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[Abstract] We present a quantitative analysis of the thermodynamic stabilities of Mn(II) complexes, defined by the equilibrium constants (log KMnL values) and the values of pMn obtained as −log[Mn]free for total metal and ligand concentrations of 1 and 10 μM, respectively. We used structural descriptors to analyze the contributions to complex stability of different structural motifs in a quantitative way. The experimental log KMnL and pMn values can be predicted to a good accuracy by adding the contributions of the different motifs present in the ligand structure. This allowed for the identification of features that provide larger contributions to complex stability, which will be very helpful for the design of efficient chelators for Mn(II) complexation. This issue is particularly important to develop Mn(II) complexes for medical applications, for instance, as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. The analysis performed here also indicates that coordination number eight is more common for Mn(II) than is generally assumed, with the highest log KMnL values generally observed for hepta- and octadentate ligands. The X-ray crystal structure of [Mn2(DOTA)(H2O)2], in which eight-coordinate [Mn(DOTA)]2– units are bridged by six-coordinate exocyclic Mn(II) ions, is also reported. C.P.-I. and D.E.-G. (PID2019-104626GB-I00) and A.R.-R. (Grant PID2019-108352RJ-I00) thank Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Xunta de Galicia (Grant ED431B 2020/52) for generous financial support. R.U.-V. thanks the Xunta de Galicia (Grant ED481A-2018/314) for funding her Ph.D. contract. L.V is indebted to CACTI (Universidade de Vigo) for X-Ray measurements. P.C. acknowledges funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK121789) Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2020/52 Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/314 Estados Unidos de América. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; R01DK121789

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.

The discovery of the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and its link with the

The wide range of optical and magnetic properties of lanthanide(III) ions is associated with their intricate electronic structures which, in contrast to lighter elements, is characterized by strong relativistic effects and spin-orbit coupling. Nevertheless, computational methods are now capable of describing the ladder of electronic energy levels of the simpler trivalent lanthanide ions, as well as the lowest energy term of most of the series. The electronic energy levels result from electron configurations that are first split by spin-orbit coupling into groups of energy levels denoted by the corresponding Russell-Saunders terms. Each of these groups are then split by the ligand field into the actual electronic energy levels known as microstates or sometimes mJ levels. The ligand-field splitting directly informs on the coordination geometry and is a valuable tool for determining the structure and thus correlating the structure and properties of metal complexes in solution. The issue with lanthanide complexes is that the determination of complex structures from ligand-field splitting remains a very challenging task. In this paper, the optical spectra-absorption, luminescence excitation, and luminescence emission-of ytterbium(III) solvates were recorded in water, methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The electronic energy levels, that is, the microstates, were resolved experimentally. Subsequently, density functional theory calculations were used to model the structures of the solvates, and ab initio relativistic complete active space self-consistent field calculations (CASSCF) were employed to obtain the microstates of the possible structures of each solvate. By comparing the experimental and theoretical data, it was possible to determine both the coordination number and solution structure of each solvate. In water, methanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide, the solvates were found to be eight-coordinated and have a square antiprismatic coordination geometry. In DMSO, the speciation was found to be more complicated. The robust methodology developed for comparing experimental spectra and computational results allows the solution structures of homoleptic lanthanide complexes to be determined.

We present two ligands containing a N-ethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide group attached to either a 6,6'-(azanediylbis(methylene))dipicolinic acid unit (H3DPASAm) or a 2,2'-(1,4,7-triazonane-1,4-diyl)diacetic acid macrocyclic platform (H3NO2ASAm). These ligands were designed to provide a pH-dependent relaxivity response upon complexation with Mn2+ in aqueous solution. The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the Mn2+ complexes were determined using potentiometric titrations complemented by spectrophotometric experiments. The deprotonations of the sulfonamide groups of the ligands are characterized by protonation constants of log KiH = 10.36 and 10.59 for DPASAm3- and HNO2ASAm2-, respectively. These values decrease dramatically to log KiH = 6.43 and 5.42 in the presence of Mn2+, because of the coordination of the negatively charged sulfonamide groups to the metal ion. The higher log KiH value in [Mn(DPASAm)]- is related to the formation of a seven-coordinate complex, while the metal ion in [Mn(NO2ASAm)]- is six-coordinated. The X-ray crystal structure of Na[Mn(DPASAm)(H2O)]·2H2O confirms the formation of a seven-coordinate complex, where the coordination environment is fulfilled by the donor atoms of the two picolinate groups, the amine N atom, the N atom of the sulfonamide group, and a coordinated water molecule. The lower conditional stability of the [Mn(NO2ASAm)]- complex and the lower protonation constant of the sulfonamide group results in complex dissociation at relatively high pH (

