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A L Rheingold

Publications and source records attributed to A L Rheingold.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

1-D and 2-D homoleptic dicyanamide structures, [Ph4P]2[CoII[N(CN)2]4] and [Ph4P][M[N(CN)2]3] (M = Mn, Co).

The homoleptic complexes [Ph(4)P](2)[Co[N(CN)(2)](4)] and [Ph(4)P][M[N(CN)(2)](3)] [M = Co, Mn] have been structurally as well as magnetically characterized. The complexes containing [M[N(CN)(2)](4)](2-) form 1-D chains, which are bridged via a common dicyanamide ligand in [M[N(CN)(2)](3)](-) to form a 2-D structure. The five-atom [NCNCN](-) bridging ligands lead to weak magnetic coupling along a chain. The six [NCNCN](-) ligands lead to a (4)T(1g) ground state for Co(II) which has an unquenched spin-orbit coupling that is reflected in the magnetic properties. Long-range magnetic ordering was not observed in any of these materials.

Journal Article↗

Supramolecular chemistry: molecular recognition and self-assembly using rigid spacer-chelators bearing cofacial terpyridyl palladium(II) complexes separated by 7 A.

Partially and fully aromatic molecular spacers bearing two symmetrically bound terpyridyl chelators have been prepared. These spacer-chelators were constructed to dispose the two terpyridyl ligands and their complexes with square planar metals cofacially with a separation of about 7 A between the two metals. Dipalladium(II) complexes of these spacer-chelators were prepared and characterized. These palladium complexes readily form large molecular rectangles with a linear linker such as 4,4'-dipyridyl. The dichlorodipalladium complex of the partially reduced spacer-chelator is capable of incarcerating planar aromatic and coordination compounds as guests. A crystal structure showing the incorporation of 9-methylanthracene has been determined. A 9-methylanthracene lies completely within the approximately 7 A space provided by the cleft formed by the two cofacially disposed chloro-palladium-terpyridyl units. The crystal structure shows additional pi-stacking interactions between a second 9-methylanthracene and neighboring receptors.

Journal Article↗

Single-molecule magnets: Jahn-Teller isomerism and the origin of two magnetization relaxation processes in Mn12 complexes.

Several single-molecule magnets with the composition [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)x] (x = 3 or 4) exhibit two out-of-phase ac magnetic susceptibility signals, one in the 4-7 K region and the other in the 2-3 K region. New Mn12 complexes were prepared and structurally characterized, and the origin of the two magnetization relaxation processes was systematically examined. Different crystallographic forms of a Mn12 complex with a given R substituent exist where the two forms have different compositions of solvent molecules of crystallization and this results in two different arrangements of bound H2O and carboxylate ligands for the two crystallographically different forms with the same R substituent. The X-ray structure of cubic crystals of [Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)3]. 4H2O (space group P1) (complex 2a) has been reported previously. The more prevalent needle-form of [Mn12O12(O2CEt)16(H2O)3] (complex 2b) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, which at -170 degrees C has a = 16.462(7) A, b = 22.401(9) A, c = 20.766(9) A, beta = 103.85(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The arrangements of H2O and carboxylate ligands on the Mn12 molecule are different in the two crystal forms. The complex [Mn12O12-(O2)CC6H4-p-Cl)16(H2O)4].8CH2Cl2 (5) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, which at -172 degrees C has a = 29.697(9) A, b = 17.708(4) A, c = 30.204(8) A, beta = 102.12(2) degrees, and Z = 4. The ac susceptibility data for complex 5 show that it has out-of-phase signals in both the 2-3 K and the 4-7 K ranges. X-ray structures are also reported for two isomeric forms of the p-methylbenzoate complex. [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-Me)16(H2O)4]. (HO2CC6H4-p-Me) (6) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, which at 193 K has a = 40.4589(5) A, b = 18.2288(2) A, c = 26.5882(4) A, beta = 125.8359(2) degrees, and Z = 4. [Mn12O12(O2CC6H4-p-Me)16(H2O)4].3(H2O) (7) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a, which at 223 K has a = 29.2794(4) A, b = 32.2371(4) A, c = 29.8738(6) A, beta = 99.2650(10) degrees, and Z = 8. The Mn12 molecules in complexes 6 and 7 differ in their arrangements of the four bound H2O ligands. Complex 6 exhibits an out-of-phase ac peak (chi(M)' ') in the 2-3 K region, whereas the hydrate complex 7 has a chi(M)' ' signal in the 4-7 K region. In addition, however, in complex 6, one Mn(III) ion has an abnormal Jahn-Teller distortion axis oriented at an oxide ion, and thus 6 and 7 are Jahn-Teller isomers. This reduces the symmetry of the core of complex 6 compared with complex 7. Thus, complex 6 likely has a larger tunneling matrix element and this explains why this complex shows a chi(M)' ' signal in the 2-3 K region, whereas complex 7 has its chi(M)' ' peak in the 4-7 K region, i.e., the rate of tunneling of magnetization is greater in complex 6 than complex 7. Detailed 1H NMR experiments (2-D COSY and TOCSY) lead to the assignment of all proton resonances for the benzoate and p-methyl-benzoate Mn12 complexes and confirm the structural integrity of the (Mn12O12) complexes upon dissolution. In solution there is rapid ligand exchange and no evidence for the different isomeric forms of Mn12 complexes seen in the solid state.

