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PubMed2001

Synthesis and DNA binding of novel water-soluble cationic methylcobalt porphyrins.

Organocobalt derivatives of tetracationic water-soluble porphyrins are difficult to prepare via the typical reductive alkylation of the Co(II)(por) (porH(2) = porphyrin ligand). None have been reported. The problem may arise because the porphyrin core is made relatively electron poor by the positively charged peripheral groups. We have circumvented this problem by using the [Co(III)(NH(3))(5)CH(3)](2+) reagent, which inserts the Co(III)-CH(3) moiety directly into porH(2) in water under basic conditions. The method afforded two new [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) derivatives, [CH(3)CoTMpyP(4)](4+) and [CH(3)CoTMAP](4+), where [TMpyP(4)](4+) and [TMAP](4+) are the coordinated, NH-deprotonated forms of meso-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridiniumyl)porphyrin and meso-tetrakis(N,N,N-trimethylaniliniumyl)porphyrin, respectively. The binding of the two new [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) cations to DNA and to the synthetic DNA polymers [poly(dA-dT)](2) and [poly(dG-dC)](2) was studied. Using published criteria by which changes in DNA viscosity and in the visible and CD spectra in the Soret region can be used to assess DNA binding, we conclude that both are outside binders. A large hypochromicity of the Soret bands of the [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) cations observed upon outside binding to DNA may indicate a high degree of self-stacking. The visible absorption and CD spectra of the [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) cations in the presence of 1:1 mixtures of [poly(dA-dT)](2) and [poly(dG-dC)](2) are nearly identical to those with [poly(dA-dT)](2) alone and are very different from those of [poly(dG-dC)](2) alone. Thus, both cations show a high preference for outside binding at AT-rich over GC-rich DNA sites. Upon binding of each of the [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) cations to all of the DNA polymers, the Soret bands exhibit blue shifts, whereas the Soret bands of the corresponding [(H(2)O)(2)Co(por)](5+) cations exhibit red shifts. The blue shifts strongly suggest that the [CH(3)Co(por)](4+) cations, particularly [CH(3)CoTMAP](4+), become five-coordinate forms to some extent on DNA binding; this result is the first good evidence for the presence at equilibrium of five-coordinate CH(3)Co(III)(N(4)) forms in water.

Alkylation↗
PubMed2005

Cyclic polyvanadates incorporating template transition metal cationic species: synthesis and structures of hexavanadate [PdV6O18]4-, octavanadate [Cu2V8O24]4-, and decavanadate [Ni4V10O30(OH)2(H2O)6]4-.

Three types of heteropolyvanadates, [(C2H5)4N]4[PdV6O18] (1), [(C2H5)4N]4[Cu2V8O24] (2), and [(C6H5)4P]4[Ni4V10O30(OH)2(H2O)6] (3), were synthesized through the reaction between the [VO3]- anion and metal template cations of Pd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II). The X-ray crystal structures of 1 (a = 29.952(4) A, b = 12.911(2) A, and c = 13.678(2) A, orthorhombic, space group Pca2(1) with Z = 4), 2 (a = 13.740(1) A, b = 22.488(2) A, c = 18.505(2) A, and beta= 94.058(2) degrees , monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n with Z = 4), and 3 (a = 12.333(2) A, b = 16.208(4) A, c = 16.516(3) A, alpha = 112.438(3) degrees , beta = 94.735(3) degrees , and gamma = 104.749(3) degrees , triclinic, space group P with Z = 1) demonstrate that the metal cationic species induced cyclic [VO3](n-)n (n = 6, 8, 10) ring formation and the cations are incorporated in the rings themselves. In the metal inclusion products, the cyclic vanadates act as macrocyclic ligands, in which the metal cationic species act as the templates. The cyclic vanadate is composed of tetrahedral VO4 units that share corners and incorporates a metal cationic species in the center of the molecules. The bowl-shaped complex 1 includes a Pd2+ cation that is coordinated by the oxygen donors of a boatlike hexavanadate ring. The diamagnetic complex 1 was characterized via 51V and 17O NMR spectroscopy. Complex 2 involves an octavanadate ring and two Cu2+, which are located on both sides of the mean plane as defined by the eight oxygen atoms that bridge the vanadium atoms. In the case of complex 3, the di-mu-hydroxo-bridged Ni2+ dimer with capped Ni2+ aqua ions is formed by hydrolysis to form the decavanadate ring, in which two of the tetrahedral vanadate units are not bonded to the Ni2+ core but supported by hydrogen bonds through the aqua-ligand in the capped Ni2+ cation. Complexes 1-3 in solution were clearly identified by their characteristic isotope patterns using ESI-MS studies.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Disproportionation of Iron(III) Porphyrin pi-Cation Radicals in the Presence of Sterically Hindered Pyridines. Spectroscopic Detection of Asymmetric Highly Oxidized Intermediates.

