[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