We report the synthesis and characterization of the macrocyclic ligand 2,2'-((2-(3,9-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,6,9-triaza-1(2,6)-pyridinacyclodecaphane-6-yl)ethyl)azanediyl)diacetic acid (H4L) and several of its complexes with lanthanide ions. The structure of the free ligand was determined using X-ray diffraction measurements. Two N atoms of the pyclen moiety in the trans position are protonated in the solid state, together with the exocyclic N atom and one of the carboxylate groups of the ligand. The relaxivity of the Gd3+ complex was found to increase from 6.7 mM-1 s-1 at pH 8.6 to 8.5 mM-1 s-1 below pH ≈ 6.0. Luminescence lifetime measurements recorded from H2O and D2O solutions of the Eu3+ complex evidence the presence of a single complex species in solution at low pH (∼5.0) that contains two inner-sphere water molecules. DFT calculations suggest that the coordination environment of the Ln3+ ion is fulfilled by the four N atoms of the pyclen unit, two oxygen atoms of the macrocyclic acetate groups, and an oxygen atom of an exocyclic carboxylate group. The two inner-sphere water molecules complete coordination number nine around the metal ion. At high pH (∼9.3), the lifetime of the excited 5D0 level of Eu3+ displays a biexponential behavior that can be attributed to the presence of two species in solution with hydration numbers of q = 0 and q = 1. The 1H NMR and DOSY spectra recorded from solutions of the Eu3+ and Y3+ complexes reveal a structural change triggered by pH and the formation of small aggregates at high pH values.

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; 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.

The nature of the axial ligand coordinated to the Yb3+ ion in [Yb(DOTAM)]3+ has profound consequences in the magnetic anisotropy and optical properties of the complex, as evidenced by 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies. The pseudocontact shifts of 1H nuclei and the 2F5/2 ← 2F7/2 absorption band were found to be very sensitive to the nature of the axial ligand (MeOH, H2O, MeOH, or F-). The energy levels of the 2F5/2 and 2F7/2 manifolds in [Yb(DOTAM)(X)]3+ (X = MeOH, H2O, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) and [Yb(DOTAM)F]2+ complexes were assigned from the analysis of the optical spectra and ab initio calculations based on CASSCF wave functions that considered dynamic correlation through perturbation theory (NEVPT2) and spin-orbit coupling effects. The magnetic anisotropies obtained with ab initio calculations are in good agreement with the experimental values derived from 1H NMR spectral data, though for the [Yb(DOTAM)(H2O)]3+ and [Yb(DOTAM)F]2+ complexes, the explicit inclusion of a few second-sphere water molecules is required to improve the calculated data. Crystal-field calculations show that the observed pseudocontact shifts do not correlate well with the crystal-field parameter B20, as predicted by Bleaney's theory. The change in the sign of the magnetic anisotropy from prolate (X = MeOH, H2O, or DMSO) to oblate in [Yb(DOTAM)F]2+ is related to the relative energies of the 4fz3 orbital and the 4fx3/4fy3 pair, which are affected by the coordination ability of the axial ligand.

We present a detailed study of the lanthanide(III) complexes with cyclen-based ligands containing phenylacetamide pendants that incorporate CF3 group(s) at different distances from the metal ion. The complexes exhibit square-antiprismatic coordination in solution, as demonstrated by analysis of the Yb3+-induced paramagnetic shifts and the X-ray structure of the [YbL3] complex. Luminescence lifetime measurements and a detailed 1H and 17O relaxometric characterization confirmed the presence of an inner-sphere H2O molecule. The Tm3+ complexes provide chemical-exchange saturation-transfer response upon saturation at the frequency of the amide protons. A 19F relaxation study provided accurate estimates of the Ln···F distances that were used to rationalize the efficiency of the complexes as 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes, which was tested in vitro using MRI phantom studies.

The absorption and emission spectra of three Yb3+ complexes possessing D3, D2, and C2 symmetries were analyzed with the aid of ab initio calculations based on Complete Active Space (CAS) self-consistent field wave functions (CAS(13,7)). The absorption spectra present contributions from both cold and hot bands, involving thermally populated excited sublevels of the 2F7/2 manifold. The high-resolution emission spectrum of the tris-picolinate complex [Yb(DPA)3]3- recorded at 77 K presents four components, while the complexes with macrocyclic ligands show both cold and hot emission bands, resulting in more than four components for the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition. The combined information provided by the absorption and emission spectra allowed to identify most of the crystal field sublevels of the 2F5/2 and 2F7/2 states. The energies of these crystal field components are well-reproduced by the ab initio calculations, with deviations typically lower than 100 cm-1. The crystal field splitting is very sensitive to subtle changes of the Yb3+ coordination environment. The magnetic anisotropy of [Yb(DPA)3]3- obtained with ab initio calculations was found to be extremely sensitive to changes in the twist angle of the upper and lower faces of the tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination polyhedron. Ab initio ligand field theory provides a straightforward chemical justification for the changes in magnetic anisotropy, which are responsible for the observed pseudocontact shifts in the NMR spectra.

