Martín Regueiro-Figueroa

Supramolecular Luminescent Lanthanide Dimers for Fluoride Sequestering and Sensing

Lanthanide complexes (Ln=Eu, Tb, and Yb) that are based on a C2 -symmetric cyclen scaffold were prepared and characterized. The addition of fluoride anions to aqueous solutions of the complexes resulted in the formation of dinuclear supramolecular compounds in which the anion is confined into the cavity that is formed by the two complexes. The supramolecular assembly process was monitored by UV/Vis absorption, luminescence, and NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The X-ray crystal structure of the europium dimer revealed that the architecture of the scaffold is stabilized by synergistic effects of the EuFEu bridging motive, π stacking interactions, and a four-component hydrogen-bonding network, which control the assembly of the two [EuL] entities around the fluoride ion. The strong association in water allowed for the luminescence sensing of fluoride down to a detection limit of 24 nM.

Lanthanide dota-like Complexes Containing a Picolinate Pendant: Structural Entry for the Design of LnIII-Based Luminescent Probes

In this contribution we present two ligands based on a do3a platform containing a picolinate group attached to the fourth nitrogen atom of the cyclen unit, which are designed for stable lanthanide complexation in aqueous solutions. Potentiometric measurements reveal that the thermodynamic stability of the complexes is very high (log K = 21.2-23.5), being comparable to that of the dota analogues. Luminescence lifetime measurements performed on solutions of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes indicate that the complexes are nine coordinate with no inner-sphere water molecules. A combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and NMR measurements shows that for the complexes of the heaviest lanthanides there is a major isomer in solution consisting of the enantiomeric pair Λ(δδδδ) and Δ(λλλλ), which provides square antiprismatic coordination (SAP) around the metal ion. Analysis of the Yb(III)-induced paramagnetic shifts unambiguously confirms that these complexes have SAP coordination in aqueous solution. For the light lanthanide ions however both the SAP and twisted-square antiprismatic (TSAP) isomers are present in solution. Inversion of the cyclen ring appears to be the rate-determining step for the Λ(δδδδ) ↔ Δ(λλλλ) enantiomerization process observed in the Lu(III) complexes. The energy barriers obtained from NMR measurements for this dynamic process are in excellent agreement with those predicted by DFT calculations. The energy barriers calculated for the arm-rotation process are considerably lower than those obtained for the ring-inversion path. Kinetic studies show that replacement of an acetate arm of dota by a picolinate pendant results in a 3-fold increase in the formation rate of the corresponding Eu(III) complexes and a significant increase of the rates of acid-catalyzed dissociation of the complexes. However, these rates are 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than those of do3a analogues, which shows that the complexes reported herein are remarkably inert with respect to metal ion dissociation.

Nonmacrocyclic Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes Stable in Biological Media

The synthesis of ligand L(P)H(8), based on a 2,6-bispyrazolyl-pyridine scaffold functionalized by iminobismethylenephosphonate functions, is described and its pK values were determined by a combination of pH-spectrophotometric titrations and potentiometry. The interaction of L(P) with Tb(3+) was investigated in water (0.01 M TRIS/HCl pH = 7.0) by means of UV-vis and fluorescence titration experiments and evidenced the formation of at least three species with 1:1; 1:2, and 2:1 M-L ratios, the 1:1 complex appearing as particularly stable under these conditions (log K(cond) > 8). Na(4)[LnL(P)H] complexes (Ln = Eu and Tb) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and electrospray mass spectrometry. Their photophysical properties were investigated in aqueous solutions, revealing an excellent shielding of the Ln cations from the solvent environment (no water molecules in the first coordination sphere), very long luminescence lifetimes (τ(H(2)(O)) = 1.50 and 3.28 ms, respectively, for Eu and Tb) and reasonable luminescent quantum yields (ϕ(H(2)(O)) = 2.4 and 37%, respectively, for Eu and Tb). Using fetal bovine serum as a model for biological media showed the Tb complex to remain luminescent in these conditions. The structure of the europium complex was studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) modeling, confirming the wrapping of the ligand around the cation, and the very good shielding of the coordinated Ln cation. The conditional stability constant for the formation of the Tb complex with L(P) was determined by competition experiments with EDTA and monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy (log K(TbL(P)cond) = 14.1 ± 0.3, 0.01 M TRIS/HCl, pH = 7.4) and was used to determine the thermodynamic constant (log K(TbL(P)) = 20.4 ± 0.4). A systematic comparison with ligand L(C), in which phosphonate functions are replaced by carboxylate ones, is made throughout the study, highlighting the large interest of the introduction of phosphonate moieties to obtain biologically stable luminescent lanthanide complexes.

Molecular recognition of sialic acid by lanthanide(III) complexes through cooperative two-site binding.

