John Miecznikowski received financial support from the following for this project: the Connecticut NASA Space Grant Alliance (Award Number P-1168), the Fairfield University Science Institute, College of Arts and Sciences Publication Fund, Fairfield University Faculty Summer Research Stipend, and National Science Foundation-Major Research Instrumentation Program (Grant Number CHE-1827854) for funds to acquire a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. He also thanks Terence Wu (Yale University) for assistance in acquiring electrospray mass spectra. Jerry Jasinski acknowledges the National Science Foundation-Major Research Instrumentation Program (Grant Number CHE-1039027) for funds to purchase an X-ray diffractometer. Sheila Bonitatibus, Emilse Almanza, Rami Kharbouch, and Samantha Zygmont acknowledge the Hardiman Scholars Program for providing their summer research stipend.

1. Synthesis of chloro-(n3-S,S,N)-[2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methyleneimidazole-2-thione)pyridine]cobalt(II)tetrachlorocobaltate [4]
<ol>
	<li>To prepare complex 4, add 0.121 g (3.12 x 10-4 mol) of 2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methyleneimidazole-2-thione)pyridine (C19H25N5S2)6 to 15 mL of acetonitrile in a 100 mL round bottom flask. Next, to this solution, add 0.0851 g (3.58 x 10-4 mol) of cobalt chloride(II) hexahydrate (CoCl2&#183;6H2O). The reaction solution should change color from light yellow to emerald green immediately after the cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate is added.</li>
	<li>Add a stir bar to the flask. Reflux and stir&#160;the reaction for 20 h to ensure complete reaction. Remove the solvent using a rotovap under reduced pressure.</li>
</ol>
2. Recrystallization of chloro-(n3-S,S,N)-[2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methyleneimidazole-2-thione)pyridine]cobalt(II)tetrachlorocobaltate [4] by slow vapor diffusion
<ol>
	<li>Dissolve the solute in acetonitrile (7.5 mL), filter the solution, and place the solution evenly in 1 dram vials. Fill each vial with 1.5 mL of acetonitrile solution.
	<ol>
		<li>Add cotton to cap the vials, which allows for slow vapor diffusion. Fit the cotton snugly in the opening at the top of the vial.</li>
		<li>Place the vials in a 240 mL jar containing 50 mL of diethyl ether. Close the jar with a cap.</li>
		<li>Allow the crystals to grow over a period of 1 week. 
		NOTE: Recrystallization may take longer than 1 day.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Synthesis of chloro-(n3-S,S,N)-[2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methylenetriazole-2-thione)pyridine]cobalt(II)tetrachlorocobaltate [5]
<ol>
	<li>To prepare complex 5, add 0.183 g (4.70 x 10-4 mol) of 2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methylenetriazole-2-thione)pyridine (C17H23N7S2)6 to 15 mL of acetonitrile in a 100 mL round bottom flask. To this solution, add 0.223 g (9.37 x 10-4 mol) of cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2&#183;6H2O). The reaction solution should change color from light yellow to royal blue immediately after the cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate is added.
	<ol>
		<li>Add a stir bar to the flask. Reflux and stir the reaction for 20 h to ensure complete reaction. Remove the solvent using a rotovap under reduced pressure.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. Recrystallization of chloro-(n3-S,S,N)-[2,6-bis(N-isopropyl-N&#8217;-methylenetriazole-2-thione)pyridine]cobalt(II)tetrachlorocobaltate [5] by slow vapor diffusion
<ol>
	<li>Dissolve the solute in acetonitrile (9.0 mL), filter the solution, and&#160;place the solution evenly in 1 dram vials. Fill each vial with 1.5 mL of acetonitrile solution.
	<ol>
		<li>Add cotton to cap the vials, which allows for slow vapor diffusion. Fit the cotton snugly in the opening at the top of the vial.</li>
		<li>Place the vials in a jar containing 50 mL of diethyl ether. Close the vial with a cap.</li>
		<li>Allow the crystals to grow over a period of 1 week. 
		NOTE: Recrystallization may take longer than 1 day.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. X-ray crystallography
<ol>
