First bivalent palladium and platinum cyanoximates: synthesis, characterization, and biological activity

Novel antimony-based antimicrobial drug targets membranes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant worldwide public health crisis that continues to threaten our ability to successfully treat bacterial infections. With the decline in effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapies and the lack of new antibiotic pipelines, there is a renewed interest in exploring the potential of metal-based antimicrobial compounds. Antimony-based compounds with a long history of use in medicine have re-emerged as potential antimicrobial agents. We previously synthesized a series of novel organoantimony(V) compounds complexed with cyanoximates with a strong potential of antimicrobial activity against several AMR bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here, five selected compounds were studied for their antibacterial efficacy against three important bacterial pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Among five tested compounds, SbPh4ACO showed antimicrobial activity against all three bacterial strains with the MIC of 50-100 µg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC values were less than or equal to 4 indicating that the effects of SbPh4ACO are bactericidal. Moreover, ultra-thin electron microscopy revealed that SbPh4ACO treatment caused membrane disruption in all three strains, which was further validated by increased membrane permeability. We also showed that SbPh4ACO acted synergistically with the antibiotics, polymyxin B and cefoxitin used to treat AMR strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively, and that at synergistic MIC concentration 12.5 µg/mL, its cytotoxicity against the cell lines, Hela, McCoy, and A549 dropped below the threshold. Overall, the results highlight the antimicrobial potential of novel antimony-based compound, SbPh4ACO, and its use as a potentiator of other antibiotics against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance presents a critical global public health crisis that threatens our ability to combat bacterial infections. In light of the declining efficacy of traditional antibiotics, the use of alternative solutions, such as metal-based antimicrobial compounds, has gained renewed interest. Based on the previously synthesized innovative organoantimony(V) compounds, we selected and further characterized the antibacterial efficacy of five of them against three important Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Among these compounds, SbPh4ACO showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, with membrane-disrupting effects against all three pathogens. Furthermore, we revealed the synergistic potential of SbPh4ACO when combined with antibiotics, such as cefoxitin, at concentrations that exert no cytotoxic effects tested on three mammalian cell lines. This study offers the first report on the mechanisms of action of novel antimony-based antimicrobial and presents the therapeutic potential of SbPh4ACO in combating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens while enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics.

The Fundamental Role of Oxime and Oxime Ether Moieties in Improving the Physicochemical and Anticancer Properties of Structurally Diverse Scaffolds

The present review explores the critical role of oxime and oxime ether moieties in enhancing the physicochemical and anticancer properties of structurally diverse molecular frameworks. Specific examples are carefully selected to illustrate the distinct contributions of these functional groups to general strategies for molecular design, modulation of biological activities, computational modeling, and structure-activity relationship studies. An extensive literature search was conducted across three databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scifinder, enabling us to create one of the most comprehensive overviews of how oximes and oxime ethers impact antitumor activities within a wide range of structural frameworks. This search focused on various combinations of keywords or their synonyms, related to the anticancer activity of oximes and oxime ethers, structure-activity relationships, mechanism of action, as well as molecular dynamics and docking studies. Each article was evaluated based on its scientific merit and the depth of the study, resulting in 268 cited references and more than 336 illustrative chemical structures carefully selected to support this analysis. As many previous reviews focus on one subclass of this extensive family of compounds, this report represents one of the rare and fully comprehensive assessments of the anticancer potential of this group of molecules across diverse molecular scaffolds.

