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Roseolumiflavin is a deep red microcrystalline derivative of isoalloxazine that exhibits a weak photophysical activity in the solid state. In aqueous as well as in acidic solution of formic or acetic acid, respectively, it tends to form solvates. Herein, we present a set of binary and ternary roseolumiflavin solvates including one hydrate and a solvate hydrate. The impact of the solvent on solvate formation along with an in-depth structural analysis was investigated. Calculations of the lattice energies provide insight into the phase stability of the evaluated systems showing an energetic benefit for all solvates with values up to −395.82 kJ/mol. The total interaction energies between molecules calculated via Crystal Explorer further identified cofacial π···π stacks to be the most strongly bonding fragments in the crystal lattices for all systems except the formic acid solvate, followed by remarkably weaker hydrogen-bonded arrangements. The energetic contributions of single intermolecular interactions within the fragments are evaluated by an atoms-in-molecules approach. It is shown that physicochemical properties, such as thermal stability, can be tuned depending on the incorporated solvent molecules despite a high decomposition temperature of the chromophore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study exploits the polymorphism and multi-component crystal formation of γ-amino butanoic acid (GABA) and its pharmaceutically active derivative, gabapentin. Two polymorphs of GABA and both polymorphs of gabapentin are structurally revisited, together with gabapentin monohydrate. Hereby, GABA form II is only accessible under special conditions using additives, whereas gabapentin converts to the monohydrate even in the presence of trace amounts of water. Different accessibilities and phase stabilities of these phases are still not fully clarified. Thus, indicators of phase stability are discussed involving intermolecular interactions, molecular conformations, and crystallization environment. Calculated lattice energy differences for polymorphs reveal their similar stability. Quantification of the hydrogen bond strengths with the atoms-in-molecules (AIM) model in conjunction with non-covalent interaction (NCI) plots also shows similar hydrogen bond binding energy values for all polymorphs. We demonstrate that differences in the interacting modes, in an interplay with the intermolecular repulsion, allow the formation of the desired phase under different crystallization environments. Salts and co-crystals of GABA and gabapentin with fumaric as well as succinic acid further serve as models to highlight how strongly HBs act as the motif-directing force in the solid-phase GABA-analogs. Six novel multi-component entities were synthesized, and structural and computational analysis was performed: GABA fumarate (2:1); two gabapentin fumarates (2:1) and (1:1); two GABA succinates (2:1) and (1:1); and a gabapentin:succinic acid co-crystal. Energetically highly attractive carboxyl/carboxylate interaction overcomes other factors and dominates the multi-component phase formation. Decisive commonalities in the crystallization behavior of zwitterionic GABA-derivatives are discussed, which show how they can and should be understood as a whole for possible related future products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulphonamides have been one of the major pharmaceutical compound classes since their introduction in the 1930s. Co-crystallisation of sulphonamides with halogen bonding (XB) might lead to a new class of pharmaceutical-relevant co-crystals. We present the synthesis and structural analysis of seven new co-crystals of simple sulphonamides N-methylbenzenesulphonamide (NMBSA), N-phenylmethanesulphonamide (NPMSA), and N-phenylbenzenesulphonamide (BSA), as well as of an anti-diabetic agent Chlorpropamide (CPA), with the model XB-donors 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (14DITFB), 1,4-dibromotetrafluorobenzene (14DBTFB), and 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (12DITFB). In the reported co-crystals, X···O/N bonds do not represent the most common intermolecular interaction. Against our rational design expectations and the results of our statistical CSD analysis, the normally less often present X···π interaction dominates the crystal packing. Furthermore, the general interaction pattern in model sulphonamides and the CPA multicomponent crystals differ, mainly due