Synthesis of Stable Gold(III) Pincer Complexes with Anionic Heteroatom Donors

A series of gold­(III) complexes supported by pyridine-based bis­(amidate), bis­(carboxylate), and bis­(iminothiolate) substituents is reported. These compounds represent rare examples of pincer-ligated gold­(III) centers with multiple anionic heteroaom donors. Reactivity and electrochemical studies demonstrate the stability of these compounds and the marked difference in reduction potentials with varying ligand scaffolds

The chemical biology of hydropersulfides (RSSH): Chemical stability, reactivity and redox roles

Recent reports indicate the ubiquitous prevalence of hydropersulfides (RSSH) in mammalian systems. The biological utility of these and related species is currently a matter of significant speculation. The function, lifetime and fate of hydropersulfides will be assuredly based on their chemical properties and reactivity. Thus, to serve as the basis for further mechanistic studies regarding hydropersulfide biology, some of the basic chemical properties/reactivity of hydropersulfides were studied. The nucleophilicity, electrophilicity and redox properties of hydropersulfides were examined under biological conditions. These studies indicate that hydropersulfides can be nucleophilic or electrophilic, depending on the pH (i.e. the protonation state) and can act as good one- and two-electron reductants. These diverse chemical properties in a single species make hydropersulfides chemically distinct from other, well-known sulfur containing biological species, giving them unique and potentially important biological function