Two macrocyclic triamide octadentate chelator scaffolds L1 and L2 were synthesized, characterized by several spectroscopic techniques, and their pKa values were determined by potentiometric titration. Using these ligands, two water soluble paramagnetic Eu(III) complexes, [EuL1(OH2)](NO3)3·H2O (EuL1) and [EuL2(OH2)](NO3)3·H2O (EuL2) were synthesized and characterized in the solid state and in solution. Single crystal X ray diffraction measurement of [EuL1(OH2)](NO3)3.H2O (EuL1) reveals octadentate binding of the ligand to Eu(III) and ninth coordination being completed by an oxygen atom of a solvent molecule (H2O). X-ray diffraction data of [EuL2(OH2)](NO3)3·H2O (EuL2) were severely disordered and hence its chloride analogue [EuL2(DMF)]Cl3·H2OMeOH (EuL2-Cl) was synthesized and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. The crystal data of [EuL2(DMF)](Cl)3·H2OMeOH (EuL2-Cl) reveal octadentate binding of the ligand to Eu(III), with the ninth coordination being completed by an oxygen atom of a solvent molecule (DMF). Luminescence measurements confirm the presence of a water molecule coordinated to Eu(III) in aqueous solution. The stability of the Eu(III) complexes was investigated using spectrophotometric molar ratio method. Cyclic voltammetry studies obtained from aqueous solutions of the Eu(III) complexes show reversible one electron reduction processes at the glassy carbon electrode with E1/2 = −0.799 V and −0.777 V (versus Ag/AgCl) for the complexes of L1 and L2. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.

We report a detailed investigation of the coordination properties of macrocyclic lanthanide complexes containing a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane scaffold functionalized with four acetamide pendant arms. The X-ray structures of the complexes with the large Ln3+ ions (La and Sm) display 12- and 10-coordinated metal ions, where the coordination sphere is fulfilled by the six N atoms of the macrocycle, the four O atoms of the acetamide pendants, and a bidentate nitrate anion in the La3+ complex. The analogous Yb3+ complex presents, however, a 9-coordinated metal ion because one of the acetamide pendant arms remains uncoordinated. 1H NMR studies indicate that the 10-coordinated form is present in solution throughout the lanthanide series from La to Tb, while the smaller lanthanides form 9-coordinated species. 1H and 89Y NMR studies confirm the presence of this structural change because the two species are present in solution. Analysis of the 1H chemical shifts observed for the Tb3+ complex confirms its D2 symmetry in aqueous solution and evidences a highly rhombic magnetic susceptibility tensor. The acetamide resonances of the Pr3+ and Tb3+ complexes provided sizable paraCEST effects, as demonstrated by the corresponding Z-spectra recorded at different temperatures and studies on tube phantoms recorded at 22 °C. Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG China Scholarship Council Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. CTQ2011-24487 Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2019-104626GB-I00

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.

[Abstract] Typically, Ln(III) complexes are isostructural along the series, which enables studying one particular metal chelate to derive the structural features of the others. This is not the case for [Ln(AAZTA)(H2O)x]− (x = 1, 2) systems, where structural variations along the series cause changes in the hydration number of the different metal complexes, and in particular the loss of one of the two metal-coordinated water molecules between Ho and Er. Herein, we present a 1H field-cycling relaxometry and 17O NMR study that enables accessing the different exchange dynamics processes involving the two water molecules bound to the metal center in the [Gd(AAZTA)(H2O)2]− complex. The resulting picture shows one Gd-bound water molecule with an exchange rate ∼6 times faster than that of the other, due to a longer metal–water distance, in accordance with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The substitution of the more labile water molecule with a fluoride anion in a diamagnetic-isostructural analogue of the Gd-complex, [Y(AAZTA)(H2O)2]−, allows us to follow the chemical exchange process by high-resolution NMR and to describe its thermodynamic behavior. Taken together, the variety of tools offered by NMR (including high-resolution 1H, 19F NMR as a function of temperature, 1H longitudinal relaxation rates vs B0, and 17O transverse relaxation rates vs T) provides a complete description of the structure and exchange dynamics of these Ln-complexes along the series. This research was supported by the Università del Piemonte Orientale (Ricerca locale FAR2019). F.C., L.T., and M.B. acknowledge the financial support from the Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (PRIN 2017A2KEPL project “Rationally designed nanogels embedding paramagnetic ions as MRI probes”). This work was carried out within the framework of the COST CA15209 Action “European Network on NMR Relaxometry” Italia. Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca; PRIN-2017A2KEPL

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as very important tool in biomedical research and is an essential diagnostic method in clinical radiology today. Lately, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) has become a very attractive alternative to the classical MRI methodologies. CEST uses a unique operating mechanism to generate contrast and possesses great potential for functional imaging investigations, especially in combination with diamagnetic and paramagnetic (dia- and paraCEST, respectively) contrast agents. However, CEST is governed by a combination of several parameters that together influence the overall intensity of observed CEST effect. The understanding of the physics of CEST has advanced significantly to provide a reliable assessment on contribution of individual parameters important for generation of a CEST signal. Nevertheless, there seem to be a missing link between the above mentioned theory and its practical application, especially in the development of new probes. This review article provides background information on CEST and paraCEST, analyzing the importance of the main physical parameters, such as exchange rate, saturation power and time, or paramagnetic shift and relaxation times. We describe the different types of paramagnetic complexes based on lanthanide or transition metal ions, and discuss their properties in the context of potential CEST application.

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.