to strong hydrogen bonds blocking possible interaction sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we compare the mechanochemical and classical solvent crystallization methods for forming maleates of GABA and its pharmaceutically active derivatives: Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Phenibut, and Baclofen. Common characterization techniques, like powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, are used for the evaluation of structural and physicochemical properties. Our work shows that maleate formation is possible with all investigated target compounds. Large increases in solubility can be achieved, especially for Pregabalin, where up to twentyfold higher solubility in its maleate compared to the pure form can be reached. We furthermore compare the mechanochemical and solvent crystallization regarding quickness, reliability of phase production, and overall product quality. A synthetic route is shown to have an impact on certain properties such as melting point or solubility of the same obtained products, e.g., for Gabapentin and Pregabalin, or lead to the formation of hydrates vs. anhydrous forms. For the GABA and Baclofen maleates, the method of crystallization is not important, and similarly, good results can be obtained by either route. In contrast, Phenibut maleate cannot be obtained pure and single-phase by either method. Our work aims to elucidate promising candidates for the multicomponent crystal formation of blockbuster GABA pharmaceuticals and highlight the usefulness of mechanochemical production routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present several multicomponent crystalline species formed by zwitterionic GABA analogues pregabalin and phenibut. These compounds are evaluated based on their crystal structure in congruence with properties such as melting behaviour, solubility, and lattice energies. Furthermore, it is discussed how major property distinctions between a homo- and heterochiral co-crystalline system enable enantiopurification of pregabalin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structural study on the solid, microcrystalline chromophore roseolumiflavin was carried out. Based on rational design considerations three binary co-crystals were prepared with a primary focus set on utilizing the imide functional group. Therefore, robust supramolecular synthons, including a carboxylic acid–amide dimer, halogen bonding, as well as a hydrogen-bonded three-point binding motif, were successfully incorporated into the multicomponent systems. All the co-crystals showed a blue-shifted fluorescence in the red range compared to the near-infrared-emitting solid roseolumiflavin. Solvatochromic studies finally elucidated that the degree of close packing between the flavin molecules within the crystal structures was decisive for the emission colour. These results render new possibilities to investigate flavins in the aspect of crystal engineering to tune optical properties of organic chromophores in the solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystallization and multicomponent crystal formation of active pharmaceutical ingredients Baclofen and Phenibut with dicarboxylic acid co-formers are discussed. The crystallization process of several crystalline entities is elucidated via single crystal—as well as powder X-ray—diffraction, followed by thermal analysis and phase stability studies over time. Both APIs form increasingly complex crystalline phases with co-formers malic and tartaric acid, where phase purity of a desired compound is not necessarily a given. Therefore, the influence of different solution and milling environments during crystallization on the outcome is studied. Emphasis is laid on how molecular influences such as the chirality, propensity to form hydrates as well as low solubility of Baclofen and Phenibut impede attempts to gather high-quality single crystals. The results highlight that targeted crystallization of these compounds with dicarboxylic acids can be difficult and unreliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halogen bonding of neutral donors using imine groups of porous organic cage compounds as acceptors leads to the formation of halogen-bonded frameworks. We report the use of two different imine cages, in combination with three electron-poor halogen bond donors. Four resulting solid-state structures elucidated by single-crystal X-ray analysis are presented and analysed for the first time by plane-wave DFT calculations and