The reactivity of iron(III) tetraphenylporphyrin pi-cation radical (TPP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2), (1-1) iron(III) tetra-p-tolylporphyrin pi-cation radical (TTP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2) (1-2) and iron(III) tetramesitylporphyrin pi-cation radical (TMP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2) (1-3) complexes with 2,4,6-collidine, 2,3,6-collidine, 2-picoline, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine, and 2,6-dibromopyridine has been examined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy in dichloromethane-d(2) solution at low temperatures. These complexes undergo hydration processes which are essential in the generation of highly oxidized species via acid base/equilibria of coordinated water followed by disproportionation pathway, giving as sole stable products [(TPP(*))Fe(III)OFe(III)(TPP)](+) (4-1), [(TTP(*))Fe(III)OFe(III)(TTP)](+) (4-2), and (TMP)Fe(III)(OH) (6) respectively. The sterically hindered pyridines act as efficient proton scavengers. Two novel highly oxidized iron complexes have been detected by (1)H NMR spectroscopy after addition of 2,4,6-collidine to (TTP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2) or (TPP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2) in dichloromethane-d(2) solution at 202 K. New intermediates have been identified as iron porphyrin N-oxide complexes, i.e., iron(III) porphyrin N-oxide cation radical (2-n) and iron(IV) porphyrin N-oxide radical (3-n). The (1)H NMR results indicate that the D(4)(h)() symmetry of the parent iron(III) pi-cation radical is drastically reduced upon disproportionation in the presence of proton scavengers. Both species are very unstable and were observed from 176 to 232 K. The intermediate 2-2 has a (1)H NMR spectrum which demonstrates large hyperfine shifts (ppm) for the meso p-tolyl substituents (ortho 98.0, 94.8, 92.9, 91.7; meta -34.8, -38.7, -41.5, -42.3; p-CH(3) -86.3, -88.0) which are consistent with presence of an N-substituted iron porphyrin radical in the product mixture. The characteristic (1)H NMR spectrum of 2-2 includes six pyrrole resonances at 149.6, 118.2, 115.4, 88.3, 64.6, and 55.7 ppm at 202 K, i.e., in the positions corresponding to iron(III) high-spin porphyrins. On warming to 222 K, the pyrrole resonances broaden and then coalesce pairwaise. Such dynamic behavior is accounted for by a rearrangement mechanism which involves an inversion of the porphyrin puckering. The pattern of p-tolyl resonances revealed the cation radical electronic structure of 3-2. The p-tolyl resonances are divided in two distinct sets showing opposite direction of the isotropic shift for the same ring positions. The pyrrole resonances of 3-2 also demonstrated downfield and upfield shifts. A disproportionation mechanism of the hydrated iron porphyrin cation radicals to generate 2 and 3 has been proposed. Both intermediates react with triphenylphosphine to produce triphenylphosphine oxide and high-spin iron porphyrins. Addition of 2,4,6-collidine to (TMP(*))Fe(III)(ClO(4))(2) does not produce analogs of 2 and 3 found for sterically unprotected porphyrins. It results instead in the formation of a variety of X(TMP(*))Fe(IV)O (5) complexes also accounted for by the disproportionation process.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of covalency in the complexes of trivalent actinide and lanthanide cations.