	<li>Mount a crystal of 4 on a nylon loop. Collect the data on a Rigaku Oxford Diffraction diffractometer. Here, X-ray diffraction data is collected at 173(2) K. Solve the crystal structure using Olex216 and ShelXT17 structure solution programs using direct methods. Refine the structure with the ShelXL18 refinement package using least squares minimization.</li>
	<li>Mount a crystal of 5 on a nylon loop. Collect the X-ray diffraction data on a Rigaku Oxford Diffraction diffractometer. Here, X-ray diffraction data is collected at 173(2) K. Solve the crystal structure using Olex216 and ShelXT17 structure solution programs using direct methods. Refine the structure with the ShelXL18 refinement package using least squares minimization.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Holm, R. H., Kennepohl, P., Solomon, E. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+and+Functional+Aspects+of+Metal+Sites+in+Biology.">Structural and Functional Aspects of Metal Sites in Biology.</a> Chemical Reviews. 96 (7), 2239-2314 (1996).</li><li>Ibers, J. A., Holm, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modeling+coordination+sites+in+metallobiomolecules.">Modeling coordination sites in metallobiomolecules.</a> Science. 209 (4453), 223-235 (1980).</li><li>Kannan, K. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Crystal+structure+of+human+erythrocyte+carbonic+anhydrase+B.+Three-dimensional+structure+at+a+nominal+2.2-A+resolution.">Crystal structure of human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase B. Three-dimensional structure at a nominal 2.2-A resolution.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 72 (1), 51-55 (1975).</li><li>Eklund, H., Br&#228;nd&#233;n, C. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+differences+between+apo-+and+holoenzyme+of+horse+liver+alcohol+dehydrogenase.">Structural differences between apo- and holoenzyme of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase.</a> Journal of Biological Chemistry. 254, 3458-3461 (1979).</li><li>Miecznikowski, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Syntheses,+Characterization,+Density+Functional+Theory+Calculations+and+Activity+of+Tridentate+SNS+Zinc+Pincer+Complexes.">Syntheses, Characterization, Density Functional Theory Calculations and Activity of Tridentate SNS Zinc Pincer Complexes.</a> Inorganica Chimica Acta. 376, 515-524 (2011).</li><li>Miecznikowski, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Syntheses,+Characterization,+Density+Functional+Theory+Calculations,+and+Activity+of+Tridentate+SNS+Zinc+Pincer+Complexes+Based+on+Bis-Imidazole+or+Bis-Triazole+Precursors.">Syntheses, Characterization, Density Functional Theory Calculations, and Activity of Tridentate SNS Zinc Pincer Complexes Based on Bis-Imidazole or Bis-Triazole Precursors.</a> Inorganica Chimica Acta. 387, 25-36 (2012).</li><li>Sunderland, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Investigation+of+liver+alcohol+dehydrogenase+catalysis+using+an+NADH+biomimetic+and+comparison+with+a+synthetic+zinc+model+complex.">Investigation of liver alcohol dehydrogenase catalysis using an NADH biomimetic and comparison with a synthetic zinc model complex.</a> Polyhedron. 114, 145-151 (2016).</li><li>Miecznikowski, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthesis+and+characterization+of+three-+and+five-coordinate+copper(II)+complexes+based+SNS+ligand+precursors.">Synthesis and characterization of three- and five-coordinate copper(II) complexes based SNS ligand precursors.</a> Polyhedron. 80, 157-165 (2014).</li><li>Miecznikowski, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthesis,+Characterization,+and+Computational+Study+of+Three-Coordinate+SNS+Copper(I)+Complexes+based+on+Bis-Thione+Ligand+Precursors.">Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Study of Three-Coordinate SNS Copper(I) Complexes based on Bis-Thione Ligand Precursors.</a> Journal of Coordination Chemistry. 67, 29-44 (2014).</li><li>Lynn, M. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Copper(I)+SNS+Pincer+Complexes:+Impact+of+Ligand+Design+and+Solvent+Coordination+on+Conformer+Interconversion+from+Spectroscopic+and+Computational+Studies.">Copper(I) SNS Pincer Complexes: Impact of Ligand Design and Solvent Coordination on Conformer Interconversion from Spectroscopic and Computational Studies.</a> Inorganica Chimica Acta. 495, (2019).