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Investigating the relaxation of water 1H nuclei induced by paramagnetic Mn(II) complexes is important to understand the mechanisms that control the efficiency of contrast agents used in diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein, a series of potentially hexadentate triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives containing different pendant arms were designed to explore the relaxation of the electron spin in the corresponding Mn(II) complexes by using a combination of 1H NMR relaxometry and theoretical calculations. These ligands include 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (H3NOTA) and three derivatives in which an acetate group is replaced by sulfonamide (H3NO2ASAm), amide (H2NO2AM), or pyridyl (H2NO2APy) pendants. The analogue of H3NOTA containing three propionate pendant arms (H3NOTPrA) was also investigated. The X-ray structure of the derivative containing two acetate groups and a sulfonamide pendant arm [Mn(NO2ASAm)]− evidenced six-coordination of the ligand to the metal ion, with the coordination polyhedron being close to a trigonal prism. The relaxivities of all complexes at 20 MHz and 25 °C (1.1–1.3 mM–1 s–1) are typical of systems that lack water molecules coordinated to the metal ion. The nuclear magnetic relaxation profiles evidence significant differences in the relaxivities of the complexes at low fields (, The nature of the donor atoms and particularly the coordination polyhedron affect dramatically the zero field splitting in six-coordinate Mn(II) complexes, which has a strong impact in the relaxivities measured at low magnetic fields.

International audience; We report a macrocyclic ligand (H) based on a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing three acetate pendant arms and a benzyl group attached to the fourth nitrogen atom of the macrocycle. The X-ray structures of the Y and Tb complexes reveal nine coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the six nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and three oxygen atoms of the carboxylate pendants. A combination of NMR spectroscopic studies (H, C, and Y) and DFT calculations indicated that the structure of the Y complex in the solid state is maintained in an aqueous solution. The detailed study of the emission spectra of the Eu and Tb complexes revealed Ln-centered emission with quantum yields of 7.0 and 60%, respectively. Emission lifetime measurements indicate that the ligand offers good protection of the metal ions from surrounding water molecules, preventing the coordination of water molecules. The Y complex is remarkably inert with respect to complex dissociation, with a lifetime of 1.7 h in 1 M HCl. On the other hand, complex formation is fast (∼1 min at pH 5.4, 2 × 10 M). Studies using the Y-nuclide confirmed fast radiolabeling since [Y]Y is nearly quantitatively formed (radiochemical yield (RCY) > 95) in a short time over a broad range of pH values from ca. 2.4 to 9.0. Challenging experiments in the presence of excess ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and in human serum revealed good stability of the [Y]Y complex. All of these experiments combined suggest the potential application of H derivatives as Y-based radiopharmaceuticals.

Fluorine-19 MRI is increasingly being considered as a tool for biomolecular imaging, but the very poor sensitivity of this technique has limited most applications. Previous studies have long established that increasing the sensitivity of (19)F molecular probes requires increasing the number of fluorine nuclei per probe as well as decreasing their longitudinal relaxation time. The latter is easily achieved by positioning the fluorine atoms in close proximity to a paramagnetic metal ion such as a lanthanide(III). Increasing the number of fluorine atom per molecule, however, is only useful in as much as all the fluorine nuclei are chemically equivalent. Previous attempts to achieve this equivalency have focused on designing highly symmetric and rigid fluorinated macrocyclic ligands. A much simpler approach consists of exploiting highly fluxional lanthanide complexes with open coordination sites that have high affinity for phosphated and phosphonated species. Computational studies indicate that Ln(III)-TREN-MAM is highly fluxional, rapidly interconverting between at least six distinct isomers. In neutral water at room temperature, Ln(III)-TREN-MAM binds two or three equivalents of fluorinated phosphonates. The close proximity of the (19)F nuclei to the Ln(III) center in the ternary complex decreases the relaxation times of the fluorine nuclei up to 40-fold. Advantageously, the fluorophosphonate-bound lanthanide complex is also highly fluxional such that all (19)F nuclei are chemically equivalent and display a single (19)F signal with a small LIS. Dynamic averaging of fluxional fluorinated supramolecular assemblies thus produces effective (19)F MR systems.

International audience; Two homometallic ytterbium dimers are prepared and their solution-state photoluminescence and upconversion properties are investigated. Both complexes exhibit two-photon cooperative luminescence upconversion in the visible region (lambda(em) approximate to 510 nm) upon excitation into the near-infrared Yb F-2(5/2)

International audience; Two calix[4]arene systems, C234+ and C244+, where 2 corresponds to the number of viologen units and 3-4 corresponds to the number of carbon atoms connecting the viologen units to the macrocyclic core, have been synthesized and led to the formation of [3]pseudorotaxanes when combined with either CB[7] or CB[8]. The [3]pseudorotaxanes spontaneously dissociate upon reduction of the bipyridinium units as the result of intramolecular dimerization of the two face-to-face viologen radical cations. CB[7] and CB[8]-based [2]pseudorotaxanes containing monomeric viologen guest models compounds, MC32+ and MC4+, do not undergo decomplexation and dimerization following electrochemical reduction of their bipyridinium units.

International audience; Herein, we report a comprehensive coordination study of the previously reported ligands cyclam, CB-cyclam, TMC, DMC, and CB-DMC and of their C-functional analogues, cyclam-E, CB-cyclam-E, TMC-E, DMC-E, and CB-DMC-E. This group of ligands includes cyclam, cross-bridged cyclams, their di- or tetramethylated derivatives, and the analogues bearing an additional hydroxyethyl group on one β-N position of the ring. The Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of these macrocycles have been highlighted previously for the biological interest, but the details of their structures in the solid state and in solution remained largely unexplored. In particular, we analyzed the impact that adding noncoordinating N-methyl and C-hydroxyethyl functionalities has in the structures of the complexes. All the Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized and investigated using single crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR, electronic absorption, and EPR spectroscopies, along with DFT studies. Dissociation kinetics experiments in acidic conditions and electrochemical studies were also performed. Special attention was paid to analyze the different configurations present in solution and in the solid state, as well as the impact of the C-appended hydroxyethyl group on the coordination behavior. Various ratios of the trans-I, trans-III, and cis-V configurations have been observed depending on the degree of N-methylation and the presence of the ethylene cross-bridge.

International audience; We report the Mn(II) complexes with two pyclen-based ligands (pyclen = 3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene) functionalized with acetate pendant arms at either positions 3,6 (3,6-PC2A) or 3,9 (3,9-PC2A) of the macrocyclic fragment. The 3,6-PC2A ligand was synthesized in five steps from pyclen oxalate by protecting one of the secondary amine groups of pyclen using Alloc protecting chemistry. The complex with 3,9-PC2A is characterized by a higher thermodynamic stability [log KMnL = 17.09(2)] than the 3,6-PC2A analogue [log KMnL = 15.53(1); 0.15 M NaCl]. Both complexes contain a water molecule coordinated to the metal ion, which results in relatively high 1H relaxivities (r1p = 2.72 and 2.91 mM–1 s–1 for the complexes with 3,6-PC2A and 3,9-PC2A, respectively, at 25 °C and 0.49 T). The coordinated water molecule displays fast exchange kinetics with the bulk in both cases; the rates (kex298) are 140 × 106 and 126 × 106 s–1 for [Mn(3,6-PC2A)(H2O)] and [Mn(3,9-PC2A)(H2O)], respectively. The two complexes were found to be remarkably inert with respect to their dissociation, with half-lives of 63 and 21 h, respectively, at pH = 7.4 in the presence of excess Cu(II). The r1p values recorded in blood serum remain constant at least over a period of 120 h. Cyclic voltammetry experiments show irreversible oxidation features shifted to higher potentials with respect to [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)]2– (H4EDTA = ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and [Mn(PhDTA)(H2O)]2– (H4PhDTA = phenylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid), indicating that the PC2A complexes reported here have a lower tendency to stabilize Mn(III). The superoxide dismutase activity of the Mn(II) complexes was tested using the xanthine/xanthine oxidase/p-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride assay at pH = 7.8. The Mn(II) complexes of 3,6-PC2A and 3,9-PC2A are capable of assisting decomposition of the superoxide anion radical. The kinetic rate constant of the complex of 3,9-PC2A is smaller by 1 order of magnitude than that of 3,6-PC2A.