Synthesis and Characterization of Pt(II) and Pd(II) Complexes with Planar Aromatic Oximes

A series of four Werner-type complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) with planar, isomeric conjugated aromatic naphtoquinone oximes were synthesized for the first time. These ligands were 1-oxime-2-naphtoquinone (HL1) and 2-oxime-1-napthoquinone (HL2). Compounds were characterized using thermal analysis, spectroscopic methods, and X-ray analysis. TG/DSC data were collected for pure starting organic ligands, their complexes, and indicated vigorous exothermic decomposition with at ~155 °C for starting HL and ~350 °C for transition metal complexes. Crystal structures for two Pt compounds with 2-oxime-1-quinone were determined and revealed the formation of the cis-geometry complexes and incorporation of molecules of stoichiometric solvents in the lattice: acetonitrile and nitrobenzene. Both solvents of crystallization displayed attractive interactions between their C-H groups and the oxygen atoms of the nitroso groups in complexes, leading to short distances in those fragments. Despite the presence of solvents of inclusion, the overall structure motifs in both compounds represent 1D columnar coordination polymer, in which the PtL2 units are held together via metallophilic interactions, thereby forming ‘Pt-wires’. The Hirshfield surface analysis was performed for both crystallographically characterized complexes. The results showed intermolecular π–π stacking and Pt–Pt interactions among the planar units of both complexes. In addition, the analysis also verified the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the platinum unit and solvent molecules. Solid bulk powdery samples of both PtL12 and PtL22 demonstrated pronounced photoluminescence in the near infrared region of spectrum at ~980 nm, being excited in the range of 750–800 nm. The NIR emission was observed only for Pt-complexes and not for pure starting organic ligands or Pd-complexes. Additionally, synthesized Pt-naphtoquinone oximes do not show luminescence in solutions, which suggests the importance of a 1D ‘metal wire’ structure for this process.

Non-Antibiotic Antimony-Based Antimicrobials

A series of the eight novel organoantimony(V) cyanoximates of Sb(C₆H₅)₄L composition was synthesized using the high-yield heterogeneous metathesis reaction between solid AgL (or TlL) and Sb(C₆H₅)₄Br in CH₃CN at room temperature. Cyanoximes L were specially selected from a large group of 48 known compounds of this subclass of oximes on the basis of their water solubility and history of prior biological activity. The synthesized compounds are well soluble in organic solvents and were studied using a variety of conventional spectroscopic and physical methods. The crystal structures of all reported organometallic compounds were determined and revealed the formation of the distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment of the Sb atom and monodentate axial binding of acido-ligands via the O atom of the oxime group. The compounds are thermally stable in the solid state and in solution molecular compounds. For the first time, this specially designed series of organoantimony(V) compounds is investigated as potential non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents against three bacterial and two fungal human pathogens known for their increasing antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial pathogens included Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal pathogens included Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. The cyanoximates alone showed no antimicrobial impact, and the incorporation of the SbPh₄ group enabled the antimicrobial effect. Overall, the new antimony compounds showed a strong potential as both broad- and narrow-spectrum antimicrobials against selected bacterial and fundal pathogens and provide insights for further synthetic modifications of the compounds to increase their activities.

New in vitro highly cytotoxic platinum and palladium cyanoximates with minimal side effects in vivo

Several biologically active bivalent Pd and Pt complexes with two structurally similar cyanoxime ligands abbreviated as H(DECO): 2-oximino-2-cyano-N,N'-diethylacetamide, and H(PyrCO): 2-oximino-2-cyan-N-pyrrolidine acetamide were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods, thermal analysis and X-ray crystallography. Structures revealed planar cis-geometry of studied complexes. Freshly obtained Pt(DECO)₂, Pd(DECO)₂, Pt(PyrCO)₂ and Pd(PyrCO)₂ complexes were used in for in vitro cytotoxicity assays using two different etiology human cancer cell lines HeLa and WiDr cells. Investigated compounds showed cytotoxicity levels at or above cisplatin. Pt(DECO)₂ was also tested in vivo in healthy C57BL/6 mice. The complex was administered at three different dosage (0, 7.5, 15 mg/kg, i.p. once/week), over a total period of 8 weeks. No changes were observed in the animal weight in the treated mice compared to the control dextrose-treated group. The levels of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and hemoglobin were within the normal level suggesting low myelotoxicity. Negligible cardiotoxicity was observed from the histological evaluation of the hearts from the treated animals. Results from the tail nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and nerve histomorphometry suggested no impact of Pt(DECO)₂ on peripheral nerves. The complex, however, induced certain hepatotoxicity and lead to the elevation of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Overall, Pt(DECO)2 showed minimal in vivo toxicity, thus presenting a promising candidate for future testing in animal models of cancer.

