Correction to "Structural Landscape of α-Acetamidocinnamic Acid Cocrystals with Bipyridine-Based Coformers: Influence of Crystal Packing on Their Thermal and Photophysical Properties"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01374.].

Direct, Stereodivergent, and Catalytic Michael Additions of Thioimides to α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes - Total Synthesis of Tapentadol

Direct and stereodivergent Michael additions of N-acyl 1,3-thiazinane-2-thiones to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes catalyzed by chiral nickel(II) complexes are reported. The reactions proceed with a remarkable regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity, so access to any of the four potential Michael stereoisomers is granted through the appropriate choice of the chiral ligand of the nickel(II) complex. Simple removal of the heterocyclic scaffold furnishes a wide array of either syn or anti enantiomerically pure derivatives, which can be exploited for the asymmetric synthesis of biologically active compounds, as demonstrated in a new approach to tapentadol. In turn, a mechanism, based on theoretical calculations, is proposed to account for the stereochemical outcome of these transformations.

Structural Landscape of α-Acetamidocinnamic Acid Cocrystals with Bipyridine-Based Coformers: Influence of Crystal Packing on Their Thermal and Photophysical Properties

Controlling the supramolecular synthon outcome in systems with different functionalities has been a key factor for the design of supramolecular materials, which also affected their physicochemical properties. In this contribution, we have analyzed the structural landscape of α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA) aiming to find its synthon outcome from the competitivity between its acidic and amidic groups. We prepared four multicomponent forms including one dihydrate (HACA·2H2O) and three cocrystals bearing different bipyridine coformers with formulas (HACA)2(1,2-bpe) (1), (HACA)2(4,4'-azpy) (2), and (HACA)2(4,4'-bipy)3 (3) (1,2-bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene; 4,4'-azpy = 4,4'-azopyridine; 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine). First, we applied a virtual screening approach to assess the feasibility of cocrystal formation. Then, we synthesized the cocrystals, via liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) (1 and 2) or solvothermal (3) techniques, and single crystals of HACA, and their four multicomponent forms were obtained showing different synthons and crystal packings. Besides, a Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) search of the cocrystals presenting bipyridine-type coformers and molecules with acid and amide functionalities was performed, and the observed synthon occurrences as well as the possibility of synthon modification by tuning the H-donor/H-acceptor propensity of the acidic and amidic groups were shown. Finally, we measured their thermal and photophysical properties, which were correlated with their structural features.

Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Silver(II) Macrocyclic Systems

The spin-lattice relaxation time has been studied trough alternating-current susceptometry and ultralow-frequency Raman spectroscopy in a family of silver(II)-derived molecular systems with spin 1/2 and formulas [AgII(m-CTH)(NO3)2] (1) and [AgII(m-CTH)(ClO4)2] (2), where CTH = meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane. The combination of both techniques demonstrates the occurrence of slow spin magnetic relaxation induced by spin-phonon interaction. The magnetic behavior of these silver(II)-derived systems opens the door to a new cation in the scarce family of S = 1/2 systems with slow relaxation of magnetization.

Cyclic Homo- and Heterohalogen Di-λ3-diarylhalonium Structures

In the context of the ever-growing interest in the cyclic diaryliodonium salts, this work presents synthetic design principles for a new family of structures with two hypervalent halogens in the ring. The smallest bis-phenylene derivative, [(C₆H₄)₂I₂]²⁺, was prepared through oxidative dimerization of a precursor bearing the ortho-disposed iodine and trifluoroborate groups. We also report, for the first time, the formation of cycles containing two different halogen atoms. These present two phenylenes linked by hetero-(I/Br) or -(I/Cl) halogen pairs. This approach was also extended to the cyclic bis-naphthylene derivative [(C₁₀H₆)₂I₂]²⁺. The structures of these bis-halogen(III) rings were further assessed through X-ray analysis. The simplest cyclic phenylene bis-iodine(III) derivative features the interplanar angle of ∼120°, while a smaller angle of ∼103° was found for the analogous naphthylene-based salt. All dications form dimeric pairs through a combination of π-π and C-H/π interactions. As the largest member of the family, a bis-I(III)-macrocycle was also assembled using the quasi-planar xanthene backbone. Its geometry enables the two iodine(III) centers to be bridged intramolecularly by two bidentate triflate anions. In a preliminary manner, the interaction of the phenylene- and naphthalene-based bis-iodine(III) dications with a new family of rigid bidentate bis-pyridine ligands was studied in solution and the solid state, with an X-ray structure showing the chelating donor bonding to just one of the two iodine centers.

