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Vieri Fusi

Publications and source records attributed to Vieri Fusi.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Modulating the M-M distance in dinuclear complexes. New ligand with a 2,2'-Biphenol fragment as key unit: synthesis, coordination behavior, and crystal structures of Cu(II) and Zn(II) dinuclear complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of the new polyamino-phenolic ligand 3,3'-bis[N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl)aminomethyl]-2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl (L) are reported. L contains two diethylenetriamine units linked by a 1,1'-bis(2-phenol) group (BPH) on the central nitrogen atom which allows two separate binding amino subunits in a noncyclic ligand. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II) and Zn(II) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I = 0.15 mol dm-3). L behaves as a pentaprotic base and as a monoprotic acid under the experimental conditions used, yielding the H5L5+ or H-1L- species, respectively. L forms both mono- and dinuclear species with both metal ions investigated; the dinuclear species are largely prevalent in aqueous solution with a L/M(II) molar ratio of 1:2 at pH higher than 7. L shows different behavior in Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding, affecting the dinuclear species formed and the distance between the two coordinated metal ions, which is greater in the Zn(II) than in the Cu(II) dinuclear species. This difference can be attributed to the different degree of protonation of BPH which influences the angle between the phenyl rings in the two systems. In this way, it is possible to modulate the M(II)-M(II) distance by the choice M(II) and to space the two M(II) farther away than was possible with the previously synthesized ligands. L does not saturate the coordination sphere of the coordinated M(II) ions in the dinuclear species, and thus, these latter species are prone to add guests. 1H and 13C NMR experiments carried out in aqueous solution, as well as the crystal structures of the dinuclear Cu(II) and Zn(II) species formed in aqueous solution, aided in elucidating the involvement of L and BPH in Zn(II) and Cu(II) stabilization.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2007

A new macrocyclic cryptand with squaramide moieties: an overstructured Cu(II) complex that selectively binds halides: synthesis, acid/base- and ligational behavior, and crystal structures.

The synthesis and characterization of the novel 24,29-dimethyl-6,7,15,16-tetraoxotetracyclo-[19.5.5.0(5,8).0(14,17)]-1,4,9,13,18,21,24,29-octaazaenatriaconta-Delta(5,8),Delta(14,17)-diene (L) are reported. Molecule L incorporates two squaramide functions in a overstructured chain connecting two opposite nitrogen atoms of the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) polyaza macrocyclic base to obtain a cage topology. The basicity and binding properties of L towards Cu(II) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1+/-0.1 K, I=0.15 mol dm(-3)). Molecule L behaves as a diprotic base under the experimental conditions employed and forms only mononuclear Cu(II) complexes in which the squaramide moieties are not involved in the stabilization of the metal ion that is stabilized by the amine functions of the polyaza base inside the three-dimensional cavity. The [CuL](2+) species was tested as a host for the series of halide anions. UV-visible spectrophotometric experiments permitted the determination of the addition constants of halides to the Cu(II)-complexed species. The [CuL](2+) species binds the anions F(-), Cl(-), and Br(-) by forming the [CuLX](+) species, but does not bind the biggest I(-) anion. A trend of selectivity as a function of the hydrogen-bonding capability as well as the dimensions of the anion were established; the maximum value of selectivity was for addition of the F(-) anion (log K=4.8). This selectivity is due to the presence of the overstructured chain containing the squaramide groups up to the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) macrocyclic base. The squaramide groups, by providing hydrogen-bond contacts, permit the [CuL](2+) species to selectively bind these anions through the formation of a hydrogen-bond network with F(-) and Cl(-). The crystal structures of the [CuLF](+) and [CuLCl](+) cations support the results obtained in aqueous solution.

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PubMed2006

Synthesis of a large amino-phenolic cage. Synthesis, crystal structures, and acid-base and coordination behavior toward cations and anions.