The complexes of trivalent actinide (Am(III) and Cm(III)) and lanthanide (Nd(III) and Sm(III)) cations with bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid, bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)monothiophosphinic acid, and bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid in n-dodecane have been studied by visible absorption spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements in order to understand the chemical interactions responsible for the great selectivity the dithiophosphinate ligand exhibits for trivalent actinide cations in liquid-liquid extraction. Under the conditions studied, each type of ligand displays a different coordination mode with trivalent f-element cations. The phosphinate ligand coordinates as hydrogen-bonded dimers, forming M(HL2)3. Both the oxygen and the sulfur donor of the monothiophosphinate ligand can bind the cations, affording both bidentate and monodentate ligands. The dithiophosphinate ligand forms neutral bidentate complexes, ML3, with no discernible nitrate or water molecules in the inner coordination sphere. Comparison of the Cm(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) XAFS shows that the structure and metal-donor atom bond distances are indistinguishable within experimental error for similarly sized trivalent lanthanide and actinide cations, despite the selectivity of bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid for trivalent actinide cations over trivalent lanthanide cations.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Formation and stability of N-heterocyclic carbenes in water: the carbon acid pKa of imidazolium cations in aqueous solution.

We report second-order rate constants kDO (M-1 s-1) for exchange for deuterium of the C(2)-proton of a series of simple imidazolium cations to give the corresponding singlet imidazol-2-yl carbenes in D2O at 25 degrees C and I = 1.0 (KCl). Evidence is presented that the reverse protonation of imidazol-2-yl carbenes by solvent water is limited by solvent reorganization and occurs with a rate constant of kHOH = kreorg = 10(11) s-1. The data were used to calculate reliable carbon acid pK(a)s for ionization of imidazolium cations at C(2) to give the corresponding singlet imidazol-2-yl carbenes in water: pKa = 23.8 for the imidazolium cation, pKa = 23.0 for the 1,3-dimethylimidazolium cation, pKa = 21.6 for the 1,3-dimethylbenzimidazolium cation, and pKa = 21.2 for the 1,3-bis-((S)-1-phenylethyl)benzimidazolium cation. The data also provide the thermodynamic driving force for a 1,2-hydrogen shift at a singlet carbene: K12 = 5 x 10(16) for rearrangement of the parent imidazol-2-yl carbene to give neutral imidazole in water at 298 K, which corresponds to a favorable Gibbs free energy change of 23 kcal/mol. We present a simple rationale for the observed substituent effects on the thermodynamic stability of N-heterocyclic carbenes relative to a variety of neutral and cationic derivatives that emphasizes the importance of the choice of reference reaction when assessing the stability of N-heterocyclic carbenes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Generation of 4,5-Diazacyclopentane-1,3-diyl Radical Cations by Chemical Electron Transfer (CET) Oxidation of Urazole-Bridged Bicyclic Housanes (Bicyclo[2.1.0]pentanes) and Their Chemical Transformations.

