Complexes of technetium(I) (99Tc, 99mTc) pentacarbonyl core with π-acceptor ligands (tert-butyl isocyanide and triphenylphosphine): Crystal structures of [Tc(CO)5(PPh3)]OTf and [Tc(CO)5(CNC(CH3)3)]ClO4

2 + 1 Tricarbonyl Complexes of Technetium(I) with a Combination of N,N-Bidentate Ligands and Ethyl Isocyanoacetate: How Strong Is the Interfering Effect of Chloride Ions on Their Formation?

Technetium(I) 2 + 1 tricarbonyl complexes with a combination of N,N-bidentate ligands (2,2'-bipyridine, bipy; 1,10-phenanthroline, phen) and ethyl isocyanoacetate were prepared and characterized by NMR, IR, UV/visible, and luminescence spectroscopies and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The crystal structures of [99Tc(CO)3(bipy)(CNCH2COOEt)](ClO4) (in the form of a solvate with 0.5CH2Cl2) and [99Tc(CO)3(phen)(CNCH2COOEt)](ClO4) (in the form of an adduct with an outer-sphere phen molecule) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. To evaluate the interfering effect of chloride ions on the formation of the 2 + 1 complexes, the kinetics of the replacement of labile monodentate ligand X in the complexes [MX(CO)3(N∧N)] (M = Re, 99Tc; N∧N = bipy, phen; X = Cl-, ClO4-) by CNCH2COOEt in ethanol were compared. The 99Tc bipy complexes with X = ClO4- (according to the IR data, perchlorate anion in ethanol is displaced from the coordination sphere by the solvent molecule) and X = Cl- are characterized by close ligand replacement rates. In the case of the 99Tc complexes with phen and Re complexes with both phen and bipy, the chloride complexes are appreciably less reactive than the chloride-free complexes. The technetium complexes are considerably more reactive in ligand replacement than their rhenium analogues. In the chloride-containing medium (saline), the complex [99mTc(CO)3(bipy)(CNCH2COOEt)]+ can be prepared under the conditions acceptable for nuclear medical applications, although higher isonitrile concentrations are required as compared to the chloride-free system.

Technetium Complexes with an Isocyano-alkyne Ligand and Its Reaction Products

The attachment of an ethyne substituent in the para position of phenylisocyanide, CNPh^pC≡CH, enables the isocyanide to replace carbonyl ligands in the coordination sphere of common technetium(I) starting materials such as (NBu₄)[Tc₂(μ-Cl)₃(CO)₆]. The ligand exchange proceeds under thermal conditions and finally forms the corresponding hexakis(isocyanide)technetium(I) complex. The product undergoes a copper-catalyzed cycloaddition ("Click" reaction), e.g., with benzyl azide, which gives the [Tc(CNPh^azole)₆]⁺ cation. The free, uncoordinated "Click" product is obtained from a reaction of the corresponding tetrakis(CNPh^azole)copper(I) complex and NaCN. It readily reacts with mer-[Tc(CO)₃(tht)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) under exchange of the thioether ligand. Alternatively, [Cu(CNPh^azole)₄]⁺ can be used as a transmetalation reagent for the synthesis of the hexakis(isocyanide)technetium(I) complex, which is the preferable approach for the synthesis of the technetium complex with the short-lived nuclear isomer ^99mTc, and a corresponding protocol for [^99mTc(CNPh^azole)₆]⁺ is reported. The ⁹⁹Tc and copper complexes have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and/or spectroscopic methods including IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.

Mixed-Isocyanide Complexes of Technetium under Steric and Electronic Control

Reactions of the alkyl isocyanide fac-[Tc(CO)₃(CNR)₂Cl] complexes (2) (CNR = CNⁿBu or CN^tBu) with the sterically encumbered isocyanide CNp-FAr^DarF2 [DArF = 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃] allow a selective exchange of the carbonyl ligands of 2 and the isolation of the mixed-isocyanide complexes mer,trans-[Tc(CNp-FAr^DarF2)₃(CNR)₂Cl] (3). Depending on the steric requirements of the residues R, the remaining chlorido ligand can be replaced by another isocyanide ligand. Cationic complexes such as mer-[Tc(CNp-FAr^DarF2)₃(CNⁿBu)₃]⁺ (4a) or mer,trans-[Tc(CNp-FAr^DarF2)₃(CNⁿBu)₂(CN^tBu)]⁺ (6) have been prepared in this way and isolated as their PF₆^- salts. mer,trans-[Tc(CNp-FAr^DarF2)₃(CNⁿBu)₂(CN^tBu)](PF₆) represents to the best of our knowledge the first transition-metal complex with three different isocyanides in its coordination sphere. Since the degree of the ligand exchange seems to be controlled both by the electronic and steric measures of the incoming isocyanides, we undertook similar reactions with the sterically less demanding p-fluorophenyl isocyanide, CNPh^pF, which indeed readily led to the hexakis(isocyanide)technetium(I) cation through an exchange of all ligands in the staring materials [Tc₂(CO)₆(μ-Cl)₃]^- or fac-[Tc(CO)₃(CNR)₂Cl]. The influence of the substituents at the isocyanide ligands in such reactions has been reasoned with the density functional theory-derived electrostatic potential at the accessible surface of the corresponding isocyanide carbon atoms.