The Formation of a Unique 2D Isonicotinate Polymer Driven by Cu(II) Aerobic Oxidation

The isolation and structural characterization of a unique Cu(II) isonicotinate (ina) material with 4-acetylpyridine (4-acpy) is provided. The formation of [Cu(ina)₂(4-acpy)]_n (1) is triggered by the Cu(II) aerobic oxidation of 4-acpy using O₂. This gradual formation of ina led to its restrained incorporation and hindered the full displacement of 4-acpy. As a result, 1 is the first example of a 2D layer assembled by an ina ligand capped by a monodentate pyridine ligand. The Cu(II)-mediated aerobic oxidation with O₂ was previously demonstrated for aryl methyl ketones, but we extend the applicability of this methodology to heteroaromatic rings, which has not been tested so far. The formation of ina has been identified by ¹H NMR, thus demonstrating the feasible but strained formation of ina from 4-acpy in the mild conditions from which 1 was obtained.

Rhodium and ruthenium complexes of methylene-bridged, P-stereogenic, unsymmetrical diphosphanes

Enantiopure P-stereogenic methylphosphane-boranes (S_P)-P(BH₃)PhArMe (ArMe; Ar = 1-naphthyl (NpMe), and 2-biphenylyl (BiphMe)) have been used to prepare diphosphanes of the type ArPhPCH₂PR₂ (R = Ph, iPr or tBu; ArR). The ligands have been reacted with [Rh(COD)₂]BF₄ to furnish the corresponding six monochelated [Rh(COD)(ArR)]BF₄ organometallic compounds (RhArR) or, depending on the reaction conditions, the bis(chelated) coordination compound [Rh(BiphiPr)₂]BF₄ as a mixture of cis and trans isomers. The crystal structure of cis-[Rh(BiphiPr)₂]BF₄ was obtained. The coordination of the BiphR with [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η⁶-p-cymene)₂]₂ under different conditions produced cationic chelated complexes of the type [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ²-BiphR)]PF₆ (RuBiphR) and the neutral monocoordinated complex [RuCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene)(κ¹-BiphPh)] (RuBiphPh') with the uncoordinated P-stereogenic moiety. The Rh(I) complexes were used in the catalytic hydrogenation of functionalized olefins and the Ru(II) complexes were tested in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone. Both precursors displayed good activities with moderate enantioselectivities.

Magnetic and optical studies of a new family of multidimensional and multiproperty PO-lanthanide(III) derived systems

A new family of lanthanide compounds has been synthesized using 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane dioxide (dppeO₂) as an O-donor ligand through the phosphoryl group to lanthanide(III) cations and structurally, magnetically and optically studied. Depending on the lanthanide, two different topologies appear: the two-dimensional structure [Ln^III(dppeO₂)_1.5(NO₃)₃(H₂O)_0.5]_n (Ln = Ce (1), Sm (2) and Dy (6)) and the one-dimensional structure [Ln(dppeO₂)(NO₃)₃DMF]_n (Ln = Eu (3), Gd (4) and Tb (5)). Some of the Ln-derived complexes have been used as structural probes, while others have been synthesized to use the specific characteristics of each cation to take advantage of their magnetic/luminescence properties. Complex 6 presents slow relaxation of the magnetization while 2, 3 and 5 present emitting properties in the visible range.

Iron complexes of bridging azo ligands in aqueous solution: changes in the thermal switching mechanism on coordination and oxidation state of metal centres

Three azobenzenes CN(C₆H₄)-NN-(C₅H₄N) (py-iso), CN(C₆H₄)-NN-(C₆H₄)CN (cyano-iso) and CN(C₆H₄)-NN-(C₆H₄)NC (iso-iso) with good coordinating groups (pyridine, phenylcyano or phenylisocyano) at the ends of the diazenyl unit have been synthesized and fully characterised. These compounds have been used as ligands in the synthesis of water-soluble metallic species by coordination to {Fe^II(CN)₅^3-} units, either in one or two of the anchoring groups of the derivatives. Both the azo derivatives and their complexes are photochemically active with respect to their trans-to-cis isomerisation process. Their cis-to-trans reverse thermal reaction has been thoroughly studied as a function of the donor groups, solvent, temperature and pressure, in order to gain insight into the rotation or inversion mechanisms involved in the process. A comparison of the isomerisation mechanism between the iron complexes and the corresponding free ligands revealed an interesting fine tuning of the process on coordination of the {Fe^II(CN)₅^3-} moieties, which may even produce, in some cases, non-photoswitchable species containing typically photoactive units.