Nanomedicine-Assisted Combination Therapy of NSCLC: New Platinum-Based Anticancer Drug Synergizes the Therapeutic Efficacy of Ganetespib

Purpose: K-RAS is the most common mutated oncogene associated with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). So far, there are no promising chemotherapies for the direct inhibition of K-RAS, and considered to be undruggable. In this work, we have introduced a new platinum-based cyanoximate complex, Pt(MCO)2, as an anti-cancer drug to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Hsp90 inhibitor drug, ganetespib for the combination therapy of NSCLC. Methods: We have synthesized polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and used as drug delivery system. These MNPs were decorated with folic acid in order to target folate receptor-expressing NSCLC. The individual and combination of drugs as well as an optical dye DiI were co-encapsulated successfully inside the PAA-coating of MNPs to evaluate synergistic treatment option for NSCLC. The magnetic resonance (MR) and optical imaging modalities assisted for the monitoring drug loading and NSCLC treatment. Results: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of these customized MNPs, various cell-based assays including cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis, cell migration, comet and ROS experiments were performed. Results showed minimal toxicity for functional MNPs with no therapeutic drug and more than 60% cell death within 48 h of treatment, when single drug was encapsulated. Importantly, more than 90% cells were dead when both drugs were delivered. Overall, the results indicated that the Pt(MCO)2 drug enhances the therapeutic efficacy of ganetespib by more than 30% toxicity towards the targeted treatment of NSCLC, while showed minimal toxicity to the normal healthy tissues. Conclusion: We successfully developed new dual-modal magnetic nanomedicines for the rapid and controlled release of combination of drugs for the effective treatment of NSCLC. The MR and fluorescence modalities help monitoring the delivery of drugs, where the new platinum-based drug Pt(MCO)2 synergizes the therapeutic efficacy of ganetespib.

Chemistry and applications of cyanoximes and their metal complexes

During the past three decades, considerable research effort has been dedicated to a new class of organic ligands - cyanoximes - which have the general formula NC-C([double bond, length as m-dash]NOH)-R, where R is an electron-withdrawing group. The presence of the CN group makes cyanoximes ∼10 000 times more acidic and better ligands than other known conventional monoximes and dioximes. Also, in numerous cases, this group provides extra nitrogen donor atoms to support the formation of bridges between metal centres in the obtained coordination polymers. With 36 different R groups, the most abundant is the family of mono-cyanoximes, followed by 7 bis-cyanoximes which include aromatic and aliphatic spacers and, lately, tris-cyanoxime representing a 'tripod'. The total number of obtained and characterized compounds is 44. These simple, low molecular weight molecules represent a series of new excellent ampolydentate ligands - 'molecular Lego', or building blocks - for coordination and organometallic chemistry. Uncomplexed ligands, their alkali metal salts, and metal complexes show a large spectrum of biological activity, ranging from growth regulation in plants and antimicrobial activity, to significant in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against human cancers. Currently, there are more than three hundred cyanoxime-based complexes, synthesized and studied using a variety of different spectroscopic methods and X-ray analysis. In this review, the preparation and stereochemistry of cyanoxime ligands, their structures and properties, and the most interesting coordination compounds with a broad spectrum of practical applications are summarized.

2-(Hydroxyimino)aldehydes: Photo- and Physicochemical Properties of a Versatile Functional Group for Monomer Design

In the context of our research on stimuli-responsive polymers bearing the 2-(hydroxyimino)aldehyde (HIA) group, we have explored the photochemical behavior and physicochemical properties of a number of HIAs. Interpretation of the experimental data is supported by quantum mechanical calculations. HIAs are expected to undergo photoisomerization, chelate metal ions, yield hydrogen-bonded dimers or oligomers, exhibit relatively low pK_a s, and form >C=NO^. radicals through OH hydrogen abstraction or oxidation of the oximate ion. Besides the well-established E/Z oxime photoisomerism, we observed a Norrish-Yang cyclization resulting in cyclobutanol oximes, to our knowledge not previously described in the literature. The acidity, bond dissociation enthalpies, and electrochemical properties of the HIAs are compared with literature data of simple oximes. The results are discussed in relation to the many potential applications for HIAs, with emphasis on the synthesis of novel HIA-containing responsive polymers.