Journal Article↗

Bimetallic reactivity. Preparation and properties of bimetallic complexes formed by binucleating ligands bearing 4- and 6-coordinate sites.

Four binucleating ligands bearing 4- and 6-coordinate sites employing phenolate bridges have been prepared. Bimetallic copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of some of these ligands have been isolated and characterized. Crystal structures of two of the copper(II) complexes have been determined. A monometallic manganese(II) complex of one of these ligands was isolated. Upon exposure to dioxygen, acetonitrile solutions of the complex in the presence of chloride ions lead to the formation of a manganese(IV) complex. The crystal structure of this complex is reported, and it is shown that the metal is in the 4-coordinate ligand site and is bound to two chloride ions.

Copper↗

Reactions of halofluorocarbons with group 6 complexes M(C(5)H(5))(2)L (M = Mo, W; L = C(2)H(4), CO). Fluoroalkylation at molybdenum and tungsten, and at cyclopentadienyl or ethylene ligands.

The molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) complexes [MCp(2)L] (Cp = eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl; L = C(2)H(4), CO) react with perfluoroalkyl iodides to give a variety of products. The Mo(II) complex [MoCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluoro-n-butyl iodide or perfluorobenzyl iodide with loss of ethylene to give the first examples of fluoroalkyl complexes of Mo(IV), MoCp(2)(CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3))I (8) and MoCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))I (9), one of which (8) has been crystallographically characterized. In contrast, the CO analogue [MoCp(2)(CO)] reacts with perfluorobenzyl iodide without loss of CO to give the crystallographically characterized salt, [MoCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))(CO)](+)I(-) (10), and the W(II) ethylene precursor [WCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluorobenzyl iodide without loss of ethylene to afford the salt [WCp(2)(CF(2)C(6)F(5))(C(2)H(4))](+)I(-) (11). These observations demonstrate that the metal-carbon bond is formed first. In further contrast the tungsten precursor [WCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] reacts with perfluoro-n-butyl iodide, perfluoro-iso-propyl iodide, and pentafluorophenyl iodide to give fluoroalkyl- and fluorophenyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl complexes WCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))(H)I (12, R(F) = CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3); 15, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2); 16, R(F) = C(6)F(5)); the Mo analogue MoCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))(H)I (14, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2)) is obtained in similar fashion. The tungsten(IV) hydrido compounds react with iodoform to afford the corresponding diiodides WCp(eta(5)-C(5)H(4)R(F))I(2) (13, R(F) = CF(2)CF(2)CF(2)CF(3); 18, R(F) = CF(CF(3))(2); 19, R(F) = C(6)F(5)), two of which (13 and 19) have been crystallographically characterized. The carbonyl precursors [MCp(2)(CO)] each react with perfluoro-iso-propyl iodide without loss of CO, to afford the exo-fluoroalkylated cyclopentadiene M(II) complexes MCp(eta(4)-C(5)H(5)R(F))(CO)I (21, M = Mo; 22, M = W); the exo-stereochemistry for the fluoroalkyl group is confirmed by an X-ray structural study of 22. The ethylene analogues [MCp(2)(C(2)H(4))] react with perfluoro-tert-butyl iodide to yield the products MCp(2)[(CH(2)CH(2)C(CF(3))(3)]I (25, M = Mo; 26, M = W) resulting from fluoroalkylation at the ethylene ligand. Attempts to provide positive evidence for fluoroalkyl radicals as intermediates in reactions of primary and benzylic substrates were unsuccessful, but trapping experiments with CH(3)OD (to give R(F)D, not R(F)H) indicate that fluoroalkyl anions are the intermediates responsible for ring and ethylene fluoroalkylation in the reactions of secondary and tertiary fluoroalkyl substrates.

