Thermally stable luminescent zinc–Schiff base complexes: A thiocyanato bridged 1D coordination polymer and a supramolecular 1D polymer

Synthesis, spectroscopic investigation, molecular docking, ADME/T toxicity predictions, and DFT study of two trendy ortho vanillin-based scaffolds

In this article, we have synthesized two contemporary ortho-vanillin-based Salen-type ligands (H₂L¹/H₂L²) characterized by modern spectroscopic tools. EDX analysis supports the elemental composition (C, N, O, and Br). SEM examined the morphology of the synthesized compounds. The molecular geometry was optimized in the gas phase using B3LYP-D3/6-311G (d, p) level. The global reactivity parameters, HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Δ), atomic properties, MESP, and ADME/T, vividly explore the chemical reactivity and toxicity of two Salen-type ligands. The DFT simulated IR/NMR characterized essential structural assignments, and UV-Visible spectra were employed to predict the optical properties. The article demonstrated in silico molecular docking against the Gm + ve Bacillus subtilis (6UF6), and Gm -ve Proteus Vulgaris establishes the ligand binding ability with essential amino acids through conventional H-bonding or other significant interactions. The docking simulation is compared for two compounds better than the control drugs and confirms the antimicrobial activity. The theoretical drug-like properties have been explored in-depth by ADME/T using the SWISSADME database. The analysis estimated the molecule's lipophilicity, the consensus P0/W, and water solubility. Thus, using various pharmaco-logical parameters, toxicity explains where the electron-withdrawing Br group plays a more toxic effect in H₂L² than in H₂L¹.

The importance of tetrel bonding interactions with carbon in two arrestive iso-structural Cd(ii)-Salen coordination complexes: a comprehensive DFT overview in crystal engineering

In this article, we describe the serendipitous synthesis of two remarkable iso-structural Cd(ii)-Salen complexes [L2Cd4(OAc)2(NCS)2] in the presence of H2L and NaSCN {where L = L1 (N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,2-diaminopropane) and L = L2 (N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-ethylenediamine) in 1 and 2, respectively}. The complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, SEM-EDX, PXRD, spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystal structure revealed that both complexes crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, with unit cell parameters: a = 20.758(6), b = 11.022(3), c = 21.396(6) Å, V = 4895(2) Å3, and Z = 4. The inner N2O2 and outer O4 compartments are essentially occupied by two different Cd(ii) metal ions resulting from the de-protonated form of the ligand (L2-) with the Cd(1) metal ions adopting a capped octahedral geometry. At the same time, Cd(2) assumes a distorted trigonal prismatic geometry. The solid-state crystal structure involves various non-covalent supramolecular interactions delineated by Hirshfeld Surface and 2D fingerprint plot analysis. Noteworthily, interesting S⋯H, O⋯H, and N⋯H contacts were observed, which have identical percentages in both complexes. The sparse tetrel bonding interactions in the complex, involving the CH3 group, were evaluated in a new dimension of DFT. We observed this privileged bonding landscape that leads to the formation of self-assembled dimers in the crystal complexes. DFT-based MEP, RDG surface, NBO, and QTAIM/NCI plot investigation quantified such unique tetrel bonding interactions.

Synthesis, spectroscopic findings and crystal engineering of Pb(ii)-Salen coordination polymers, and supramolecular architectures engineered by σ-hole/spodium/tetrel bonds: a combined experimental and theoretical investigation

Spontaneous self-assembly is one of the available synthetic routes to achieve structurally versatile and unique crystal complexes with selected metal-ligand combinations in the spirit of pseudohalides. In this endeavour, we designed a novel 1D coordination polymer (CP), [(Cd)(Pb)(L)(η¹-NCS)(η¹-SCN)] _n (1), using a compartmental Salen ligand (H₃L) in the presence of NaSCN. The characterization of the CP was accomplished using several spectroscopic techniques: MALDI-TOF, PXRD, SEM, EDX mapping, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The CP crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with Z = 4. SCXRD reveals Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) metal ions fulfilled distorted square pyramidal and hemi-directed coordination spheres. Cd(ii) is placed in the inner N₂O₂ and heavier Pb(ii) in the outer O₄ compartments of the de-protonated form of the ligand [L]^2-. Supramolecular interactions in the intricate crystal structure produced attractive molecular architectures of the compound. The flexible aliphatic -OH pendent group coordinates with the Pb(ii) ions. This unique binding further elevates the supramolecular crystal topographies. The supramolecular interactions were authenticated by Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA). The observation of the recurring unconventional tetrel bonds was rationalized by DFT calculations and surface plots of molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). In the 1D polymeric chain in the complex, the O-atom of the -OH groups shows a tetrel bonding interaction with the Pb atom. We have found that the combination of QTAIM/NCI and QTAIM/ELF plots helps reveal the nature of these contacts. Moreover, the QTAIM/ELF plot determines the donor-acceptor interaction between the O-atom and the Pb atom, establishing the σ-hole. Agreeably, the σ-hole interaction also helps Pb(ii) serve as a Lewis acid in the complex. Finally, spodium and tetrel bonds are formed, possible thanks to a hemi-directional coordination sphere of the Pb atoms in the polymer described.