</li><li>. Web Elements Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.webelements.com/zinc/atom_sizes.html">https://www.webelements.com/zinc/atom_sizes.html</a> (2019)</li><li>. Web Elements Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.webelements.com/cobalt/atom_sizes.html">https://www.webelements.com/cobalt/atom_sizes.html</a> (2019)</li><li>Caballero, A., D&#237;ez-Barra, E., Jal&#243;n, F. A., Merino, S., Tejeda, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=1,1'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(3-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylidine),+a+new+multidentate+N-heterocyclic+bis-carbene+and+its+silver(I)+complex+derivative.">1,1'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(3-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylidine), a new multidentate N-heterocyclic bis-carbene and its silver(I) complex derivative.</a> Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. 617-618, 395-398 (2001).</li><li>Albrecht, M., van Koten, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Platinum+Group+Organometallics+Based+on+"Pincer"+Complexes:+Sensors,+Switches,+and+Catalysis.">Platinum Group Organometallics Based on "Pincer" Complexes: Sensors, Switches, and Catalysis.</a> Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 40 (20), 3750-3781 (2001).</li><li>Peris, E., Crabtree, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Key+factors+in+pincer+ligand+design.">Key factors in pincer ligand design.</a> Chemistry Society Reviews. 47, 1959-1968 (2018).</li><li>Dolomanov, O. V., Bourhis, L. J., Gildea, R. J., Howard, J. A. K., Puschmann, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+complete+structure,+solution,+refinement,+and+analysis+program.">A complete structure, solution, refinement, and analysis program.</a> Journal of Applied Crystallography. 42, 339-341 (2009).</li><li>Sheldrick, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Integrated+Space+Group+and+Crystal+Structure+Determination.">Integrated Space Group and Crystal Structure Determination.</a> Acta Crystallography. 71, 3-8 (2015).</li><li>Sheldrick, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Crystal+Structure+Refinement+with+SHELXL.">Crystal Structure Refinement with SHELXL.</a> Acta Crystallography. 71, 3-8 (2015).</li><li>Pauling, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metal-metal+bond+lengths+in+complexes+of+transition+metals.">Metal-metal bond lengths in complexes of transition metals.</a> Proceedings of the National Academies of the Sciences of the United States of America. 73, 4290-4293 (1976).</li><li>Trzhtsinskaya, B. V., Abramova, N. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Imidazole-2-Thiones:+Synthesis,+Structure,+Properties.">Imidazole-2-Thiones: Synthesis, Structure, Properties.</a> Sulfur Reports. 10 (4), 389 (1991).</li><li>Schneider, G., Eklund, H., Cedergren-Zeppezauer, E., Zeppezauer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Crystal+structure+of+the+active+site+in+specifically+metal-depleted+and+cobalt+substituted+horse+liver+alcohol+dehydrogenase+derivatives.">Crystal structure of the active site in specifically metal-depleted and cobalt substituted horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase derivatives.</a> Proceedings of the National Academies of the Sciences of the United States of America. 80, 5289-5293 (1983).</li><li>Yang, L., Powell, D. R., Houser, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structural+variation+in+copper(I)+complexes+with+pyridylmethylamide+ligands:+structural+analysis+with+a+new+four-coordinate+geometry+index,+&#964;4.">Structural variation in copper(I) complexes with pyridylmethylamide ligands: structural analysis with a new four-coordinate geometry index, &#964;4.</a> Dalton Transactions. , 955-964 (2007).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The preparation of complexes 4 and 5 is facile. The key step is to add the solid CoCl2&#183;6H2O to an acetonitrile solution that contains the respective ligand precursor. The solution turns dark green within seconds after the addition of CoCl2&#183;6H2O to form complex 4. The solution turns bright blue after the addition of CoCl2&#183;6H2O to form complex 5. To ensure complete reaction, t...