International audience; We report the synthesis of two pyclen-based regioisomer ligands (pyclen = 3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene) functionalized with picolinic acid pendant arms either at positions 3,9-pc2pa (L5) or 3,6-pc2pa (L6) of the macrocyclic fragment. The ligands were prepared by the regiospecific protection of one of the amine nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle using Boc and Alloc protecting groups, respectively. The X-ray structure of the Gd(III) complex of L5 contains trinuclear [(GdL5)3(H2O)3]3+ entities in which the monomeric units are joined by μ2-η1:η1-carboxylate groups. However, the 1H and 89Y NMR spectra of its Y(III) analogue support the formation of monomeric complexes in solution. The Tb(III) complexes are highly luminescent, with emission quantum yields of up to 28% for [TbL5]+. The luminescence lifetimes recorded in H2O and D2O solutions indicate the presence of a water molecule coordinated to the metal ion, as also evidenced by the 1H relaxivities measured for the Gd(III) analogues. The Gd(III) complexes present very different exchange rates of the coordinated water molecule (kex298 = 87.1 × 106 and 1.06 × 106 s–1 for [GdL5]+ and [GdL6]+, respectively). The very high water exchange rate of [GdL5]+ is associated with the steric hindrance originating from the coordination of the ligand around the water binding site, which favors a dissociatively activated water exchange process. The Gd(III) complexes present rather high thermodynamic stabilities (log KGdL = 20.47 and 19.77 for [GdL5]+ and [GdL6]+, respectively). Furthermore, these complexes are remarkably inert with respect to their acid-assisted dissociation, in particular the complex of L5.

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, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showed the very high stability constants of the Tb3+ and Lu3+ complexes, associated with remarkable kinetic inertness for up to 30 days in 1 M HCl. 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.

Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an indispensable tool for diagnostic medicine. However, safety concerns related to gadolinium in commercial MRI contrast agents have emerged in recent years. For patients suffering from severe renal impairment, there is an important unmet medical need to perform contrast enhanced MRI without gadolinium. There are also concerns over the long-term effects of retained gadolinium within the general patient population. Demand for gadolinium-free MRI contrast agents is driving a new wave of inorganic chemistry innovation as researchers explore paramagnetic transition metal complexes as potential alternatives. Furthermore, advances in personalized care making use of molecular level information have motivated inorganic chemists to develop MRI contrast agents that can detect pathologic changes at the molecular level. Recent studies have highlighted how reaction-based modulation of transition metal paramagnetism offers a highly effective mechanism to achieve MRI contrast enhancement that is specific to biochemical processes. This Viewpoint article highlights how recent advances in transition metal chemistry are leading the way for a new generation of MRI contrast agents.

International audience; We present here the synthesis of two new bifunctionalized azachelators, no2th-EtBzNCS and Hno2th1tha, as bioconjugable analogues of two previously described di- and trimethylthiazolyl 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) ligands, no2th and no3th, for potential uses in copper-64 (64Cu) positron emission tomography imaging. The first one bears an isothiocyanate group on the remaining free nitrogen atom of the tacn framework, while the second one presents an additional carboxylic function on one of the three heterocyclic pendants. Their syntheses required regiospecific N-functionalization of the macrocycles. In order to investigate their suitability for in vivo applications, a complete study of their copper(II) chelation was performed. The acid–base properties of the ligands and their thermodynamic stability constants with copper(II) and zinc(II) cations were determined using potentiometric techniques. Structural studies were conducted in both solution and the solid state, consolidated by theoretical calculations. The kinetic inertness in an acidic medium of both copper(II) complexes was determined by spectrophotometry, while cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed to evaluate the stability at the copper(I) redox state. UV–vis, NMR (of the zinc complexes), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory studies showed excellent agreement between the solution structures of the complexes and their crystallographic data. These investigations unambiguously prove that these bifunctional derivatives display similar coordination properties as their no2th and no3th counterparts, opening the door to targeted bioapplications. The no2th-EtBzNCS and Hno2th1tha ligands were then conjugated to a bombesin antagonist peptide for targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPr). To highlight the potential of the two chelators for radiopharmaceutical development, the 64Cu-radiolabeling properties, in vitro stability, and binding affinity to GRPr of the corresponding bioconjugates were determined. Altogether, the results of this work warrant the further development of 64Cu-based radiopharmaceuticals comprising our novel bifunctional chelators.

This contribution describes the use of Fast Field-cycling relaxometry (FFC-NMR) for the characterisation of Gd(III)- and Mn(II)-based contrast agents for MRI. Through a series of selected examples,...

We present a novel family of polyhalide salts of Bi(III) with the general formula [Dim]2[Bi2X10], where Dim2+ is the diimidazolium cation (C9H14N4)2+ and X is Cl–, Br–, or I–. Single-phase materials are easily obtained by means of a mild solution chemistry method performed at room temperature. This [Dim]2[Bi2X10] family exhibits a crystal structure based on halobismuthate [Bi2X10]4– dimers, built by distorted {BiX6} octahedra interconnected by edge sharing, and sandwiched between two diimidazolium cations. The optical band gaps displayed by these materials (1.9–3.2 eV) allow their classification as semiconductors. Additionally, the three halides display photoluminescence with emission in the visible range. The behavior of [Dim]2[Bi2I10] is particularly interesting, as it shows an optical band gap of 1.9 eV, a broad band photoluminescence emission, and a relatively long emission lifetime of 190 ns. Moreover, the iodide and bromide compounds also exhibit a reversible solid state thermochromism, being the fi...