Journal Article↗

Solvent dependence of the structure and magnetic ordering of ferrimagnetic manganese(III) meso-tetraphenylporphyrin tetracyanoethenide, [MnTPP]+[TCNE]*-.

Tetraphenylporphinatomanganate(III) tetracyanoethenide, [MnTPP][TCNE], is the prototype of a growing family of linear chain (1-D) coordination polymers that magnetically order as ferrimagnets. [MnTPP][TCNE].xS [S = PhMe (x = 2), 1,2-C(6)H(4)Me(2) (x = 1), 1,2-C(6)H(4)Cl(2) (x = 3), 1,2,4-C(6)H(3)Cl(3) (x = 2), and 1,3-C(6)H(4)Cl(2) (x = 2)] have been prepared and structurally and magnetically characterized. All form 1-D chain structures with intrachain Mn.Mn separations ranging from 9.202 to 10.218 A. The 173 K crystal structure of [MnTPP][TCNE].2PhMe has been rerefined, revealing that the [TCNE](*)(-) is 2-fold-disordered and coordinated to Mn(III) by a pair of trans cyano nitrogen atoms to form parallel one-dimensional chains. The two orientations of [TCNE](*)(-) are related by a 180 degrees rotation about the diagonal axis joining the trans nitrogen atoms bound to Mn(III). The major form has an occupancy of 83.3(4)% with a Mn-N(TCNE) distance of 2.328(3) A and a MnNC angle of 146.8(8) degrees. The minor form, with 16.7(4)% occupancy, has a Mn-N(TCNE) distance of 2.176(15) A and a MnNC angle of 152.3(39) degrees. Lattice packing and molecular bonding imply static as opposed to dynamic disorder. The magnetic properties depend on the type and quantity of the solvent present in the structure. Desolvation via heating in n-octane (127 degrees C), n-dodecane (216 degrees C), and/or vacuum thermolysis (175 degrees C) leads to numerous different desolvated materials with differing magnetic properties. At higher temperatures the magnetic susceptibility can be fit by the Curie-Weiss expression, chi varies with (T - theta)(-1), with theta = 44, 52, 72, 55, and 77 K for the toluene, 1,2-xylene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene solvates, respectively. The T(c)'s were taken as the maximum in 10 Hz chi'(T) and are 7.8, 9.2, 11.3, 10.8, and 8.2 K for the PhMe, 1,2-xylene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene solvates, respectively. Upon desolvation the T(c)'s increase for the PhMe, 1,2-xylene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene solvates and decrease for the 1,2- and 1,3-dichlorobenezene solvates. The compounds show one-dimensional ferrimagnetic exchange behavior at high temperatures with intrachain exchange of J/k(b) = -63, -99, -234, -100, and -200 K for toluene, 1,2-xylene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene solvates, respectively, as determined from fits to the Seiden expression, which models isolated 1-D interactions among alternating S = 2 classical and S = (1)/(2) quantum spins. For variation in the temperature at which the peak occurs per decade of frequency, phi, (DeltaT(f)/T(f))/Delta(log omega) is 0.167, 0.168, 0.066, 0.171, and 0.024 for toluene, 1,2-xylene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, respectively, typical of spin glass behavior. Since [TCNE](*)(-) is only disordered for the PhMe solvate and all five solvates exhibit spin glass behavior, the spin glass behavior cannot be attributed to this disorder.