A novel bifunctional saponite clay incorporating gadolinium (Gd3+) and europium (Eu3+) in the inorganic framework was prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. The material exhibited interesting luminescent and paramagnetic features derived from the co-presence of the lanthanide ions in equivalent structural positions. Relaxometry and photoluminescence spectroscopy shed light on the chemical environment surrounding the metal sites, the emission properties of Eu3+, and the dynamics of interactions between Gd3+ and the inner-sphere water placed in the saponite gallery. The optical and paramagnetic properties of this solid make it an attractive nanoplatform for bimodal diagnostic applications., The combination of gadolinium and europium with synthetic saponite clays leads to the preparation of novel lanthanide-based multifunctional layered platforms, with interesting paramagnetic and optical features exploitable for the development of new systems for luminescent devices and in magnetic/optical diagnostics.

The O2-mediated oxidation of all-β-barrel ferrous nitrosylated nitrobindin from Arabidopsis thaliana (At-Nb(II)-NO), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt-Nb(II)-NO), and Homo sapiens (Hs-Nb(II)-NO) to ferric derivative (At-Nb(III), Mt-Nb(III), and Hs-Nb(III), respectively) has been investigated at pH 7.0 and 20.0 °C. Unlike ferrous nitrosylated horse myoglobin, human serum heme-albumin and human hemoglobin, the process in Nb(II)-NO is mono-exponential and linearly dependent on the O2 concentration, displaying a bimolecular behavior, characterized by kon = (6.3 ± 0.8) × 103 M−1 s−1, (1.4 ± 0.2) × 103 M−1 s−1, and (3.9 ± 0.5) × 103 M−1 s−1 for At-Nb(II)-NO, Mt-Nb(II)-NO, and Hs-Nb(II)-NO, respectively. No intermediate is detected, indicating that the O2 reaction with Nb(II)-NO is the rate-limiting step and that the subsequent conversion of the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO− species (i.e., N-bound peroxynitrite to heme-Fe(III)) to heme-Fe(III) and NO3− is much faster. A similar mechanism can be invoked for ferrous nitrosylated human neuroglobin and rabbit hemopexin, in which the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO− species is formed as well, although the rate-limiting step seems represented by the reshaping of the six-coordinated heme-Fe(III) complex. Although At-Nb(II)-NO and Mt-Nb(II)-NO are partially (while Hs-Nb(II)-NO is almost completely) penta-coordinated, density functional theory (DFT) calculations rule out that the cleavage of the proximal heme-Fe-His bond in Nb(II)-NO is responsible for the more stable heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO− species. Moreover, the oxidation of the penta-coordinated heme-Fe(II)-NO adduct does not depend on O2 binding at the proximal side of the metal center. These features may instead reflect the peculiarity of Nb folding and of the heme environment, with a reduced steric constraint for the formation of the heme-Fe(III)-N(O)OO− complex.

A family of three picolinate pyclen based ligands, previously investigated for the complexation of Y3+ and some lanthanide ions (Gd3+, Eu3+), was studied with 161Tb and 177Lu in view of potential radiotherapeutic applications. The set of six Tb3+ and Lu3+ complexes was synthesized and fully characterized. The coordination properties in the solid state and in solution were thoroughly studied. Potentiometric titrations, corroborated by DFT calculations, showed the very high stability constants of the Tb3+ and Lu3+ complexes, which are associated to remarkable kinetic inertness. A complete radiolabeling study performed with both 161Tb and 177Lu radionuclides, including experiments with regard to the stability with and without scavengers and kinetic inertness using challenging agents, proved that the ligands could reasonably compete with the DOTA analogue. To conclude, the potential of using the same ligand for both radiotherapy and optical imaging was highlighted for the first time.

We report on a macrocyclic platform based on an 18-membered macrocycle that forms kinetically highly inert paramagnetic complexes and possesses an excellent outlook for the development of bioresponsive paraCEST (paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer) contrast agents. The investigated europium(III) chelate is non-hydrated and contains four amide groups, each possessing two paramagnetically shifted proton resonances distant from bulk water. The X-ray crystal structure and solution studies indicate that the metal ion is ten-coordinated, being directly bound to the six N atoms of the macrocycle and the four amide O atoms of the pendant arms. The complex presents an excellent inertness with respect to dissociation, being stable under a variety of harsh conditions, including highly acidic and basic media or elevated temperatures. The amide protons are in slow-to-intermediate exchange with bulk water, which gives rise to the generation of a strong CEST effect at low probe concentration and saturation powers (∼25% at 5 mM, B1 = 5 μT, 37 °C). We demonstrate the potential of this platform for mapping pH in its microenvironment and foresee potential for the development of diverse paraCEST probes and sensors Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad | Ref. CTQ2016-76756-P Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431B 2017/59 Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431D 2017/01 German Research Foundation | Ref. DFG, grant ZA 814/2-1 European Union’s Horizon 2020 | Ref. Grant Agreement N. 667510

Herein we present the synthesis of two ligands containing two di(2-picolyl)amine (DPA) units linked by either a 1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(3-ethylurea) (L1) or a 1,1′-(1,3-phenylene)bis(3-ethylurea) (L2) spacer. The corresponding binuclear CuII and ZnII complexes were prepared and isolated. The X-ray structures of the L1 ligand and the [Cu2L1Cl2]2+ complex evidence an unusual cis/trans conformation of one of the urea groups stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the nitrogen atom of the pyridyl spacer. The CuII complexes form rather strong ternary complexes with phosphorylated anions. The [Cu2L1]4+ complex presents a rather high affinity for pyrophosphate (logK11 = 8.19 at pH 7, 25 °C), while [Cu2L2]4+ stands out because of its strong binding to AMP2− (logK11 = 9.3 at pH 7, 25 °C). The interaction of the CuII complexes with deoxyribonucleic acid from calf thymus (ct-DNA) was monitored using circular dichroism (CD) and luminescence spectroscopies. These studies revealed a quite strong interaction of the complexes with ct-DNA (Kb = (6.4 ± 0.7) × 103 for [Cu2L1]4+ and Kb = (6.3 ± 1.0) × 103 for [Cu2L2]4+). Competition experiments carried out in the presence of methyl green and BAPPA (N1,N3-Bis(4-amidinophenyl)propane-1,3-diamine) as major and minor groove competitors, respectively, confirm that the interaction of both complexes with DNA takes place through the minor groove, in agreement with docking studies. The [Cu2L2]4+ complex is quite efficient in promoting the cleavage of the double-stranded pUC19 plasmid DNA, by favoring the conversion of the supercoiled form to the nicked form following a hydrolytic mechanism.

International audience; The heptadentate ligand L was shown to form extremely stable Gd complex at neutral pH with a pGd value of 18.4 at pH 7.4. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes formed with Gd and Tb displayed two very different coordination behaviors being respectively octa-and nonacoordinated. The relaxometric properties of the Gd complex were studied by field dependent relaxivity measurements at various temperatures and by 17 O NMR spectroscopy. The pH dependence of the longitudinal relaxivity profile indicated large changes around neutral pH leading to a very large value of 10.1 mM-1. s-1 (60 MHz, 298 K) at pH 4.7. The changes were attributed to an increase of the hydration number from one water molecule in basic conditions to two at acidic pH. A similar trend was observed for the luminescence of the Eu complex, confirming the change in hydration state. DOSY experiments were performed on the Lu analogue, pointing to the absence of dimers in solution in the considered pH range. A breathing mode of the complex was postulated, further supported by 1 H and 31 P-NMR spectroscopy of the Yb complex at varying pH and was finally modeled by DFT calculations.

