Methylthiazolyl Tacn Ligands for Copper Complexation and Their Bifunctional Chelating Agent Derivatives for Bioconjugation and Copper-64 Radiolabeling: An Example with Bombesin

Zn2+ triazamacrocyclic chelators with methylpyridine pendant arms for B-cell apoptosis: a structure-activity study

Three macrocyclic tacn (1,4,7-triazacyclononane) derivatives containing one, two and three 2-methylpyridine pendant arms (no1py, no2py and no3py), compared to the linear diamine analogue tpen (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-methylpyridinyl)-ethylenediamine) known for its capacity to induce cell apoptosis by Zn2+ chelation and/or ROS production, have shown cytotoxic activity on the Daudi B-cell line and CLL (chronic lymphoid leukemia) primary B cell model. These properties have been evidenced using an Incucyte® Live-Cell Analysis System. Evaluation of caspase 3/7 activation by incubation with the four studied chelators has exhibited caspase-dependent apoptotic death. Investigation of the chelator action mechanism has shown no ROS (reactive oxygen species) production for the macrocyclic chelators no1py, no2py and no3py, unlike the linear counterpart tpen for which ROS production was revealed. A significant inhibition effect of macrocyclic chelator cytotoxicity has been established by extracellular addition of cationic salts (Zn2+ and Cu2+) and the Zinquin emission fluorescence method has evidenced intracellular labile zinc chelation for no2py and no3py, while no1py acts differently. The acid-base properties of the chelators and their Zn2+ complexation constants have been obtained, discussed and correlated with the demonstrated biological properties.

Development of a homotrimeric PSMA radioligand based on the NOTI chelating platform

BACKGROUND

The NOTI chelating scaffold can readily be derivatized for bioconjugation without impacting its metal complexation/radiolabeling properties making it an attractive building block for the development of multimeric/-valent radiopharmaceuticals. The objective of the study was to further explore the potential of the NOTI chelating platform by preparing and characterizing homotrimeric PSMA radioconjugates in order to identify a suitable candidate for clinical translation.

RESULTS

Altogether, three PSMA conjugates based on the NOTI-TVA scaffold with different spacer entities between the chelating unit and the Glu-CO-Lys PSMA binding motif were readily prepared by solid phase-peptide chemistry. Cell experiments allowed the identification of the homotrimeric conjugate 9 comprising NaI-Amc spacer with high PSMA binding affinity (IC50 = 5.9 nM) and high PSMA-specific internalization (17.8 ± 2.5%) compared to the clinically used radiotracer [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 with a IC50 of 18.5 nM and 5.2 ± 0.2% cell internalization, respectively. All 68Ga-labeled trimeric conjugates showed high metabolic stability in vitro with [68Ga]Ga-9 exhibiting high binding to human serum proteins (> 95%). Small-animal PET imaging revealed a specific tumor uptake of 16.0 ± 1.3% IA g-1 and a kidney uptake of 67.8 ± 8.4% IA g-1 for [68Ga]Ga-9. Clinical PET imaging allowed identification of all lesions detected by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 together with a prolonged blood circulation as well as a significantly lower kidney and higher liver uptake of [68Ga]Ga-9 compared to [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11.

CONCLUSIONS

Trimerization of the Glu-CO-Lys binding motif for conjugate 9 resulted in a ~ threefold higher binding affinity and cellular uptake as well as in an altered biodistribution profile compared to the control [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 due to its intrinsic high binding to serum proteins. To fully elucidate its biodistribution, future studies in combination with long-lived radionuclides, such as 64Cu, are warranted. Its prolonged biological half-life and favorable tumor-to-kidney ratio make this homotrimeric conjugate also a potential candidate for future radiotherapeutic applications in combination with therapeutic radionuclides such as 67Cu.