Shortwave infrared luminescent Pt-nanowires: a mechanistic study of emission in solution and in the solid state

Several complexes of "PtL2" composition containing two cyanoxime anions - 2-oximino-2-cyano-N-piperidineacetamide (PiPCO-) and 2-oximino-2-cyano-N-morpholylacetamide (MCO-) - have been obtained and characterized both in solution and in the solid state. Complexes exist as two distinct polymorphs: monomeric yellow complexes and dark-green [PtL2]n 1D polymers, while for the MCO- anion a red, solvent containing dimeric [Pt(MCO)2·DMSO]2 complex has also been isolated. The interconversion of polymorphs was investigated. The monomeric PtL2 units are arranged into anisotropic extended solid [PtL2]n polymers with the help of PtPt metallophilic interactions. Crystal structures of monomeric PtL2 (L = PiPCO-, MCO-) and red dimeric [Pt(MCO)2·DMSO]2 complexes were determined and revealed the cis-arrangement of cyanoxime anions. The Pt-Pt distance in the "head-to-tail" red dimer was found to be 3.133 Å. The structure of the polymeric [Pt(PiPCO)2]n compound was elucidated using the EXAFS method and evidenced the formation of Pt-wires with ∼3.15 Å intermetallic separation. The EPR spectra of both 1D polymers at variable temperatures indicate the absence of Pt(iii) species. Both pure dark-green [PtL2]n polymers showed a considerable room temperature electrical conductivity of 20-30 S cm-1, which evidences the formation of a mixed valence Pt(ii)/Pt(iv) system. We discovered that these 1D polymeric [PtL2]n complexes show an intense NIR fluorescence beyond 1000 nm, while yellow monomeric PtL2 complexes are not emissive at all. The room temperature excitation spectra of 1D polymeric [PtL2]n complexes demonstrated their strong emission beyond 1000 nm regardless of the used excitation wavelength between 350 and 800 nm, which is typical of systems with delocalized charge carriers. For the first time the formation of mixed valence "metal wires" held together by metallophilic interactions is directly linked both with an intense fluorescence in the NIR region of the spectrum and with the electrical conductivity. The effect of the concentration of [PtL2]n complexes dispersed in the dielectric salt matrix on the photoluminescence wavelength and intensity was investigated. Both polymers show a quantum yield that is remarkably high for this region of the spectrum, reaching ∼2%. Variable temperature emission of polymeric [PtL2]n in the -190-+60 °C range was studied as well.

Detailed Structural Analysis of a Self-Assembled Vesicular Amphiphilic NCN-Pincer Palladium Complex by Using Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Calculations

Wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments and all-atomistic molecular dynamics calculations were performed to elucidate the detailed structure of bilayer vesicles constructed by self-assembly of an amphiphilic palladium NCN-pincer complex. We found an excellent agreement between the experimental and calculated X-ray spectra, and between the membrane thickness determined from a TEM image and that calculated from an electron-density profile, which indicated that the calculated structure was highly reliable. The analysis of the simulated bilayer structure showed that in general the membrane was softer than other phospholipid bilayer membranes. In this bilayer assemblage, the degree of alignment of complex molecules in the bilayer membrane was quite low. An analysis of the electron-density profile shows that the bilayer assemblage contains a space through which organic molecules can exit. Furthermore, the catalytically active center is near this space and is easily accessible by organic molecules, which permits the bilayer membrane to act as a nanoreactor. The free energy of permeation of water through the bilayer membrane of the amphiphilic complex was 12 kJ mol^-1 , which is much lower than that for phospholipid bilayer membranes in general. Organic molecules are expected to pass though the bilayer membrane. The self-assembled vesicles were shown to be catalytically active in a Miyaura-Michael reaction in water.