4,5-Diazacyclopentane-1,3-diyl radical cations 3(*)(+)() were generated from urazole-bridged bicyclic housanes 3 through chemical oxidation by using tris(4-bromophenyl)aminium hexachloroantimonate as oxidant to afford the two olefinic products 4 and 5. Product studies establish that the bisolefins 5 are the result of double oxidation of the housanes 3, whereas the monoolefins 4 are formed by acid-catalyzed rearrangement, which can be suppressed by excess of base (2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine). In the case of dibenzyl substitution (3c), disproportionation of two monoradical species 5(H)c(*) serves as an alternative pathway to the corresponding olefins 4 and 5 because higher amounts of double oxidation product were isolated in the absence of base than expected if only a stoichiometric reaction were operating. Semiempirical MO calculations suggest that ionization takes place from one of the nitrogen lone pairs rather than from the strained central C-C bond as implied by the significantly lower (by ca. 0.5 eV) ionization potential. Furthermore, in the initially puckered radical cation, the positive charge is mainly located at the two nitrogen atoms, while after relaxation to the planar geometry, the charge shifts essentially entirely to the radical cation carbon atoms. The trapping reaction with methanol leads to the hemiaminal-type products 6 and 7, which establish the involvement of the cationic intermediates 3(H)(+)() and 5(H)(+)(). In addition, (13)C NMR spectroscopy confirmed these cationic intermediates [3(H)(+)() and 5(H)(+)()] by detection of the characteristic signals below delta 250 for carbenium ions. Unquestionably, the urazole ring significantly influences the radical cation reactivity of the housanes 3. Thus, in contrast to the corresponding homocyclic tricyclooctane derivatives, stoichiometric instead of catalytic amounts of CET oxidant are needed, the two nitrogen atoms of the hydrazino bridge stabilize the radical cation 3(*)(+)() by conjugation, and the carbonyl groups of the urazole moiety assist the deprotonation to the exocyclic double bonds to prevent 1,2 alkyl migration.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Cation electrochemical stability in chloroaluminate ionic liquids.

The electrochemical stability of 10 organic cations, which can be used in ionic liquids (IL), was investigated as solutes in acetonitrile (ACN). The stability of three of the salts, BenMe2EtNCl (salt III), 1-butyl-2-methyl pyrrolidium chloride (salt VI), and its structural isomer, BuMe2ProNCl (salt VII), were also compared in chloroaluminate ILs. The chloroaluminate ILs of salts VI and VII are investigated for the first time. The NaCl-neutralized ILs of salts VI and VII have melting points of 43.2 and 3.7 degrees C, respectively. The benzyl-substituted cation, salt III, was more easily reduced in ACN or as the neutral chloroaluminate IL than the alkyl-substituted cation, salt VII, due to the better leaving ability of the benzyl group. Mass spectroscopy measurements before and after electrolysis on the benzyl-substituted solutions confirmed that reduction involves the loss of an alkyl group. In ACN, salt VI was found to be the most difficult to reduce (1 mA/cm2 at -2.09 V) due to its cyclic structure. However, in the chloroaluminate IL, the pyrrolidinium cation was more easily reduced than salt III or its isomer, salt VII, resulting in an insoluble black deposit. This is consistent with the mass spectrometry data, which do not show formation of low-molecular-weight products, as in the reduction of salts III and VII. The IL of salt VII was the most stable in the presence of sodium. Sodium ions could be reduced and reoxidized with a maximum Coulombic efficiency of 94.1% versus 87.2% for salt VI. Reduction of the pyrrolidinium cation produces insoluble products, most likely through opening of the cyclic ring, and an inferior medium for sodium ion reduction compared to the benzyl- and butyl-substituted cations, even though reduction of the cation occurs at a more negative potential in acetonitrile.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Nitric oxide as an electron donor, an atom donor, an atom acceptor, and a ligand in reactions with atomic transition-metal and main-group cations in the gas phase.