QTAIM-analyses of the entire unit cells, demonstrating the formation of halogen bonds within the networks. The supramolecular frameworks can be obtained either from solution or mechanochemically by liquid-assisted grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical cocrystals are currently gaining interest among the scientific community, due to their great potential for providing novel crystalline forms with superior properties such as solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, and stability. Robust computational tools are valuable tools in the rationalization of cocrystal formation, by providing insight into the intermolecular interactions of multicomponent molecular solids. In this study, various computational techniques based on charge density analysis were implemented to assess structural and energetical perspectives of the interactions responsible for the formation and stability of entacapone-theophylline-water (ETP-THP-water, 1:1:1). Significant non-covalent interactions (NCIs) were identified and evaluated by Hirshfeld surface analysis and density functional theory (DFT) computations, and three-dimensional networks (energy vector diagrams, lattice energy frameworks) were constructed, outlining the crucial stabilizing role of water and the dominance of π-π stacking interactions in the cocrystal. Furthermore, thermal dehydration studies confirmed the strong binding of water molecules in the crystal lattice, as expressed by the high activation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Schiff-base ligand N-2-(pyridyl)salicylaldimine (HL) reacts with zinc(ii) acetate or nitrate to obtain the enantiomorphous chiral-at-metal compound Δ/Λ-bis[N-2-(pyridyl)salicylaldiminato-κ2N,O]zinc(ii), [Zn(L)2] (1), which crystallizes as a racemic conglomerate via spontaneous resolution. Two deprotonated N,O-chelate ligands form a pseudo-tetrahedral N2O2-coordination sphere with a Δ/Λ-configured zinc atom. The Δ- and Λ-configured molecular complexes in 1 assemble in P (right)- and M (left)-handed 41- and 43-helical chains in the chiral space groups P41212 and P43212, respectively, through weak C–H…O hydrogen bonding between neighbouring molecules along the chain axis. Only molecules of the same Δ- or Λ-configuration combine into a helical chain and only chains of the same P- or M-handedness combine to form homochiral crystals. According to the analyses of intermolecular interactions with the Hirshfeld surface, the supramolecular packing features C–H…O bonding as the most apparent significant contribution. This is a rare example of solely weak C–H…O hydrogen bonding interaction leading to spontaneous resolution to a racemic conglomerate. This case also supports the notion of less repulsive packing interactions between homochiral molecules because of spin polarization. Optimized structures and excited state properties by DFT/TD-DFT calculations are comparable to experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Peptoids, or N-substituted glycine oligomers, are an important class of peptidomimetic foldamers with proteolytic stability. Nevertheless, the presence of cis/ trans-amide bond conformers, which contribute to the high flexibility of α-peptoids, is considered as a major drawback. A modified peptoid backbone with an improved control of the amide bond geometry could therefore help to overcome this limitation. Herein, we have performed the first thorough analysis of the folding propensities of α-aminoxy peptoids (or N-substituted 2-aminoxyacetic acid oligomers). To this end, the amide bond geometry and the conformational properties of a series of model α-aminoxy peptoids were investigated by using 1D and 2D NMR experiments, X-ray crystallography, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealing a unique preference for cis-amide bonds even in the absence of cis-directing side chains. The conformational analysis based on the MD simulations revealed that α-aminoxy peptoids can adopt helical conformations that can mimic the spatial arrangement of peptide side chains in a canonical α-helix. Given their ease of synthesis and conformational properties, α-aminoxy peptoids represent a new member of the peptoid family capable of controlling the amide isomerism while maintaining the potential for side-chain diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy is a versatile characterization technique that can provide a plethora of information complementary to single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Herein, we