Tuning the Properties of Rigidified Acyclic DEDPA2- Derivatives for Application in PET Using Copper-64

We present a detailed investigation of the coordination chemistry toward [natCu/64Cu]copper of a series of H2DEDPA derivatives (H2DEDPA = 6,6'-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(methylene))dipicolinic acid) containing cyclohexyl (H2CHXDEDPA), cyclopentyl (H2CpDEDPA) or cyclobutyl (H2CBuDEDPA) spacers. Furthermore, we also developed a strategy that allowed the synthesis of a H2CBuDEDPA analogue containing an additional NHBoc group at the cyclobutyl ring, which can be used for conjugation to targeting units. The X-ray structures of the Cu(II) complexes evidence distorted octahedral coordination around the metal ion in all cases. Cyclic voltammetry experiments (0.15 M NaCl) evidence quasi-reversible reduction waves associated with the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). The complexes show a high thermodynamic stability, with log KCuL values of 25.11(1), 22.18(1) and 20.19(1) for the complexes of CHXDEDPA2-, CpDEDPA2- and CBuDEDPA2-, respectively (25 °C, 1 M NaCl). Dissociation kinetics experiments reveal that both the spontaneous- and proton-assisted pathways operate at physiological pH. Quantitative labeling with 64CuCl2 was observed at 0.1 nmol for CHXDEDPA2- and CpDEDPA2-, 0.025 nmol for CBuDEDPA2- and 1 nmol for CBuDEDPA-NHBoc2-, with no significant differences observed at 15, 30, and 60 min. The radio-complexes are stable in PBS over a period of 24 h.

Radiochemistry and Complex Formation of the Cyclen-Derived Chelator DOTI-Me with Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ga3+, In3+, Tb3+, and Lu3

In this work, we describe the complex formation and radiochemistry of the cyclen-based chelator DOTI-Me bearing four methylimidazole arms. Radiolabeling properties were evaluated for 52gMn, 64Cu, 68Ga, 111In, 161Tb, and 177Lu, and DOTI-Me showed distinct differences to the structurally related H4DOTA. While radiochemical conversions (RCCs) for 52gMn and 111In were comparable to those of H4DOTA, DOTI-Me was not suited for 68Ga. Conversely, quantitative RCCs were achieved for 64Cu at ambient temperature, while elevated temperatures were required for complexation with H4DOTA. For 161Tb and 177Lu, good but not quantitative RCCs were obtained with DOTI-Me. With the exemption of 68Ga3+, radiolabeled complexes showed high stability in ligand challenge experiments and in human serum. X-ray analysis of the nonradioactive complexes revealed the formation of 8-coordinate Mn2+ and In3+ DOTI-Me complexes. Cu2+ adopted a unique distorted square-pyramidal 2 + 3 with the neutral DOTI-Me ligand and a Jahn-Teller distorted 4 + 2 coordination geometry for the diprotonated H2DOTI-Me2+ cation, respectively. For Zn2+, the complex with HDOTI-Me+ showed a distorted 4 + 3 pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. Summarizing, the ligand DOTI-Me may be an interesting alternative to H4DOTA for 52gMn, 64Cu, 111In, 161Tb, and 177Lu, covering diagnostic as well as therapeutic radionuclides. Further studies of targeted radiopharmaceuticals based on the DOTI-Me scaffold in combination with the set of radiometals presented herein are thus warranted.

Coordination Chemistry of Sulfur-Containing Bifunctional Chelators: Toward in Vivo Stabilization of 64Cu PET Imaging Agents for Alzheimer's Disease

The broader utilization of 64Cu positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents has been hindered by the unproductive demetalation induced by bioreductants. To advance the development of 64Cu-based PET imaging tracers for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), there is a need for novel ligand design strategies. In this study, we developed sulfur-containing dithiapyridinophane (N2S2) bifunctional chelators (BFCs) as well as all nitrogen-based diazapyridinophane (N4) BFCs to compare their abilities to chelate Cu and target Aβ aggregates. Through spectrophotometric titrations and electrochemical measurements, we have demonstrated that the N2S2-based BFCs exhibit >10 orders of magnitude higher binding affinity toward Cu(I) compared to their N4-based counterparts, while both types of BFCs exhibit high stability constants toward Cu(II). Notably, solid state structures for both Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes supported by the two ligand frameworks were obtained, providing molecular insights into their copper chelating abilities. Aβ binding experiments were conducted to study the structure-affinity relationship, and fluorescence microscopy imaging studies confirmed the selective labeling of the BFCs and their copper complexes. Furthermore, we investigated the potential of these ligands for the 64Cu-based PET imaging of AD through radiolabeling and autoradiography studies. We believe our findings provide molecular insights into the design of bifunctional Cu chelators that can effectively stabilize both Cu(II) and Cu(I) and, thus, can have significant implications for the development of 64Cu PET imaging as a diagnostic tool for AD.

