triazole-derived N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), [1-(i-Pr)-4-N-(2,6-di-(i-Pr)-phenylacetamido)-1,2,4-triazol-2-ylidene]₂M₂ [M = Ag (4b) and Au (4c)]. The X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and computational studies indicate the presence of metallophilic interactions in these complexes, which are significantly influenced by the sterics and the electronics of the N-amido substituents of the NHC ligands. The argentophilic interaction in the silver 1b-4b complexes was stronger than the aurophilic interaction in the gold 1c-4c complexes, with the metallophilic interaction decreasing in the order 4b > 1b > 1c > 4c > 3b > 3c > 2b > 2c. The 1b-4b complexes were synthesized from the corresponding amido-functionalized imidazolium chloride 1a-3a and the 1,2,4-triazolium chloride 4a salts upon treatment with Ag₂O. The reaction of 1b-4b complexes with (Me₂S)AuCl gave the gold 1c-4c complexes.

A macrocyclic silver polycarbene complex based on 1,2,4-triazole units: synthesis and postsynthetic modification

A method for the synthesis of a new rectangular 1,2,4-triazole-containing macrocycle via photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition with a metal–carbene template was developed.

Coinage Metal Complexes of the Carbenic Tautomer of a Conjugated Mesomeric Betaine Akin to Nitron

This study was motivated by our recent observation that the analytical reagent Nitron (2) is an “instant carbene”, whose reaction with coinage metal salts MX afforded complexes of its carbenic tautomer 1,4-diphenyl-3-phenylamino-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (2′). Our aim was to establish an alkyl homologue of 2 in order to achieve a carbenic tautomer of higher donicity. For this purpose 1-tert-butyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium-3-tert-butylaminide (6) was synthesized. Its reactions with MX afforded complexes of the carbenic tautomer 1-tert-butyl-3-tert-butylamino-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene (6′). With a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 complexes of the type [MX(6′)] were obtained. A ratio of 2:1 furnished complexes of the type [MX(6′)₂] or [M(6′)₂]X. 6′ is a better σ-donor and less electrophilic than 2′ according to NMR spectroscopic data of 6H[BF₄] and 6′ = Se, respectively, and IR spectroscopic data of [RhCl(6′)(CO)₂] confirm that its net electron donor capacity is superior to that of 2′. A comparison of the complexes of 2′ and 6′ reveals two pronounced structural differences. [CuX(6′)₂] (X = Cl, Br) exhibit more acute C–Cu–C bond angles than [CuX(2′)₂]. In contrast to [CuCl(2′)], [CuCl(6′)] aggregates through Cu···Cu contacts of ca. 2.87 Å, compatible with cuprophilic interactions. These differences may be explained by the complementary steric requirements of the t-Bu and the Me substituent of 6′.

A comparative insight into the bioactivity of mono- and binuclear silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: synthesis, lipophilicity and substituent effect

Silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene (Ag(I)-NHC) complexes of mononuclear and binuclear species, synthesised by our group and others in recent years, offer a fascinating outlook on their bioactivity. These complexes advance a range of adaptable structural patterns, leading to intra-specific variation in anticancer and antimicrobial activities. This study therefore reviews the synthesis, structural analysis and bioactivity of Ag complexes derived from mononuclear-NHC complexes either with coordinating or non-coordinating anions and binuclear NHC complexes. Specifically, the effect of stability, chain lengths and lipophilicity on the biological activity of recently reported Ag(I)-NHC complexes is reviewed. These complexes can be further explored as novel antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the nearest future.

Aerobic oxidation at benzylic positions catalyzed by a simple Pd(OAc)2/bis-triazole system

An extremely active palladium catalyst system for the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohols and benzylic C–H oxidation is described.

Novel triazolium based 11th group NHCs: synthesis, characterization and cellular response mechanisms

The novel NHC ligand precursor 1,4-bis(4-nitrobenzyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium bromide, [HTz^(pNO2Bz)2]Br, has been synthesized and used in the synthesis of the corresponding metal complexes M[Tz^(pNO2Bz)2]Br (M = Cu(i), Ag(i) or Au(i)).