The room-temperature reactions of nitric oxide with 46 atomic cations have been surveyed systematically across and down the periodic table using an inductively-coupled plasma/selected-ion flow tube (ICP/SIFT) tandem mass spectrometer. Rate coefficients and product distributions were measured for the reactions of first-row cations from K+ to Se+, of second-row cations from Rb+ to Te+ (excluding Tc+), and of third-row cations from Cs+ to Bi+. Reactions both first and second order in NO were identified. The observed bimolecular reactions were thermodynamically controlled. Efficient exothermic electron transfer was observed with Zn+, As+, Se+, Au+, and Hg+. Bimolecular O-atom transfer was observed with Sc+, Ti+, Y+, Zr+, Nb+, La+, Hf+, Ta+, and W+. Of the remaining 32 atomic ions, all but 8 react in novel termolecular reactions second order in NO to produce NO+ and the metal-nitrosyl molecule, the metal-monoxide cation and nitrous oxide, and/or the metal-nitrosyl cation. K+, Rb+, Cs+, Ga+, In+, Tl+, Pb+, and Bi+ are totally unreactive. Further reactions with NO produce the dioxide cations CaO2+, TiO2+, VO2+, CrO2+, SrO2+, ZrO2+, NbO2+, RuO2+, BaO2+, HfO2+, TaO2+, WO2+, ReO2+, and OsO2+ and the still higher order oxides WO3+, ReO3+, and ReO4+. NO ligation was observed in the formation of CaO+(NO), ScO+(NO), TiO+(NO), VO+(NO)(1-3), VO2+(NO)(1-3), SrO+(NO), SrO2+(NO)1,2, RuO+(NO)(1-3), RuO2+(NO)1,2, OsO+(NO)(1-3), and IrO+(NO). The reported reactivities for bare atomic ions provide a benchmark for reactivities of ligated atomic ions and point to possible second-order NO chemistry in biometallic and metal-surface environments leading to the conversion of NO to N2O and the production of metal-nitrosyl molecules.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Radical cations from dicyclopropylidenemethane and its octamethyl derivative.

The radical cations of dicyclopropylidenemethane (2) and its octamethyl derivative (2-Me8) are prone to rearrangements into those of (2-methylallylidene)cyclopropane (2a) and its octamethyl derivative (2a-Me8), respectively, by opening one three-membered ring. In contrast to the radical cations of bicyclopropylidene (1) and its octamethyl derivative (1-Me8), 2*+ and 2-Me8*+ are stable to opening of the second ring, because in this case the resulting species would be a non-Kekulé hydrocarbon with a quartet ground state. Similarly to 1, octamethyl substitution in 2 promotes the tendency to rearrangement. Thus, ESR and ENDOR studies indicate that the primary radical cation 2*+, which is formed upon gamma-irradiation of 2 in a CFCl3 matrix at 77 K, does not rearrange up to 150 K. On the other hand, when 2-Me8 is treated in the same way, only the rearranged radical cation 2a-Me8*+ can be observed and characterized by its ESR and ENDOR spectra. Nevertheless, the existence of the two "missing" species, 2a*+ and 2-Me8*+, is revealed by other methods. According to UV and IR studies, X irradiation of 2 in an Ar matrix leads directly to the ring-opened radical cation 2a*+. Moreover, magnetic field effects on the decay of fluorescence, which appears upon recombination of the radical anion of p-terphenyl with a radical cation generated from 2-Me8 in liquid octane, strongly suggest that 2-Me8*+ (and not 2a-Me8*+) is formed initially. From the temperature dependence of the decay, the activation energy of the ring-opening process 2-Me8*+ --> 2a-Me8*+ is estimated. The radical cations 2a*+ and 2a-Me8*+ are formally distonic with the spin residing in the allylic moiety and the charge accommodated on the central carbon atom of the allene pi-system. The intact cyclopropylidenemethylidene moiety assumes a "bisected" conformation, thus favoring an optimal interaction with the positively charged center on the pi-system.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Influence of cation on charge recombination in dye-sensitized TiO2 electrodes.

The reaction of a dye cation recombining with an electron in TiO(2), in the presence of Li(+), Ca(2+), and TBA(+) cations, was studied with laser-induced transient absorption measurements. The active cations, Li(+) and Ca(2+), shorten the dye cation lifetime on sensitized TiO(2) but not ZnO electrodes. By combining the absorbance measurements of the dye cation with simultaneous measurements of the current transient, the contribution of the recombination reaction to the current is identified. Furthermore, classical porous electrode theory is used to quantify the behavior of the heterogeneous electrode, and in doing so, the processes contributing to photoinduced current are identified as Helmholtz layer charging, porous electrode charging, recombination reactions, and surface diffusion of the active cations. The rate of charge recombination is proportional to the concentration of initially deposited active cations. The effect of water on the recombination rate and the current is also observed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Formation of trimer and dimer radical cations of methyl-substituted benzenes in gamma-irradiated low-temperature matrices.