H3 Derivatives Possessing Picolyl and Picolinate Pendants for Ga3+ Coordination and 67Ga3+ Radiolabeling

We synthesized, thanks to the regiospecific N-functionalization using an orthoamide intermediate, two 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derivatives containing an acetate arm and either a methylpyridine or a picolinic acid group, respectively, Hnoapy and H2noapa, as new Ga3+ chelators for potential use in nuclear medicine. The corresponding Ga3+ complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized in solution by 1H and 13C NMR. The [Ga(noapy)]2+ complex appears to exist in solution as two diasteroisomeric pairs of enantiomers, as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, while for [Ga(noapa)]+, a single species is present in solution. Solid-state investigations were possible for the [Ga(noapa)]+ complex, which crystallized from water as a pair of enantiomers. The average length of the N-Ga bonds of 2.090 Å is identical with that found for the [Ga(nota)] complex, showing that the presence of the picolinate arm does not hinder the coordination of the ligand to the metal ion. Protonation constants of noapy- and noapa2- were determined by potentiometric titrations, providing an overall basicity ∑log KiH (i = 1-4) that increases in the order noapy- < noapa2- < nota3- with increases in the negative charge of the ligand. Stability constants determined by pH-potentiometric titrations supplemented with 71Ga NMR data show that the stabilities of [Ga(noapy)]2+ and [Ga(noapa)]+ are lower compared to that of [Ga(nota)] but higher than those of other standards such as [Ga(aazta)]-. 67Ga radiolabeling studies were performed in order to demonstrate the potential of these chelators for 67/68Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals. The labelings of Hnoapy and H2noapa were nearly identical, outperforming H3nota. Stability studies were conducted in phosphate-buffered saline and in the presence of human serum transferrin, revealing no significant decomplexation of [67Ga][Ga(noapy)]2+ and [67Ga][Ga(noapa)]+ compared to [67Ga][Ga(nota)]. Finally, all complexes were found to be highly hydrophilic, with calculated log D7.4 values of -3.42 ± 0.05, -3.34 ± 0.04, and -3.00 ± 0.23 for Hnoapy, H2noapa, and H3nota, respectively, correlating with the charge of each complex and the electrostatic potentials obtained with DFT.

HNODThia: A Promising Chelator for the Development of 64Cu Radiopharmaceuticals

Herein, we present the synthesis and coordination chemistry of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of two novel heterocyclic triazacyclononane (tacn)-based chelators (HNODThia and NODThia-AcNHEt). The chelator HNODThia was further derivatized to obtain a novel PSMA-based bioconjugate (NODThia-PSMA) and a bifunctional photoactivatable azamacrocyclic analogue, NODThia-PEG3-ArN3, for the development of copper-64 radiopharmaceuticals. 64Cu radiolabeling experiments were performed on the different metal-binding chelates, whereby quantitative radiochemical conversion (RCC) was obtained in less than 10 min at room temperature. The in vitro stability of NODThia-PSMA in human plasma was assessed by ligand-challenge and copper-exchange experiments. Next, we investigated the viability of the photoactivatable analog (NODThia-PEG3-ArN3) for the light-induced photoradiosynthesis of radiolabeled proteins. One-pot photoconjugation reactions to human serum albumin (HSA) as a model protein and the clinically relevant monoclonal antibody formulation MetMAb were performed. [64Cu]Cu-7-azepin-HSA and [64Cu]Cu-7-azepin-onartuzumab were prepared in less than 15 min by irradiation at 395 nm, with radiochemical purities (RCP) of >95% and radiochemical yields (RCYs) of 42.7 ± 5.3 and 49.6%, respectively. Together, the results obtained here open the way for the development of highly stable 64Cu-radiopharmaceuticals by using aza-heterocyclic tacn-based chelators, and the method can easily be extended to the development of 67Cu radiopharmaceuticals for future applications in molecularly targeted radio(immuno)therapy.