The purpose of the presented method is to prepare small-molecule analogs of LADH to further understand the catalytic activity of metalloenzymes. LADH is a dimeric enzyme that contains a cofactor-binding domain and zinc(II) metal-containing catalytic domain1. LADH, in the presence of co-factor NADH, can reduce ketones and aldehydes to their respective alcohol derivatives2. In the presence of NAD+, LADH can perform reverse catalysis of oxidation of alcohols to ketones and aldehydes2. The crystal structure of LADH&#8217;s active site shows that its zinc(II) metal center is bound to one nitrogen atom, provided by a histidine side chain and two sulfur atoms and offered by two cysteine ligands3. Further research has shown that the zinc metal center is ligated with a labile water molecule, resulting in pseudo-tetrahedral geometry around the metal center4.
We have previously reported and utilized SNS pincer ligand precursors as well as metallated the ligand precursors with ZnCl2 to form Zn(II) complexes that contain the tridentate ligand precursor5,6,7. These ligand precursors are shown in Figure 1. These zinc(II) complexes exhibited activity for the stoichiometric reduction of electron-poor aldehydes and are thus model complexes for LADH. Subsequently, the synthesis and characterization of a series of copper(I) and copper(II) complexes that contain SNS ligand precursors have been reported8,9,10.
Although LADH is a zinc(II) enzyme, we are interested in preparing cobalt(II) model complexes of LADH in order to obtain more spectroscopic information about the cobalt(II) analogs of LADH. The cobalt(II) complexes are colored, whereas the zinc(II) complexes are off-white. Since the cobalt(II) complexes are colored, ultraviolet visible spectra of the complexes can be obtained, in which information about the strength of the ligand field in cobalt(II) complexes can also be gathered. By using information from Gaussian calculations and the experimentally obtained ultra-violet visible spectra, information about the strength of the ligand field can be deduced. Cobalt(II) is a good substitute for zinc(II), since both ions have similar ionic radii and similar Lewis acidities11,12.
The presented method involves synthesizing and characterizing model complexes to attempt to mimic the natural catalytic behavior of LADH5,6. We have previously metallated a family of ligand precursors with ZnCl2 to form zinc(II) model complexes of LADH, which modeled the structure and reactivity of the zinc active site in LADH4. Through multiple experiments, these pincer ligands have proven to be robust under different environmental conditions and have remained stable with a diverse collection of attached R-groups.5,6
Tridentate ligands are preferable compared to monodentate ligands, because they have been found to be more successful with metalation due to the strong chelate effects of tridentate ligands. This observation is due to a more favored entropy of tridentate pincer ligand formation in comparison to a monodentate ligand13. Furthermore, tridentate pincer ligands are likely to prevent dimerization of the metal complexes, which is favored because dimerization is likely to slow catalytic activity of a complex14. Thus, using tridentate pincer ligands has been proven successful in organometallic chemistry in the preparation of catalytic active and robust complexes. SNS pincer complexes have been less studied than other pincer systems, as pincer complexes usually contain second and third row transition metals15.
This research on metalloenzymes can help further the understanding of their enzymatic activity, which can be applied to other areas in biology. This method of synthesizing model complexes compared to the alternative method (synthesizing the entire protein of LADH) is favorable for a number of reasons. The first advantage is that model complexes are low in molecular mass and are still capable of accurately representing catalytic activity and environmental conditions of the natural enzyme&#8217;s active site. Second, model complexes are simpler to work with and produce reliable and relatable data.
This manuscript describes the synthetic preparation and characterization of two cobalt(II) pincer model complexes of LADH. Both complexes feature a pincer ligand that contains sulfur, nitrogen, and sulfur donor atoms. The first complex (4) is based on an imidazole precursor, and the second (5) is based on a triazole precursor. The complexes show reactivity for the stoichiometry reduction of electron poor aldehydes in the presence of a hydrogen donor. These reactivity results will be reported in a subsequent manuscript.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>100 mL Round Bottomed Flask</td>
			<td>Chem Glass</td>
			<td>CG150691</td>
			<td>100mL Single Neck Round Bottomed Flask, 19/22 Outer Joint</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>HB9823-4</td>
			<td>HPLC Grade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chiller for roto-vap</td>
			<td>Lauda</td>
			<td>L000638</td>
			<td>Alpha RA 8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cobalt Chloride hexahydrate</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>AC423571000</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Diethyl Ether</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>E-138-1</td>
			<td>Diethyl Ether Anhydorus</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>graduated cylinder</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S63456</td>
			<td>25 mL graduated cylinder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hotplate</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>11-100-49SH</td>
			<td>Isotemp Basic Stirring Hotplate</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>jars</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>05-719-481</td>
			<td>250 mL jars</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ligand</td>
			<td>-----</td>
			<td>-----</td>
			<td>Synthezied previously by Professor Miecznikowski</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>medium cotton balls</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>22-456-80</td>
			<td>medium cotton balls</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>one dram vials</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>03-339</td>
			<td>one dram vials with TFE Lined Cap</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipet</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>13-678-20B</td>
			<td>5.75 inch pipets</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipet bulbs</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>03-448-21</td>
			<td>Fisher Brand Latex Bulb for pipet</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>recrystallizing dish for sand bath</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>08-741 D</td>
			<td>325 mL recrystallizing dish for sand bath</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>reflux condensor</td>
			<td>Chem Glass</td>
			<td>CG-1218-A-22</td>
			<td>Condenser with 19/22 inner joint</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotovap</td>
			<td>Heidolph Collegiate</td>
			<td>36000090</td>
			<td>Brinkmann; Heidolph Collegiate Rotary Evaporator with Heidolph WB eco bath Heidolph Rotary Evaporator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sea sand for sandbath</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>612355000</td>
			<td>washed sea sand for sand bath</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stir bar</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>07-910-23</td>
			<td>Egg-Shaped Magnetic Stir Bar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vacum grease</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>14-635-5D</td>
			<td>Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>vacuum pump for rotovap</td>
			<td>Heidolph Collegiate</td>
			<td>36302830</td>
			<td>Heidolph Rotovac Valve Control</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