Dimer and trimer radical cations of benzene, toluene, and xylenes were produced selectively after gamma-irradiation in low-temperature 2-methylpentane matrices with electron scavengers: oxygen (O(2)) and sec-butyl chloride (sec-BuCl). The charge resonance (CR) band of the trimer radical cation (M(3)(+)) produced via the corresponding dimer radical cation (M(2)(+)) is clearly seen in the solution containing O(2) as the temperature increases over a range from 80 to 90 K. In o-xylene solution, a fairly strong and distinct M(3)(+) CR absorption is observed; this is due to the large M(3)(+)/M(2)(+) relative extinction coefficient. All benzene derivatives show an equilibrium between dimer and trimer radical cations at approximately 90 K; however, the equilibrium constants of toluene and the xylenes are considerably lower than that of benzene. Formation of the trimer radical cation is inhibited in sec-BuCl, which has commonly been used as a low-temperature optical matrix for producing cationic species. An ab initio DFT method is applied to predict the geometry of M(3)(+), giving "slipped sandwich" (for benzene, m-xylene, and p-xylene) and "slipped fan-shaped" (toluene and o-xylene) structures as the most plausible geometries. The experimentally observed spectroscopic parameters reflect well those predicted by TD-DFT calculation based on geometry, suggesting strong dependence of the geometry of M(3)(+) on substitution patterns. This is the first report not only of direct spectroscopic observation of aromatic trimer radical cations in the condensed phase but also on the quantitative analysis of their equilibria.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

AFM observation of cation complexation of dibenzocrown ethers adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.

The cation complexation behavior of dibenzocrown ethers adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite substrates was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy using probe tips modified chemically with ammonium ion by silane coupling. The specific adhesion force based on the intermolecular force between dibenzocrown ether and ammonium ion was observed via force curve measurements in ethanol at the interface between the substrate and tip. The observed specific force decreased in the presence of the alkali metal ion in solution, indicating that the cation in solution interferes with the complexation of the crown ethers adsorbed on the substrate with the ammonium ion immobilized on the tip. The blocking effect of metal ions in solution on the observed force depended on the sizes of both the blocking cation and crown ether ring, suggesting that the surface-adsorbed dibenzocrown ethers possess a selective cation-complexing ability similar to that in their bulk state and that the adhesion force measurements using cation-modified tips allow evaluation of the cation-complexing ability of crown ethers under cation-competitive conditions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Surface properties of dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-ethylphosphocholine, a cationic phosphatidylcholine transfection agent, alone and in combination with lipids or DNA.