Protected syn-Aldol Compounds from Direct, Catalytic, and Enantioselective Reactions of N-Acyl-1,3-oxazinane-2-thiones with Aromatic Acetals

A direct and asymmetric syn-aldol reaction of N-acyl-1,3-oxazinane-2-thiones with dialkyl acetals from aromatic acetals in the presence of 2-5 mol % [DTBM-SEGPHOS]NiCl₂, TMSOTf, and lutidine has been developed. It has been established that the oxazinanethione heterocycle, used for the first time as a scaffold in asymmetric carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, can be smoothly removed to give access to a variety of enantiomerically pure compounds with high synthetic value.

Amide-Driven Secondary Building Unit Structural Transformations between Zn(II) Coordination Polymers

The behavior of coordination polymers (CPs) against external stimuli has witnessed remarkable attention, especially when the resulting CPs present reversible molecular arrays. Accordingly, CPs with these characteristics can lead to differences in their properties owing to these structural differences, being promising for their use as potential molecular switches with diverse applications. Herein, we have synthesized four Zn(II) CPs bearing α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA) and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy). The reaction between Zn(OAc)₂·2H₂O, HACA, and 4,4'-bipy yields {[Zn(ACA)₂(4,4'-bipy)]·EtOH} _n (1), which was used for the formation of three CPs through dissolution-recrystallization structural transformations (DRSTs): {[Zn(ACA)₂(4,4'-bipy)]·2MeOH} _n (2), {[Zn₂(μ-ACA)₂(ACA)₂(4,4'-bipy)]·2H₂O} _n (3), and {[Zn₃(μ-ACA)₆(4,4'-bipy)]·0.75CHCl₃} _n (4). The study of the four crystal structures revealed that their secondary building units (SBUs) comprise monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric arrangements linked by 4,4'-bipy ligands. The fundamental role of the utilized solvent and/or temperature, as well as their effect on the orientation of the amide moieties driving the formation of the different SBUs is discussed. Furthermore, the reversibility and interconversion between the four CPs have been assayed. Finally, their solid-state photoluminescence has evinced that the effect of the amide moieties not only predetermine a different SBU but also lead to a different emission in 4 compared with 1-3.

Slow magnetic relaxation for cobalt(II) complexes in axial bipyramidal environment: an S = 1/2 spin case

A new family of magnetically mononuclear cobalt(II) complexes with formula [{Ni^II(L)Co^II(H₂O)₂(MeOH)}{Ni^II(L)}₂](ClO₄)₂ where H₂L1 = bis(N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-diamine) (1), H₂L2 = bis(N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane-1,2-diamine) (2) and [{Cu^II(L4)}₂Co^II](ClO₄)₂ (3) where H₂L4 = bis(N,N'-bis(3-ethoxysalicylidene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine) have been obtained employing non chiral or enantiomerically pure Schiff bases. The structural studies have been carried out by single crystal X-ray and powder diffraction. Dynamic magnetic studies indicate that some members of this family present field induced slow relaxation of the magnetization and its response has been compared with the magnetically diluted [Zn_0.9Co_0.1] complex 1D. Ultra-low frequency Raman spectroscopy has been used to relate the slow relaxation with lattice vibrations.