The synthesis and characterization of the new polyaza-phenolic-macrobicycle 32-hydroxy-1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22-octaazatricyclo-[11.11.7.1(26,30)]-diatriconta-26,28,Delta(30,32)-triene (L) are reported. L incorporates a 2,6-dimethyl-phenolic unit bridging two opposite amine functions of the [24]aneN(8) polyazamacrocyclic base to obtain a large cage. The basicity and binding properties of L toward Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cl(-) were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I = 0.15 mol dm(-3)). L can add up to six acidic protons, yielding the H(5)L(5+) species or the H(6)L(6+) species, depending on the ionic medium used. The molecular topology of L permits the formation of a highly positive three-dimensional cavity in the polyprotonated species that is able to host the chloride anion. This was detected both using potentiometric data, log K = 41.33 for the reaction L + 6H(+) + Cl(-) = H(6)LCl(5+), and in (35)Cl NMR experiments that showed interactions also with the H(5)L(5+) and H(4)L(4+) species. The anion is probably hosted inside the three-dimensional cavity of L, and stabilized by H-bonding interactions with the ammonium groups, as depicted in the crystal structure of the H(6)L(6+) cation reported. L forms mono- and dinuclear complexes with all the metal ions investigated; the dinuclear species are the only existing species with an L:M(II) molar ratio of 1:2 at pH higher than 6. The phenolate oxygen atom coordinates the two metal ions in a bridged disposition, drawing them inside the macrobicyclic cavity. The two metals were found to be quite isolated by the medium, and were coordinated by all the amine groups of L, as shown by the crystal structure of the dinuclear [Zn(2)H(-1)L](3+) species. This species can bind guests such as hydroxide and phosphate anions. Studies of anion binding in aqueous solution using pyrochatecol violet as the sensing guest revealed that the [Zn(2)H(-1)L](3+) species is able to bind one phosphate at physiological pH.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Coordination behavior toward copper(II) and zinc(II) ions of three ligands joining 3-hydroxy-2-pyridinone and polyaza fragments.

The synthesis and characterization of new polydentate ligand 2-(N),2'-(N')-bis[2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-pyridin-1-yl)acetamido]-1(N'),2(N),2'(N')-trimethyl-2,2'-diaminodiethylamine (L3) is reported. The coordination properties of L3 and of two analogous macrocyclic ligands (L1 and L2) toward Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal ions are reported. All three ligands show the 3-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone (HPO) groups attached as sidearms to a polyaza fragment, which is a macrocyclic framework in the case of L1 and L2 while it is an open chain in the case of L3. The role of the polyaza fragments in preorganizing the two sidearms was investigated. The basicity of L3 and the binding properties of L1-L3 were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I = 0.15 mol dm(-3)). UV-vis spectra as well 1H and 13C NMR experiments were used to understand the role of the HPO and of the polyaza fragments in the stabilization of the cations. While L1 forms stable mono- and dinuclear complexes, L2 and L3 can form only mononuclear species with each of the metal ions investigated. In the main mononuclear species of L2 and L3, the two HPO moieties stabilize the M(II) in a square planar geometry due to the two oxygen atoms of each HPO. The coordination sphere of the metal is completed by adding a secondary ligand such as water molecules in the case of Cu(II) systems or OH- in the Zn(II) systems. These results are confirmed by the crystal structures of the [CuH(-1)L2]+ and [CuH(-1)L3]+ species reported herein. Two conformations of L1 can be hypothesized in the formation of the dinuclear species, as suggested by NMR experiments on the [ZnH(-2)L1] species, which shows two conformers slowly interchanging on the NMR time scale, one of which was found to be more insoluble.

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PubMed2004

A macrocyclic ligand able to bind gallium(III) by preorganized pendant arms; coordination and kinetic studies.