present an experimental and computational investigation of the relationship between the geometry of a halogen bond (XB) and the SSNMR chemical shifts of the non-quadrupolar nuclei either directly involved in the interaction (15N) or covalently bonded to the halogen atom (13C). We have prepared two series of X-bonded co-crystals based upon two different dipyridyl modules, and several halobenzenes and diiodoalkanes, as XB-donors. SCXRD structures of three novel co-crystals between 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, and 1,4-diiodobenzene, 1,6-diiodododecafluorohexane, and 1,8-diiodohexadecafluorooctane were obtained. For the first time, the change in the 15N SSNMR chemical shifts upon XB formation is shown to experimentally correlate with the normalized distance parameter of the XB. The same overall trend is confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the chemical shifts. 13C NQS experiments show a positive, linear correlation between the chemical shifts and the C−I elongation, which is an indirect probe of the strength of the XB. These correlations can be of general utility to estimate the strength of the XB occurring in diverse adducts by using affordable SSNMR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six halogen-bonded cocrystals involving aromatic donors have been studied by far-IR spectroscopy. Characteristic redshift and intensity enhancement of the C–I stretching band have been observed, which provided a distinct signature of the halogen bond involving iodopentafluorobenzene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiopure bis[{(R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ2N,O}]nickel(ii) complexes {Ar = C6H5 (1R or 1S), p-OMeC6H4 (2R or 2S), and p-BrC6H4 (3R or 3S)} are synthesized from the reactions between (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldimine and nickel(ii) acetate. Circular-dichroism spectra and their density-functional theoretical simulation reveal the expected mirror image relationship between the enantiomeric pairs 1R/1S and 3R/3S in solution. CD spectra are dominated by the metal-centered Λ- or Δ-chirality of non-planar four-coordinated nickel, this latter being in turn dictated by the ligand chirality. Single crystal structure determination for 1R and 1S shows that there are two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B) in each asymmetric unit that give a Z′ = 2 structure. Two asymmetric and chiral bidentate N^O-chelate Schiff base ligands coordinate to the nickel atom in a distorted square planar N2O2-coordination sphere. The conformational difference between the symmetry-independent molecules arises from the “up-or-down” folding of the naphthaldiminato ligand with respect to the coordination plane, which creates right- (P) or left-handed (M) helical conformations. Overall, the combination of ligand chirality, chirality at the metal and ligand folding gives rise to discrete metal helicates of preferred helicity in a selective way. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) show an oxidation wave at ca. 1.30 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2]+ couple, and a reduction wave at ca.−0.35 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2]− couple in acetonitrile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peptide bond model N-methylacetamide self-assembles with a range of dihalotetrafluorobenzenes forming co-crystals that all show the occurrence of orthogonal hydrogen and halogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ cryo-crystallization was used to obtain single crystals of the low-melting tetrafluoropyrimidine and trifluorotriazine in order to explore the molecular aggregation of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds with weak directing substituents in the solid state. A comparative crystallographic study of the series hexafluorobenzene, pentafluoropyridine, tetrafluoropyrimidine and trifluorotriazine was performed to clarify an influence of a successive substitution of C-F groups by a further nitrogen atom on the crystal architecture. Due to the absence of the hydrogen atoms different supramolecular motifs based on short F···F contacts were observed in all crystal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-metal dicyanoargentate-bridged coordination polymers of Ag(I)-Mn(II) have been prepared and their structure and magnetic properties were determined. Reaction of manganese(II) chloride and potassium dicyanoargentate(I) with (X)(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide ligands (HL¹ X = Ph, HL² X = Me, HL³ X = H) produced the coordination polymer 2D-[Mn(µ-L¹)(Cl)(µ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]n (1), 1D- {[Mn(L²)(Cl)(µ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]CH3OH}n (2) and [Mn(L³)(Cl)(µ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]n (3) in good yields. Trinuclear {Mn(µ-L¹)Mn(µ-L¹)Mn} and [Ag(CN)2]- building units form a two-dimensional slab in 1 and 1D strands in 2. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that despite the long distance among the high spin Mn(II) ions [10.4676(12) Å and 10.522(1) Å, for 1 and 2, respectively], weak antiferromagnetic coupling takes place through the long NC-Ag-CN bridge. The best fit parameters to the model led to the magnetic coupling constant of J = -0.1 and J = -0.47 cm-1 for 1 and 2, respectively. The photoluminescence behaviour of compounds 1 and 2 was studied. The spectrum of compound 1 shows a broad emission centered at about 450 nm and two excitation maxima at 270 and 310 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidentate enantiopure Schiff base ligands, (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ2N,O, diastereoselectively yield Δ/Λ-chiral four-coordinated, non-planar Cu(N⋀O)2 complexes [Ar = C6H5 R/S-L1, m-C6H4OMe R-L2, p-C6H4OMe R/S-L3, and p-C6H4Br R/S-L4]. Two N,O-chelate ligands coordinate to the copper(II) atom in distorted square-planar mode, and induce metal-centered Δ/Λ-chirality at the copper atom in the C2-symmetric complexes. In the solid state, the R-L1 (or R-L4) ligand chirality diastereoselectively induces a Λ-Cu configuration in Λ-Cu-R-L1 (or Λ-Cu-R-L4), the S-L1 ligand a Δ-Cu configuration in Δ-Cu-S-L1, forming enantiopure crystals upon crystallization. Conversely, the R-L2 ligand combines both Λ/Δ-Cu-R-L2 as a diastereomeric pair in the crystals. In solution, electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra show full or partial diastereoselectivity towards Λ-Cu for R ligands and towards Δ-Cu for S ligands. The electronic CD spectra measured on all complexes obtained from R ligands (or S ligands), e.g. Cu-R-L1, Cu-R-L2, Cu-R-L3, and Cu-R-L4 (or Cu-S-L1, Cu-S-L3, and Cu-S-L4), show consistent spectral features. TDDFT calculations of the electronic CD spectra for the diastereomers Λ-Cu-RL1 and Δ-Cu-R-L1 suggest that the CD spectra are largely dominated by the configuration at the metal center (Λ vs. Δ). The experimental CD spectrum of Cu-R-L1 agrees well with the one calculated for the Λ-Cu-R-L1 configuration. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu-R-L1 reveals a quasi-reversible redox wave corresponding to one-electron transfer for the [CuIIL2]0/[CuIL2]-1 couple in acetonitrile. DSC analyses for the complexes show an exothermic peak between 377 and 478 K (ΔH = -12 to -43 kJ mol-1), corresponding to a phase transformation from distorted square-planar/tetrahedral to regular tetrahedral geometry on heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ditopic ligands 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazolate-4-carboxylate, –Me2pzCO2–, and 4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzoate, –Me2pzC6H4CO2–, combine a pyrazolate and carboxylate functionality in axial orientation and lead to porous cobalt or zinc azolate–carboxylate frameworks that have the same cubic pcu-a topology and {M4(μ4-O)} nodes (M = Co, Zn) as MOF-5 and other IRMOFs. The microporous networks [M4(μ4-O)(Me2pzCO2)3] (M = Co, Zn) with the short linker exhibit a solvent-induced gate effect, evidenced by gas desorption hysteresis due to small pore apertures of 2.8 Å diameter together with small amounts of high-boiling solvent remaining in the activated samples. For [Co4(μ4-O)(Me2pzCO2)3], the low-pressure H2 storage capacity (1.7 wt%, 1 bar , 77 K) is higher than for MOF-5, and the CO2 uptake of 20.8 wt% puts it among the top MOFs for low-pressure CO2 sorption even though the BET surface is less than 1000 m2 g−1. The analysis of the magnetic properties of [Co4(μ4-O)(Me2pzCO2)3] takes into account the distribution of tetrahedra resulting from the disorder of the pyrazolate–carboxylate linker. An antiferromagnetic coupling observed for [Co4(μ4-O)(Me2pzCO2)3] arises from the interactions of the cobalt(ii) ions through the combined μ4-O + syn–syn carboxylate and μ4-O + pyrazolate bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low melting compounds 3-fluoropyridine, 3,5-difluoropyridine,2,3,5-trifluoropyridine, and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoropyridine were crystallizedin situ on the diffractometer and analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Thecomparison with pentafluoropyridine shows a consecutive dependenceof the arrangement of pyridine molecules with the increasing fluorinesubstitution. Starting with the monosubstituted representative, thecrystal packing changes stepwise from herringbone packing to parallelarrangement of the molecules in the trifluorinated pyridine and thenswitches back to the edge-to-face form by the perfluorinated compound.To get a deeper insight into the aggregation behavior of the flourinatedpyridines, the crystal packing motives were also analyzed on the basisof ab initio quantum-chemical calculations of the intermolecular interactionenergy, using the MP2/6-311G(d,p) method. This approach allows theindication of energetically rich fragments in the crystal structures,called basic structural motifs, and the very weak attractive or ratherrepulsive nature of F···F interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of fluorine substituents on the crystallisation behaviour of pyridine was investigated by crystal structure determinations. The low melting compounds 2-fluoropyridine, 2,6-difluoropyridine and 2,4,6-trifluoropyridine were crystallised by in situ crystallisation directly on the single crystal X-ray diffractometer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Smart design and efficient synthesis of benzimidazole Ru, Ir and Rh cyclometalated complexes are reported with promising cytotoxic activity against HT29, T47D, A2780 and A2780cisR cancer cell lines. Their apoptosis, accumulation, cell cycle arrest, protein binding and DNA binding effects are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformation of tetra(4-cyanophenyl)ethylene under Lewis acidic (ZnCl2) conditions at 400 °C leads to the formation of a porous covalent triazine-based organic framework (CTF) with a high surface area (2235 m2 g−1), high CO2 and CH4 uptakes and the highest hydrogen uptake for a CTF material (1.86 wt% at 77 K, 1 bar). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mixed ligand silver(I) complexes of triphenylphosphine and heterocyclic thiones (imidazolidine-2-thione (Imt), diazinane-2-thione (Diaz) and 2-mercaptopyridine (Mpy)) having the general formulae [(Ph3P)Ag(thione)2]NO3 and [(Ph3P)2Ag(thione)]NO3 were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure of one of the complexes, [Ag(Ph3P)(Diaz)2]2(NO3)2 (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography. The title complex (1) is dinuclear, having each silver atom coordinated to three thione sulfur atoms of Diaz and to one phosphorus atom of PPh3 in a nearly tetrahedral environment, with an average P–Ag–S bond angle of 108.5°. The spectral data of the complexes are consistent with sulfur coordination of the thiones to silver(I). Antimicrobial activities of the complexes were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentrations and the results showed that the complexes exhibit a wide range of activity against two gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) and molds (A. niger, P. citrinum), while the activities were poor against yeasts (C. albicans, S. cerevisiae). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

α-Peptoids, or N-substituted glycine oligomers, are an important class of peptidomimetic foldamers with proteolytic stability. Nevertheless, the presence of cis/trans-amide bond conformers, which contribute to the high flexibility of α-peptoids, is considered as a major drawback. A modified peptoid backbone with an improved control of the amide bond geometry could therefore help to overcome this limitation. Herein, we have performed the first thorough analysis of the folding propensities of α-aminoxy peptoids (or N-substituted 2-aminoxyacetic acid oligomers). To this end, the amide bond geometry and the conformational properties of a series of model α-aminoxy peptoids were investigated by using 1D and 2D NMR experiments, X-ray crystallography, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealing a unique preference for cis-amide bonds even in the absence of cis-directing side chains. The conformational analysis based on the MD simulations revealed that α-aminoxy peptoids can adopt helical conformations that can mimic the spatial arrangement of peptide side chains in a canonical α-helix. Given their ease of synthesis and conformational properties, α-aminoxy peptoids represent a new member of the