preparation of sns cobalt(ii) pincer model complexes of liver alcohol dehydrogenase

Chemical model complexes are prepared to represent the active site of an enzyme. In this protocol, a family of tridentate pincer ligand precursors (each possessing two sulfur and one nitrogen donor atom functionalities (SNS) and based on bis-imidazole or bis-triazole compounds) are metallated with CoCl2&#183;6H2O to afford tridentate SNS pincer cobalt(II) complexes. Preparation of the cobalt(II) model complexes for liver alcohol dehydrogenase is facile. Based on a quick color change upon adding the CoCl2&#183;6H2O to acetonitrile solution that contains the ligand precursor, the complex forms rapidly. Formation of the metal complex is complete after allowing the solution to reflux overnight. These cobalt(II) complexes serve as models for the zinc active site in liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH). The complexes are characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, electrospray mass spectrometry, ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. To accurately determine the structure of the complex, its single crystal structure must be determined. Single crystals of the complexes that are suitable for X-ray diffraction are then grown via slow vapor diffusion of diethyl ether into an acetonitrile solution that contains the cobalt(II) complex. For high quality crystals, recrystallization typically takes place over a 1 week period, or longer. The method can be applied to the preparation of other model coordination complexes and can be used in undergraduate teaching laboratories. Finally, it is believed that others may find this recrystallization method to obtain single crystals beneficial to their research.

Synthesis 
The syntheses of complexes 4 and 5 were successfully carried out by reacting an acetonitrile solution containing a bis-thione ligand precursor with cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (Figure 2). This reaction occurred at a reflux temperature in the presence of air. In general, complexes 4 and 5 were observed to be soluble in acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, dichloromethane, and methanol. Compl...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Preparation of SNS CobaltII Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase at JoVE.com

Preparation of SNS CobaltII Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

The preparation of SNS pincer cobalt(II) model complexes of liver alcohol dehydrogenase is presented here. The complexes can be prepared by reacting the ligand precursor with CoCl2&#183;6H2O and can then be recrystallized by allowing diethyl ether to slowly diffuse into an acetonitrile solution that contains the cobalt complex.

Preparation of SNS Cobalt(II) Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Chemical model complexes are prepared to represent the active site of an enzyme. In this protocol, a family of tridentate pincer ligand precursors (each ...

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6.9K Views.  Fairfield University. The preparation of SNS pincer cobalt(II) model complexes of liver alcohol dehydrogenase is presented here. The complexes can be prepared by reacting the ligand precursor with CoCl2·6H2O and can then be recrystallized by allowing diethyl ether to slowly diffuse into an acetonitrile solution that contains the cobalt complex.

Video: Preparation of SNS CobaltII Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies

Physical interactions among the lipid-embedded alpha-helical domains of membrane proteins play a crucial role in folding and assembly of membrane protein complexes and in dynamic processes such as transmembrane (TM) signaling and regulation of cell-surface protein levels. Understanding the structural features driving the association of particular sequences requires sophisticated biophysical and biochemical analyses of TM peptide complexes. However, the extreme hydrophobicity of TM domains makes them very difficult to manipulate using standard peptide chemistry techniques, and production of suitable study material often proves prohibitively challenging. Identifying conditions under which peptides can adopt stable helical conformations and form complexes spontaneously adds a further level of difficulty. Here we present a procedure for the production of homo- or hetero-dimeric TM peptide complexes from materials that are expressed in E. coli, thus allowing incorporation of stable isotope labels for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or non-natural amino acids for other applications relatively inexpensively. The key innovation in this method is that TM complexes are produced and purified as covalently associated (disulfide-crosslinked) assemblies that can form stable, stoichiometric and homogeneous structures when reconstituted into detergent, lipid or other membrane-mimetic materials. We also present carefully optimized procedures for expression and purification that are equally applicable whether producing single TM domains or crosslinked complexes and provide advice for adapting these methods to new TM sequences.

Biophysical and biochemical studies of interactions among membrane-embedded protein domains face many technical challenges, the first of which is obtaining appropriate study material. This article describes a protocol for producing and purifying disulfide-stabilized transmembrane peptide complexes that are suitable for structural analysis by solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other analytical applications.

Physical  interactions among the lipid-embedded alpha-helical domains of membrane  proteins play a crucial role in folding and assembly of membrane ...

Structure and Coordination Determination of Peptide-metal Complexes Using 1D and 2D 1H NMR

Copper (I) binding by metallochaperone transport proteins prevents copper oxidation and release of the toxic ions that may participate in harmful redox reactions. The Cu (I) complex of the peptide model of a Cu (I) binding metallochaperone protein, which includes the sequence MTCSGCSRPG (underlined is conserved), was determined in solution under inert conditions by NMR spectroscopy.
NMR is a widely accepted technique for the determination of solution structures of proteins and peptides. Due to difficulty in crystallization to provide single crystals suitable for X-ray crystallography, the NMR technique is extremely valuable, especially as it provides information on the solution state rather than the solid state. Herein we describe all steps that are required for full three-dimensional structure determinations by NMR. The protocol includes sample preparation in an NMR tube, 1D and 2D data collection and processing, peak assignment and integration, molecular mechanics calculations, and structure analysis. Importantly, the analysis was first conducted without any preset metal-ligand bonds, to assure a reliable structure determination in an unbiased manner.