1D polymeric platinum cyanoximate: a strategy toward luminescence in the near-infrared region beyond 1000 nm

We report the synthesis and properties of the first representative of a new class of PtL2 complexes with ambidentate mixed-donor cyanoxime ligands [L = 2-cyano-2-oximino-N,N'-diethylaminoacetamide, DECO (1)]. Three differently colored polymorphs of "Pt(DECO)2" (3-5) were isolated, with the first two being crystallographically characterized. The dark-green complex [Pt(DECO)2]n (5) spontaneously forms in aqueous solution via aggregation of yellow monomeric complex 3 into the red dimer [Pt(DECO)2]2 (4), followed by further oligomerization into coordination polymer 5. A spectroscopic and light-scattering study revealed a "poker-chips"-type 1D polymeric structure of 5 in which units are held by noncovalent metallophilic interactions, forming a Pt---Pt wire. The polymer 5 shows a broad absorption at 400-900 nm and emission at unusually long wavelengths in the range of 1000-1100 nm in the solid state. The near-infrared (NIR) emission of polymer 5 is due to the formation of a small amount of nonstoichiometric mixed-valence Pt(II)/Pt(IV) species during synthesis. A featureless electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of solid sample 5 recorded at +23 and -193 °C evidences the absence of Pt(III) states, and the compound represents a "solid solution" containing mixed-valence Pt(II)/Pt(IV) centers. Exposure of KBr pellets with 5% 5 to Br2 vapors leads to an immediate ∼30% increase in the intensity of photoluminescence at 1024 nm, which confirms the role and importance of mixed-valence species for the NIR emission. Thus, the emission is further enhanced upon additional oxidation of Pt(II) centers, which improves delocalization of electrons along the Pt---Pt vector. Other polymorph of the "Pt(DECO)2" complex--monomer--did not demonstrate luminescent properties in solutions and the solid state. An excitation scan of 5 embedded in KBr tablets revealed an emission only weakly dependent on the wavelength of excitation. The NIR emission of quasi-1D complex 5 was studied in the range of -193 to +67 °C. Data showed a blue shift of λmax and a simultaneous increase in the emission line intensity with a temperature rise, which is explained by analogy with similar behavior of known quasi-1D K2[Pt(CN)4]-based solids, quantum dots, and quantum wells with delocalized carriers. The presented finding opens a route to a new class of platinum cyanoxime based NIR emissive complexes that could be used in the design of novel NIR emitters and imaging agents.

Synthesis and Characterization of Two Cyanoxime Ligands, Their Precursors, and Light Insensitive Antimicrobial Silver(I) Cyanoximates

High-yield syntheses of N-piperidine-cyanacetamide (1), N-morpholyl-cyanacetamide (4) and their oxime derivatives N-piperidine-2-cyano-2-oximino-acetamide (HPiPCO, 2) and N-morpholyc-2-cyano-2-oximino-acetamide (HMCO, 5) were developed using two-step preparations. At first, the reactions of neat cyanoacetic acid esters and the respective cyclic secondary amines such as piperideine and morpholine afforded pure cyanacetamides, which were converted into cyanoximes at room temperature using the nitrosation reaction with gaseous CH3ONO. The synthesized compounds were investigated by means of IR, 1H, 13C and UV-visible spectroscopy. Crystal structures of two starting substituted cyan-acetamides and two target cyanoximes were determined. Silver(I) complexes of AgL composition (L = PipCO, 3; MCO, 6) were prepared in high yield. Both metal complexes are thermally stable above 100oC, and remarkably stable to high intensity visible light. The stability of dried AgL compounds towards short wavelength UV-radiation (a frequently used germicidal light) was examined using diffusion reflectance spectroscopy. Both complexes demonstrate slow photoreduction within ~3 hrs, observable as a gradual color change and darkening due to the formation of fine (nano-scale) particles of metallic silver. The complex Ag(MCO), 6, is about 2.6 times less stable towards UV-radiation than its more lypophyllic analog Ag(PipCO), 3. Antimicrobial and biofilm growth inhibition properties of the prepared solid acrylate-based polymeric composites containing embedded silver(I) cyanoximates were investigated using three human pathogens: P. aeruginosa PAO1 (wound isolate), S. aureus NRS70 (methicillin resistant respiratory isolate), and S. mutans UA159 (cariogenic dental isolate). Studies showed that both 3 and 6 compounds completely abolished the growth of PAO1 at 0.5 weight % concentration, and the growth of UA159 and NRS70 at 1% concentration. Moreover, data demonstrates that complexes 3 and 6 also inhibit both planktonic and biofilm growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The demonstrated thermal stability and pronounced antimicrobial activity of both silver(I) cyanoximates indicates the strong potential for the studied complexes to be used as light insensitive antimicrobial additives to light-curable adhesives that set indwelling devices in place.