International audience; We report a detailed study of the thermodynamic stability and dissociation kinetics of lanthanide complexes with two ligands containing a cyclen unit, a methyl group, a picolinate arm, and two acetate pendant arms linked to two nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle in either cis (1,4-H3DO2APA) or trans (1,7-H3DO2APA) positions. The stability constants of the Gd3+ complexes with these two ligands are very similar, with log KGdL values of 16.98 and 16.33 for the complexes of 1,4-H3DO2APA and 1,7-H3DO2APA, respectively. The stability constants of complexes with 1,4-H3DO2APA follow the usual trend, increasing from log KLaL = 15.96 to log KLuL = 19.21. However, the stability of [Ln(1,7-DO2APA)] complexes decreases from log K = 16.33 for Gd3+ to 14.24 for Lu3+. The acid-catalyzed dissociation rates of the Gd3+ complexes differ by a factor of ∼15, with rate constants (k1) of 1.42 and 23.5 M–1 s–1 for [Gd(1,4-DO2APA)] and [Gd(1,7-DO2APA)], respectively. This difference is magnified across the lanthanide series to reach a 5 orders of magnitude higher k1 for [Yb(1,7-DO2APA)] (1475 M–1 s–1) than for [Yb(1,4-DO2APA)] (5.79 × 10–3 M–1 s–1). The acid-catalyzed mechanism involves the protonation of a carboxylate group, followed by a cascade of proton-transfer events that result in the protonation of a nitrogen atom of the cyclen unit. Density functional theory calculations suggest a correlation between the strength of the Ln–Ocarboxylate bonds and the kinetic inertness of the complex, with stronger bonds providing more inert complexes. The 1H NMR resonance of the coordinated water molecule in the [Yb(1,7-DO2APA)] complex at 176 ppm provides a sizable chemical exchange saturation transfer effect thanks to a slow water exchange rate of (15.9 ± 1.6) × 103 s–1.; L'arrangement des atomes donneurs de ligand autour de l'ion lanthanide provoque des différences dramatiques dans les stabilités thermodynamiques et la cinétique de dissociation des complexes de lanthanides, comme le démontre l'étude des complexes avec deux ligands à base de régioisomères du cyclen, contenant un bras picolinate et deux bras acétate soit en position 1,7 ou 1,4 de la structure macrocyclique.

Myoglobin (Mb), generally taken as the molecular model of monomeric globular heme-proteins, is devoted: (i) to act as an intracellular oxygen reservoir, (ii) to transport oxygen from the sarcolemma to the mitochondria of vertebrate heart and red muscle cells, and (iii) to act as a scavenger of nitrogen and oxygen reactive species protecting mitochondrial respiration. Here, the first evidence of ·NO inhibition of ferric Mb- (Mb(III)) mediated detoxification of peroxynitrite is reported, at pH 7.2 and 20.0 °C. ·NO binds to Mb(III) with a simple equilibrium; the value of the second-order rate constant for Mb(III) nitrosylation (i.e., ·NOkon) is (6.8 ± 0.7) × 104 M-1 s-1 and the value of the first-order rate constant for Mb(III)-NO denitrosylation (i.e., ·NOkoff) is 3.1 ± 0.3 s-1. The calculated value of the dissociation equilibrium constant for Mb(III)-NO complex formation (i.e., ·NOkoff/·NOkon = (4.6 ± 0.7) × 10-5 M) is virtually the same as that directly measured (i.e., ·NOK = (3.8 ± 0.5) × 10-5 M). In the absence of ·NO, Mb(III) catalyzes the conversion of peroxynitrite to NO3-, the value of the second-order rate constant (i.e., Pkon) being (1.9 ± 0.2) × 104 M-1 s-1. However, in the presence of ·NO, Mb(III)-mediated detoxification of peroxynitrite is only partially inhibited, underlying the possibility that also Mb(III)-NO is able to catalyze the peroxynitrite isomerization, though with a reduced rate (Pkon* = (2.8 ± 0.3) × 103 M-1 s-1). These data expand the multiple roles of ·NO in modulating heme-protein actions, envisaging a delicate balancing between peroxynitrite and ·NO, which is modulated through the relative amount of Mb(III) and Mb(III)-NO.

[Abstract] In the periodical system, the lanthanides (the 15 elements in the periodic table between barium and hafnium) are unique in the sense that their trivalent cations have their valence electrons hidden behind the 5s and 5p electrons. They show a gradual decrease in ionic radius with increasing atomic number (also known as the lanthanide contraction). The resulting steric effects determine to a large extent the geometries of complexes of these ions. Here, we discuss these effects, particularly upon the properties of the complexes in aqueous solution, for selected families of Ln3+-complexes of oxycarboxylate and aminocarboxylate ligands. The physical properties of the cations are very different, which is very useful for the elucidation of the configuration, conformation and the dynamics of the complexes by X-ray techniques, NMR spectroscopy, and optical techniques. Often the structural analysis is assisted by computational methods.

International audience; In an effort to explore novel ligand scaffolds for stable and inert lanthanide complexation in magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent research, three chiral ligands containing a highly rigid (1S,2S)-1,2-cyclobutanediamine spacer and different number of acetate and picolinate groups were efficiently synthesized. Potentiometric studies show comparable thermodynamic stability for the Gd3+ complexes formed with either the octadentate (L3)4– bearing two acetate or two picolinate groups or the heptadentate (L2)4– analogue bearing one picolinate and three acetate groups (log KGdL = 17.41 and 18.00 for [Gd(L2)]− and [Gd(L3)]−, respectively). In contrast, their dissociation kinetics is revealed to be very different: the monohydrated [Gd(L3)]− is considerably more labile, as a result of the significant kinetic activity of the protonated picolinate function, as compared to the bishydrated [Gd(L2)]−. This constitutes an uncommon example in which lowering ligand denticity results in a remarkable increase in kinetic inertness. Another interesting observation is that the rigid ligand backbone induces an unusually strong contribution of the spontaneous dissociation to the overall decomplexation process. Thanks to the presence of two inner-sphere water molecules, [Gd(L2)]− is endowed with high relaxivity (r1 = 7.9 mM–1 s–1 at 20 MHz, 25 °C), which is retained in the presence of large excess of endogenous anions, excluding ternary complex formation. The water exchange rate is similar for [Gd(L3)]− and [Gd(L2)]−, while it is 1 order of magnitude higher for the trishydrated tetraacetate analogue [Gd(L1)]− (kex298 = 8.1, 10, and 127 × 106 s–1, respectively). A structural analysis via density functional theory calculations suggests that the large bite angle imposed by the rigid (1S,2S)-1,2-cyclobutanediamine spacer could allow the design of ligands based on this scaffold with suitable properties for the coordination of larger metal ions with biomedical applications.