The equilibria and kinetics of the binding of gallium(III) to 4-(N),10-(N)-bis[2-(3-hydroxo-2-oxo-2-H-pyridine-1-y1)acetamido]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L) were investigated in acidic medium at ionic strength 1 M (NaClO4). Spectrophotometric titrations in the UV region revealed that L is able to bind Ga3+ also at high H+ concentration. The kinetic (stopped-flow) experiments are interpreted on the basis of three parallel reaction paths (i) M3+ + H2L2+ = M(H2L)5+ where M(H2L)5+ is in a steady state, (ii) M(OH)2+ + H2L2+ = M(HL)4+ + H2O and (iii) M(OH)2+ + HL+ = ML3+ + H2O. The first-order rate constants for conversion of the outer-sphere into the inner-sphere complexes are similar to those of the Ga(III)/tropolone system which is known to react according to the dissociative Id mechanism and to the relevant rate constants for water exchange at the metal ion. The effects of pH on the UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission properties and NMR spectral features on the Ga(III)/L system were also investigated. Spectrophotometric titrations in the UV region reveal that, in acid medium the prevailing species is M(HL)4+ whereas the chelate ML3+ prevails for [H+] < 0.01 M. The results indicate metal coordination at the oxygen atoms of the 3-hydroxo-2-oxopyridine residues.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2004

Synthesis and coordination properties of new macrocyclic ligands: equilibrium studies and crystal structures.

The synthesis and characterization of two new macrocyclic ligands, the bis-macrocyclic compound 2,6-bis(1,4,13-triaza-7,10-dioxacyclopentadec-1-ylmethyl)phenol (L) and 38-methoxy-1,4,13,16,19,28-hexaaza-7,10,22,25-tetraoxatricyclo[14.14.7.1(32,36)]octatriconta-32,34,Delta(36,38)-triene (L1) are reported. Equilibrium studies of basicity and coordination properties toward metal ions such as Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were performed for ligand by potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, I= 0.15 mol dm(-3)). L behaves as a hexaprotic base (logK(1)= 10.93, logK(2)= 9.70, logK(3)= 8.79, logK(4)= 8.05, logK(5)= 6.83, logK(6)= 2.55). All metal ions form stable mono- and dinuclear complexes: logK(MLH(-1))= 25.61 for Cu(II), 15.37 for Zn(II), 12.58 for Cd(II) and 13.79 for Pb(II); logK(M(2)LH(-1))= 31.61 for Cu(II), 23.38 for Zn(II), 24.49 for Cd(II) and 23.68 for Pb(II). All these dinuclear species show a great tendency to add the OH(-) group: the equilibrium constant for the addition reaction was found to be logK(M(2)LH(-1)OH)= 4.77 for Cu(II), 5.66 for Zn(II), 2.8 for Cd(II) and 3.18 for Pb(II). In the case of Ni(II), kinetic inertness prevents the possibility of solution studies. The dinuclear solid adducts [Ni(2)H(-1)L(N(3))(3)].EtOH and [Cu(2)H(-1)L(N(3))](ClO(4))(2) were characterized by X-ray analysis.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Molecular switch triggered by solvent polarity: synthesis, Acid-base behavior, alkali metal ion complexation, and crystal structure.

The synthesis and characterization of the new tetraazamacrocycle L, bearing two 1,1'-bis(2-phenol) groups as side-arms, is reported. The basicity behavior and the binding properties of L toward alkali metal ions were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in ethanol/water 50:50 (v/v) solution (298.1+/-0.1 K, I=0.15 mol dm(-3)). The anionic H(-1)L(-) species can be obtained in strong alkaline solution, indicating that not all of the acidic protons of L can be removed under the experimental conditions used. This species behaves as a tetraprotic base (log K(1)=11.22, log K(2)=9.45, log K(3)=7.07, log K(4)=5.08), and binds alkali metal ions to form neutral [MH(-1)L] complexes with the following stability constants: log K(Li)=3.92, log K(Na)=3.54, log K(K)=3.29, log K(Cs)=3.53. The arrangement of the acidic protons in the H(-1)L(-) species depends on the polarity of the solvents used, and at least one proton switches from the amine moiety to the aromatic part upon decreasing the polarity of the solvent. In this way two different binding areas, modulated by the polarity of solvents, are possible in L. One area is preferred by alkali metal ions in polar solvents, the second one is preferred in solvents with low polarity. Thus, the metal ion can switch from one location to the other in the ligand, modulated by the polarity of the environment. A strong hydrogen-bonding network should preorganize the ligand for coordination, as confirmed by MD simulations. The crystal structure of the [Na(H(-1)L)].CH(3)CN complex (space group P2(1)/c, a=12.805(1), b=20.205(3), c=14.170(2) A, beta=100.77(1) degrees, V=3601.6(8) A(3), Z=4, R=0.0430, wR2=0.1181), obtained using CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN as mixed solvent, supports this last aspect and shows one of the proposed binding areas.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) dinuclear metal complexes with an aza-phenolic ligand: crystal structures, magnetic properties, and solution studies.