The first bis-cyanoxime: synthesis and properties of a new versatile and accessible polydentate bifunctional building block for coordination and supramolecular chemistry

A new multidentate bifunctional organic ligand – di-N,N′-(2-cyano-2-oximinoacetyl)piperazine – was synthesized in high yield using a two-step procedure carried out under ambient conditions. At first, the reaction of piperazine and neat methylcyanoacetate led to the di-N,N′-(cyanoacetyl)piperazine (1), which then was converted into bis-cyanoxime, di-N,N′-(2-cyano-2-oximinoacetyl)piperazine (HL, 2) using a room temperature nitrosation reaction with gaseous methylnitrite. Synthesized bis-cyanoxime was characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, UV-visible, IR spectroscopy and the X-ray analysis. The ligand 2 exists as a mixture of three diastereomers arising from the syn- and anti-geometry of the cyanoxime group. The prolonged crystallization of 2 from an ethanol–water mixture leads to the formation of: (a) colorless crystals that according to the X-ray analysis contain a 51.2:48.8% co-crystallized mixture of both isomers that have the same H-bonding motif (minority), and (b) a white amorphous material that represents an almost pure anti-isomer (majority). The deprotonation of 2 leads to the formation of a yellow dianion that demonstrated pronounced solvatochromism of its n → π* transition in the nitroso-chromophore. The disodium salt Na2L·4H2O (3) was obtained from 2 using NaOC2H5 in ethanol. The new bis-cyanoxime 2 reacts with Tl2CO3 and AgNO3 in aqueous solutions with the formation of light-stable, sparingly soluble yellow precipitates of M′2L·xH2O composition (M′ = Tl, Ag; Tl = 4, x = 0; Ag = 5, x = 2). The reaction of 3 with Ni2+ or K2M′′Cl4 (M′′ = Pd, Pt) in aqueous solutions leads to NiL·4H2O (6), PdL·4H2O (7) and PtL·5H2O (8). The crystal structure of 4 was determined and revealed the formation of a 3D-coordination polymeric complex in which the bis-cyanoxime acts as a dianionic, bridging, formally decadentate ligand. Each Tl(I) center has two bonds (2.655, 2.769 Å), shorter than the sum of ionic radii Tl–O (oxime group), and three longer, >2.89 Å, mostly electrostatic Tl···O contacts, involving oxygen atoms of the amide-group and the oxime-group of neighboring units. Among several possible binding modes, the coordination of the bis-cyanoxime dianion of 2 adopted in complex 4 is unusual, and evidenced its great potential as a versatile building block for coordination and supramolecular chemistry.