[Abstract] Understanding the relationship between chemical structure and the effectiveness of bioresponsive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents can offer help to identify key components required for the future development of such probes. Here, we report the development and characterisation of two novel monomeric bifunctional chelators, L1 and L2, whose paramagnetic metal complexes can serve as calcium-responsive contrast agents. Specifically, relaxometric titrations, luminescence lifetime measurements, high resolution NMR and diffusion experiments, as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to assess the behaviour of each system. Minor structural differences between the probes resulted from the extension of the linker between the macrocyclic lanthanide chelator and the acyclic Ca-binding moiety. Relaxometric titrations of both systems, GdL1 and GdL2, showed an increase in r1 and r2 relaxivity upon Ca2+ addition, with the derivative bearing the longer linker showing a greater overall change. The hydration states of the europium analogues were assessed revealing a higher initial hydration state for EuL2. Diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy revealed negligible changes in the diffusive properties of both systems upon the addition of Ca2+, while NMR studies of the Y3+, Yb3+ and Eu3+ analogues provided further insights into the structural behaviour of the linker unit in both the unsaturated and Ca-saturated states. DFT calculations supported the different coordination modes of the studied paramagnetic complexes in the presence and absence of Ca2+. Overall, our findings demonstrate the impact of subtle changes to the structure of such probes, affecting a range of properties and their coordination behaviour. German Research Foundation; AN 716/7-1

International audience

International audience; H2cb‐te2pa, a cross‐bridged cyclam functionalized by two picolinate arms, was used for the formation of an incredible inert In(III) chelate. For the first time a bifunctional analogue of H2cb‐te2pa was prepared by C‐functionalization to keep its coordination properties intact. However, this strategy leads to the formation of two diastereoisomers, as evidenced and studied by NMR experiments and DFT calculations. Kinetic studies proved nevertheless that both isomers of the complex are equally inert; they were therefore used without distinction for their covalent grafting on polystyrene beads. The so‐called metal‐encoded beads were tested for Imaging Mass Cytometry. The detection of 115In allows the generation of images with high quality, proving the great potential of the bifunctional [In(cb‐te2pa)]+ derivatives for single‐cell analysis by mass cytometry.; H2cb-te2pa, un cyclam renforcé fonctionnalisé par deux bras picolinate, a été utilisé pour la formation d'un chélate d’indium(III) incroyablement inerte. Pour la première fois, un analogue bifonctionnel de H2cb-te2pa a été préparé par C-fonctionnalisation pour conserver ses propriétés de coordination intactes. Cependant, cette stratégie conduit à la formation de deux diastéréoisomères, comme en témoignent les expériences de RMN et les calculs de DFT. Les études cinétiques ont néanmoins prouvé que les deux isomères du complexe étaient également inertes; ils ont donc été utilisés sans distinction pour leur greffage covalent sur des billes de polystyrène. Les billes obtenues ont été testées pour l’imagerie par cytométrie de masse. La détection de l’115In permet de générer des images de haute qualité, prouvant ainsi le potentiel des dérivés bifonctionnels [In (cb-te2pa)]+ pour l'analyse monocellulaire par cytométrie de masse.

[Abstract] We report a detailed study of the photophysical properties of EuIII and TbIII complexes with two ligands based on a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing either four pyridine-2yl-methyl (L1) or four hydroxyethyl (L2) pendant arms. The [TbL1]3+ and [TbL2]3+ complexes present moderate luminescence quantum yields upon excitation through the ligand bands (ϕH2O = 7.4 and 21%, respectively). The [EuL2]3+ complex displays a relatively low quantum yield in H2O (ϕH2O = 1.6%) that increases considerably in D2O (ϕD2O = 5.3%), which highlights the strong quenching effect of the four ligand O–H oscillators. The emission spectrum of [EuL1]3+ is rather unusual in that it shows a relatively high intensity of the 5D0 → 7F5,6 transitions, which appears to be also related to the distorted D4d symmetry of the coordination polyhedron. Surprisingly, the quantum yield of the [EuL1]3+ complex is very low (ϕH2O = 0.10%), considering the good protection of the EuIII coordination environment offered by the ligand. Cyclic voltammograms recorded from aqueous solutions of [EuL1]3+ display a reversible curve with a half-wave potential of −620 mV (versus Ag/AgCl), while [EuL2]3+ presents a reduction peak at more negative potential (−1040 mV). Thus, the L1 ligand provides a rather good stabilisation of divalent Eu compared to the L2 analogue, suggesting that the presence of a low-lying ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) state might be responsible for the low quantum yield determined for [EuL1]3+. A density functional theory (DFT) study provides very similar energies for the ligand-centered excited singlet (1ππ*) and triplet (3ππ*) states of [EuL1]3+ and [EuL2]3+. The energy of the 9LMCT state of [EuL1]3+ was estimated to be 20 760 cm−1 by using all-electron relativistic calculations based on the DKH2 approach, a value that decreases to 15 940 cm−1 upon geometry relaxation. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2016-76756-P Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2017/59 Xunta de Galicia; ED431D 2017/01

[Abstract] The GdIII-complexes of DO3A-acetophenone and ortho- or para- hydroxyacetophenone ligands have been investigated to assess the effect of the presence of a phenol group on the relaxivity and on the water exchange rate of these potential MRI contrast agents. H-Bonding between the ortho-phenol(ate) groups and the water molecules involved in the dissociative exchange mechanism is shown to speed up the water exchange rate by stabilizing the eight-coordinate transition state. This work was carried out under the EU COST Action CA15209 "European Network on NMR Relaxometry". The authors thank Centro de Supercomputación de Galicia (CESGA) for providing the computer facilities

[Abstract] We report a pentadentate ligand containing a 2,2′-azanediyldiacetic acid moiety functionalized with a picolinate group at the nitrogen atom (H3paada), as well as a lipophylic derivative functionalized with a dodecyloxy group at position 4 of the pyridyl ring (H3C12Opaada). The protonation constants of the paada3− ligand and the stability constant of the Mn(II) complex were determined using a combination of potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations (25 °C, 0.15 M NaCl). A detailed relaxometric characterisation was accomplished by recording 1H Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation Dispersion (NMRD) profiles and 17O chemical shifts and relaxation rates. These studies provide detailed information on the microscopic parameters that control their efficiency as relaxation agents in vitro. For the sake of completeness and to facilitate comparison, we also characterised the related [Mn(nta)]− complex (nta = nitrilotriacetate). Both the [Mn(paada)]− and [Mn(nta)]− complexes turned out to contain two inner-sphere water molecules in aqueous solution. The exchange rate of these coordinated water molecules was slower in [Mn(paada)]− (k298ex = 90 × 107 s−1) than in [Mn(nta)]− (k298ex = 280 × 107 s−1). The complexes were also characterised using both DFT (TPSSh/def2–TZVP) and ab initio CAS(5,5) calculations. The lipophylic [Mn(C12Opaada)]− complex forms micelles in solution characterised by a critical micellar concentration (cmc) of 0.31 ± 0.01 mM. This complex also forms a rather strong adduct with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with an association constant of 5.5 × 104 M−1 at 25 °C. The enthalpy and entropy changes obtained for the formation of the adduct indicate that the binding event is driven by hydrophobic interactions. Authors R. P.-P., I. B., E. I., C. P.-I. and D. E.-G. thank Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2016-76756-P) and Xunta de Galicia (ED431B 2017/59 and ED431D 2017/01) for generous financial support and Centro de Supercomputación of Galicia (CESGA) for providing the computer facilities. R. P.-P. thanks Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad for a PhD FPI grant (BES-2014-068399) and a fellowship for a short term stay in Alessandria (EEBB-I-18-13075). R. U.-V. thanks Xunta de Galicia for a PhD grant (ED481A-2018/314). M.B. and F.C. are grateful to Università del Piemonte Orientale for financial support (Ricerca locale 2016). This work was carried out within the framework of the COST CA15209 Action “European Network on NMR Relaxometry” Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2017/59 Xunta de Galicia; ED431D 2017/01 Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/314

[Abstract] A new family of carboranyl phosphine-iminophosphorane ligands was prepared and characterized. The new ligands present a carboranyl group directly attached to the iminophosphorane nitrogen atom through a cage carbon atom (C-carboranyl derivatives L1–L3) or through the B3 boron atom (B-carboranyl derivatives L4 and L5), and the phosphine group on a side chain derived from the diphosphine dppm, i.e. with a two-atom spacer between the P and N donor atoms. The non-carboranyl analogue L6, with a biphenyl group on the nitrogen atom, was also synthesized for comparison. These potential (P, N) ligands were used to obtain palladium complexes (Pd1–Pd6) and, thus, study how the different inductive effect of the carboranyl substituents can modify the coordinating ability of the nitrogen atom. The structural analysis of the complexes revealed two different coordination modes for the ligands: the (P, N) chelate coordination and the unexpected P-terminal coordination, which is not observed for non-carboranyl phosphine-iminophosphoranes. These unexpected structural differences led us to perform DFT calculations on the ligands and metal complexes. The calculations show that the final coordination modes depend on the balance between the electronic and steric properties of the particular carboranyl group. This work was supported by Xunta de Galicia (Spain) (grant no. 10PXIB209285PR) Xunta de Galicia; 10PXIB209285PR