Journal Article↗

Coordination of rare-earth elements in complexes with monovacant Wells-Dawson polyoxoanions.

The alpha-1 and alpha-2 isomers of the monovacant Wells-Dawson heteropolyoxoanion [P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) are complexants of trivalent rare-earth (RE) ions and serve to stabilize otherwise reactive tetravalent lanthanide (Ln) and actinide (An) ions in aqueous solution. Aspects of the bonding of Ln ions with alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) and alpha-2-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) were investigated to address issues of complex formation and stability. We present structural insights about the Ln(III) coordination environment and hydration in two types of stoichiometric complexes, [Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) and [Ln(alpha-2-X(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-) (for Ln identical with Sm, Eu, Lu; X identical with P, As). The crystal and molecular structures of [(H(2)O)(4)Lu(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) (1) and [Lu(alpha-2-P(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-) (2) were solved and refined through use of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystallographic results are supported with corresponding insights from XAFS (X-ray absorption fine structure) for a series of nine solid-state complexes as well as from optical luminescence spectroscopy of the Eu(III) analogues in aqueous solution. All the Ln ions are eight-coordinate with oxygen atoms in a square antiprism arrangement. For the 1:1 stoichiometric Ln/alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) complexes, the Ln ions are bound to four O atoms of the lacunary polyoxometalate framework in addition to four O atoms from solvent (water) molecules as [(H(2)O)(4)Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-). This structure (1) is the first of its kind for any metal complex of alpha-1-[P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-), and the data indicate that the general stoichiometry [(H(2)O)(4)Ln(alpha-1-P(2)W(17)O(61))](7-) is maintained throughout the lanthanide series. For the 1:2 stoichiometric Ln/alpha-2-[X(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) complexes, no water molecules are in the Ln-O(8) coordination sphere. The Ln ions are bound to eight O atoms-four from each of two heteropolyanions-as [Ln(alpha-2-X(2)W(17)O(61))(2)](17-). The average Ln-O interatomic distances decrease across the lanthanide series, consistent with the decreasing Ln ionic radius.

Anions↗

The contribution of ligand flexibility to metal center geometry modulated thermal cyclization of conjugated pyridine and quinoline metalloenediynes of copper(I) and copper(II).

We report the syntheses, reactivities, and structure evaluations of a series of Cu(I) and Cu(II) metalloenediynes of conjugated 1,6-bis(pyridine-3)hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne (PyED, 7) and 1,6-bis(quinoline-3)hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne (QnED, 8) enediyne ligands, as well as their benzoenediyne analogues. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrates that the [Cu(PyED)(2)](NO(3))(2) (11) exhibits a Bergman cyclization temperature (156 degrees C) which is dramatically reduced from that of the corresponding [Cu(PyED)(2)](PF(6)) (19) analogue (326 degrees C), indicating that large differences in the reactivities of these metalloenediynes can be accessed by variations in metal oxidation state. The distorted, 4-coordinate dichloride compound Cu(PyED)(Cl)(2) (15) exhibits a cyclization temperature (265 degrees C) between those of 11 and 19, suggesting that variation in geometry of the copper center is responsible for the wide range of reactivities. Similar results are obtained for the benzoenediyne and quinoline analogues. The structures of the Cu(II) systems have also been evaluated by a combination of electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopies which reveal tetragonal, 6-coordinate structures for the bis(enediyne) complexes, and tetrahedrally distorted 4-coordinate Cu(enediyne)Cl(2) species. For the bis(quinoline) enediyne derivatives 12 and 14 the larger g-anisotropy (g( parallel) = 2.27-2.28; g( perpendicular) = 2.06-2.07) indicates strong oxygen coordination from counterion. Molecular mechanics/dynamics calculations reveal that the geometries of these metal centers force the alkyne termini to a wide range of distances (3.85-4.20 A), thereby accounting for the variability in Bergman cyclization temperatures. Overall, the results show that ligand rigidity plays a prominent role in the conformational response of the enediyne to metal center geometry, which results in enhanced variations in the Bergman cyclization temperatures between complexes of different geometries.