The basicity behavior and ligational properties of the ligand 2-((bis(aminoethyl)amino)methyl)phenol (L) toward Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions were studied by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, l = 0.15 mol dm-3). The anionic L-H- species can be obtained in strong alkaline solution; this species behaves as tetraprotic base (log K1 = 11.06, log K2 = 9.85, log K3 = 8.46, log K4 = 2.38). L forms mono- and dinuclear complexes in aqueous solution with all the transition metal ions examined; the dinuclear species show a [M2(L-H)2]2+ stoichiometry in which the ligand/metal ratio is 2:2. The studies revealed that two mononuclear [ML-H]+ species self-assemble, giving the dinuclear complexes, which can be easily isolated from the aqueous solution due to their low solubility. This behavior is ascribed to the fact that L does not fulfill the coordination requirement of the ion in the mononuclear species and to the capacity of the phenolic oxygen, as phenolate, to bridge two metal ions. All three dinuclear species were characterized by determining their crystal structures, which showed similar coordination patterns, where all the single metal ions are substantially coordinated by three amine functions and two oxygen atoms of the phenolate moieties. The two metals in the dinuclear complexes are at short distance interacting together as shown by magnetic measurements performed with Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, which revealed an antiferromagnetic coupling between the two metal ions. The [Cu2(L-H)2]2+ cation shows a phase transition occurring by the temperature between 100 and 90 K; the characterization of the compounds existing at different temperatures was investigated using X-ray single-crystal diffraction, EPR, and magnetic measurements.

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PubMed1999

Palladium(II) Complexation by p-Cyclophane Receptors. A Solution and Solid State Study.

The coordination properties of the macrocyclic ligands 1,4,7,16,19,22-hexamethyl-1,4,7,16,19,22-hexaaza[9.9]-p-cyclophane (L1) and 1,4,7-trimethyl-19,22,28,31-tetraoxa-1,4,7,14,23-pentaaza[9.25]-p-cyclophane (L2) have been studied by means of potentiometric and (1)H and (13)C measurements in aqueous solution. L1 is composed of two equal triamine binding units connected by p-phenylene spacers. L2 presents a similar molecular architecture, a triamine moiety of L1 being replaced by a cyclic N(2)O(4) binding unit. L1 can form both mono- and dinuclear complexes in aqueous solution, while L2 gives only mononuclear species. The potentiometric data indicate that in the L1 dinuclear complex each metal is coordinated by a triamine moiety. In the L2 mononuclear complex the Pd(II) ion is coordinated by the N(3) unit. The N(2)O(4) moiety does not show any binding ability toward Pd(II), but exhibits a high tendency to protonate. These solution data are confirmed by the crystal structures of [Pd(2)Cl(2)L1](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (a) and [PdClL2H(2)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(3) (b). In complex a, each Pd(II) ion is four coordinated by the three amine groups of the triaza moiety and a chloride anion, in a square planar geometry. In the mononuclear complex b, the metal is coordinated by the N(3) moiety, with a coordination environment almost equal to that found in complex a. The N(2)O(4) moiety is diprotonated and encapsulates in its cavity a water molecule, held by a hydrogen-bond network. The solution structures of the L1 and L2 complexes have been studied by means of (1)H and (13)C NMR measurements. The analysis of the NMR data reveals that the dinuclear L1 complex and the L2 mononuclear one show structural features in solution almost equal to those found in the solid state. Solution and solid state data indicate that the Pd(II) complexation gives a marked stiffening of the macrocyclic structures.

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PubMed1997

Carboxy and Phosphate Esters Cleavage with Mono- and Dinuclear Zinc(II) Macrocyclic Complexes in Aqueous Solution. Crystal Structure of [Zn(2)L1(&mgr;-PP)(2)(MeOH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (L1 = [30]aneN(6)O(4), PP(-) = Diphenyl Phosphate).