International audience; We report a detailed characterization of lanthanide complexes with two azaligands based on the pyclen macrocycle containing two picolinate and one acetate pendant arms. The two picolinate arms are attached to either opposite (L3) or adjacent (L4) amine nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic platform. The X-ray structures of the Yb3+ complexes show nine coordination of the ligand to the metal ion, a situation that is also observed for EuL4 in the solid state. The EuL3 complex forms centrosymmetric dimers in the solid state joined by μ2-η1:η1 carboxylate groups, which results in 10-coordinate Eu3+ ions. The emission spectra of EuL3 measured in H2O and D2O solution reveal the presence of a hydration equilibrium involving a nine-coordinate species lacking inner-sphere water molecules and a monohydrated 10-coordinate species. The Eu3+ complexes present modest emission quantum yields in buffered aqueous solution (Φ = 16 and 22% for EuL3 and EuL4, 0.1 M tris buffer, pH 7.4), while the corresponding Tb3+ complexes present very high emission quantum yields under the same conditions (∼90%). 1H NMR studies show that the complexes of L3 present a fluxional behavior in D2O solution, while those of L4 are more rigid. The analysis of the Yb3+-induced NMR shifts of YbL4 indicates that the complex presents a structure in solution similar to that observed in the solid state. The Gd3+ complexes present very high thermodynamic stability constants (log KGdL = 23.56(2) and 23.44(2) for GdL3 and GdL4, respectively). The corresponding pGd values (pGd = −log[Gd3+]free with cL = 1 × 10–5 M and cGd = 1 × 10–6 at pH 7.4) of 20.69 (GdL3) and 21.83 (GdL4) are higher than that of Gd(dota)− (pGd = 19.21). The Gd3+ complexes also show remarkable inertness with respect to their proton-assisted dissociation, with dissociation half-life times of 50 min (GdL3) and 20 h (GdL4) in 1 M HCl.; Deux ligands azamacrocycliques à base de picolinate et d'acétate dans un rapport (2: 1) L3 et L4 et différemment distribué présentent des propriétés très intéressantes en tant que chélateurs pour les ions lanthanides (III), notamment une stabilité thermodynamique élevée, une cinétique de complexation rapide, une cinétique de dissociation lente ainsi qu’un des rendements quantiques d’émission très élevés, en particulier dans le cas des complexes Tb3 +.

[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 2012/088

International audience; We report the synthesis of two azaligands based on the pyclen macrocyclic platform containing two picolinate and one acetate pendant arms. The two ligands differ in the relative positions of the pendant functions, which are arranged either in a symmetrical (L3) or nonsymmetrical (L4) fashion. The complexation properties of the ligands toward natY3+ and 90Y3+ were investigated to assess their potential as chelating units for radiopharmaceutical applications. The X-ray structures of the YL3 and YL4 complexes show nonadentate binding of the ligand to the metal ions. A multinuclear 1H, 13C, and 89Y NMR study shows that the complexes present a structure in solution similar to that observed in the solid state. The two complexes present very high thermodynamic stability constants (log KYL = 23.36(2) and 23.07(2) for YL3 and YL4, respectively). The complexes also show a remarkable inertness with respect to their proton-assisted dissociation, especially YL4. 90Y radiolabeling was proved to be efficient under mild conditions. The 90YL3 and 90YL4 radiochelates were found to be more stable than 90Y(DOTA).

The oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) is the native enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of water in natural photosynthesis. Two new classes of manganese cluster complexes of formula Ba2Mn2L12(H3L1)2(CH3OH)4 1 and Mn4L26Cl2 2 were prepared (H4L1 = N,N&prime, (ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2-hydroxybenzamide), L2 = methyl picolinimidate) and characterized by standard techniques including microanalysis, IR spectroscopy, ESI spectrometry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction studies of these complexes revealed (i) a box-type structure for 1 formed by two redox-active manganese(III) ions and two barium(II) ions connected by two bridging bisamido-bisphenoxy ligand molecules, and (ii) a planar-diamond array for Mn4N6 cluster 2 where the picolinimidates act as chelating ligands through the two nitrogen atoms. The ability of 1 and 2 to split water has been studied by means of water photolysis experiments. In these experiments, the oxygen evolution was measured in aqueous media in the presence of p-benzoquinone (acting as the hydrogen acceptor), the reduction of which was followed by UV-spectroscopy. The relevant photolytic activity found for 1 is in contrast to the inactivity of 2 in the photolytic experiments. This different behavior is discussed on the basis of the structure of the biomimetic models and the proposed reaction mechanism for this process supported by DFT calculations.

A previous report demonstrated that EuDO3A could be used as an NMR shift reagent for imaging extracellular lactate produced by cancer cells using CEST imaging. In this work, a series of heptadentate macrocyclic YbDO3A-trisamide complexes with δ-chiral carbons in the three pendant side-arms were examined as shift reagents for lactate detection. High resolution 1H NMR spectra and DFT calculations provided evidence for the formation of stereoselective lactate·YbDO3A-trisamide complexes each with a different CEST signature. This stereoselectivity allowed discrimination of d- versus l-lactate by both high-resolution NMR and CEST. This work demonstrates that lanthanide-based paramagnetic shift reagents can be designed to detect important metabolites by CEST MRI selectively.

[Abstract] Gadolinium(III) complexes with pH-dependent relaxivities have been proposed as responsive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CA) for mapping of pH value in living subjects. The latter is clinically relevant because hypoxia-induced reduction of interstitial pH (acidosis) is a hallmark of tumor progression and resistance against chemotherapy. In order to obtain versatile building blocks for integration of a pH-responsive MRI-CA functionality into larger molecular assemblies, such as bioconjugates, micelles or nanoparticles, we equipped the structural motif GdDO3A-ethylene(arylsulfonic acid) with additional carboxylic acid moieties in the aromatic para-position. Two novel compounds were characterized concerning their pH-dependent relaxivity as well as by 17O NMR and 1H NMRD, augmented by determination of luminescence lifetimes of the respective Eu(III) complexes and structural modelling by density functional theory (TPSSh/LCRECP/6-31G(d)). Unexpected involvement of the peripheral carboxylates into metal ion complexation effected self-assembly of the lanthanide(III) complexes, resulting in dimeric species comprising two lanthanide ions, two symmetrically bridging ligands, and one coordinated water molecule per Gd(III) (q = 1). These structures are stable even at low concentrations and in presence of competing anions like phosphate. The pH-sensitive sulfonamide moieties are not involved into Gd(III) coordination, resulting in virtually constant relaxivities of r1 = 6.7 mM−1 s−1 (298 K, 20 MHz) over the biologically relevant pH range (4 to 9). Since further functionalisation on the peripheral carboxylates would effectively inhibit dimer formation, the compounds are nonetheless suited for the initially envisaged field of application. Lorenzo Tei sincerely acknowledges the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) for a Research fellowship. The authors also thank Dr. Claudio Cassino for the help in acquisition of 1H NMR DOSY spectra, and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (CRC 824) for support