Long-chain cationic amphipaths are routinely used for transfecting DNA into cells, although the mechanism of DNA delivery by these agents is poorly understood. Since their interfacial properties are undoubtedly involved at some stage in the process, a comprehensive study of the surface behavior of at least one of these compounds is highly desirable. Hence, the behavior of the cationic transfection agent EDOPC (dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-ethylphosphocholine or O-ethyldioleoylphosphatidylcholine), has been characterized at the air-water interface, by itself and in mixtures with other phospholipids. Surface pressure-molecular area isotherms obtained at the argon-buffer interface revealed that EDOPC is considerably (5-10 A(2)) more expanded than the parent phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and even more expanded than the corresponding phosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), which has a similar charge density (of opposite polarity) as EDOPC. A 1:1 mixture of EDOPC and DOPG is very slightly condensed relative to DOPG and considerably condensed relative to EDOPC. The surface/dipole potential of this mixture is the mean of those of EDOPC and DOPG and is almost the same as that of DOPC. When the composition of EDOPC mixtures was varied, several surface parameters, including surface dipole moment, collapse pressure, and compressibility, exhibited discontinuities at a 1:1 mole ratio. EDOPC is unusually surface-active; the equilibrium surface tension of its dispersion was lower and the rate of fall of the surface tension (dynamic surface activity) of a dispersion with an initially clean surface was more than an order of magnitude greater than that for dispersions of DOPG. A 1:1 mixture of the cationic lipoid and phosphatidylglycerol had lower surface activity than DOPC in water but similar surface activity in 0.1 NaCl. Analysis, in terms of surface concentration, of the formation of EDOPC monolayers at the air interface of vesicle dispersions revealed a simple exponential rise to a maximum, at least for higher concentrations. Addition of a small proportion of DNA to EDOPC increased its dynamic surface activity even though DNA alone has no detectable surface activity at the concentrations used. This enhancement by DNA is presumably due to the disruption of the continuity of the bilayer and creation of defects from which lipoid spreads readily. The surface properties of this cationic compound, both alone and in combination with anionic lipids, provide insight into the previously described nonbilayer phase preferences of cationic-anionic lipid mixtures. In addition, they provide critical data (area condensation of mixed cationic-anionic monolayers) supporting a previously proposed mechanism of fusion of cationic bilayers with anionic bilayers. Such a process, involving anionic cellular membranes, is believed to be required for release of DNA from lipoplexes and is therefore a key stage of transfection.

Argon↗
PubMed1992

Delivery of plasmid DNA into mammalian cell lines using pH-sensitive liposomes: comparison with cationic liposomes.

We compare the transfection efficiency of plasmid DNA encoding either luciferase or beta-galactosidase encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes or non-pH-sensitive liposomes or DNA complexed with cationic liposomes composed of dioleoyloxypropyl-trimethylammonium:dioleoylphosphatidyl-eth anolamine (1:1, w/w) (Lipofectin) and delivered into various mammalian cell lines. Cationic liposomes mediate the highest transient transfection level in all cell-lines examined. pH-sensitive liposomes, composed of cholestryl hemisuccinate and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine at a 2:1 molar ratio, mediate gene transfer with efficiencies that are 1 to 30% of that obtained with cationic liposomes, while non-pH-sensitive liposome compositions do not induce any detectable transfection. Cationic liposomes mediate a more rapid uptake of plasmid DNA, to about an eightfold greater level than that obtained with pH-sensitive liposomes. The higher uptake of DNA mediated by Lipofectin accounts for part of its high transfection efficiency. Treatment of cells with chloroquine, ammonium chloride, or monensin decreases (threefold) transfection using pH-sensitive liposomes and either has no effect on or enhances cationic liposome-mediated transfection. Therefore plasma membrane fusion is not the only mechanism available to cationic liposomes; in certain cell lines DNA delivery via endocytosis is a possible parallel pathway and could augment the superior transfection efficiency observed with cationic liposomes.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1996

Modulation of organic cation transport and lipid fluidity by benzyl alcohol in rat renal brush-border membranes.

PURPOSE: Organic cations are actively transported in renal brush-border membranes (BBM) by the H+/organic cation antiport system. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between membrane fluidity and organic cation transport in the BBM. METHODS: The effects of benzyl alcohol, a membrane fluidizing agent, on the organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) uptake were studied using renal BBM vesicles isolated from rat kidney. BBM fluidity was assessed by fluorescence polarization technique. RESULTS: H+ gradient-dependent uptake of TEA in BBM vesicles was inhibited by benzyl alcohol in a dose-dependent manner, with an apparent half inhibitory concentration of 18mM. The decrease in fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in BBM, which represents the increase in membrane fluidity, was correlated with the decrease in TEA transport activity. The dissipation rate of H+ gradient, a driving force for organic cation transport in BBM, was increased by benzyl alcohol. In addition, H+ gradient-independent TEA-TEA exchange was also inhibited by benzyl alcohol. These findings indicate that benzyl alcohol inhibits the uptake of TEA by affecting the intrinsic activity of the organic cation transporter and the H+ gradient dissipation rate. CONCLUSIONS: The membrane fluidity should be an important determinant for organic cation transport in renal BBM.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Neutral versus cationic Group 3 metal alkyl catalysts: performance in intramolecular hydroamination/cyclisation.