Herein we report two new ligands, 1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-10-[2-(dihydroxyboranyl)benzyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L(1)) and 1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-10-[3-(dihydroxyboranyl)benzyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (L(2)), which contain a phenylboronic acid (PBA) function and a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetate cage for complexation of lanthanide ions in an aqueous solution. The pK(a) of the PBA function amounts to 4.6 in [Gd(L(1))] and 8.9 in [Gd(L(2))], with the value of the L(2) analogue being very similar to that of PBA (8.8). These results are explained by the coordination of the PBA function of L(1) to the Gd(III) ion, which results in a dramatic lowering of its pK(a). As a consequence, [Gd(L(1))] does not bind to saccharides at physiological pH. The nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles recorded for [Gd(L(1))] and [Gd(L(2))] confirm that the phenylboronate function is coordinated to the metal ion in the L(1) derivative, which results in a q = 0 complex. The interaction of the [Gd(L(2))] complex with 5-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and 2-alpha-O-methyl-5-acetylneuraminic acid (MeNeu5Ac) has been investigated by means of spectrophotometric titrations in an aqueous solution (pH 7.4, 0.1 M 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid buffer). Furthermore, we have also investigated the binding of these receptors with competing monosaccharides such as D-(+)-glucose, D-fructose, D-mannose, D-galactose, methyl alpha-D-galactoside, and methyl alpha-D-mannoside. The binding constants obtained indicate an important selectivity of [Gd(L(2))] for Neu5Ac (K(eq) = 151) over D-(+)-glucose (K(eq) = 12.3), D-mannose (K(eq) = 21.9), and D-galactose (K(eq) = 24.5). Furthermore, a very weak binding affinity was observed in the case of methyl alpha-D-galactoside and methyl alpha-D-mannoside. An 8-fold increase of the binding constant of [Gd(L(2))] with Neu5Ac is observed when compared to that of PBA determined under the same conditions (K(eq) = 19). (13)C NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level show that this is due to a cooperative two-site binding of Neu5Ac through (1) ester formation by interaction on the PBA function of the receptor and (2) coordination of the carboxylate group of Neu5Ac to the Gd(III) ion. The emission lifetime of the (5)D(4) level of Tb(III) in [Tb(L(2))] increases upon Neu5Ac binding, in line with the displacement of inner-sphere water molecules due to coordination of Neu5Ac to the metal ion.

Magnetic Anisotropies in Rhombic Lanthanide(III) Complexes Do Not Conform to Bleaney’s Theory

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 (L(1)). The [LnL(1)](3+) complexes are isostructural along the lanthanide series from Ce(3+) to Yb(3+), with the only structural change observed along the series being the monotonous shortening of the Ln-donor distances due to lanthanide contraction. The (1)H NMR spectra point to a D2 symmetry of the [LnL(1)](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 [GdL(1)](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 Bleaneys theory, particularly in the case of Ho(3+) and Er(3+) complexes.

Toward the Prediction of Water Exchange Rates in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents: A Density Functional Theory Study

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-BMA > DOTA (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).

Stabilizing divalent europium in aqueous solution using size-discrimination and electrostatic effects.

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

Mono-, Bi-, and Trinuclear Bis-Hydrated Mn2+ Complexes as Potential MRI Contrast Agents

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.

Gd3+-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Responsive to Zn2+

We report the heteroditopic ligand H5L, which contains a DO3A unit for Gd(3+) complexation connected to an NO2A moiety through a N-propylacetamide linker. The synthesis of the ligand followed a convergent route that involved the preparation of 1,4-bis(tert-butoxycarbonylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane following the orthoamide strategy. The luminescence lifetimes of the Tb((5)D4) excited state measured for the TbL complex point to the absence of coordinated water molecules. Density functional theory calculations and (1)H NMR studies indicate that the EuL complex presents a square antiprismatic coordination in aqueous solution, where eight coordination is provided by the seven donor atoms of the DO3A unit and the amide oxygen atom of the N-propylacetamide linker. Addition of Zn(2+) to aqueous solutions of the TbL complex provokes a decrease of the emission intensity as the emission lifetime becomes shorter, which is a consequence of the coordination of a water molecule to the Tb(3+) ion upon Zn(2+) binding to the NO2A moiety. The relaxivity of the GdL complex recorded at 7 T (25 °C) increases by almost 150% in the presence of 1 equiv of Zn(2+), while Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) induced very small relaxivity changes. In vitro magnetic resonance imaging experiments confirmed the ability of GdL to provide response to the presence of Zn(2+).

Complexation of Ln3+ Ions with Cyclam Dipicolinates: A Small Bridge that Makes Huge Differences in Structure, Equilibrium, and Kinetic Properties

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