[Abstract] A series of mono‐, di‐, and trinuclear complexes of Eu and Tb was designed to study the influence of the number of Ln emitting centers on the luminescence properties of discrete polynuclear complexes. The complexes are based on a cyclen scaffold, functionalized by two picolinic acid pendant arms. These coordinating units are separated by a 1,3‐dimethylbenzene spacer for the dinuclear complex and a 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene bridge in the case of the trinuclear complex. The synthesis and characterization of the ligands are presented, together with the preparation and spectroscopic characterization of the complexes. The luminescence properties of the complexes were determined by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy in buffered aqueous solutions. Comparison of the electronic absorption spectra showed that the absorption properties can almost be considered as extensive parameters within experimental error, as expected for electronically non‐conjugated systems. A small drop of both the excited state luminescence lifetimes and the luminescence quantum yields was observed for the trinuclear complexes in the case of Tb. To understand this behavior, theoretical HF (Hartree–Fock) calculations were performed for the three complexes. Models indicate that the average intermetallic distance in the dinuclear complex is almost the same as in the trinuclear one, disfavoring a possible distance dependence of the observed phenomena. Francia. Agence Nationale de la Recherche; ANR P2N 2012

[Abstract] Two macrocyclic ligands containing a cyclen unit, a methyl group, a picolinate arm, and two acetate pendant arms attached to two nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle either in trans (1,7-H3Medo2 ampa = 2,2′-(7-((6-carboxypyridin-2-yl)methyl)-10-methyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4-diyl)diacetic acid) or in cis (1,4-H3Medo2 ampa) positions are reported. These ligands provide eight-coordination to the Ln3+ ions, leaving a coordination position available for a water molecule that occupies a capping position in the twisted square antiprismatic polyhedron (1,4-H3Medo2 ampa) or one of the positions of the square antiprism (1,7-H3Medo2 ampa). The charge neutral [Gd(1,7-Medo2 ampa)] complex presents an unprecedentedly low water-exchange rate (kex298=8.8×103 s−1), whereas water exchange in [Gd(1,4-Medo2 ampa)] is three orders of magnitude faster (kex298=6.6×106 s−1). These results showcase the labile capping bond phenomenon: A ligand occupying a capping position is hindered by the environment and thus is intrinsically labile. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2009-10721/PPQ Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2015-71211-REDT Xunta de Galicia; CN2012/011 European Commission; GINOP-2.3.2.-15-2016-00008 Hungría. Hungarian Scientific Research Fund; K-109029 Hungría. Hungarian Scientific Research Fund; K-120224

International audience; The acid–base and copper(II) coordination properties of three previously described cyclam derivatives are reported. Potentiometry, mass spectrometry, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry and theoretical calculations were combined to investigate the protonation and binding properties of Bn-cyclam-EtOH (L1), oxo-cyclam-EtOH (L2) and oxo-Bn-cyclam-EtOH (L3). These three cyclams are C-functionalized by a hydroxyethyl pendant arm and display either one N-benzyl group and/or an amide replacing one macrocyclic secondary amine. The N-benzylic substitution has a significant effect of lowering the basicity of the corresponding protonation sites, while the presence of the amide function lowers the first protonation constants of the ligands. Regardless of the system considered, ESI mass spectrometry showed that only monocupric chelates are formed. Compared to the literature data, the stability constants measured by potentiometry (pCu L1 = 14.67; pCu L2 = 16.95; pCu L3 = 15.28) showed that: (i) the C-appended group has a negligible influence on Cu2+ complexation, (ii) N-benzylation decreases the cupric complex stability, and (iii) the “oxo” function significantly increases the stability of the Cu2+ complex. Furthermore, UV-vis absorption versus pH measurements are in excellent agreement with the potentiometric titrations and show an equal involvement of the four nitrogen atoms in L1 and the strong binding properties of L2 and L3 related to the deprotonation of the carboxamide. The electrochemistry parameters determined by cyclic voltammetry showed the predominance of the [CuL1]2+, [CuL2-H]+ and [CuL3-H]+ species but also the irreversibility of the three Cu2+/Cu+ systems. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) and multiconfigurational CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations confirmed that the protonation of the cupric complexes occurs at the oxygen atom of the amide group of the “oxo” ligands, which is in agreement with the experimental data.

[Abstract] Thanks to a smart regiospecific N-functionalization, a pyclen based ligand bearing one picolinate and two acetate arms organized in a dissymmetric manner was synthesized for Y3+ complexation, and compared to its symmetric analogue. The nature of the capping bonds around the metal coordination environment has a dramatic effect on the properties of the chelate, the natY3+ and 90Y3+ dissymmetric derivatives presenting enhanced thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness. Hungarian Scientific Research Fund; NKFIH K-120224

[Abstract] Recently developed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) technology offers the potential of increasing the NMR sensitivity of even rare nuclei for biological imaging applications. Hyperpolarized 89Y is an ideal candidate because of its narrow NMR linewidth, favorable spin quantum number (I= ), and long longitudinal relaxation times (T1). Strong NMR signals were detected in hyperpolarized 89Y samples of a variety of yttrium complexes. A dataset of 89Y NMR data composed of 23 complexes with polyaminocarboxylate ligands was obtained using hyperpolarized 89Y measurements or 1H,89Y-HMQC spectroscopy. These data were used to derive an empirical equation that describes the correlation between the 89Y chemical shift and the chemical structure of the complexes. This empirical correlation serves as a guide for the design of 89Y sensors. Relativistic (DKH2) DFT calculations were found to predict the experimental 89Y chemical shifts to a rather good accuracy. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2015-71211-REDT Estados Unidos. National Institutes of Health; EB-015908 Estados Unidos. National Institutes of Health; CA-115531 Estados Unidos. Robert A. Welch Foundation; AT-584

[Abstract] The water exchange reactions in aquated Li+ and Be2+ ions were investigated with density functional theory calculations performed using the [Li(H2O)4]+·14H2O and [Be(H2O)4]2+·8H2O systems and a cluster‐continuum approach. A range of commonly used functionals predict water exchange rates several orders of magnitude lower than the experimental ones. This effect is attributed to the overstabilization of coordination number four by these functionals with respect to the five‐coordinated transition states responsible for the associative (A) or associative interchange (Ia) water exchange mechanisms. However, the M06 and M062X functionals provide results in good agreement with the experimental data: M062X/TZVP calculations yield a concerted Iamechanism for the water exchange in [Be(H2O)4]2+·8H2O that gives an average residence time of water molecules in the first coordination sphere of 260 μs. For [Li(H2O)4]+·14H2O the water exchange reaction is predicted to follow an A mechanism with a residence time of inner‐sphere water molecules of 25 ps. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013‐43243‐P Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2015‐71211‐REDT

[Abstract] Lanthanide complexes with DOTA–tetraglycinate (DOTA-(gly)4) heavily favor the square antiprismatic (SAP) coordination isomer in aqueous solution, a structural feature that has made them useful as water-based paraCEST agents. In an effort to create amide-based paraCEST agents with rapid water exchange rates, we prepared the analogous tetraglycinate complexes with DOTMA, a ligand known to favor the twisted square antiprismatic (TSAP) coordination structures. Unexpectedly, NMR investigations show that the LnDOTMA–(gly)4 complexes, like the LnDOTA–(gly)4 complexes, also favor the SAP isomers in solution. This observation led to density functional theory (DFT) calculations in order to identify the energy terms that favor the SAP structures in lanthanide complexes formed with macrocyclic DOTA– and DOTMA–tetraamide ligands. The DFT calculations revealed that, regardless the nature of the ligand, the TSAP isomers present more negative hydration energies than the SAP counterparts. The extent to which the TSAP isomer is stabilized varies, however, depending on the ligand structure, resulting in different isomeric populations in solution. Estados Unidos. National Institutes of Health; CA115531 Estados Unidos. National Institutes of Health; EB015908 Estados Unidos. National Institutes of Health; EB004582 Estados Unidos. Robert A. Welch Foundation; AT-584 Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2015-71211-REDT

[Abstract] The syntheses of two new ligands based on a calix[4]arene scaffold in the cone conformation functionalized on the phenolic positions 1 and 3 by diethylthiophosphonates (L1) or tetra(tri)thioethyleneglycol (L2) crowns are described. Together with ligand L3, the parent calix[4]arene substituted by a penta(tetra)thioethyleneglycol crown, the spectroscopic properties of the ligands were determined by means of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, showing that the ligands display modest but non-negligible intrinsic fluorescence properties (ϕfluo = 0.023; 0.026 and 0.029 for L1, L2 and L3 in CH2Cl2, respectively). The X-ray crystal structures of ligand L1, and of its synthetic precursor were determined and analyzed for their capacity to accommodate the incoming cationic species. The ligands were further investigated for their complexation properties of divalent cations such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Hg2+ and Cd2+ (under their nitrate salts) in 1:1 CH3CN/CH2Cl2 solutions (I = 0.01 M Et4NNO3, T = 25.0(2) °C), in which the additions of cations were monitored by absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectrophotometries. The stoichiometries of the corresponding complexes were assessed by ESI-MS, while insights into the structures of the complexes in solution were obtained with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The influence of the sulphur and phenol coordinating moieties was addressed to show that the thiocrown compounds L2 and L3 displayed a marked affinity towards the soft mercuric cation (ΔlogK ≥ 2), with no particular size selectivity effect, whereas ligand L1 can accommodate both the thio and phenol units to coordinate with Cu(II). Altogether, these results point to the use of L3 as a selective fluoroionophore for detection of Hg2+.