Controlling the Formation of Two Concomitant Polymorphs in Hg(II) Coordination Polymers

Controlling the formation of the desired product in the appropriate crystalline form is the fundamental breakthrough of crystal engineering. On that basis, the preferential formation between polymorphic forms, which are referred to as different assemblies achieved by changing the disposition or arrangement of the forming units within the crystalline structure, is one of the most challenging topics still to be understood. Herein, we have observed the formation of two concomitant polymorphs with general formula {[Hg(Pip)₂(4,4′-bipy)]·DMF}_n (P1A, P1B; Pip = piperonylic acid; 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine). Besides, [Hg(Pip)₂(4,4′-bipy)]_n (2) has been achieved during the attempts to isolate these polymorphs. The selective synthesis of P1A and P1B has been successfully achieved by changing the synthetic conditions. The formation of each polymorphic form has been ensured by unit cell measurements and decomposition temperature. The elucidation of their crystal structure revealed P1A and P1B as polymorphs, which originates from the Hg(II) cores and intermolecular associations, especially pinpointed by Hg···π and π···π interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that P1B, which shows Hg(II) geometries that are further from ideality, is more stable than P1A by 13 kJ·mol^–1 per [Hg(Pip)₂(4,4′-bipy)]·DMF formula unit, and this larger stability of P1B arises mainly from metal···π and π···π interactions between chains. As a result, these structural modifications lead to significant variations of their solid-state photoluminescence.

We have successfully isolated two concomitant polymorphs with formula {[Hg(Pip)₂(4,4′-bipy)]·DMF}_n (P1A and P1B), as well as their desolvated form 2. Then, both polymorphs were selectively synthesized by temperature or anion-template formation. Their crystal structures revealed distorted pentagonal pyramidal geometries and show that differences arise from geometry and packing that led to different solid-state photoluminescence emissions. According to periodic-DFT calculations, distortions in P1B are counterbalanced leading to a more stable form by Hg(II)···π and π···π interactions.

Tuning Photophysical Properties by p-Functional Groups in Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with Piperonylic Acid

Aggregation between discrete molecules is an essential factor to prevent aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Indeed, functional groups capable of generating strong hydrogen bonds are likely to assemble and cause ACQ and photoinduced electron transfer processes. Thus, it is possible to compare absorption and emission properties by incorporating two ligands with a different bias toward intra- and intermolecular interactions that can induce a specific structural arrangement. In parallel, the π electron-donor or electron-withdrawing character of the functional groups could modify the Highest Ocuppied Molecular Orbital (HOMO)–Lowest Unocuppied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energy gap. Reactions of M(OAc)₂·2H₂O (M = Zn(II) and Cd(II); OAc = acetate) with 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (Piperonylic acid, HPip) and 4-acetylpyridine (4-Acpy) or isonicotinamide (Isn) resulted in the formation of four complexes. The elucidation of their crystal structure showed the formation of one paddle-wheel [Zn(μ-Pip)₂(4-Acpy)]₂ (1); a mixture of one dimer and two monomers [Zn(µ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·2[Zn(Pip)₂(HPip)(Isn)]·2MeOH (2); and two dimers [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(4-Acpy)₂]₂ (3) and [Cd(μ-Pip)(Pip)(Isn)₂]₂·MeOH (4). They exhibit bridged (1, µ₂-η¹:η¹), bridged, chelated and monodentated (2, µ₂-η¹:η¹, µ₁-η¹:η¹ and µ₁-η¹), or simultaneously bridged and chelated (3 and 4, µ₂-η²:η¹) coordination modes. Zn(II) centers accommodate coordination numbers 5 and 6, whereas Cd(II) presents coordination number 7. We have related their photophysical properties and fluorescence quantum yields with their geometric variations and interactions supported by TD-DFT calculations.

Quasi-isotropic SMMs: slow relaxation of the magnetization in polynuclear CuII/MnII complexes

Three field induced SMMs built from quasi-isotropic cations like Cu^II and Mn^II have been characterized, showing that relatively large clusters with quasi-negligible D and different ground spin states, S = 3/2, 2 or 4, can also exhibit field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization.

Polymorphism in the 1/1 Pterostilbene/Picolinic Acid Cocrystal

The crystal structures of two new polymorphs of the 1/1 pterostilbene/picolinic acid cocrystal have been analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and studied by means of DFT calculations and a set of computational tools (QTAIM, NCIplot, MEP). The observation of a new R2 2(10) synthon in each of the two polymorphs has been analyzed energetically, characterized using the topology of the electron density, and rationalized using the MEP surfaces. The exceptional bioavailability of the cocrystal is explained on the basis of BFDH morphology calculations, and the study is complemented by a deep analysis of the supramolecular synthons formed by both neutral and zwitterionic forms of picolinic acid, a versatile coformer for crystal engineering.