peptoid family capable of controlling the amide isomerism while maintaining the potential for side-chain diversity., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy is a versatile characterization technique that can provide a plethora of information complementary to single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Herein, we present an experimental and computational investigation of the relationship between the geometry of a halogen bond (XB) and the SSNMR chemical shifts of the non-quadrupolar nuclei either directly involved in the interaction ( 15 N) or covalently bonded to the halogen atom ( 13 C). We have prepared two series of X-bonded co-crystals based upon two different dipyridyl modules, and several halobenzenes and diiodoalkanes, as XB-donors. SCXRD structures of three novel co-crystals between 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, and 1,4-diiodobenzene, 1,6-diiodododecafluorohexane, and 1,8-diiodohexadecafluorooctane were obtained. For the first time, the change in the 15 N SSNMR chemical shifts upon XB formation is shown to experimentally correlate with the normalized distance parameter of the XB. The same overall trend is confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the chemical shifts. 13 C NQS experiments show a positive, linear correlation between the chemical shifts and the C-I elongation, which is an indirect probe of the strength of the XB. These correlations can be of general utility to estimate the strength of the XB occurring in diverse adducts by using affordable SSNMR analysis., (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Enantiopure bis[{(R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ(2)N,O}]nickel(ii) complexes {Ar = C6H5 ( or ), p-OMeC6H4 ( or ), and p-BrC6H4 ( or )} are synthesized from the reactions between (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldimine and nickel(ii) acetate. Circular-dichroism spectra and their density-functional theoretical simulation reveal the expected mirror image relationship between the enantiomeric pairs / and / in solution. CD spectra are dominated by the metal-centered Λ- or Δ-chirality of non-planar four-coordinated nickel, this latter being in turn dictated by the ligand chirality. Single crystal structure determination for and shows that there are two symmetry-independent molecules (A and B) in each asymmetric unit that give a Z' = 2 structure. Two asymmetric and chiral bidentate N^O-chelate Schiff base ligands coordinate to the nickel atom in a distorted square planar N2O2-coordination sphere. The conformational difference between the symmetry-independent molecules arises from the "up-or-down" folding of the naphthaldiminato ligand with respect to the coordination plane, which creates right- (P) or left-handed (M) helical conformations. Overall, the combination of ligand chirality, chirality at the metal and ligand folding gives rise to discrete metal helicates of preferred helicity in a selective way. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) show an oxidation wave at ca. 1.30 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2](+) couple, and a reduction wave at ca. -0.35 V for the [Ni(L)2]/[Ni(L)2](-) couple in acetonitrile.

Mixed-metal dicyanoargentate-bridged coordination polymers of Ag(i)-Mn(ii) have been prepared and their structure and magnetic properties were determined. Reaction of manganese(ii) chloride and potassium dicyanoargentate(i) with (X)(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)isonicotinohydrazide ligands (HL(1) X = Ph, HL(2) X = Me, HL(3) X = H) produced the coordination polymer 2D-[Mn(μ-L(1))(Cl)(μ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]n (), 1D-{[Mn(L(2))(Cl)(μ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]CH3OH}n () and [Mn(L(3))(Cl)(μ-NCAgCN)Mn0.5(CH3OH)]n () in good yields. Trinuclear {Mn(μ-L(1))Mn(μ-L(1))Mn} and [Ag(CN)2](-) building units form a two-dimensional slab in and 1D strands in . Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that despite the long distance among the high spin Mn(ii) ions [10.4676(12) Å and 10.522(1) Å, for and , respectively], weak antiferromagnetic coupling takes place through the long NC-Ag-CN bridge. The best fit parameters to the model led to the magnetic coupling constant of J = -0.1 and J = -0.47 cm(-1) for and , respectively. The photoluminescence behaviour of compounds and was studied. The spectrum of compound shows a broad emission centered at about 450 nm and two excitation maxima at 270 and 310 nm.