International audience; A tacn based ligand bearing two methylthiazolyl arms (no2th) was synthesized with the aim to find ligands forming very stable and inert complexes with Cu(II) and Cu(I) in aqueous medium for radiopharmaceutical applications. The no2th ligand was efficiently prepared following the orthoamide intermediate synthesis. The complexes with Cu2+ and Zn2+ were obtained and analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The [Cu(no2th)]2+ complex presents a pentacoordinated distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry, while the metal ion in [Zn(no2th)]2+ adopts a hexacoordinated distorted trigonal prismatic geometry involving the coordination of a perchlorate counter ion. The acid–base properties of no2th have been studied using potentiometric titrations, and the stability constants of Cu2+ and Zn2+ complexes were determined by potentiometric and UV-vis titrations using H4edta as a competitor ligand. The stability constant determined for the Cu2+ complex is rather high (log KCuL = 20.77 and pCu = 17.15), and moreover no2th exhibits a high selectivity for copper(II) in relation to zinc(II). The kinetics of the copper(II) complexation process is very fast even in acidic medium. In addition, the [Cu(no2th)]2+ complex was found to be inert under rather harsh conditions (up to 2 M HCl and 60 °C), displaying a very high half-life time of about 15 days in 2 M HCl at 90 °C. The electrochemical reduction of the copper(II) complex in water leads to the reversible formation of a stable copper(I) species. Spectroscopic studies performed by NMR, UV-vis and EPR, assisted by theoretical calculations, show that the [Cu(no2th)]2+ complex presents a structure in solution similar to that observed in the solid state. When compared to its cyclam di-N-methylthiazolyl counterpart, the results reported in this paper unambiguously show that replacing the cyclam unit by a tacn moiety improves the stability and inertness of its Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes.

The coordination properties toward the lanthanide ions of two macrocyclic ligands based on a cyclam platform containing picolinate pendant arms have been investigated. The synthesis of the ligands was achieved by using the well-known bis-aminal chemistry. One of the cyclam derivatives (cb-tedpa(2-)) is reinforced with a cross-bridge unit, which results in exceptionally inert [Ln(cb-tedpa)](+) complexes. The X-ray structures of the [La(cb-tedpa)Cl], [Gd(cb-tedpa)](+), and [Lu(Me2tedpa)](+) complexes indicate octadentate binding of the ligands to the metal ions. The analysis of the Yb(3+)-induced shifts in [Yb(Me2tedpa)](+) indicates that this complex presents a solution structure very similar to that observed in the solid state for the Lu(3+) analogue. The X-ray structures of [La(H2Me2tedpa)2](3+) and [Yb(H2Me2tedpa)2](3+) complexes confirm the exocyclic coordination of the metal ions, which gives rise to coordination polymers with the metal coordination environment being fulfilled by oxygen atoms of the picolinate groups and water molecules. The X-ray structure of [Gd(Hcb-tedpa)2](+) also indicates exocyclic coordination that in this case results in a discrete structure with an eight-coordinated metal ion. The nonreinforced complexes [Ln(Me2tedpa)](+) were prepared and isolated as chloride salts in nonaqueous media. However, these complexes were found to undergo dissociation in aqueous solution, except in the case of the complexes with the smallest Ln(3+) ions (Ln(3+) = Yb(3+) and Lu(3+)). A DFT investigation shows that the increased stability of the [Ln(Me2tedpa)](+) complexes in solution across the lanthanide series is the result of an increased binding energy of the ligand due to the increased charge density of the Ln(3+) ion.

Three new bismacrocyclic Ln(3+) chelates consisting of triamide derivatives of cyclen with glycine, methyl and tert-butyl substituents (L1-3, respectively) linked to an acyclic EGTA-derived calcium chelator were synthesised as potential MRI contrast agents (EGTA -ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid). Eu3+ and Yb3+ complexes of L1-3 were investigated as chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agents. Moderate to minor CEST effects were observed for Eu2L1, Eu2L2 and Yb2L2 complexes in the absence of Ca2+, with negligible changes upon addition of this metal ion. Luminescence steady-state emission and lifetime experiments did not reveal any changes in the coordination environment of the complexes, while the number of inner-sphere water molecules remained constant in the absence and presence of Ca2+. The protonation constants of Eu2L1 and Eu2L2 and stability constants of their complexes with Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ were determined by means of potentiometric titrations. The results show that the charge of the complex dramatically affects the protonation constants of the EGTA-binding unit. The stability constants of the complexes formed with Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ are several orders of magnitude lower than those of EGTA. These findings indicate that the nature of Ln(3+) chelates and their charge are the main reasons for the observed results and weaker response of these EGTA-derived triamide derivatives compared to their tricarboxylate analogues. Supplementary material: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3623]

International audience; Aiming to develop new copper chelates for application in nuclear medicine we report two new chelators, te1th and te2th, based on a cyclam backbone mono-N- or di-N1,N8-functionalized by methylthiazolyl arms. The acid–base properties of both ligands were investigated as well as their coordination chemistry, especially with Cu2+, when possible in aqueous solution and in the solid state. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of complexes were determined. Stability constants of the copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes showed that the complexes of both ligands with Cu2+ are thermodynamically very stable, and they exhibit an important selectivity for Cu2+ over Zn2+. The kinetic inertness in acidic medium of both copper(II) complexes was evaluated revealing a quite good resistance to dissociation (the half-life times of complexes with te1th and te2th are 50.8 and 5.8 min, respectively, in 5 M HCl and 30 °C). The coordination geometry of the metal center in the complexes was established in aqueous solution based on UV–visible, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, DFT studies, and NMR by using the zinc(II) complex analogues. The [Cu(te1th)]2+ and [Cu(te2th)]2+ complexes adopt trans-I and trans-III configurations both in the solid state and in solution, while the [Zn(te2th)]2+ complex crystallizes as the cis-V isomer but exists in solution as a mixture of trans-III and cis-V forms. Cyclic voltammetry experiments in acetonitrile point to a relatively easy reduction of [Cu(te2th)]2+ in acetonitrile solution (Epc = −0.41 V vs NHE), but the reduced complex does not undergo dissociation in the time scale of our electrochemical experiments. The results obtained in these studies revealed that despite the limited solubility of its copper(II) chelate, te2th is an attractive chelator for Cu2+ that provides a fast complexation process while forming a complex with a rather high thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness with respect to dissociation even upon electrochemical reduction.