Influence of a series of pyridine ligands on the structure and photophysical properties of Cd(ii) complexes

Five Cd(ii) complexes based on α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA) and a set of N,N^N and N^N^N-pyridine (dPy) yield complexes with diverse nuclearities and enhanced quantum yields, benefiting from the chelation enhanced effect (CHEF) of dPy.

Combined crystallographic and computational investigation of the solvent disorder present in a new tipiracil hydrochloride methanol solvate–hydrate

We report a computational and crystallographic analysis of tipiracil hydrochloride (methanol solvate–hydrate). It shows a complex network of H-bonds with static discrete disorder in two out of the three symmetry-independent solvent molecules.

Static discrete disorder in the crystal structure of iododiflunisal: on the importance of hydrogen bond, halogen bond and π-stacking interactions

We report a combined computational/crystallographic analysis focused on the static discrete disorder shown by the drug iododiflunisal.

A Hg(i) corrugated sheet assembled by auxiliary dioxole groups and Hg⋯π interactions

Comproportionation between Hg0 and Hg2+ resulted in the formation of [Hg2(Pip)2] supported by Hg⋯Odioxole and Hg⋯π interactions. Structural and computational assessment determined the tendency of Hg(i) to partake in Hg⋯π interactions.

Molecular Approach to Alkali-Metal Encapsulation by a Prussian Blue Analogue FeII/CoIII Cube in Aqueous Solution: A Kineticomechanistic Exchange Study

The preparation of a series of alkali-metal inclusion complexes of the molecular cube [{Co^III(Me₃-tacn)}₄{Fe^II(CN)₆}₄]^4- (Me₃-tacn = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane), a mixed-valent Prussian Blue analogue bearing bridging cyanido ligands, has been achieved by following a redox-triggered self-assembly process. The molecular cubes are extremely robust and soluble in aqueous media ranging from 5 M [H⁺] to 2 M [OH^-]. All the complexes have been characterized by the standard mass spectometry, UV-vis, inductively coupled plasma, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis of the sodium and lithium salts has also been achieved, and the inclusion of moieties of the form {M-OH₂}⁺ (M = Li, Na) is confirmed. These inclusion complexes in aqueous solution are rather inert to cation exchange and are characterized by a significant decrease in acidity of the confined water molecule due to hydrogen bonding inside the cubic cage. Exchange of the encapsulated cationic {M-OH₂}⁺ or M⁺ units by other alkali metals has also been studied from a kineticomechanistic perspective at different concentrations, temperatures, ionic strengths, and pressures. In all cases, the thermal and pressure activation parameters obtained agree with a process that is dominated by differences in hydration of the cations entering and exiting the cage, although the size of the portal enabling the exchange also plays a determinant role, thus not allowing the large Cs⁺ cation to enter. All the exchange substitutions studied follow a thermodynamic sequence that relates with the size and polarizing capability of the different alkali cations; even so, the process can be reversed, allowing the entry of {Li-OH₂}⁺ units upon adsorption of the cube on an anion exchange resin and subsequent washing with a Li⁺ solution.

Stereoselective Alkylation of Chiral Titanium(IV) Enolates with tert-Butyl Peresters

Here, we present a new stereoselective alkylation of titanium(IV) enolates of chiral N-acyl oxazolidinones with tert-butyl peresters from Cα-branched aliphatic carboxylic acids, which proceeds through the decarboxylation of the peresters and the subsequent formation of alkyl radicals to produce the alkylated adducts with an excellent diastereoselectivity. Theoretical calculations account for the observed reactivity and the outstanding stereocontrol. Importantly, the resultant compounds can be easily converted into ligands for asymmetric and catalytic transformations.

Direct and Enantioselective Aldol Reactions Catalyzed by Chiral Nickel(II) Complexes

A direct and asymmetric aldol reaction of N‐acyl thiazinanethiones with aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by chiral nickel(II) complexes is reported. The reaction gives the corresponding O‐TIPS‐protected anti‐aldol adducts in high yields and with remarkable stereocontrol and atom economy. Furthermore, the straightforward removal of the achiral scaffold provides enantiomerically pure intermediates of synthetic interest, which involve precursors for anti‐α‐amino‐β‐hydroxy and α,β‐dihydroxy carboxylic derivatives. Theoretical calculations explain the observed high stereocontrol.