Two new β-carboline-based tris(biaryl) europium cryptates are introduced. The extended antenna moiety incorporated into the cryptand frameworks enables the sensitization of europium emission with excitation wavelengths well above 450 nm. In aqueous solution, the cryptates show great complex stability, luminescence lifetimes around 0.5 ms, and absolute quantum yields of ca. 3%. In addition, the europium luminescence shows a well-defined pH-dependence in the physiologically interesting pH range 7-9.

International audience; The triethylbenzene-bis-cyclen (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) compound (tbmce) was designed with an imposed structural rigidity at the m-xylyl spacer to be compared to a less restrained and known parent compound (bmce). The framework of both compounds differs only in the substituents of the m-xylyl spacer. The study was centered in the differences observed in the acid–base reactions of both compounds, their copper(II) and zinc(II) complexation behaviors, as well as in the uptake of phosphate and polyphosphate anions (HPPi3–, ATP4–, ADP3–, AMP2–, PhPO42–, and HPO42–). On the one hand, the acid–base reactions showed lower values for the third and fourth protonation constants of tbmce than for bmce, suggesting that the ethyl groups of the spacer in tbmce force the two cyclen units to more conformational restricted positions. On the other hand, the stability constant values for copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes revealed that bmce is a better chelator than tbmce pointing out to additional conformational restraints imposed by the triethylbenzene spacer. The binding studies of phosphates by the dinuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes showed much smaller effective association constants for the dicopper complexes. Single-crystal X-ray and computational (density functional theory) studies suggest that anion binding promotes the formation of tetranuclear entities in which anions are bridging the metal centers. Our studies also revealed the dinuclear zinc(II) complex of bmce as a promising receptor for phosphate anions, with the largest effective association constant of 5.94 log units being observed for the formation of [Zn2bmce(HPPi)]+. Accordingly, a colorimetric study via an indicator displacement assay to detect phosphates in aqueous solution found that the [Zn2bmce]4+ complex acts as the best receptor for pyrophosphate displaying a detection limit of 2.5 nM by changes visible to naked eye.

Equilibrium, kinetic (solvent exchange and dissociation of the complex) and relaxometric studies (1H and 17O NMR) have been performed with the [M(II)(c-cdta)]2− complexes (c-cdta = cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, M(II) = Mn(II), Zn(II), Cu(II),Ca(II), Mg(II)) and the physico-chemical data are compared to the isomeric complexes with trans-1,2-cdta (t-cdta) with the aim of searching appropriate ligands for Mn(II) complexation for safe MRI contrast agents. The total basicity (Σ log KiH) of the c-cdta ligand appears to be very similar to that of the trans-derivative under the conditions applied (I = 0.15 M NaCl and 25 °C), but the first two protonation constants notably differ. log K1H is 1.5 log units higher, while the log K2H is 0.8 log units lower than those determined for the trans-derivative. Similar basicity of the ligands results in similar complex stability (log K[Mn(L)] values are 14.19(2) and 14.32), whereas the conditional stabilities near to physiological pH are different (pMn values are 7.82 and 8.68) for the [Mn(c-cdta)]2− and the [Mn(t-cdta)]2− derivatives, respectively. Dissociation kinetic studies revealed that the [Mn(c-cdta)]2− dissociates 250 times faster than the [Mn(t-cdta)]2− complex. The water exchange rate (kex298) of [Mn(c-cdta)]2− is ca. 60% higher than that of [Mn(t-cdta)]2−. The differences can likely be attributed to the different distances between the individual donor atoms, and the arrangement of the donor atoms around the metal ions in the cis- and trans- isomers. Interestingly, the relaxivity values of the Mn(II) complexes are very close (r1p = 3.79 mM−1 s−1 and 3.62 mM−1 s−1; 20 MHz, 25 °C for the cis- and trans-isomers, respectively). DFT calculations were used to gain insight into the different properties of the [Mn(c-cdta)]2− and the [Mn(t-cdta)]2− complexes. The results gained in our studies confirm that the trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine “building block” displays better features for further ligand development.

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.

[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] We report two macrocyclic ligands based on a 1,7-diaza-12-crown-4 platform functionalized with acetate (𝑡O2DO2A²⁻) or piperidineacetamide (𝑡O2DO2AMᴾⁱᵖ) pendant arms and a detailed characterization of the correspondingMn(II) complexes. The X-ray structure of [Mn(𝑡O2DO2A)(H₂O)]∙.2H₂O shows that the metal ion is coordinated by six donor atoms of the macrocyclic ligand and one water molecule, to result in seven-coordination. The Cu(II) analogue presents a distorted octahedral coordination environment. The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the complexes formed with Mn(II) and other biologically relevant metal ions (Mg(II), Ca(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) were determined using potentiometric titrations (∕ = 0.15 M NaCl, T = 25 ºC). The conditional stabilities of Mn(II) complexes at pH 7.4 are comparable to those reported for the cyclen-based 𝑡DO2A²⁻ ligand. The dissociation of the Mn(II) chelates were investigated by evaluating the rate constants of metal exchange reactions with Cu(II) under acidic conditions (∕ = 0.15MNaCl, T = 25 ºC). Dissociation of the [Mn(𝑡O2DO2A)(H₂O)] complex occurs through both proton- and metal-assisted pathways, while the [Mn(𝑡O2DO2AMᴾⁱᵖ)(H₂O)] analogue dissociates through spontaneous and proton-assisted mechanisms. The Mn(II) complex of 𝑡O2DO2A²⁻ is remarkably inert with respect to its dissociation, while the amide analogue is significantly more labile. The presence of a water molecule coordinated to Mn(II) imparts relatively high relaxivities to the complexes. The parameters determining this key property were investigated using ¹⁷O NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) transverse relaxation rates and ¹H nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles. This research was funded by Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Projects NKFIH K-120224 and 134694); Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2016-76756-P) and Xunta de Galicia (ED431B 2020/52) Hungarian Scientific Research; NKFIH K-120224 Hungarian Scientific Research; NKFIH K-134694 Xunta de Galicia; ED431B 2020/52