[Abstract] A highly rigid open-chain octadentate ligand (H4cddadpa) containing a diaminocylohexane unit to replace the ethylenediamine bridge of 6,6′-[(ethane-1,2 diylbis{(carboxymethyl)azanediyl})bis(methylene)] dipicolinic acid (H4octapa) was synthesized. This structural modification improves the thermodynamic stability of the Gd3+ complex slightly (log KGdL=20.68 vs. 20.23 for [Gd(octapa)]−) while other MRI-relevant parameters remain unaffected (one coordinated water molecule; relaxivity r1=5.73 mm−1 s−1 at 20 MHz and 295 K). Kinetic inertness is improved by the rigidifying effect of the diaminocylohexane unit in the ligand skeleton (half-life of dissociation for physiological conditions is 6 orders of magnitude higher for [Gd(cddadpa)]− (t1/2=1.49×105 h) than for [Gd(octapa)]−. The kinetic inertness of this novel chelate is superior by 2–3 orders of magnitude compared to non-macrocyclic MRI contrast agents approved for clinical use. Hungarian Scientific Research Fund. OTKA; K-84291 Hungarian Scientific Research Fund. OTKA; K-109029 European Commission; TÁMOP-4.2.2A-11/1/KONV-2012-0043

[Abstract] We report a macrocyclic ligand based on a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing four hydroxyethyl pendant arms (L1) that forms extraordinary inert complexes with Ln3+ ions. The [EuL1]3+ complex does not undergo dissociation in 1 M HCl over a period of months at room temperature. Furthermore, high concentrations of phosphate and Zn2+ ions at room temperature do not provoke metal-complex dissociation. The X-ray crystal structures of six Ln3+ complexes reveal ten coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the six nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the four oxygen atoms of the hydroxyethyl pendant arms. The analysis of the Yb3+- and Pr3+-induced paramagnetic 1H NMR shifts show that the solid-state structures are retained in aqueous solution. The intensity of the 1H NMR signal of bulk water can be modulated by saturation of the signals of the hydroxy protons of Pr3+, Eu3+, and Yb3+ complexes following chemical-exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The ability of these complexes to provide large CEST effects at 25 and 37 °C and pH 7.4 was confirmed by using CEST magnetic resonance imaging experiments. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; CTQ2011-24487 Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P

International audience; We report two macrocyclic ligands containing a 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 fragment functionalized with either two picolinamide pendant arms (bpa18c6) or one picolinamide and one picolinate arm (ppa18c6(-)). The X-ray structure of [La(ppa18c6)(H2O)](2+) shows that the ligand binds to the metal ion using the six donor atoms of the crown moiety and the four donor atoms of the pendant arms, 11-coordination being completed by the presence of a coordinated water molecule. The X-ray structure of the [Sr(bpa18c6)(H2O)](2+) was also investigated due to the very similar ionic radii of Sr(2+) and Eu(2+). The structure of this complex is very similar to that of [La(ppa18c6)(H2O)](2+), with the metal ion being 11-coordinated. Potentiometric measurements were used to determine the stability constants of the complexes formed with La(3+) and Eu(3+). Both ligands present a very high selectivity for the large La(3+) ion over the smaller Eu(3+), with a size-discrimination ability that exceeds that of the analogous ligand containing two picolinate pendant arms reported previously (bp18c6(2-)). DFT calculations using the TPSSh functional and the large-core pseudopotential approximation provided stability trends in good agreement with the experimental values, indicating that charge neutral ligands derived from 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 enhance the selectivity of the ligand for the large Ln(3+) ions. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that the stabilization of Eu(2+) by these ligands follows the sequence bp18c6(2-) < ppa18c6(-) < bpa18c6 with half-wave potentials of -753 mV (bp18c6(2-)), -610 mV (ppa18c6(-)), and -453 mV (bpa18c6) versus Ag/AgCl. These values reveal that the complex of bpa18c6 possesses higher stability against oxidation than the aquated ion, for which an E1/2 value of -585 mV has been measured.

International audience; The acyclic ligand octapa(4-) (H4octapa = 6,6’-((ethane-1,2-diylbis((carboxymethyl)azanediyl))bis(methylene))dipicolinic acid) forms stable complexes with the Ln(3+) ions in aqueous solution. The stability constants determined for the complexes with La(3+), Gd(3+), and Lu(3+) using relaxometric methods are log KLaL = 20.13(7), log KGdL = 20.23(4), and log KLuL = 20.49(5) (I = 0.15 M NaCl). High stability constants were also determined for the complexes formed with divalent metal ions such as Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) (log KZnL = 18.91(3) and log KCuL = 22.08(2)). UV-visible and NMR spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations point to hexadentate binding of the ligand to Zn(2+) and Cu(2+), the donor atoms of the acetate groups of the ligand remaining uncoordinated. The complexes formed with the Ln(3+) ions are nine-coordinated thanks to the octadentate binding of the ligand and the presence of a coordinated water molecule. The stability constants of the complexes formed with the Ln(3+) ions do not change significantly across the lanthanide series. A DFT investigation shows that this is the result of a subtle balance between the increased binding energies across the 4f period, which contribute to an increasing complex stability, and the parallel increase of the absolute values of the hydration free energies of the Ln(3+) ions. In the case of the [Ln(octapa)(H2O)](-) complexes the interaction between the amine nitrogen atoms of the ligand and the Ln(3+) ions is weakened along the lanthanide series, and therefore the increased electrostatic interaction does not overcome the increasing hydration energies. A detailed kinetic study of the dissociation of the [Gd(octapa)(H2O)](-) complex in the presence of Cu(2+) shows that the metal-assisted pathway is the main responsible for complex dissociation at pH 7.4 and physiological [Cu(2+)] concentration (1 muM).

[Abstract] In this study we present the results of the equilibrium, dissociation kinetics, DFT and X - ray crystallographic studies performed on the complexes of metal ions of biomedical importance (Mn 2+ , Cu 2+ and Gd 3+ ) formed with octadentate ligands based on a cyclen platform incorporating two picolinate pendant arms (dodpa 2− and Medodpa 2− ). The stability constants of the complexes were accessed by m ultiple methods (pH - potentiometry, direct and competition UV - vis spectrophotometry and 1 H - relaxometry). The stability constants of the complexes formed with dodpa 2− and Medodpa 2− do not differ significantly ( e.g. log K [Mn(dodpa)] = 17.40 vs. log K[Mn(Medodp a)] = 17.46, log K [Cu(dodpa)] = 24.34 – 25.17 vs. log K [Cu(Medodpa)] = 24.74 and log K [Gd(dodpa)] + = 17.27 vs . log K [Gd(Medodpa)] + = 17.59), which indicates that the steric hindrance brou ght by the methyl groups has no significant effect on the stability of the complexes. The stability constants of the Mn 2+ complexes formed with the cyclen dipicolinates were found to be ca. 3 log K units higher than t hose determined for the complex of the cyclen monopicolinate (dompa − ), which indicates that the se cond picolin ate moiety attached to the backbone of the macrocycle is very likely coordinated to the Mn 2+ ion . However, the stability of the [Cu(dodpa)] and [Cu(Medodpa)] complexes agrees well with the stability constant of [Cu(dompa)] + , in line with the hexadentate coordination around the metal ion observed in the X - ray structure of [Cu(Medodpa)]. The [Gd(dodpa)] + and [Gd(Medodpa)] + complexes display a fairly high kinetic inertness, as the rate constants of acid catalysed dissociation ( k 1 = 2.5(4) × 10 −3 and 8.3(4) × 10 −4 M −1 s −1 for [Gd(dodpa)] + and [Gd(Medodpa)] + , respectively) are smaller than the value reported for [Gd(do3a)] ( k 1 = 2.5 × 10 −2 M −1 s −1 ). The [Mn(dodpa)] complex was found to be more inert than [Mn(Medodpa) ]. The results of the diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) and DFT calculations of diamagnetic [La(dodpa)] + and [Lu(dodpa)] + complexes indicate the formation of a trinuclear entity of the La complex in aqueous solution. Hungarian Scientific Research Fund. OTKA; K-84291 Hungarian Scientific Research Fund. OTKA; K-109029 European Commission; TÁMOP-4.2.2.A-11/1/KONV-2012-0043