Technetium(I) Carbonyl Chemistry with Small Inorganic Ligands

[Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) has been used as a synthon for reactions with small inorganic ligands with relevance for the treatment of nuclear waste solutions such as nitrate, nitrite, pseudohalides, permetalates (M = Mn, Tc, Re), and BH₄^-. The formation of bond isomers and/or a distinct reactivity has been observed for most of the products. [Tc(NCO)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(NCS)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(CN)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(N₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(NCO)(OH₂)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OON)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η¹-NO₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OONO)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η¹-ONO₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OO(CCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(SCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(OCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(CH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SS(CH))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(OTcO₃)(acetone)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(OTcO₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], and [Tc(η²-HHBH₂)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] have been isolated in crystalline form and studied by X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the typical reactivity patterns (isomerization, thermal decomposition, hydrolysis, or decarbonylation) of the products have been studied by spectroscopic methods. ⁹⁹Tc NMR spectroscopy has proved to be a particularly useful tool for the evaluation of such reactions of the diamagnetic technetium(I) compounds in solution.

[Tc(OH2)(CO)3(PPh3)2]+: A Synthon for Tc(I) Complexes and Its Reactions with Neutral Ligands

A scalable synthesis of the novel and highly reactive [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ cation is described. The ligand-exchange chemistry of this compound with neutral ligands coordinating through C, N, O, S, Se, and Te has been explored systematically. The complexes either retain the original mer-trans tricarbonyl core under exclusive exchange of the aqua ligand or form dicarbonyl complexes by thermal decarbonylation. Ligand exchange reactions starting from [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ proceed under mild conditions and are generally almost quantitative. Some of the formed complexes are remarkably stable and inert, while others provide products with one labile ligand for further reactions. The derived complexes of the type [Tc(L)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ and [Tc(L)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ represent an interesting opportunity for the development of ^99mTc complexes with potential use in radiopharmacy. The ready displacement of the aqua ligand highlights the synthetic value of [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ as a reactive entry point for further studies in the little explored field of the organometallic chemistry of technetium.

Does [TcF(CO)5] exist? The crystal and molecular structure of [Tc(CO)3(OH)0.49F0.51]4·[Tc(CO)5(BF4)]

Technetium pentacarbonyl fluoride [TcF(CO)5] was prepared for the first time by reaction of [TcI(CO)5] with solid AgF in a dichloromethane solution at -23 °C. Low temperature crystallization of the resulting compound in a glass vial yielded an unusual complex [Tc(CO)3(OH)0.49F0.51]4·[Tc(CO)5(BF4)] characterized by single crystal XRD.

Technetium and rhenium pentacarbonyl complexes with C₂ and C₁₁ ω-isocyanocarboxylic acid esters

Technetium(I) and rhenium(I) pentacarbonyl complexes with ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate and methyl 11-isocyanoundecanoate, [M(CO)5(CNCH2COOEt)]ClO4 (M = Tc (1) and Re (2)) and [M(CO)5(CN(CH2)10COOMe)]ClO4 (M = Tc (3) and Re (4)), were prepared and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The kinetics of thermal decarbonylation of technetium complexes 1 and 3 in ethylene glycol was studied by IR spectroscopy. The rate constants and activation parameters of this reaction were determined and compared with those for [Tc(CO)6](+). It was found that rhenium complexes 2 and 4 were stable with respect to thermal decarbonylation. Histidine challenge reaction of complexes 1 and 2 in phosphate buffer was examined by IR spectroscopy. In the presence of histidine, the rhenium pentacarbonyl isocyanide complex partially decomposes to form an unidentified yellow precipitate. Technetium analogue 1 is more stable under these conditions.