Single-Ion Anisotropy and Intramolecular Interactions in CeIII and NdIII Dimers

This article reports the syntheses, characterization, structural description, together with magnetic and spectroscopic properties of two isostructural molecular magnets based on the chiral ligand N,N'-bis((1,2-diphenyl-(pyridine-2-yl)methylene)-(R,R/S,S)-ethane-1,2-diamine), L1, of general formula [Ln2(RR-L1)2(Cl6)]·MeOH·1.5H2O, (Ln = Ce (1) or Nd (2)). Multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), cantilever torque magnetometry (CTM) measurements, and ab initio calculations allowed us to determine single-ion magnetic anisotropy and intramolecular magnetic interactions in both compounds, evidencing a more important role of the anisotropic exchange for the NdIII derivative. The comparison of experimental and theoretical data indicates that, in the case of largely rhombic lanthanide ions, ab initio calculations can fail in determining the orientation of the weakest components, while being reliable in determining their principal values. However, they remain of paramount importance to set the analysis of EPR and CTM on sound basis, thus obtaining a very precise picture of the magnetic interactions in these systems. Finally, the electronic structure of the two complexes, as obtained by this approach, is consistent with the absence of zero-field slow relaxation observed in ac susceptibility.

Steric and Electronic Effects on the Structure and Photophysical Properties of Hg(II) Complexes

Since many factors influence the coordination around a metal center, steric and electronic effects of the ligands mainly determine the connectivity and, thus, the final arrangement. This is emphasized on Hg(II) centers, which have a zero point stabilization energy and, thus, a flexible coordination environment. Therefore, the unrestricted Hg(II) geometry facilitates the predominance of the ligands during the structural inception. Herein, we synthesized and characterized a series of six Hg(II) complexes with general formula (Hg(Pip)₂(dPy)) (Pip = piperonylate, dPy = 3-phenylpyridine (3-phpy) (1), 4-phenylpyridine (4-phpy) (2), 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) (3), 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen) (4), 2,2′:6′,2′-terpyridine (terpy) (5), or di(2-picolyl)amine (dpa) (6)). The elucidation of their crystal structures revealed the arrangement of three monomers (3, 5, and 6), one dimer (4), and two coordination polymers (1 and 2) depending on the steric requirements of the dPy and predominance of the ligands. Besides, the study of their photophysical properties in solution supported by TD-DFT calculations enabled us to understand their electronic effects and the influence of the structural arrangement on them.

Six Hg(II) complexes containing 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid and pyridine derivatives bearing N-, N^N′-, and N^N^N-donor sites have been characterized and their crystal structure elucidated. Steric crowding defined the predominance of the linkers in the structural arrangement, varying from monomers to coordination polymers. Their photophysical properties were analyzed through experimental and TD-DFT calculations, identifying the character and regions involved on each electronic transition. In addition, seclusion of the HOMO from the LUMO defined them as appropriate to selective band gap tuning.

Structural and magnetic studies of mononuclear lanthanide complexes derived from N-rich chiral Schiff bases

A new family of mononuclear lanthanide complexes with the formula [CeIII(L)(NO3)3(MeOH)] (1) and [LnIII(L)(NO3)3]·MeOH where Ln = Gd (2) or Dy (3) and L = N,N'-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine has been obtained with the use of enantiomerically pure Schiff bases. Dynamic magnetic studies indicate that 1-3 present field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization and their response has been compared with the magnetically diluted complexes 2d and 3d. Structural studies have been carried out by single crystal X-ray and powder diffraction.

Steric crowding of a series of pyridine based ligands influencing the photophysical properties of Zn(II) complexes

The combination of α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA) and different N, N,N and N,N,N pyridines (dPy) leads to crowded Zn(ii) metal centers. The increasing bulkiness competes with the chelation enhanced effect (CHEF) in the resulting quantum yields.

