Binuclear Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with Schiff-bases derived from crown ether platforms: rare examples of ether oxygen atoms bridging metal centers

[Abstract] Bibracchial lariat ethers L3 and L4, derived from the condensation of N,N′-bis(2-aminobenzyl)-1,10-diaza-15-crown-5 or N,N′-bis(2-aminobenzyl)-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 with salicylaldehyde, form binuclear complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). Our studies show that the different denticity and crown moiety size of the two related receptors give rise to important differences on the structures of the corresponding complexes. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the [Ni2(L3)(H2O)2]2+ and [Cu2(L3)(NO3)]+ complexes constitute a rare example in which an oxygen atom of the crown moiety is bridging the two six coordinate metal ions. In contrast, none of the oxygen atoms of the crown moiety is acting as a bridging donor atom in the [Co2(L4)(CH3CN)2]2+, [Cu2(L4)]2+ and [Zn2(L4)]2+ complexes. This is attributed to the larger size the crown moiety and the higher denticity of L4 compared to L3. In [Co2(L4)(CH3CN)2]2+ the metal ions show a distorted octahedral coordination, while in the Cu(II) and Zn(II) analogues the metal ions are five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal environment. In [Cu2(L3)(NO3)]+ the coordinated nitrate anion acts as a bidentate bridging ligand, which results in the formation of a 1D coordination polymer.Xunta de Galicia; INCITE09E1R103013E

Ditopic receptors containing urea groups for solvent extraction of Cu(II) salts

[Abstract] The ditopic receptor L3 [1-(2-((7-(4-(tert-butyl)benzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)urea] containing a macrocyclic cyclen unit for Cu(II)-coordination and a urea moiety for anion binding was designed for recognition of metal salts. The X-ray structure of [CuL3(SO4)] shows that the sulfate anion is involved in cooperative binding via coordination to the metal ion and hydrogen-bonding to the urea unit. This behaviour is similar to that observed for the related receptor L1 [1-(2-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)phenyl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)urea], which forms a dimeric [CuL1(μ-SO4)]2 structure in the solid state. In contrast, the single crystal X-ray structure of [ZnL3(NO3)2] contains a 1 : 2 complex (metal : anion) where one anion coordinates to the metal and the other is hydrogen-bonded to the urea group. Spectrophotometric titrations performed for the [CuL3(OSMe2)]2+ complex indicate that this system is able to bind a wide range of anions with an affinity sequence: MeCO2− > Cl− > H2PO4− > Br− > NO2− > HSO4− > NO3−. Lipophilic analogues of L1 and L3 extract CuSO4 and CuCl2 from water into chloroform with high selectivity over the corresponding Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) salts.Xunta de Galicia; EM 2012/088Xunta de Galicia; CN-2012/01

The effect of ring size variation on the structure and stability of lanthanide(III) complexes with crown ethers containing picolinate pendants

[Abstract] The coordination properties of the macrocyclic receptor N,N′-bis[(6-carboxy-2-pyridyl)methylene]-1,10-diaza-15-crown-5 (H2bp15c5) towards the lanthanide ions are reported. Thermodynamic stability constants were determined by pH-potentiometric titration at 25 °C in 0.1 M KCl. A smooth decrease in complexstability is observed upon decreasing the ionic radius of the LnIII ion from La [log KLaL = 12.52(2)] to Lu [log KLuL = 10.03(6)]. Luminescence lifetime measurements recorded on solutions of the EuIII and TbIII complexes confirm the absence of inner-sphere watermolecules in these complexes. 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the complexes formed with the diamagnetic LaIII metal ion were obtained in D2O solution and assigned with the aid of HSQC and HMBC 2D heteronuclear experiments, as well as standard 2D homonuclear COSY and NOESY spectra. The 1H NMR spectra of the paramagnetic CeIII, EuIII and YbIIIcomplex suggest nonadentate binding of the ligand to the metal ion. The syn conformation of the ligand in [Ln(bp15c5)]+ complexes implies the occurrence of two helicities, one associated with the layout of the picolinate pendant arms (absolute configuration Δ or Λ), and the other to the five fivemembered chelate rings formed by the binding of the crown moiety (absolute configuration δ or λ). A detailed conformational analysis performed with the aid of DFT calculations (B3LYP model) indicates that the complexes adopt a Λ(λδ)(δδλ) [or Δ(δλ)(λλδ)] conformation in aqueous solution. Our calculations show that the interaction between the LnIII ion and several donor atoms of the crown moiety is weakened as the ionic radius of the metal ion decreases, in line with the decrease of complex stability observed on proceeding to the right across the lanthanide series.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia; CTQ2006-07875Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia; CTQ2009-10721Galicia. Consellería de Economía e Industria; INCITE09E1R103013E