Radiometal Complexes as Pharmacokinetic Modifiers: A Potent 68Ga-Labeled Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Antagonist Based on the Macrocyclic Metal Chelator NODIA-Me

The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) is overexpressed in various cancer types including prostate and breast carcinomas, making it an attractive target for molecular imaging and therapy. In this work, we designed a novel GRPr antagonistic probe comprising metal chelator NODIA-Me. This 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-based chelator forms positively charged metal complexes due to its neutral methylimidazole arms. Because a positive charge at the N-terminus of GRPr conjugates is responsible for high receptor affinity as exemplified by the current gold standard DOTA-RM2, we investigated if a positively charged radiometal complex can be used as a pharmacokinetic modifier to also produce high-affinity GRPr conjugates. In this respect, the bioconjugate NODIA-Me-Ahx-JMV594 was prepared by a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and solution-based reactions in a 94% yield. Radiolabeling provided the 68Ga-labeled conjugate in radiochemical yields of >95% and radiochemical purities of >98% with mean molar activities of Am ∼17 MBq nmol-1. The competitive GRPr affinity of the metal-free and 69/71Ga-labeled conjugate was determined to be IC50 = 0.41 ± 0.06 and 1.45 ± 0.06 nM, respectively. The metal-free GRPr antagonist DOTA-RM2 and its corresponding 69/71Ga complex had IC50 values of 1.42 ± 0.07 and 0.98 ± 0.19 nM, respectively. Small-animal PET imaging of mice bearing GRPr(+) PC-3 tumors revealed high radioactivity accumulation in the tumors and in the pancreas as an organ with high levels of GRPr expression. These findings were corroborated by the corresponding ex vivo biodistribution data, in which the tumors and the pancreas exhibited the highest radioactivity accumulation. By coinjection of an excess of NODIA-Me-Ahx-JMV594, uptake in the tumors and GRPr(+) organs was significantly reduced, confirming specific receptor-mediated uptake. The estrogen receptor-positive tumor of a female breast cancer patient was clearly visualized by PET imaging using 68Ga-labeled NODIA-Me-Ahx-JMV594. To summarize, the positive charge at the N-terminus of the conjugate induced by the Ga(NODIA-Me) complex resulted in high GRPr affinity comparable to that of the potent antagonist DOTA-RM2. The conjugate NODIA-Me-Ahx-JMV594 is a promising probe for imaging of GRPr tumors that warrants further evaluation in larger patient cohorts as well as in combination with other radiometals.

Pentadentate and Hexadentate Pyridinophane Ligands Support Reversible Cu(II)/Cu(I) Redox Couples

Two new ligands were synthesized with the goal of copper stabilization, N,N'-(2-methylpyridine)-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane (PicN4) and N-(methyl),N'-(2-methylpyridine)-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane (PicMeN4), by selective functionalization of HN4 and TsHN4. These two ligands, when reacted with various copper salts, generated both Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes. These ligands and Cu complexes were characterized by various methods, such as NMR, UV-Vis, MS, and EA. Each compound was also examined electrochemically, and each revealed reversible Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox couples. Additionally, stability constants were determined via spectrophotometric titrations, and radiolabeling and cytotoxicity experiments were performed to assess the chelators relevance to their potential use in vivo as 64Cu PET imaging agents.

N,N-Alkylation Clarifies the Role of N- and O-Protonated Intermediates in Cyclen-Based 64Cu Radiopharmaceuticals

Radioisotopes of Cu, such as ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu, are alluring targets for imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography, PET) and radiotherapeutic applications. Cyclen-based macrocyclic polyaminocarboxylates are one of the most frequently examined bifunctional chelators in vitro and in vivo, including the FDA-approved ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceutical, Cu(DOTATATE) (Detectnet); however, connections between the structure of plausible reactive intermediates and their stability under physiologically relevant conditions remain to be established. In this study, we share the synthesis of a cyclen-based, N,N-alkylated spirocyclic chelate, H₂DO3A^C4H8, which serves as a model for N-protonation. Our combined experimental (in vitro and in vivo) and computational studies unravel complex pH-dependent speciation and enable side-by-side comparison of N- and O-protonated species of relevant ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceuticals. Our studies suggest that N-protonated species are not inherently unstable species under physiological conditions and demonstrate the potential of N,N-alkylation as a tool for the rational design of future radiopharmaceuticals.

Aβ-Targeting Bifunctional Chelators (BFCs) for Potential Therapeutic and PET Imaging Applications

Currently, more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease resulting in personality changes, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and physical disability. Diagnosis of AD is often missed or delayed in clinical practice due to the fact that cognitive deterioration occurs already in the later stages of the disease. Thus, methods to improve early detection would provide opportunities for early treatment of disease. All FDA-approved PET imaging agents for Aβ plaques use short-lived radioisotopes such as ¹¹C (t_1/2 = 20.4 min) and ¹⁸F (t_1/2 = 109.8 min), which limit their widespread use. Thus, a novel metal-based imaging agent for visualization of Aβ plaques is of interest, due to the simplicity of its synthesis and the longer lifetimes of its constituent isotopes. We have previously summarized a metal-containing drug for positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we have summarized a recent advance in design of Aβ-targeting bifunctional chelators for potential therapeutic and PET imaging applications, reported after our previous review.