The relative catalytic activity of neutral dialkyl versus cationic monoalkyl Group 3 metal catalysts in the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclisation of the 2,2-dimethyl-4-pentenylamine reference substrate was investigated. This was found to depend strongly on the nature of the monoanionic ancillary ligand. With a bidentate amidinate ligand, the neutral catalysts were quite effective, but their cationic derivatives showed a much lower activity. The reaction kinetics suggest that this reflects an intrinsically higher activation barrier for the insertion of the olefinic moiety into the metal-amide bond for the cationic catalysts. In contrast, the neutral catalysts with tetradentate triamine-amide ligands showed a much lower activity than their cationic derivatives. It appears that this higher activity of the cationic triamine-amide catalysts reflects the beneficial effect of the additional available coordination space relative to the neutral species. The cationic triamine-amide yttrium catalysts are more active than the cationic amidinate catalysts of the same metal, possibly reflecting a stronger Y-amide bond in the latter, which is the more electron-deficient system.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Vinylidene-acetylene cation isomerization investigated by large scale ab initio calculations.

The planar isomerization routes of the vinylidene/acetylene cation in the lowest electronic states are accurately examined for the first time, by using large scale MRCI and CCSDT calculations in a complementary way. They are compared with the similar calculations performed for the neutral ground state isomerization. An accurate value of the adiabatic ionization potential of vinylidene (11.26 eV) is predicted. The vinylidene cation lowest state, 1 2A1, follows an almost flat pathway with a shallow secondary minimum on the 1 2A' potential energy surface, before suddenly dropping to the stable acetylene cation ground state, X 2Piu. It is therefore confirmed to be completely unstable with respect to isomerization. The first excited state of the vinylidene cation, 1 2B1, which also correlates with the 2Piu ground state of acetylene cation along a 2A' isomerization route, has been studied at the same level of calculation. This 1 2B1 state is lying only 0.15 eV above the 1 2A1 state, and exhibits a potential energy barrier of 0.55 eV which explains the earlier assignment of this symmetry to the ground state of vinylidene cation. In addition to large scale calculations, a comprehensive description of the important steps of isomerization drawn from a very simple model involving monoconfigurational states is presented. In particular, the behavior of one unique orbital, namely, the 5a1 outer molecular orbital, is shown to completely govern the molecular geometry and energy evolution along the isomerization route of the ground state cation C2H2+.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1985

Cation binding by bacteriorhodopsin.

We have found that extensively washed purple membrane has about 1 calcium and 3-4 magnesium ions bound per bacteriorhodopsin molecule. When these divalent cations are removed by any of a variety of means, the pigment changes its color from purple to blue (lambda(max) approximately 600 nm). This blue pigment, which can be formed at near neutral pH, is probably very similar to blue species formed when the pH of a purple membrane sample is lowered to approximately 2. When any of a wide variety of cations are added to a blue membrane preparation, the characteristic purple color of bacteriorhodopsin returns. Divalent and trivalent cations are much more efficient than monovalent cations in restoring the purple color and are effective at a ratio approaching one cation per pigment molecule. Besides shifting the absorption spectrum, removal of the divalent cations drastically alters the photochemical cycle of bacteriorhodopsin, including abolishing the unprotonated Schiff base (M-type) intermediate. Finally, lanthanum not only displaces the divalent cations normally bound to the purple membrane but also greatly reduces both the rate of decay of the M412 intermediate and proton uptake.

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