Poly[μ-aqua-diaquabis-[μ-2-cyano-2-(oxidoimino)-acetato]-copper(II)dipotassium]

In the title compound, [CuK(2)(C(3)N(2)O(3))(2)(H(2)O)(3)](n), the Cu(2+) atom is in a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. Two N atoms belonging to the oxime groups and two O atoms belonging to the carboxyl-ate groups of two trans-disposed doubly deprotonated residues of 2-cyano-2-(hy-droxy-imino)-acetic acid make up the basal plane and the apical position is occupied by the water mol-ecule. The neighboring Cu-containing moieties are linked into a three-dimensional framework by K-O and K-N contacts formed by two potassium cations with the carboxyl-ate and the oxime O atoms and the nitrile N atoms of the ligand. The environments of the K(+) cations are complemented to octa- and nona-coordinated, by K-O contacts with H(2)O mol-ecules. The crystal structure features O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Screening of N-alkyl-cyanoacetamido oximes as substitutes for N-hydroxysuccinimide

Peptide-bond formation is a pivotal process in the synthesis of peptide oligomers. Among the various coupling methodologies described, carbodiimides combine strong acylation potency and smooth reaction conditions, and they are commonly used in the presence of N-hydroxylamine additives. In recent years, acidic oxime templates, mainly ethyl 2-cyano-2-(hydroxyimino) acetate (Oxyma), have emerged as highly reactive alternatives to the classic and explosive-prone benzotriazolic additives, 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (HOAt). However, to achieve certain biochemical targets, less reactive species, such as N-hydroxysuccinimide (HOSu) esters, are often required to obtain stability under aqueous conditions. In the present study, we report on a new family of water-soluble N-alkyl-cyanoacetamido oximes, most of which have proven useful in the construction of active carbonates for the introduction of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) with minimal impact of dipeptide impurities. We performed a direct comparison of these new N-alkyl-cyanoacetamido oximes with HOSu in order to evaluate their capacity to retain optical purity and their coupling efficiency in the assembly of bulky residues.

Hierarchical helix of helix in the crystal: formation of variable-pitch helical π-stacked array of single-helical dinuclear metal complexes

Unique helix of helix structures were formed via intermolecular π-stacking and metal-metal interactions in the crystal of single-helical dinuclear complexes [L(2)M(2)] (M = Pd, Ni) having an acyclic bis(N(2)O(2))-type ligand. The difference in the helical winding angle of the constituents (401.7° for [L(2)Pd(2)]; 421.3° for [L(2)Ni(2)]) led to variation of the helical pitches of the helical array (7(2) helix for [L(2)Pd(2)]; 6(2) helix for [L(2)Ni(2)]).

Tin(IV) cyanoximates: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity

In recent years, numerous organotin(IV) derivatives have exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity against several types of cancer. However, the properties of the cyanoxime-containing organotin(IV) complexes are unknown. Previously, it has been shown that cyanoximes displayed an interesting spectrum of biological activity ranging from growth-regulation to antimicrobial and pesticide detoxification actions. The work presented here attempts to combine the useful properties of both groups of compounds and investigate the likely antiproliferating activity of the new substances. A series of 19 organotin(IV) complexes, with nine different cyanoxime ligands, were anaerobically prepared by means of the heterogeneous metathesis reaction between the respective organotin(IV) halides (Cl, Br) and ML (M=Ag, Tl; L=cyanoximate anion), using an ultrasound in the CH3CN at room temperature. The compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods (UV-visible, IR, 1H,13C NMR, 119Sn Mössbauer) and X-ray analysis. The crystal structures of the complexes revealed the formation of two types of tin(IV) cyanoximates: mononuclear five-coordinated compounds of R4-xSnLx composition (R=Me, Et, n-Bu, Ph; x=1, 2; L=cyanoximate anion), and the tetranuclear R8Sn4(OH)2O2L2 species (R=n-Bu, Ph). The latter complex contains a planar [Sn4(OH)2O2]2- core, consisting of three adjacent rhombs with bridging oxo and hydroxo groups. The tin(IV) atoms are five-coordinated and have distorted trigonal-pyramidal surrounding. This is the first instance when the organic anions were found to act as monodentate O-bound planar oxime ligands. All of the compounds were studied in vitro for antiproliferating activity, using human cervical cancer HeLa and WiDR colon cancer cell lines; cisplatin was used as a positive control substance. The two dibutyltin(IV) cyanoximates showed cytotoxicity similar and greater to that of cisplatin.