A captured room temperature stable Wheland intermediate as a key structure for the orthogonal decoration of 4-amino-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-ones

Wheland intermediates are usually unstable compounds and only a few have been isolated at very low temperatures. During our work on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, we studied the bromination of 7 in order to obtain a dibromo substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one which could be orthogonally decorated. Surprisingly, treatment of 7 with 3 equiv. of Br2 in acetic acid (AcOH) afforded 12, a captured room temperature stable Wheland bromination intermediate stabilized by the bromination of the imino tautomer of the amino group at C4 of the pyridopyrimidine skeleton. The structure was confirmed by crystal structure determination from powder X-ray diffraction data. Treatment of 12 with DMSO afforded the dibromo substituted compound 13 presenting a bromine atom at C6 and C5-C6 unsaturation. 13 was directly accessed by treating 7 with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), a protocol extended to other compounds using NBS or N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) to afford 6-halo substituted systems. 26, bearing an iodine at C6 and a p-bromophenylamino at C2, allows the orthogonal decoration of pyridopyrimidines.

Influence of Aromatic Cations on the Structural Arrangement of Hg(II) Halides

Understanding the structure and arrangement of hybrid metal halides and their contribution to the optoelectronic properties is, thus far, a challenging topic. In particular, new materials composed of d¹⁰ metal halides and pyridinium cations are still largely unexplored. Therefore, we report the synthesis and characterization of six Hg(II) salts built up from (Hg₂Cl₆)^2- or (HgX₄)^2- anions (X = Cl, Br, I) and 2,2'-bipyridium (2,2'-Hbipy)⁺, 2,2'-bipyridine-1,1'-diium (2,2'-H₂bipy)²⁺, or 1,10-phenantrolinium (1,10-Hphen)⁺ cations, using the same experimental conditions. All of them have been characterized by PXRD, EA, FTIR-ATR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopies; single-crystal X-ray diffraction; and TG/DTA determinations. The study of their packing via Hirshfeld surface analysis and 3D deformation density mapping revealed the contributions of the intermolecular interactions to the structural arrangement, notably, the effect of the cation planarity on them. Successively, periodic DFT calculations showed that (i) the valence and conducting bands are mainly composed of the p orbitals of the halide and the organic cation, respectively, and (ii) the corresponding band gap depends mainly on the halide.

Construction of Zn(II) Linear Trinuclear Secondary Building Units from A Coordination Polymer Based on α-Acetamidocinnamic Acid and 4-Phenylpyridine

The synthesis and characterization of one coordination polymer and two trinuclear complexes are presented. The coordination polymer [Zn2(µ-O,O'-ACA)2(ACA)2(4-Phpy)2]n (1) has been obtained by the reaction between Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, α-acetamidocinnamic acid (HACA), and 4-phenylpyridine (4-Phpy) using EtOH as solvent. Its recrystallization in CH3CN or EtOH yields two trinuclear complexes, both having pinwheel arrays with formulas [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(4-Phpy)2]·4CH3CN (2·4CH3CN) and [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(EtOH)2]·4EtOH (3·4EtOH), respectively. These trinuclear species, unavoidably lose their solvent co-crystallized molecules at RT yielding the complexes [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(4-Phpy)2] (2) and [Zn3(µ-ACA)6(EtOH)2] (3). In addition, compound 2 has also been obtained reacting Zn(OAc)2·2H2O, HACA, and 4-Phpy in a 1:2:2 ratio using CH3CN as solvent. Compounds 1-3 have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction method for compounds 1, 2·4CH3CN, and 3·4EtOH were obtained and their supramolecular interactions have been studied and discussed, showing 2D supramolecular planes for the trinuclear complexes and a 3D supramolecular network for the coordination polymer. Finally, the supramolecular interactions of 2·4CH3CN and 3·4EtOH have been compared using Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrostatic potential calculations.

C4-C5 fused pyrazol-3-amines: when the degree of unsaturation and electronic characteristics of the fused ring controls regioselectivity in Ullmann and acylation reactions

Pyrazol-3-amine is a scaffold present in a large number of compounds with a wide range of biological activities and, in many cases, the heterocycle is C4-C5 fused to a second ring. Among the different reactions used for the decoration of the pyrazole ring, Ullmann and acylation have been widely applied. However, there is some confusion in the literature regarding the regioselectivity of such reactions (substitution at N1 or N2 of the pyrazole ring) and no predictive rule has been so far established. As a part of our work on 3-amino-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridones 13, we have studied the regioselectivity of such reactions in different C4-C5 fused pyrazol-3-amines. As a rule of thumb, the Ullmann and acylation reactions take place, predominantly, at the NH and non-protonated nitrogen atom of the pyrazole ring respectively, of the most stable initial tautomer (1H- or 2H-pyrazole), which can be easily predicted by using DFT calculations.