Dicyanamide-intertwined assembly of two new Zn complexes based on N2O4-type pro-ligand: Synthesis, crystal networks, spectroscopic insights, and selective nitroaromatic turn-off fluorescence sensing

Two new dicyanamide bridged multinuclear Zn complexes, [Zn₂(L¹)(µ_1,5-dca)₂(µ₁-dca)]_n (1) and [Zn₂(L²)(µ_1,5-dca)₂(µ₁-dca)]_n (2) have been synthesized using N₂O₄-based pro-ligands (H₂L¹ = N,N'-bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidenimino)-1,3-diaminopropane, H₂L² = N,N'-bis(3-ethoxysalicylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine) and characterized by microanalytical and spectroscopic techniques. Both complexes are stable in solution and solid-state. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) findings showed that complexes are stable at room temperature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) has proven that complexes are identical structures where two zinc metal ions are crystallographically independent. The directional properties of dicyanamide co-ligands via µ_1,5 bridging have resulted in different connectivity of zinc metal ions leading to 1D templates. SCXRD revealed some notable non-covalent interactions (π⋯π, C-H····π, and H-bonding) in their solid-state crystal structures. 1-2 have strong fluorescence behaviour over pro-ligands, which may be quenched in the presence of various electron-deficient explosive nitroaromatic compounds (epNACs). Complex 2 fluorescence intensity is sharper than 1; hence the former retained high sensitivity and selectivity for trinitrophenol (TNP). The enhancement of fluorescence mechanism, detection limit (LOD), and the quenching constant (K_SV) have been calculated using the Stern-Volmer equation (SV), where the K_SV value for TNP is found to be 1.542 × 10⁴ M^-1. The solution phase quenching mechanism has been rationalized by (a) electrostatic interactions through charge-transfer complex, (b) photo-induced electron transfer (PET) by the HOMO-LUMO energy gap via DFT, and (c) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Finally, complex 2 is applied as a sensor by turn-off fluorescence response to detecting TNP nitroaromatics in the DMF medium.

Supramolecular assemblies involving biologically relevant antiparallel π-stacking and unconventional solvent driven structural topology in maleato and fumarato bridged Zn(ii) coordination polymers: antiproliferative evaluation and theoretical studies

In vitro anticancer activities have been explored in solvent driven maleato and fumarato bridged Zn(ii) coordination polymers involving energetically significant antiparallel π-stacking and enclathrated guest MeOH/H₂O moieties.

The Role of Zinc(II) Ion in Fluorescence Tuning of Tridentate Pincers: A Review

Tridentate ligands are simple low-cost pincers, easy to synthetize, and able to guarantee stability to the derived complexes. On the other hand, due to its unique mix of structural and optical properties, zinc(II) ion is an excellent candidate to modulate the emission pattern as desired. The present work is an overview of selected articles about zinc(II) complexes showing a tuned fluorescence response with respect to their tridentate ligands. A classification of the tridentate pincers was carried out according to the binding donor atom groups, specifically nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur donor atoms, and depending on the structure obtained upon coordination. Fluorescence properties of the ligands and the related complexes were compared and discussed both in solution and in the solid state, keeping an eye on possible applications.

Five-Coordinated Geometries from Molecular Structures to Solutions in Copper(II) Complexes Generated from Polydentate-N-Donor Ligands and Pseudohalides

A novel series of mononuclear five-coordinated pseudohalido-Cu(II) complexes displaying distorted square bipyramidal: [Cu(L¹)(NCS)₂] (1), [Cu(L²)(NCS)₂] (2) and [Cu(L³)(NCS)]ClO₄ (5) as well as distorted trigonal bipyramidal: [Cu(isp₃tren)(N₃)]ClO₄ (3), [Cu(isp₃tren)(dca)]ClO₄ (4) and [Cu(tedmpza)(dca)]ClO₄·0.67H₂O (6) geometries had been synthesized and structurally characterized using X-ray single crystal crystallography, elemental microanalysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and molar conductivity measurements. Different N-donor amine skeletons including tridentate: L¹ = [(2-pyridyl)-2-ethyl)-(3,4-dimethoxy)-2-methylpyridyl]methylamine and L² = [(2-pyridyl)-2-ethyl)-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy)-2-methyl-pyridyl]methylamine, and tetradentate: L³ = bis(2-ethyl-di(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-[2-(3,4-dimethoxy-pyridylmethyl)]amine, tedmpza = tris[(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]amine and isp₃tren = tris[(2-isopropylamino)ethyl)]amine ligands were employed. Molecular structural parameters such as nature of coligand, its chelate ring size and steric environment incorporated into its skeleton, which lead to adopting one of the two limiting geometries in these complexes and other reported compounds are analyzed and correlated to their assigned geometries in solutions. Similar analysis were extended to other five-coordinated halido-Cu(II) complexes.