On the dissociation pathways of copper complexes relevant as PET imaging agents

Several bifunctional chelators have been synthesized in the last years for the development of new ⁶⁴Cu-based PET agents for in vivo imaging. When designing a metal-based PET probe, it is important to achieve high stability and kinetic inertness once the radioisotope is coordinated. Different competitive assays are commonly used to evaluate the possible dissociation mechanisms that may induce Cu(II) release in the body. Among them, acid-assisted dissociation tests or transchelation challenges employing EDTA or SOD are frequently used to evaluate both solution thermodynamics and the kinetic behavior of potential metal-based systems. Despite of this, the Cu(II)/Cu(I) bioreduction pathway that could be promoted by the presence of bioreductants still remains little explored. To fill this gap we present here a detailed spectroscopic study of the kinetic behavior of different macrocyclic Cu(II) complexes. The complexes investigated include the cross-bridge cyclam derivative [Cu(CB-TE1A)]⁺, whose structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The acid-assisted dissociation mechanism was investigated using HClO₄ and HCl to analyse the effect of the counterion on the rate constants. The complexes were selected so that the effects of complex charge and coordination polyhedron could be assessed. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were conducted to investigate whether the reduction to Cu(I) falls within the window of common bioreducing agents. The most striking behavior concerns the [Cu(NO2Th)]²⁺ complex, a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derivative containing two methylthiazolyl pendant arms. This complex is extremely inert with respect to dissociation following the acid-catalyzed mechanism, but dissociates rather quickly in the presence of a bioreductant like ascorbic acid.

Affinity probes based on small-molecule inhibitors for tumor imaging

Methods for molecular imaging of target areas, including optical imaging, radionuclide imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging technologies, are helpful for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of cancers. In addition to cancer management, small-molecule inhibitors are also used for developing cancer target probes since they act as the tight-binding ligands of overexpressed proteins in cancer cells. This review aims to summarize the structural designs of affinity probes based on small-molecule inhibitors from the aspects of the inhibitor, linker, dye and radionuclide, and discusses the influence of the modification of these structures on affinity and pharmacokinetics. We also present examples of inhibitor affinity probes in clinical applications, and these summaries will provide insights for future research and clinical translations.

Bioconjugated chelates based on (methylpyridinyl)tacn: synthesis, 64Cu labeling and in vitro evaluation for prostate cancer targeting

Three new bifunctional copper chelators based on the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) platform have been synthesized and conjugated to peptide. The first one is constituted of the tacn with two methylpyridinyl and one methylthiazolyl carboxylic acid pendant arms, while, in the second and third ones, the macrocycle is functionalized by three methylpyridinyl groups, with an additional hexynoic acid chain on a carbon of one or two pyridine rings. These three bifunctional chelators have been conjugated to the antagonist JMV594 peptide for targeting the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRP-r), which is overexpressed in prostate cancer. The resulting monomeric bioconjugates have shown their efficiency to be radiolabeled with β+ emitter 64Cu, and the hydrophilicity and PC-3 cell internalisation properties of these radiolabeled conjugates have been studied. PC-3 cell binding affinity of mono- and dimeric metal-free and natCu metallated conjugates have been evaluated by IC50 measurements. The results demonstrate the potential of these methylpyridinyl tacn derivatives for radiopharmaceutical applications.

Neutral Ligands as Potential 64Cu Chelators for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Applications in Alzheimer's Disease

Positron emission tomography (PET), which uses positron-emitting radionuclides to visualize and measure processes in the human body, is a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of longer-lived radiolabeled compounds is essential for further expansion of the use of PET imaging in healthcare, and diagnostic agents employing longer-lived radionuclides such as ⁶⁴Cu (t_1/2 = 12.7 h, β⁺ = 17%, β^- = 39%, electron capture EC = 43%, and E_max = 0.656 MeV) can accomplish this task. One limitation of ⁶⁴Cu PET agents for neuroimaging applications is their limited lipophilicity due to the presence of several anionic groups needed to ensure strong Cu chelation. Herein, we evaluate a series of neutral chelators containing the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane or 2,11-diaza[3.3](2,6)pyridinophane macrocycles that have pyridyl-containing arms incorporating Aβ-peptide-interacting fragments. The crystal structures of the corresponding Cu complexes confirm that the pyridyl N atoms are involved in binding to Cu. Radiolabeling and autoradiography studies show that the compounds efficiently chelate ⁶⁴Cu, and the resulting complexes exhibit specific binding to the amyloid plaques in the AD mouse brain sections versus wild-type controls.