[Abstract] The solution dynamics of the Eu(III) complexes of H4dota (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetracarboxylic acid) and H5do3ap (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1-methylphosphonic acid, bound in both monoprotonated and fully deprotonated forms) were investigated by using a combination of NMR measurements and DFT calculations. In solution, an equilibrium between the square antiprismatic (SAP) and twisted-square antiprismatic isomers (TSAP) of these complexes is present. These two isomers interconvert by rotation of the pendant arms or inversion of the cyclen chelate rings. 1D EXSY NMR spectra were used to determine these exchange rates with unprecedented accuracy. It was found that the two processes occur at different rates. Additional variable-temperature measurements allowed determination of the corresponding activation parameters for the two processes. DFT calculations were then used to obtain mechanistic information at the molecular level. The results show that the cyclen inversion pathway involves stepwise inversion of the four chelate rings formed upon metal ion coordination. However, the arm rotation process may operate through a synchronous rotation of the pendant arms or a stepwise mechanism depending on the system. A mixed cluster-continuum approach was required to improve the agreement between experimental and calculated activation parameters for the arm rotation process. The obtained results will aid the design of MRI contrast agents. Furthermore, the methodology developed in this work can be further applied for the investigation of other dynamic paramagnetic systems, e.g. peptides with Ln(III) probes or natively paramagnetic metalloproteins. Czech Science Foundation; 16-03156S Charles University; 1076016 Czech Republic. Ministry of Education; LTC 170607 Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P

[Abstract] The zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters of the [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)]2–·2H2O and [Mn(MeNO2A)(H2O)]·2H2O systems were estimated by using DFT and ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations (EDTA = 2,2′,2″,2‴-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanetriyl))tetraacetate; MeNO2A = 2,2′-(7-methyl-1,4,7-triazonane-1,4-diyl)diacetate). Subsequent molecular dynamics calculations performed within the atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) approach provided access to the transient and static ZFS parameters, as well as to the correlation time of the transient ZFS. The calculated ZFS parameters present a reasonable agreement with the experimental values obtained from the analysis of 1H relaxation data. The correlation times calculated for the two systems investigated turned out to be very short (τc ∼ 0.02–0.05 ps), which shows that the transient ZFS is modulated by molecular vibrations. On the contrary, the static ZFS is modulated by the rotation of the complexes in solution, which for the small complexes investigated here is characterized by rotational correlation times of τR ∼ 35–60 ps. As a result, electron spin relaxation in small Mn2+complexes is dominated by the static ZFS. España. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P España. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2015-71211-REDT

International audience; The Y3+ complex of PCTMB, the tri-n-butyl phosphonate ester of pyclen (3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene), was synthesized as well as its Ho3+ and Lu3+ analogues. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed isomorphous dimeric M2(PCTMB)2·9H2O (M = Y, Ho, Lu) structures that crystallize in the centrosymmetric P1 triclinic space group. 1H NMR and UV studies in aqueous solutions indicated that Y3+ complexation is fast, being quantitative in 167 min at pH 3.8 and in 13 min at pH 5.5 (25 °C, acetate buffer, I = 0.150 M, [Y3+] = [PCTMB] = 0.2 mM). 1H NMR DOSY and photon correlation spectroscopy experiments evidenced the formation of aggregates in chloroform with a bimodal distribution that changes slightly with concentration (11-24 and 240-258 nm). The behavior of the acid-assisted dissociation of the complex of Y3+ with PCTMB was studied under pseudo-first-order conditions, and the half-life of the [Y(PCTMB)] complex in 0.5 M HCl at 25 °C was found to be 37 min, a value that decreases to 2.6 min in 5 M HCl. The Y3+ complex of PCTMB is thermodynamically very stable, with a stability constant of log KY-PCTMB = 19.49 and pY = 16.7 measured by potentiometry. 90Y complexation studies revealed fast radiolabeling kinetics; optimal radiolabeling conditions were obtained for 90Y in acetate medium, PCTMB at 10-4 to 10-2 M in acetate buffer pH = 4.75, 15 min at 45-60 °C. In vitro stability studies in human serum showed that [90Y(PCTMB)] is quite stable, with about 90% of the activity still in the form of the radiotracer at 24 h and 80% from 48 h to 72 h. A comparison with other ligands such as PCTA, DOTA, and DTPA already used for in vivo application shows that [90Y(PCTMB)] is an interesting lipophilic and neutral analogue of these reference chelates for therapeutic applications in aqueous and nonaqueous media. © 2016 American Chemical Society.