The ligand [30]aneN(6)O(4) (L1) binds two Zn(II) in aqueous solution. The stability constants of the L1 complexes have been determined at 308.1 K by means of potentiometric measurements. Dinuclear monohydroxo [Zn(2)L1OH](3+) and dihydroxo [Zn(2)L1(OH)(2)](2+) complexes are formed in aqueous solution from neutral to alkaline pH. The kinetics of promoted hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (NA) was studied. Both hydroxo species promote p-nitrophenyl acetate (NA) hydrolysis at 298.1 K with second-order kinetics. The activity of these species in NA hydrolysis is similar to that found for the mononuclear L2-Zn-OH(+) complex (L2 = [15]aneN(3)O(2)), indicating that the hydrolytic process takes place via a simple bimolecular mechanism. The hydrolysis rate of bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNP) was measured in aqueous solution at 308.1 K in the presence of the L1and L2 zinc complexes. The hydrolysis rate of BNP is increased almost 10-fold by the dinuclear [Zn(2)L1(OH)(2)](2+) complex with respect to the mononuclear L2-Zn-OH(+) one. This result indicates a cooperative role of the two metals in the hydrolytic mechanism. A bridging coordination of the phosphate ester to the two Zn(II) ions can be suggested. The crystal structure of [Zn(2)L1(&mgr;-PP)(2)(MeOH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (PP(-) = diphenyl phosphate) (space group P&onemacr;, a = 10.681(5) Å, b = 12.042(1) Å, c = 13.191(3) Å, alpha = 74.63(2) degrees, beta = 71.74(3) degrees, gamma = 68.41(2) degrees, V = 1476.4(8) Å(3), Z = 1, R = 0.0472, R(w)(2) = 0.1166) strongly supports this hypothesis, since in the [Zn(2)L1(&mgr;-PP)(2)(MeOH)(2)](2+) cation the diphosphate anions bridge the two metals. The dinuclear Zn(II) complexes of L1 provide a simple model system for hydrolytic dizinc enzymes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

CO(2) Fixation by Novel Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Macrocyclic Complexes. A Solution and Solid State Study.

Solutions containing Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with [15]aneN(3)O(2) rapidly adsorb atmospheric CO(2) to give {[ZnL](3)(&mgr;(3)-CO(3))}.(ClO(4))(4) (2) and {[CuL](3)(&mgr;(3)-CO(3))}.(ClO(4))(4) (4) complexes. The crystal structures of both complexes have been solved (for 2, space group R3c, a, b = 22.300(5) Å, c = 17.980(8) Å, V = 7743(4) Å(3), Z = 6, R = 0.0666, R(w)(2) = 0.1719; for 4, space group R3c, a, b = 22.292(7) Å, c = 10.096(8) Å, V = 7788(5) Å(3), Z = 6, R = 0.0598, R(w)(2) = 0.1611), and the spectromagnetic behavior of 4 has been studied. In both compounds a carbonate anion triply bridges three metal cations. Each metal is coordinated by one oxygen of the carbonate, three nitrogens, and an oxygen of the macrocycle; the latter donor weakly interacts with the metals. Although the two compounds are isomorphous, they are not isostructural, because the coordination geometries of Zn(II) in 2 and Cu(II) in 4 are different. The mixed complex {[CuZn(2)L(3)](&mgr;(3)-CO(3))}.(ClO(4))(4) has been synthesized. X-ray analysis (space group R3c, a, b = 22.323(7) Å, c = 17.989(9) Å, V = 7763(5) Å(3), Z = 6, R = 0.0477, R(w)(2) = 0.1371) and EPR measurements are in accord with a &mgr;(3)-carbonate bridging one Cu(II) and two Zn(II) ions in {[CuZn(2)L(3)](&mgr;(3)-CO(3))}(4+). Both the Zn(II) and Cu(II) cations exhibit the same coordination sphere, almost equal to that found in the trinuclear Zn(II) complex 2. The systems Zn(II)/L and Cu(II)/Lhave been studied by means of potentiometric measurements in 0.15 mol dm(-)(1) NaCl and in 0.1 mol dm(-)(3) NaClO(4) aqueous solutions; the species present in solution and their stability constants have been determined. In both systems [ML](2+) species and hydroxo complexes [M(II)LOH](+) (M = Zn, Cu) are present in solution. In the case of Cu(II), a [CuL(OH)(2)] complex is also found. The process of CO(2) fixation is due to the presence of such hydroxo-species, which can act as nucleophiles toward CO(2). In order to test the nucleophilic ability of the Zn(II) complexes, the kinetics of the promoted hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate has been studied. The [ZnLOH](+) complex promotes such a reaction, where the Zn(II)-bound OH(-) acts as a nucleophile to the carbonyl carbon. The equilibrium constants for the addition of HCO(3)(-) and CO(3)(2)(-) to the [ZnL](2+) complex have been potentiometrically determined. Only [ML(HCO(3))](+) and [ML(CO(3))] species are found in aqueous solution. A mechanism for the formation of {[ML](3)(&mgr;(3)-CO(3))}.(ClO(4))(4) is suggested.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Effect of Nitrogen Methylation on Cation and Anion Coordination by Hexa- and Heptaazamacrocycles. Catalytic Properties of These Ligands in ATP Dephosphorylation.