Excited State Properties of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with a Nonadentate Bispidine Ligand

EuIII , TbIII , GdIII and YbIII complexes of the nonadentate bispidine derivative L2 (bispidine=3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) were successfully synthesized and their emission properties studied. The X-ray crystallography reveals full encapsulation by the nonadentate ligand L2 that enforces to all LnIII cations a common highly symmetrical capped square antiprismatic (CSAPR) coordination geometry (pseudo C4v symmetry). The well-resolved identical emission spectra in solid state and in solution confirm equal structures in both media. As therefore expected, this results in long-lived excited states and high emission quantum yields ([EuIII L2 ]+ , H2 O, 298 K, τ=1.51 ms, ϕ=0.35; [TbIII L2 ]+ , H2 O, 298 K, τ=1.95 ms, ϕ=0.68). Together with the very high kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities, these complexes are a possible basis for interesting biological probes.

Sensing Zn2+ in Aqueous Solution with a Fluorescent Scorpiand Macrocyclic Ligand Decorated with an Anthracene Bearing Tail

Synthesis of the new scorpiand ligand L composed of a [9]aneN3 macrocyclic ring bearing a CH2CH2NHCH2-anthracene tail is reported. L forms both cation (Zn2+) and anion (phosphate, benzoate) complexes. In addition, the zinc complexes of L bind these anions. The equilibrium constants for ligand protonation and complex formation were determined in 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution at 298.1 ± 0.1 K by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations. pH Controlled coordination/detachment of the ligand tail to Zn2+ switch on and off the fluorescence emission from the anthracene fluorophore. Accordingly, L is able to sense Zn2+ in the pH range 6-10 down to nM concentrations of the metal ion. L can efficiently sense Zn2+ even in the presence of large excess of coordinating anions, such as cyanide, sulphide, phosphate and benzoate, despite their ability to bind the metal ion.

Diverse N-Substituted Azole-Containing Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Cyclopeptides

The preparation of 16 oxazole- or thiazole-containing amino esters bearing a wide array of N-substitution is reported. These were accessed in 40-92% yield via an AgClO4-promoted substitution reaction between a primary amine and a chloromethyl-functionalized thiazole or oxazole. These new synthetic building blocks will be useful for the preparation of new cyclopeptide analogues bearing heterocyclic backbone modifications. Four macrocyclic N-substituted oligoamides that include thiazole or oxazole heterocycles were obtained, following cyclooligomerization reactions of azole-modified N-substituted amino acids.

endo- versus exo-Cyclic coordination in copper complexes with methylthiazolylcarboxylate tacn derivatives

Three tacn (1,4,7-triazacyclononane)-based ligands substituted by methylthiazolylcarboxylate (tha) and/or methylthiazolyl (th) arms have been examined for copper complexation with the aim to study the impact of carboxylate groups on the complexation of Cu(ii), which can present an endo- or exo-cyclic coordination. Two new ligands have been synthesised: H₃no3tha, tacn bearing three methylthiazolylcarboxylate arms, and H₂no1th2tha, tacn with one methylthiazolyl and two methylthiazolylcarboxylate arms, while Hno2th1tha had already been described. Their complexation behaviour with 1 or 1.5 equivalents of metal was studied on the basis of preliminary results showing the tendency of tha arms to form exocyclic polynuclear species. The solid state studies of the Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes were investigated and some of their structures were characterised by X-ray diffraction. The physicochemical properties of the complexes in solution were also investigated by means of potentiometric measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, EPR and computational studies, NMR characterisation of the corresponding Zn(ii) complexes and redox behaviour by electrochemistry. Mono- and tri-nuclear complexes ML and M₃L₂ were formed and isolated, highlighting the tendency of methylthiazolylcarboxylate arms, when carried by a tacn platform, to form exo-cyclic and polynuclear complexes. However, this exhaustive study evidences that the "out of cage" and "in cage" present different behaviour in terms of stability.