Journal Article↗

A synthetic, structural, magnetic, and spectral study of several [Fe[tris(pyrazolyl)methane]2](BF4)2 complexes: observation of an unusual spin-state crossover.

The complexes [Fe[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2](BF4)2 (1), [Fe[HC(pz)3]2](BF4)2 (2), and [Fe[PhC(pz)2(py)]2](BF4)2 (3) (pz = 1-pyrazolyl ring, py = pyridyl ring) have been synthesized by the reaction of the appropriate ligand with Fe(BF4)2.6H2O. Complex 1 is high-spin in the solid state and in solution at 298 K. In the solid phase, it undergoes a decrease in magnetic moment at lower temperatures, changing at ca. 206 K to a mixture of high-spin and low-spin forms, a spin-state mixture that does not change upon subsequent cooling to 5 K. Crystallographically, there is only one iron(II) site in the ambient-temperature solid-state structure, a structure that clearly shows the complex is high-spin. Mössbauer spectral studies show conclusively that the magnetic moment change observed at lower temperatures arises from the complex changing from a high-spin state at higher temperatures to a 50:50 mixture of high-spin and low-spin states at lower temperatures. Complexes 2 and 3 are low-spin in the solid phase at room temperature. Complex 2 in the solid phase gradually changes over to the high-spin state upon heating above 295 K and is completely high-spin at ca. 470 K. In solution, variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra of 2 show both high-spin and low-spin forms are present, with the percentage of the paramagnetic form increasing as the temperature increases. Complex 3 is low-spin at all temperatures studied in both the solid phase and solution. An X-ray absorption spectral study has been undertaken to investigate the electronic spin states of [Fe[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2](BF4)2 and [Fe[HC(pz)3]2](BF4)2. Crystallographic information: 2 is monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 10.1891(2) A, b = 7.6223(2) A, c = 17.2411(4) A, beta = 100.7733(12) degrees, Z = 2; 3 is triclinic, P1, a = 12.4769(2) A, b = 12.7449(2) A, c = 13.0215(2) A, alpha = 83.0105(8) degrees, beta = 84.5554(7) degrees, gamma = 62.5797(2) degrees, Z = 2.

Crystallography↗

Terthienyl and poly-terthienyl ligands as redox-switchable hemilabile ligands for oxidation-state-dependent molecular uptake and release.

Mononuclear, dinuclear, and polymeric Ru(II) complexes formed from terthienylalkylphosphino redox-switchable hemilabile ligands demonstrate that this class of ligand provides electrochemical control over the electronic properties, coordination environments, and reactivities of bound transition metals. Specifically, [CpRuCO(kappa(2)-3'-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)-5,5' '-dimethyl-2,2':5',2' '-terthiophene)][B(C(6)H(3)-3,5-(CF(3))(2))(4)] (4a) exhibits a 3 orders of magnitude increase in binding affinity for acetonitrile upon terthienyl-based oxidation. FT-IR spectroelectrochemical experiments on 4a indicate that terthienyl-based oxidation removes electron density from the metal center, equivalent to approximately 11-17% of the electronic change that occurs upon direct oxidation of Ru(II) to Ru(III) in analogous complexes. The spectroelectrochemical responses of 4a were compared to those of dimeric and polymeric analogues of 4a. The spectroelectrochemistry of the dimer is consistent with two sequential, one-electron ligand-based oxidations, compared to only one in 4a. In contrast, the polymer exhibits spectroelectrochemical behavior similar to that of 4a. The polymer spectroelectrochemistry shows changes in the metal center electronic properties between two different states, reflective of two discrete oxidation states of the polymeric ligand backbone. We propose that the polymer backbone does not allow one to vary the electronic properties of the metal center through a continuous range of oxidation states due to charge localization within the metalated films. In an effort to explore the molecular uptake and release properties of 4a and its polymer analogue as a function of ligand oxidation state, the oxidation-state-dependent coordination chemistries of 4a and 4a(+)() with a variety of substrates were examined.