Structure and Coordination Determination of Peptide-metal Complexes Using 1D and 2D 1H NMR

The NMR-solution structure of a metallochaperone model peptide with Cu (I) was determined, and a detailed protocol from sample preparation and 1D and 2D data collection to a three-dimensional structure is described.

Copper (I) binding by metallochaperone transport proteins prevents copper oxidation and release of the toxic ions that may participate in harmful redox ...

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes

Herein we report the synthesis of a tridentate phosphine ligand N(CH2PPh2)3 (N-triphosPh) (1) via a phosphorus based Mannich reaction of the hydroxylmethylene phosphine precursor with ammonia in methanol under a nitrogen atmosphere. The N-triphosPh ligand precipitates from the solution after approximately 1 hr of reflux and can be isolated analytically pure via simple cannula filtration procedure under nitrogen. Reaction of the N-triphosPh ligand with [Ru3(CO)12] under reflux affords a deep red solution that show evolution of CO gas on ligand complexation. Orange crystals of the complex [Ru(CO)2{N(CH2PPh2)3}-&#954;3P] (2) were isolated on cooling to RT. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum showed a characteristic single peak at lower frequency compared to the free ligand. Reaction of a toluene solution of complex 2 with oxygen resulted in the instantaneous precipitation of the carbonate complex [Ru(CO3)(CO){N(CH2PPh2)3}-&#954;3P] (3) as an air stable orange solid. Subsequent hydrogenation of 3 under 15 bar of hydrogen in a high-pressure reactor gave the dihydride complex [RuH2(CO){N(CH2PPh2)3}-&#954;3P] (4), which was fully characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Complexes 3 and 4 are potentially useful catalyst precursors for a range of hydrogenation reactions, including biomass-derived products such as levulinic acid (LA). Complex 4 was found to cleanly react with LA in the presence of the proton source additive NH4PF6 to give [Ru(CO){N(CH2PPh2)3}-&#954;3P{CH3CO(CH2)2CO2H}-&#954;2O](PF6) (6).

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes

Ruthenium phosphine complexes are widely used for homogeneous catalytic reactions such as hydrogenations. The synthesis of a series of novel tridentate ruthenium complexes bearing the N-triphos ligand N(CH2PPh2)3 is reported. Additionally, the stoichiometric reaction of a dihydride Ru&#8211;N-triphos complex with levulinic acid is described.

Herein we report the synthesis of a tridentate phosphine ligand N(CH2PPh2)3 (N-triphosPh) (1) via a phosphorus based Mannich reaction of the ...

Preparation of Carbon Nanosheets at Room Temperature

Amphiphilic molecules equipped with a reactive, carbon-rich "oligoyne" segment consisting of conjugated carbon-carbon triple bonds self-assemble into defined aggregates in aqueous media and at the air-water interface. In the aggregated state, the oligoynes can then be carbonized under mild conditions while preserving the morphology and the embedded chemical functionalization. This novel approach provides direct access to functionalized carbon nanomaterials. In this article, we present a synthetic approach that allows us to prepare hexayne carboxylate amphiphiles as carbon-rich siblings of typical fatty acid esters through a series of repeated bromination and Negishi-type cross-coupling reactions. The obtained compounds are designed to self-assemble into monolayers at the air-water interface, and we show how this can be achieved in a Langmuir trough. Thus, compression of the molecules at the air-water interface triggers the film formation and leads to a densely packed layer of the molecules. The complete carbonization of the films at the air-water interface is then accomplished by cross-linking of the hexayne layer at room temperature, using UV irradiation as a mild external stimulus. The changes in the layer during this process can be monitored with the help of infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy and Brewster angle microscopy. Moreover, a transfer of the carbonized films onto solid substrates by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique has enabled us to prove that they were carbon nanosheets with lateral dimensions on the order of centimeters.

We present the synthesis of an amphiphilic hexayne and its use in the preparation of carbon nanosheets at the air-water interface from a self-assembled monolayer of these reactive, carbon-rich molecular precursors.

Amphiphilic molecules equipped with a reactive, carbon-rich "oligoyne" segment consisting of conjugated carbon-carbon triple bonds self-assemble into ...