The most feasible complexes formed between dipicolinic acid and hydrated Fe 2+ cation (namely, [FeL(H 2 O) 3 ] and [FeL 2 ]) have been modeled using density functional theory. A comparison among several computational levels of theory and available X-ray data showed that the B3LYP/6-311G(d) computational level provides accurate geometrical parameters for geometry optimization of complexes. The energetics and thermochemistry of complexation reactions in the gas phase and solvated medium (PCM) were evaluated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d) and B3LYP/6-311++G(2df,pd)//B3LYP/6-311G(d) levels of theory. The calculated thermochemistry data exhibited high complexation energies for both complexes and decreasing in the exothermicity of complexation reactions when PCM model was included in the calculations. The calculated free energy changes of complexation reactions pointed to spontaneous procedures. Detailed analysis of energy levels and major composition of selected frontier orbitals were performed and the results suggested the higher stability for the [FeL(H 2 O) 3 ] system than for [FeL 2 ]. Based on QTAIM, several bond-indexes such as electron density at the bond critical points, the Laplacian of the electron density, ellipticity and the total energy density were utilized to analyze chemical bonding in these complexes. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was carried out to provide more precise insight on the interactions and nature of the bonds established between the ligand and the metal ion.

[Abstract] We report a complete set of magnetic susceptibilities of lanthanide complexes with a macrocyclic ligand based on a 3,6,10,13-tetraaza-1,8(2,6)-dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing four hydroxyethyl pendant arms (L1). The [LnL1]3+ complexes are isostructural along the lanthanide series from Ce3+ to Yb3+, with the only structural change observed along the series being the monotonous shortening of the Ln–donor distances due to lanthanide contraction. The 1H NMR spectra point to a D2 symmetry of the [LnL1]3+ complexes in aqueous solution, which provides a unique opportunity for analysis of the rhombic magnetic anisotropies with an unequivocal location of the magnetic axes. The contact contributions for the observed paramagnetic shifts have been estimated with density functional theory calculations on the [GdL1]3+ complex. Subsequently, the pseudocontact shifts could be factored out, thereby giving access to the axial and rhombic contributions of the magnetic susceptibility tensor. Our results show that the calculated magnetic anisotropies do not follow the trends predicted by Bleaney’s theory, particularly in the case of Ho3+ and Er3+ complexes. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; CTQ2013-43243-P Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; CTQ2011-24487

EuDOTA-tetraamide complexes as paraCEST agents offer an attractive platform for designing biological sensors and responsive agents. The early versions of these agents showed low sensitivity at temperature and power levels suitable for in vivo applications partly due to non-optimal water exchange rates. Here we report two new EuDOTA derivatives having glutamyl-phosphonate side arms that display the slowest water exchange rates of any other paraCEST agent reported so far. The advantages of such systems are demonstrated experimentally both in vitro and in vivo and DFT calculations were performed to help understand the physical-chemical reasons for this interesting behavior.

We present herein the efficient palladium(II)-directed self-assembly in water of a series of nine new diversely functionalized metallacycles, owning hydroxy/alkoxycarbonyl/azidoalkyl exo pendant groups attached to ditopic N-monoalkyl/aryl-4,4'-bipyridinium/2,7-diazapyrenium ligands. The highly convergent and versatile synthetic route for the ligands uses the Zincke reaction between (dinitrophenyl)bipyridinium/diazapyrenium salts and racemic amines as the key step. The stereochemical outcome of the self-assembly of the Pd2L2 species is discussed on the basis of density functional theory quantum-chemical calculations.

Six novel lanthanide metal coordination polymers (LnCPs) [Ln(Hbic)3(H2O)]n [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), Eu (5), Gd (6)] have been synthesized by reaction of 1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (H2bic) with Ln2O3 under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized via elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and powder X-ray diffraction. The compounds 1–6 are isostructural and have a 1D layer architecture; the layers are linked by hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions to form a 3D supramolecular framework. Hirshfeld surfaces and the luminescence properties of these complexes were also investigated. The 3-D Hirshfeld surfaces and 2-D fingerprint plots show that the main interactions are the O⋯H/H⋯O intermolecular interactions. Finely, preliminary emission experiments have been carried out on the compounds 3 and 5.

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 +.