Metal complexes containing natural and and artificial radioactive elements and their applications

Recent advances (during the 2007–2014 period) in the coordination and organometallic chemistry of compounds containing natural and artificially prepared radionuclides (actinides and technetium), are reviewed. Radioactive isotopes of naturally stable elements are not included for discussion in this work. Actinide and technetium complexes with O-, N-, N,O, N,S-, P-containing ligands, as well π-organometallics are discussed from the view point of their synthesis, properties, and main applications. On the basis of their properties, several mono-, bi-, tri-, tetra- or polydentate ligands have been designed for specific recognition of some particular radionuclides, and can be used in the processes of nuclear waste remediation, i.e., recycling of nuclear fuel and the separation of actinides and fission products from waste solutions or for analytical determination of actinides in solutions; actinide metal complexes are also usefulas catalysts forcoupling gaseous carbon monoxide, as well as antimicrobial and anti-fungi agents due to their biological activity. Radioactive labeling based on the short-lived metastable nuclide technetium-99m (^99mTc) for biomedical use as heart, lung, kidney, bone, brain, liver or cancer imaging agents is also discussed. Finally, the promising applications of technetium labeling of nanomaterials, with potential applications as drug transport and delivery vehicles, radiotherapeutic agents or radiotracers for monitoring metabolic pathways, are also described.

Synthesis, characterization and pre-clinical evaluation of (99m) Tc-tricarbonyl complexes as potential myocardial perfusion imaging agents

Myocardial perfusion imaging is an established Nuclear Medicine investigation. Current myocardial perfusion imaging agents sestamibi and tetrofosmin have number of drawbacks; low heart uptake coupled with uptake into the surrounding tissues leads to a poorer image quality. There is a need for continued research into designing and evaluating potentially superior myocardial imaging agents. Tri-carbonyl-technetium and rhenium complexes were prepared by combination with mono-dentate and bi-dentate ligands. Complexes were characterized by HPLC, MAS, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and partition coefficient determinations. (99m) Tc(CO)3 complexes were administered intravenously to Sprague Dawley rats, and tissue distribution studies were carried out at 15 min and 1 h p.i. Radiochemical purity was assessed as >90%. 1-10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridine and imidazole complexes gave the highest heart uptake. The percentage injected dose per gram (n = 3) at 1 h for 1-10-phenanthroline/imidazole was blood 0.21 ± 0.01, heart 1.12 ± 0.11, kidney 3.61 ± 1.13, liver 0.62 ± 0.06, lung 0.28 ± 0.12, spleen 0.24 ± 0.05, small intestine contents 1.87 ± 0.92; and for 2,2'-bipyridine /imidazole was blood 0.23 ± 0.02, heart 1.07 ± 0.18, kidney 3.31 ± 1.28, liver 0.56 ± 0.09, lung 0.14 ± 0.02, spleen 0.2 ± 0.1, small intestine content 1.05 ± 0.48. Further investigation to evaluate more complexes based on 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridine and imidazole derivatives could potentially lead to agents with an increased heart uptake and faster clearance from the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Technetium(I) carbonyl dithiocarbamates and xanthates

Technetium(I) tetracarbonyl complexes with diethyldithiocarbamate and methylxanthate ligands [TcL(CO)(4)] (L = S(2)CNEt(2) and S(2)COMe) were prepared. Conditions required for the formation of these complexes were found. The crystal and molecular structure of the xanthate complex was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(4)] undergoes decarbonylation both in solution and in the course of vacuum sublimation with the formation of a dimer [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(3)](2) whose structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In donor solvents, [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(4)] and [Tc(S(2)COMe)(CO)(4)] undergo decarbonylation with the formation of tricarbonyl solvates [TcL(CO)(3)(Sol)]. The crystal structure of the pyridine solvate [Tc(S(2)CNEt(2))(CO)(3)(py)], chosen as an example, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The possibility of using bidentate S-donor acidic ligands for tethering the tetracarbonyltechnetium fragment to biomolecules was examined.

Hexacarbonyl-technetium(I) perchlorate

The title compound, [Tc(CO)(6)]ClO(4), was synthesized by the reaction of [TcCl(CO)(5)] with AgClO(4), followed by acidification with HClO(4) under a CO atmosphere. The [Tc(CO)(6)](+) cation has close to idealized octa-hedral geometry, with the bond angles between cis-CO groups close to 90° and the Tc-C bond lengths in the range 2.025 (3)-2.029 (3)Å. The perchlorate anion is disordered over two crystallographically equivalent half-occupied positions. The Tc atom in the [Tc(CO)(6)](+) cation is located on an inversion centre.