Facile Preparation of 4-Substituted Quinazoline Derivatives

Reported in this paper is a very simple method for direct preparation of 4-substituted quinazoline derivatives from a reaction between substituted 2-aminobenzophenones and thiourea in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This is a unique complementary reaction system in which thiourea undergoes thermal decomposition to form carbodiimide and hydrogen sulfide, where the former reacts with 2-aminobenzophenone to form 4-phenylquinazolin-2(1H)-imine intermediate, whilst hydrogen sulfide reacts with DMSO to give methanethiol or other sulfur-containing molecule which then functions as a complementary reducing agent to reduce 4-phenylquinazolin-2(1H)-imine intermediate into 4-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-2-amine. Subsequently, the elimination of ammonia from 4-phenyl-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-2-amine affords substituted quinazoline derivative. This reaction usually gives quinazoline derivative as a single product arising from 2-aminobenzophenone as monitored by GC/MS analysis, along with small amount of sulfur-containing molecules such as dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, etc. The reaction usually completes in 4-6 hr at 160 &#186;C in small scale but may last over 24 hr when carried out in large scale. The reaction product can be easily purified by means of washing off DMSO with water followed by column chromatography or thin layer chromatography.

A protocol for facile preparation of 4-substituted quinazoline derivatives from 2-aminobenzophenones, thiourea and dimethyl sulfoxide is presented.

Reported in this paper is a very simple method for direct preparation of 4-substituted quinazoline derivatives from a reaction between substituted ...

Preparation of Biopolymer Aerogels Using Green Solvents

Although the first reports on aerogels made by Kistler1 in the 1930s dealt with aerogels from both inorganic oxides (silica and others) and biopolymers (gelatin, agar, cellulose), only recently have biomasses been recognized as an abundant source of chemically diverse macromolecules for functional aerogel materials. Biopolymer aerogels (pectin, alginate, chitosan, cellulose, etc.) exhibit both specific inheritable functions of starting biopolymers and distinctive features of aerogels (80-99% porosity and specific surface up to 800 m2/g). This synergy of properties makes biopolymer aerogels promising candidates for a wide gamut of applications such as thermal insulation, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery systems, functional foods, catalysts, adsorbents and sensors. This work demonstrates the use of pressurized carbon dioxide (5 MPa) for the ionic cross linking of amidated pectin into hydrogels. Initially a biopolymer/salt dispersion is prepared in water. Under pressurized CO2 conditions, the pH of the biopolymer solution is lowered to 3 which releases the crosslinking cations from the salt to bind with the biopolymer yielding hydrogels. Solvent exchange to ethanol and further supercritical CO2 drying (10 - 12 MPa) yield aerogels. Obtained aerogels are ultra-porous with low density (as low as 0.02 g/cm3), high specific surface area (350 - 500 m2/g) and pore volume (3 - 7 cm3/g for pore sizes less than 150 nm).

A new way for the production of biopolymer-based aerogels by carbon dioxide (CO2) induced gelation is shown. The technique utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide (5 MPa) for the production of biopolymer hydrogels and supercritical CO2 (12 MPa) to convert gels into aerogels. The only solvents needed besides CO2 are water and ethanol.

Although the first reports on aerogels made by Kistler1 in the 1930s dealt with aerogels from both inorganic oxides (silica and others) and biopolymers ...

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes

Here, we describe an effective protocol that combines photoredox Ni/Ir catalysis with the use of a Zn-alkoxide for efficient ring-opening polymerization, allowing for the synthesis of isotactic poly(&#945;-hydroxy acids) with expected molecular weights (&#62;140 kDa) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn &#60; 1.1). This ring-opening polymerization is mediated by Ni and Zn complexes in the presence of an alcohol initiator and a photoredox Ir catalyst, irradiated by a blue LED (400 - 500 nm). The polymerization is performed at a low temperature (-15 &#176;C) to avoid undesired side reactions. The complete monomer consumption can be achieved within 4 - 8 hours, providing a polymer close to the expected molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution. The resulted number-average molecular weight shows a linear correlation with the degree of polymerization up to 1000. The homodecoupling 1H NMR study confirms that the obtained polymer is isotactic without epimerization. This polymerization reported herein offers a strategy for achieving rapid, controlled O-carboxyanhydrides polymerization to prepare stereoregular poly(&#945;-hydroxy acids) and its copolymers bearing various functional side-chain groups.

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes

A protocol for the controlled photoredox ring-opening polymerization of O-carboxyanhydrides mediated by Ni/Zn complexes is presented.

Here, we describe an effective protocol that combines photoredox Ni/Ir catalysis with the use of a Zn-alkoxide for efficient ring-opening polymerization, ...