We report a detailed characterization of the thermodynamic stability and dissociation kinetics of Gd3+ complexes with DO3A derivatives containing a (methylethylcarbamoylmethylamino)acetic acid (L1), (methylpropylcarbamoylmethylamino)acetic acid (L2), 2-dimethylamino-N-ethylacetamide (L3), or 2-dimethylamino-N-propylacetamide (L4) group attached to the fourth nitrogen atom of the macrocyclic unit. These ligands are model systems of Ca2+- and Zn2+-responsive contrast agents (CA) for application in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results of the potentiometric studies (I = 0.15 M NaCl) provide stability constants with log KGdL values in the range 13.9–14.8. The complex speciation in solution was found to be quite complicated due to the formation of protonated species at low pH, hydroxido complexes at high pH, and stable dinuclear complexes in the case of L1,2. At neutral pH significant fractions of the complexes are protonated at the amine group of the amide side chain (log KGdL×H = 7.2–8.1). These ligands form rather weak complexes with Mg2+ and Ca2+ but very stable complexes with Cu2+ (log KCuL = 20.4–22.3) and Zn2+ (log KZnL = 15.5–17.6). Structural studies using a combination of 1H NMR and luminescence spectroscopy show that the amide group of the ligand is coordinated to the metal ion at pH ∼8.5, while protonation of the amine group provokes the decoordination of the amide O atom and a concomitant increase in the hydration number and proton relaxivity. The dissociation of the complexes occurs mainly through a rather efficient proton-assisted pathway, which results in kinetic inertness comparable to that of nonmacrocyclic ligands such as DTPA rather than DOTA-like complexes.

[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

The displacement of water molecule(s) from the inner coordination sphere of [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2]- (DTTA = ethylenetriamine NNN?N? tetraacetate) by fluoride has been studied by multinuclear NMR relaxation (1H 17O 19F) and DFT calculations. Fluoride anions can replace only one of the coordinated water molecules. The thermodynamic stability constant (KGdLF298 0 = 11.6 ± 0.3) and thermodynamic parameters characterizing the formation of [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)F]2- were determined (?H0 = +6.3 ± 0.1 kJ mol-1; ?S0 = +41.5 ± 3.4 J mol-1 K-1; ?V0 = +4.5 ± 1.2 cm3 mol-1). Fluoride binding causes a marked acceleration of the water exchange which is seven times faster for [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)F]2- (kex1 298 = 177 ×106 s-1) than for [Gd(DTTA-Me)(H2O)2]- (kex2 298 = 24.6 × 106 s-1). Water exchange on both compounds is faster than formation of the fluoride complex. The analysis of the Gd-Owater distances electron density and electron localization function (ELF) at the bond critical points using DFT calculations reveals that F- binding weakens the Gd-Owater bonds thereby facilitating the departure of the coordinated water molecule following a dissociative mechanism. The water exchange on both Gd(DTTA-Me) complexes follow dissociative reaction pathways as shown by the positive activation volumes ?V? = +8 ± 2 cm3 mol-1 and +15 ± 4 cm3 mol-1 for the bis aqua complex and the monofluoro complex respectively.

We report a series of ligands containing pentadentate 6,6′-((methylazanediyl)bis(methylene))dipicolinic acid binding units that form mono- (H2dpama), di- (mX(H2dpama)2), and trinuclear (mX(H2dpama)3) complexes with Mn2+ containing two coordinated water molecules per metal ion, which results in pentagonal bipyramidal coordination around the metal ions. In contrast, the hexadentate ligand 6,6′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(methylene))dipicolinic acid (H2bcpe) forms a complex with distorted octahedral coordination around Mn2+ that lacks coordinated water molecules. The protonation constants of the ligands and the stability constants of the Mn2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ complexes were determined using potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations in 0.15 M NaCl. The pentadentate dpama2– ligand and the di- and trinucleating mX(dpama)24– and mX(dpama)36– ligands provide metal complexes with stabilities that are very similar to that of the complex with the hexadentate ligand bcpe2–, with log β101 values in the range 10.1–11.6. Cyclic voltammetry experiments on aqueous solutions of the [Mn(bcpe)] complex reveal a quasireversible system with a half-wave potential of +595 mV versus Ag/AgCl. However, [Mn(dpama)] did not suffer oxidation in the range 0.0–1.0 V, revealing a higher resistance toward oxidation. A detailed 1H NMRD and 17O NMR study provided insight into the parameters that govern the relaxivity for these systems. The exchange rate of the coordinated water molecules in [Mn(dpama)] is relatively fast, kex298 = (3.06 ± 0.16) × 108 s–1. The trinuclear [mX(Mn(dpama)(H2O)2)3] complex was found to bind human serum albumin with an association constant of 1286 ± 55 M–1 and a relaxivity of the adduct of 45.2 ± 0.6 mM–1 s–1 at 310 K and 20 MHz.

We present a theoretical investigation of Gd-Owater bonds in different complexes relevant as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The analysis of the Ln-Owater distances, electron density (ρBCP), and electron localization function (ELF) at the bond critical points of [Ln(DOTA)(H2O)](-) and [Ln(DTPA-BMA)(H2O)] indicates that the strength of the Ln-Owater bonds follows the order DTPA-BMADOTA (M isomer)DOTA (m isomer). The ELF values decrease along the 4f period as the Ln-Owater bonds get shorter, in line with the labile capping bond phenomenon. Extension of these calculations to other Gd(3+) complexes allowed us to correlate the experimentally observed water exchange rates and the calculated ρBCP and ELF values. The water exchange reaction becomes faster as the Gd-Owater bonds are weakened, which is reflected in longer bond distances and lower values of ρBCP and ELF. DKH2 calculations show that the two coordinated water molecules may also have significantly different (17)O hyperfine coupling constants (HFCCs).