The stability constants of the complexes formed by 1,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane (L) and 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptaazacyclohenicosane (L1) with Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Pb(2+), as well as that for the formation of PbL2(2+) (L2 = 1,4,7,13-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane), were determined by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations in 0.15 mol dm(-)(3) NaClO(4) at 298.1 +/- 0.1 K. The enthalpy changes for the formation of Cu(2+) complexes with L and L1 were measured by means of microcalorimetry. These thermodynamic data were compared with those previously reported for L2, 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane (L3), and 1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptaazacyclohenicosane (L4) evidencing that nitrogen methylation can produce lower or higher complex stability depending on the metal ion and the number of methylated nitrogens. The equilibria of complexation of ATP(4)(-), ADP(3)(-), AMP(2)(-), P(2)O(7)(4)(-), and [Co(CN)(6)](3)(-) by Land L1 were studied by means of pH-metric titrations in 0.15 mol dm(-)(3) NaClO(4) at 298.1 +/- 0.1 K. The catalytic reactions of ATP dephosphorylation induced by these ligands in solution were followed by (31)P NMR spectroscopy at different temperature and pH values. L is the most appropriate receptor, among L-L4, in the recognition of the nucleotide. The catalytic efficiency of hexa- and heptaazaligands increases in the order L < L3 < L2 and L1 < L4, respectively, L4 being the most efficient. Namely, di- and tetramethylation of L3 produces opposite effects on its catalytic properties.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Dinuclear copper(II) complex as nitric oxide scavenger in a stimulated murine macrophage model.

Nitric oxide is a gaseous, short-living free radical which behaves as an important signaling molecule with pleiotropic capacities including vasodilatation, neurotransmission, and microbial and tumor cell killing, as well as in tissue damage and organ-specific autoimmune disorders. Here, a synthesized, dinuclear copper complex system in vitro obtained by the simple aza-phenolic ligand 2,6-bis[[bis-(2-aminoethyl)amino]methyl]phenol (L) and Cu(II) ion has been used. The stability constants of ligand L with Cu(II) ion were determined through potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (37.1 +/- 0.1 degrees C, I = 0.15 M of NaCl) to mimic the biological medium. The measurements demonstrated that [Cu(2)H(-1)L(OH)](2+) (DCu) is the predominant species present in solution at pH 7.4. The molecular structure of the ligand in this species permits the cooperation of the two copper ions in assembling the substrate, thus the complex can be used as a receptor for small molecules such as NO. As a biological model, we chose the production of NO catalyzed by inducible nitric oxide synthase obtained from RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line stimulated with LPS, which enabled us to prove that NO is coordinated by the DCu complex, modifying its EPR spectra. The coordination of NO with DCu reduces the level of nitrite in the culture medium of stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages without any inhibition in the expression of iNOS.

Animals↗