Formation of di- and polynuclear Mn(II) thiocyanate pyrazole complexes in solution and in the solid state

Reaction of Mn(NCS)2 with pyrazole leads to the formation of three compounds with the compositions Mn(NCS)2(pyrazole)4 (1), [Mn(NCS)2]2(pyrazole)6 (2) and Mn(NCS)2(pyrazole)2 (3). Compound 1, already reported in the literature, consists of discrete complexes, in which the Mn(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated by four pyrazole ligands and two terminally N-bonded thiocyanate anions. In compound 2 each of the two Mn(II) cations are coordinated octahedrally by three pyrazole ligands and one terminal as well as two bridging thiocyanate anions, which link the metal cations into dimers. In compound 3 also octahedrally coordinated Mn(II) cations are present but they are linked into chains via centrosymmetric pairs of μ-1,3-bridging thiocyanate anions. Upon heating compound 1 loses the pyrazole co-ligands stepwise and is transformed into the chain compound 3 via the dimer 2 that is formed as an intermediate. Magnetic measurements on compounds 2 and 3 reveal dominating antiferromagnetic interactions, as already observed for 1D Mn(NCS)2 coordination compounds with pyridine based co-ligands.

Heterometallic ZnII⁻LnIII⁻ZnII Schiff Base Complexes with Linear or Bent Conformation-Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Luminescent and Magnetic Characterization

A series of racemic, heteronuclear complexes [Zn₂Nd(ac)₂(HL)₂]NO₃·3H₂O (1), [Zn₂Sm(ac)₂(HL)₂]NO₃·3CH₃OH·0.3H₂O (2), [Zn₂Ln(ac)₂(HL)₂]NO₃·5.33H₂O (3–5) (where HL is the dideprotonated form of N,N′-bis(5-bromo-3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-diamino-2-propanol, ac = acetate ion, and Ln = Eu (3), Tb (4), Dy (5), respectively) with an achiral multisite coordination Schiff base ligand (H₃L) were synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystallography revealed that the chirality in complexes is centered at lanthanide(III) ions due to two vicinally located μ-acetato-bridging ligands. The presented crystals have isoskeletal coordination units but they crystallize in monoclinic (1, 2) or trigonal crystal systems (3–5) with slightly different conformation. In 1 and 2 the Zn^II–Ln^III–Zn^II coordination core is linear, whereas in isostructural crystals 3–5 the chiral coordination cores are bent and lie on a two-fold axis. The complexes 1, 3–5 show a blue emission attributed to the emission of the ligand. For Zn^II₂Sm^III complex (2) the characteristic emission bands of f-f* transitions were observed. The magnetic properties for compounds 1, 4 and 5 are characteristic for the paramagnetism of the corresponding lanthanide(III) ions.

Formation of a water-mediated assembly of two neutral copper(ii) Schiff base fragments with a Cu2(NCS)4moiety: exploration of non-covalent C–H⋯π(bimetallo ring) interactions

The energetic features of dimer formation and water encapsulation in an interesting copper(ii) Schiff base complex, [(CuL)₂⊂(H₂O)][Cu₂(μ_1,3-NCS)₂(NCS)₂], have been studied using DFT calculations.

Influence of para substituents in controlling photophysical behavior and different non-covalent weak interactions in zinc complexes of a phenol based "end-off" compartmental ligand

Three dinuclear zinc(II) complexes with "end-off" compartmental ligands, namely 2,6-bis(N-ethylmorpholine-iminomethyl)-4-R-phenol (R = -CH3, Cl, (t)Bu) have been synthesized with the aim of exploring the role of the para substituent present in the ligand backbone in controlling the structural diversity, photophysical properties and different weak interactions of the complexes. All three species, with the general formula {2[Zn2L(CH3COO)2][Zn(NCS)4]}, show the complex anion Zn(NCS)4(2-) as a common structural feature decisive for crystallization. Interestingly, all of them possess several non-covalent weak interactions where the nature of the "R" group plays an essential role as exposed by DFT study. Besides exhibiting fluorescence behavior, the complexes also show para substitution controlled phosphorescence both at room and low temperature. Anisotropy studies suggest the existence of complexes 2 and 3 as dimers in solution. The origins of the unusual room temperature phosphorescence and fluorescence behavior of the complexes have been rationalized in the light of theoretical calculations.

Spectroscopic, crystal structural and electrochemical studies of zinc(II)-Schiff base complex obtained from 2,3-diaminobenzene and 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde

Mononuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn(II)L], where L is a dianionic ligand, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electronic, IR and NMR [(1)H, (13)C, DEPT, (1)H-(1)H COSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC] spectroscopic techniques. Structural analysis of the complex by single crystal X-ray crystallography shows the presence of a distorted square planar coordination geometry (NNOO) of the metal center. The crystal of the title complex C28H18N2O2Zn belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group Pmn21. Electrochemical behavior of the Zn(II)L complex has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry on glassy carbon and platinum electrodes in DMF at 100 mV/s scan rate.