Spectroscopic and cytotoxic studies of the novel designed palladium(II) complexes: β-Lactoglobulin and K562 as the targets

Since palladium complexes have been reported to show fewer side effects relative to other heavy metal anticancer compounds, in this study a new class of four structurally related anticancer Pd(II) complexes including 2,2'-bipyridin-n-butyl dithiocarbamato Pd(II) nitrate (Com-1), 2,2'-bipyridin-n-hexyl dithiocarbamato Pd(II) nitrate (Com-2), 2,2'-bipyridin glycinato Pd(II) nitrate (Com-3) and 2,2'-bipyridin octylglycinato Pd(II) nitrate (Com-4) was designed. The effect of four synthesized ligands on the protein structure and cell proliferation were investigated. Whey carrier proteins beta-lactoglobulin-A and-B (BLG-A and-B) and chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 were the targets. Fluorescence and CD instruments were used to assess effect of the ligands on the protein structure. Growth inhibitory effect of the Pd(II) complexes towards the cancer cells was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results of fluorescence studies revealed that the complexes had no dithiocarbamate moiety (compounds 3 and 4) could quench the intrinsic fluorescence emission of the proteins at lower concentrations than those had such moiety (compounds 1 and 2). The far-UV-CD studies revealed that the regular secondary structure of BLG-A and -B did not show any noticeable alteration upon interaction with different of Pd(II)-complexes. The results of cell proliferation assay also displayed that Com-1 and Com-2 had more growth inhibitory activity against K562, than Com-3 and Com-4. Our results suggested that addition of dithiocarbamate moiety to structure of Pd(II) complexes probably has important role to improve the antiproliferative properties of the anticancer ligands and fewer effects on the carrier protein structure.

Double-Stranded Metal−Organic Networks for One-Dimensional Mixed Valence Coordination Polymers

The design of new types of metal-organic networks and the search for unusual crystal architecture represents an important task for modern inorganic and materials chemistry research. A group of new monosubstituted phenylcyanoximes, containing F, Cl, and Br atoms at the 2, 3, or 4 positions, were synthesized using the high yield nitrosation reaction with CH3-ONO and were spectroscopically (1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-visible, IR, mass spectrometry) and structurally characterized. Results of X-ray analysis revealed nonplanar trans-anti geometry for 2-chlorophenyl(oximino)acetonitrile, H(2Cl-PhCO); a nonplanar anti configuration for 4-chlorophenyl(oximino)acetonitrile, H(4Cl-PhCO); and planar cis-syn geometry for 3-fluorophenyl(oximino)acetonitrile, H(3F-PhCO). All arylcyanoximes undergo deprotonation in solutions with the formation of colored anions exhibiting pronounced negative solvatochromism in a series of polar protic and aprotic solvents. Nine thallium(I) cyanoximates were obtained using the reaction between hot (approximately 95 degrees C) aqueous solutions of Tl2CO3 and solid powdery monohalogenated arylcyanoximes HL. Crystal structures of two Tl(I) cyanoximates [Tl(2Cl-PhCO) and Tl(4Br-PhCO)] contained centrosymmetric dimeric units (TlL)2 that are connected to a coordination polymer by means of an oxygen atom of the oxime group of the neighboring molecule. Cyanoxime anions act as bridging ligands in both structures where the polymeric motif consists of double-stranded Tl-O chains interconnected with the formation of zigzagging Tl2O2 planar rhombes. Thallium atoms form infinite linear arrays with close intermetallic separations. The nearest Tl(I)...Tl(I) distances are 3.838 and 4.058 angstroms in the Tl(2Cl-PhCO) and Tl(4Br-PhCO) structures, respectively, close to that in metallic thallium (3.456 angstroms). Monosubstituted phenyl groups are well aligned in pi-stacking columns that are perpendicular to the array of Tl(I) atoms and stabilize formed structures. Coordination polyhedrons of thallium(I) in these complexes represent distorted trigonal pyramids with stereoactive lone pair.