Bidentate enantiopure Schiff base ligands, (R or S)-N-1-(Ar)ethyl-2-oxo-1-naphthaldiminato-κ(2)N,O, diastereoselectively yield Δ/Λ-chiral four-coordinated, non-planar Cu(N^O)2 complexes [Ar = C6H5 R/S-L1, m-C6H4OMe R-L2, p-C6H4OMe R/S-L3, and p-C6H4Br R/S-L4]. Two N,O-chelate ligands coordinate to the copper(II) atom in distorted square-planar mode, and induce metal-centered Δ/Λ-chirality at the copper atom in the C2-symmetric complexes. In the solid state, the R-L1 (or R-L4) ligand chirality diastereoselectively induces a Λ-Cu configuration in Λ-Cu-R-L1 (or Λ-Cu-R-L4), the S-L1 ligand a Δ-Cu configuration in Δ-Cu-S-L1, forming enantiopure crystals upon crystallization. Conversely, the R-L2 ligand combines both Λ/Δ-Cu-R-L2 as a diastereomeric pair in the crystals. In solution, electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra show full or partial diastereoselectivity towards Λ-Cu for R ligands and towards Δ-Cu for S ligands. The electronic CD spectra measured on all complexes obtained from R ligands (or S ligands), e.g. Cu-R-L1, Cu-R-L2, Cu-R-L3, and Cu-R-L4 (or Cu-S-L1, Cu-S-L3, and Cu-S-L4), show consistent spectral features. TDDFT calculations of the electronic CD spectra for the diastereomers Λ-Cu-R-L1 and Δ-Cu-R-L1 suggest that the CD spectra are largely dominated by the configuration at the metal center (Λ vs. Δ). The experimental CD spectrum of Cu-R-L1 agrees well with the one calculated for the Λ-Cu-R-L1 configuration. Cyclic voltammetry of Cu-R-L1 reveals a quasi-reversible redox wave corresponding to one-electron transfer for the [Cu(II)L2](0)/[Cu(I)L2](-1) couple in acetonitrile. DSC analyses for the complexes show an exothermic peak between 377 and 478 K (ΔH = -12 to -43 kJ mol(-1)), corresponding to a phase transformation from distorted square-planar/tetrahedral to regular tetrahedral geometry on heating.

By combining organometallic groups and peptides, a large number of conjugates with interesting new biological properties can be prepared. Especially, attachment to cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) that act as efficient cell delivery vehicles has come to the fore. However, the presence of the metal moiety in such systems can interfere with standard conjugate synthesis procedures which therefore need to be optimized for every new compound. In this work, we report on the preparation of six new cymantrene-sC18 peptide bioconjugates that were prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) techniques. The cymantrene complexes were chosen for their different linker to the peptide, to study the influence of the linker group on cellular uptake and cell viability of the conjugates. Interestingly, the attachment of the metal complex leads to a non-standard cleavage of the Rink amide linker used in the SPPS protocol under trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) treatment, resulting in peptide amides that are N-alkylated at the C-terminus. Furthermore, we found that depending on the type of cymantrene moiety attached, the formation of reactive carbocations which result from decomposition of the resin linker is facilitated and can alkylate the metal complex moiety. Both effects were analyzed by MS/MS studies and cleavage mixtures for efficient elimination of this byproduct formation were identified. Moreover, initial biological testing of the cytotoxicity of one of the bioconjugates gave promising results. Concentration-dependent cell viability studies of Cym1-sC18 on human MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells gave an IC(50) value of 59.8 (+/- 6.7) microM and demonstrate their potential in anticancer chemotherapy.

We report the synthesis of new NHC gold(I) and NHC gold(III) halide, amino acid and dipeptide complexes. Transmetallation of the N-phenylalanine-substituted NHC silver complex 3 with Me2SAuCl yields the phenylalanine-NHC gold(I) conjugate 4a. Halide exchange with LiBr and oxidation of 4a with Br2 in CH2Cl2 yields the phenylalanine-NHC Au(I) and Au(III) bromides 4b and 4c, respectively. Reaction of N-Boc protected cysteine methyl ester (Boc-Cys-OMe) or the dipeptide N-Boc-Leu-Cys-OMe with the NHC gold chloride 6a yields the (NHC)Au-S complexed amino acid and dipeptide derivatives 8 and 9. The NHC gold(III) complexes 4c and 6c were characterised by single crystal X-ray analysis. All of the tested gold carbene complexes showed significant anti-tumor activity on the HeLa, HepG2 and HT-29 cancer cell lines. The best compounds show activity comparable to the well-known anti-cancer drug cisplatin. There seems to be no clear cut structure-activity relationship in the compounds tested, nor did we observe a dependence on the metal oxidation state or the different halide substituents. Given the ease of preparation, stability and high activity of the compounds described herein, it may be possible to design tumor-specific anti-cancer agents based on NHC gold amino acid conjugates in the future.