Journal Article↗

Bimetallic reactivity. On the use of oxadiazoles as binucleating ligands.

Two (1,3,4)-oxadiazole ligands have been prepared. In one case the oxadiazole ring is flanked by two o-aniline groups, and in the other case it is an extension of the first where the amines are condensed with 2-picolyl groups. A monometallic copper(II) complex of the former has been prepared, and its crystal structure was determined. A number of bimetallic copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes of the di-deprotonated latter ligand were prepared and isolated. The crystal structure of the cobalt(II) complex bearing two acetate bridges is reported. The work demonstrates that the seldom-employed oxadiazole ring can be used effectively for generating bimetallic complexes.

Amines↗

Hydrogen bonding in the crystal structure of bis[3-([thiomethyl]methyl)pyrazole]copper(II) perchlorate.

The ability of a metal-coordinated pyrazole to engage in hydrogen bonding has been explored by synthesis of the title complex, bis[3-([thiomethyl]methyl)pyrazole]copper(II) perchlorate (3). The coordination in 3 can be described as pseudo-octahedral, with two relatively tightly-bound 3-[(thiomethyl)methyl]pyrazole ligands occupying the equatorial plane, forming a [CuN(2)S(2)](2+) unit with the S donors mutually trans to each other. The axial positions are each filled by a weakly bound perchlorate counterion, one oxygen of which forms a hydrogen bond with the pyrazole N-H moiety on an adjacent [CuN(2)S(2)](2+) unit.

Journal Article↗

Expeditious procedure to synthesize ethers and esters of tri- and Tetrahydroxy[6]helicenebisquinones from the dye-intermediates disodium 4-hydroxy- and 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonates.

A procedure is described for synthesizing appreciable quantities of both the tetradodecyloxy[6]helicenebisquinone 1 (R = dodecyl), which exhibits unique optical properties but previously was difficult to prepare, and a variety of analogues. The synthesis starts from disodium 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, the commercially available dye-intermediate known as chromotropic acid. It gives enantiopure 1, with R = (i-Pr)(3)Si, whose silyl groups can be replaced by dodecyl and hexanoyl groups. The same procedure applied to disodium 4-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, also an inexpensive, commercially available chemical, works equally well to produce the corresponding molecules that have one fewer side chain. Key steps are the use of tosyl groups to protect phenols and of a method described seven years ago by Satoh, Itoh, Miura, and Nomura to transform the sulfonic acid functions to iodides. The structure of tetra-(1S)-camphanate 20, the ester of the reduction product of (-)-1 [R = (i-Pr)(3)Si], was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It shows the absolute configurations and supports the presumed basis for the rule that the (1S)-camphanates of (P)-helicen-1-ols are more polar than their (M)-diastereomers.

Journal Article↗

Synthetic models for the zinc sites in the methionine synthases.

The syntheses and molecular structures of a series of tetrahedral zinc complexes designed to model the active sites in Escherichia coli methionine synthases are reported. [PhTttBu]ZnBr (PhTttBu = phenyltris((tert-butylthio)-methyl)borate) was prepared and characterized crystallographically to provide entry into [S3]ZnX complexes. Metathesis with KSPh yielded the phenylthiolato complex, [PhTttBu]Zn(SPh), which represents a structural mimic of the homocysteine ligated form of the enzyme. Alternatively, [S2N]ZnX (X = Br, CH3, SPh) species were prepared using the new mixed-donor ligands, [Ph(pz)BttBu] (phenyl(pyrazolyl)bis((tert-butylthio)methyl)borate) and [Ph(pztBu)BttBu] (phenyl(3-tert-butylpyrazolyl)bis((tert- butylthio)methyl)borate). Protonolysis of [Ph(pztBu)-BttBu]Zn(CH3) by PhSH in toluene yielded [Ph(pztBu)BttBu]Zn(SPh), a synthetic analogue of the homocysteine ligated form of cobalamin-independent methionine synthase (Met E). The average Zn-S bond distance in [Ph-(pztBu)BttBu]Zn(SPh) of 2.37 A compares well with the EXAFS-derived distance of 2.31 A found in the homocysteine-bound form of Met E.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