Conformational study of lanthanide(III) complexes of N-(2-salicylaldiminatobenzyl)-1-aza-18-crown-6 by using X-ray and ab initio methods

[Abstract] A structural study of lanthanide complexes with the deprotonated form of the monobracchial lariat ether N-2-salicylaldiminatobenzyl-aza-18-crown-6 (L4) (Ln = La(III)–Tb(III)) is presented. Attempts to isolate complexes of the heaviest members of the lanthanide series were unsuccessful. The X-ray crystal structures of [Pr(L4)(H2O)](ClO4)2 · H2O · C3H8O and [Sm(L4)(H2O)](ClO4)2 · C3H8O show the metal ion being bound to the eight donor atoms of the ligand backbone. Coordination number nine is completed by the oxygen atom of an inner-sphere water molecule. Two different conformations of the crown moiety (labelled as A and B) are observed in the solid state structure of the Pr(III) complex, while for the Sm(III) complex only conformation A is observed. The complexes were also characterized by means of theoretical calculations performed in vacuo at the HF level, by using the 3-21G∗ basis set for the ligand atoms and a 46 + 4fn effective core potential for lanthanides. The optimized geometries of the Pr(III) and Sm(III) complexes show an excellent agreement with the experimental structures obtained from X-ray diffraction studies. The calculated relative energies of the A and B conformations for the different [Ln(L4)(H2O)]2+ complexes (Ln = La, Pr, Sm, Ho or Lu) indicate a progressive stabilization of the A conformation with respect to the B one upon decreasing the ionic radius of the Ln(III) ion. For the [Ln(L4)(H2O)]2+ systems, most of the calculated bond distances between the metal ion and the coordinated donor atoms decrease along the lanthanide series, as usually observed for Ln(III) complexes. However, our ab initio calculations provide geometries in which the Ln–O(5) bond distance [O(5) is an oxygen atom of the crown moiety] increases across the lanthanide series from Sm(III) to Lu(III).Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia; CTQ2006-0787

Recognition of AMP, ADP and ATP through cooperative binding by Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes containing urea and/or phenylboronic acid moieties

[Abstract] We report a series of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with different ligands containing a dipicolyl unit functionalized with urea groups that may contain or not a phenylboronic acid function. These complexes were designed for the recognition of phosphorylated anions through coordination to themetal ion reinforced by hydrogen bonds involving the anion and NHgroups of urea. The complexes were isolated and several adducts with pyrophosphate were characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements. Coordination of one of the urea nitrogen atoms to themetal ion promoted the hydrolysis of the ligands containing 1,3-diphenylurea units, while ligands bearing 1-ethyl-3-phenylurea groups did not hydrolyze significantly at room temperature. Spectrophotometric titrations, combined with 1H and 31P NMR studies, were used in investigating the binding of phosphate, pyrophosphate (PPi), and nucleoside 50-polyphosphates (AMP, ADP, ATP, CMP, and UMP). The association constants determined in aqueous solution (pH 7.0, 0.1MMOPS) point to a stronger association with PPi, ADP, and ATP as compared with the anions containing a single phosphate unit. The [CuL4]2+ complex shows important selectivity for pyrophosphate (PPi) over ADP and ATP.Galicia. Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria; EM 2012/08

Lead(II) complexes of lateral macrobicyclic receptors that incorporate a crown moiety and a pyridine head unit

[Abstract] The coordinative properties towards lead(II) of two lateral macrobicyclic receptors that incorporate either a 1,10‐diaza‐[15]crown‐5 (L7) or a 4,13‐diaza‐[18]crown‐6 (L8) fragment are reported. Spectrophotometric titrations performed in acetonitrile solution indicate only the formation of mononuclear complexes in solution. The X‐ray crystal structures of the two receptors show that the conformation adopted by the ligand is imposed by the presence of intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions that involve the secondary amine groups and the pivotal nitrogen atoms. The solid‐state structure of [Pb(L7)(NCS)](SCN)·0.5H2O shows that the metal ion is asymmetrically coordinated inside the macrobicyclic cavity. The PbII ion is coordinated to the nitrogen atom of the pyridine unit, the two secondary amine atoms, two oxygen atoms of the crown moiety, and a nitrogen atom of an isothiocyanate group. The distances between the PbII ion and the two pivotal nitrogen atoms as well as one of the oxygen atoms of the crown moiety are too long (>2.92 Å) to be considered unequivocal bonds, and should be regarded only as weak interactions. The protonation constants of L7 and L8 as well as the stability constants of their PbII complexes were investigated by using potentiometric titrations in 95 % methanol (I = 0.1 M, nBu4NClO4, 25 °C). The two receptors undergo two protonation processes in the pH range investigated (2.0 < pH < 12.0), which correspond to the protonation of the nitrogen atoms of the oxa–aza moiety. The log KPbL value obtained for L7 [9.906(1)] is approximately 1.1 log K units higher than the one determined for L8 [8.75(1)].Xunta de Galicia; PGIDIT06TAM10301PRXunta de Galicia; INCITE09E1R103013E