Luminescent PtII and PtIV Platinacycles with Anticancer Activity Against Multiplatinum-Resistant Metastatic CRC and CRPC Cell Models

Platinum-based chemotherapy persists to be the only effective therapeutic option against a wide variety of tumours. Nevertheless, the acquisition of platinum resistance is utterly common, ultimately cornering conventional platinum drugs to only palliative in many patients. Thus, encountering alternatives that are both effective and non-cross-resistant is urgent. In this work, we report the synthesis, reduction studies, and luminescent properties of a series of cyclometallated (C,N,N')Pt^IV compounds derived from amine-imine ligands, and their remarkable efficacy at the high nanomolar range and complete lack of cross-resistance, as an intrinsic property of the platinacycle, against multiplatinum-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) metastatic cell lines generated for this work. We have also determined that the compounds are effective and selective for a broader cancer panel, including breast and lung cancer. Additionally, selected compounds have been further evaluated, finding a shift in their antiproliferative mechanism towards more cytotoxic and less cytostatic than cisplatin against cancer cells, being also able to oxidize cysteine residues and inhibit topoisomerase II, thereby holding great promise as future improved alternatives to conventional platinum drugs.

Na2MnIII6LnIII clusters with a non-equivalent core: chiral vs. meso isomerism

Chiral and racemic clusters with the Na₂MnIII6Ln^III core and different coordination numbers around the Ln^III cation provide rare examples of symmetry dependent isomerism.

Crystal engineering of nutraceutical phytosterols: new cocrystal solid solutions

A cocrystal screening of solid solutions of three phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) reveals that cocrystal solid solutions are enriched with β-sitosterol with respect to stigmasterol, a natural product with cytotoxicity concerns.

Stereoselective Decarboxylative Alkylation of Titanium(IV) Enolates with Diacyl Peroxides

Simple treatment of chiral titanium(IV) enolates with diacyl peroxides produces highly diastereoselective decarboxylative alkylations to efficiently deliver the corresponding adducts, most of which are not accessible through any of the current alkylating procedures. Such an unprecedented alkylation proceeds through an SET process that triggers the decomposition of the peroxide into a carbon-centered radical that finally combines with the resulting Cα radical. The procedure has been applied to the enantioselective synthesis of arundic acid.

{Ni4} Cubanes from enantiomerically pure 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)pyridine ligands: supramolecular chirality

Homometallic {NiII4} cubane-like clusters with a rare chiral core have been prepared via the employment of enantiomerically pure 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)pyridine (Hmpm). Comparison with the achiral cubanes derived from the related 2-pyridinemethanol (Hpym) ligand reveals drastic structural changes as a consequence of the transfer of chirality from the ligands to the whole structure. Their magnetic properties have been related to the structural features of their cubane-type cores.

Direct and Asymmetric Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Construction of Carbon-Carbon Bonds from N-Acyl Thiazinanethiones

A wide array of new N-acyl thiazinanethiones are employed in a number of direct and enantioselective carbon-carbon-bond-forming reactions catalyzed by nickel(II) complexes. The electrophilic species are mostly prepared in situ from ortho esters, methyl ethers, acetals, and ketals, which makes the overall process highly efficient and experimentally straightforward. Theoretical calculations indicate that the reactions proceed through an open transition state in a S_N1-like mechanism. The utility of this novel procedure has been demonstrated by the asymmetric preparation of synthetically useful intermediates and the total synthesis of peperomin D.

Enhancement of magnetic relaxation properties with 3d diamagnetic cations in [ZnIILnIII] and [NiIILnIII], LnIII= Kramers lanthanides

Comparison between two series of [Ni^IILn^III] and [Zn^IILn^III] dimers reveals lower intermolecular interactions for the square-planar Ni^IIderivatives that favour an induced SIM response. Some unusual Ce^III, Nd^IIIand Yb^IIISIMs are reported.