Pyridine and phosphonate containing ligands for stable lanthanide complexation. An experimental and theoretical study to assess the solution structure

We report an experimental and theoretical study of the stability and solution structure of lanthanide complexes with two novel ligands containing pyridine units and phosphonate pendant arms on either ethane-1,2-diamine (L 2 ) or cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L 3 ) backbones. Potentiometric studies have been carried out to determine the protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the complexes with Gd III and the endogenous metal ions Zn II and Cu II . While the stability constant of the GdL 2 complex is too high to be determined by direct pH-potentiometric titrations, the cyclohexyl derivative GdL 3 has a lower and assessable stability (log K GdL 3 = 17.62). Due to the presence of the phosphonate groups, various protonated species can be detected up to pH ≈ 8 for both ligands and all metal ions studied. were characterized by theoretical calculations at the HF level. Our calculations provide two minimum energy geometries where the ligand adopts different conformations: twist-wrap (tw), in which the ligand wraps around the metal ion by twisting the pyridyl units relative to each other, and twist-fold (tf ), where the slight twisting of the pyridyl units is accompanied by an overall folding of the two pyridine units towards one of the phosphonate groups. The relative free energies of the tw and t

Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Aim To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Methods Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20-65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067-0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality

Recognition of AMP, ADP and ATP through Cooperative Binding by Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes Containing Urea and/or Phenylboronic—Acid Moieties

We report a series of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with different ligands containing a dipicolyl unit functionalized with urea groups that may contain or not a phenylboronic acid function. These complexes were designed for the recognition of phosphorylated anions through coordination to the metal ion reinforced by hydrogen bonds involving the anion and NH groups of urea. The complexes were isolated and several adducts with pyrophosphate were characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements. Coordination of one of the urea nitrogen atoms to the metal ion promoted the hydrolysis of the ligands containing 1,3-diphenylurea units, while ligands bearing 1-ethyl-3-phenylurea groups did not hydrolyze significantly at room temperature. Spectrophotometric titrations, combined with 1H and 31P NMR studies, were used in investigating the binding of phosphate, pyrophosphate (PPi), and nucleoside 5′-polyphosphates (AMP, ADP, ATP, CMP, and UMP). The association constants determined in aqueous solution (pH 7.0, 0.1 M MOPS) point to a stronger association with PPi, ADP, and ATP as compared with the anions containing a single phosphate unit. The [CuL4]2+ complex shows important selectivity for pyrophosphate (PPi) over ADP and ATP

Macrocyclic Receptor Exhibiting Unprecedented Selectivity for Light Lanthanides

International audienceWe report a new macrocyclic ligand, N, N'-bis[(6-carboxy-2-pyridil)methyl]-4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 (H(2)bp18c6), designed for complexation of lanthanide ions in aqueous solution. Potentiometric measurements evidence an unprecedented selectivity of bp18c6 for the large Ln(III) ions. Among the different Ln(III) ions, La-III and Ce-III show the highest log K-ML values, with a dramatic drop of the stability observed from Ce-III to Lu-III as the ionic radius of the Ln(III) ions decreases (log K-CeL - log K-LuL = 6.9). The X-ray crystal structures of the Gd-III and Yb-III complexes show that the metal ion is directly bound to the 10 donor atoms of the bp18c6 ligand. The structure of the complexes in solution has been investigated by H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, as well as by theoretical calculations performed at the DFT (B3LYP) level. Our results indicate that a conformational change occurs around the middle of the lanthanide series: for the larger Ln(III) ions the most stable conformation is Delta(delta lambda delta)(delta lambda delta), while for the smallest Ln(III) ions (Gd-Lu) our calculations predict the Delta(lambda delta lambda)(lambda delta lambda) form being the most stable one. This structural change was confirmed by the analysis of the Ce-III-, Pr-III-, and Yb-III-induced paramagnetic H-1 shifts. The selectivity that bp18c6 shows for the large Ln(III) ions can be attributed to a better fit between the light Ln(III) ions and the relatively large crown fragment of the ligand. Indeed, our DFT calculations indicate that the interaction between the Ln(III) ion and several donor atoms of the crown moiety is weakened as the ionic radius of the metal ion decreases