Preparation and Characterization of C60/Graphene Hybrid Nanostructures

Physical thermal deposition in a high vacuum environment is a clean and controllable method for fabricating novel molecular nanostructures on graphene. We present methods for depositing and passively manipulating C60 molecules on rippled graphene that advance the pursuit of realizing applications involving 1D C60/graphene hybrid structures. The techniques applied in this exposition are geared towards high vacuum systems with preparation areas capable of supporting molecular deposition as well as thermal annealing of the samples. We focus on C60 deposition at low pressure using a homemade Knudsen cell connected to a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) system. The number of molecules deposited is regulated by controlling the temperature of the Knudsen cell and the deposition time. One-dimensional (1D) C60 chain structures with widths of two to three molecules can be prepared via tuning of the experimental conditions. The surface mobility of the C60 molecules increases with annealing temperature allowing them to move within the periodic potential of the rippled graphene. Using this mechanism, it is possible to control the transition of 1D C60 chain structures to a hexagonal close packed quasi-1D stripe structure.

Preparation and Characterization of C60/Graphene Hybrid Nanostructures

Here we present a protocol for the fabrication of C60/graphene hybrid nanostructures by physical thermal evaporation. Particularly, the proper manipulation of deposition and annealing conditions allow the control over the creation of 1D and quasi 1D C60 structures on rippled graphene.

Physical thermal deposition in a high vacuum environment is a clean and controllable method for fabricating novel molecular nanostructures on graphene. We ...

Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators

This paper focuses on the microfluidic process (and its parameters) to prepare actuating particles from liquid crystalline elastomers. The preparation usually consists in the formation of droplets containing low molar mass liquid crystals at elevated temperatures. Subsequently, these particle precursors are oriented in the flow field of the capillary and solidified by a crosslinking polymerization, which produces the final actuating particles. The optimization of the process is necessary to obtain the actuating particles and the proper variation of the process parameters (temperature and flow rate) and allows variations of size and shape (from oblate to strongly prolate morphologies) as well as the magnitude of actuation. In addition, it is possible to vary the type of actuation from elongation to contraction depending on the director profile induced to the droplets during the flow in the capillary, which again depends on the microfluidic process and its parameters. Furthermore, particles of more complex shapes, like core-shell structures or Janus particles, can be prepared by adjusting the setup. By the variation of the chemical structure and the mode of crosslinking (solidification) of the liquid crystalline elastomer, it is also possible to prepare actuating particles triggered by heat or UV-vis irradiation.

This article describes the microfluidic process and parameters to prepare actuating particles from liquid crystalline elastomers. This process allows the preparation of actuating particles and the variation of their size and shape (from oblate to strongly prolate, core-shell, and Janus morphologies) as well as the magnitude of actuation.

This paper focuses on the microfluidic process (and its parameters) to prepare actuating particles from liquid crystalline elastomers. The preparation ...

Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method

The goal of the protocols described herein is to synthesize bioinspired silica materials, perform enzyme encapsulation therein, and partially or totally purify the same by acid elution. By combining sodium silicate with a polyfunctional bioinspired additive, silica is rapidly formed at ambient conditions upon neutralization. 
The effect of neutralization rate and biomolecule addition point on silica yield are investigated, and biomolecule immobilization efficiency is reported for varying addition point. In contrast to other porous silica synthesis methods, it is shown that the mild conditions required for bioinspired silica synthesis are fully compatible with the encapsulation of delicate biomolecules. Additionally, mild conditions are used across all synthesis and modification steps, making bioinspired silica a promising target for the scale-up and commercialization as both a bare material and active support medium.
The synthesis is shown to be highly sensitive to conditions, i.e., the neutralization rate and final synthesis pH, however tight control over these parameters is demonstrated through the use of auto titration methods, leading to high reproducibility in reaction progression pathway and yield. 
Therefore, bioinspired silica is an excellent active material support choice, showing versatility towards many current applications, not limited to those demonstrated here, and potency in future applications.

Here, we present a protocol to synthesize bioinspired silica materials and immobilize enzymes therein. Silica is synthesized by combining sodium silicate and an amine &#39;additive&#39;, which neutralize at a controlled rate. Material properties and function can be altered either by in situ enzyme immobilization or post-synthetic acid elution of encapsulated additives.

The goal of the protocols described herein is to synthesize bioinspired silica materials, perform enzyme encapsulation therein, and partially or totally ...

Preparation of SNS Cobalt(II) Pincer Model Complexes of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase

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Chapters in this video

Production of Disulfide-stabilized Transmembrane Peptide Complexes for Structural Studies

Structure and Coordination Determination of Peptide-metal Complexes Using 1D and 2D ¹H NMR

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphos^Ph Complexes

Preparation of Carbon Nanosheets at Room Temperature

Facile Preparation of 4-Substituted Quinazoline Derivatives

Preparation of Biopolymer Aerogels Using Green Solvents

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes

Preparation and Characterization of C₆₀/Graphene Hybrid Nanostructures

Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators

Preparation of Functional Silica Using a Bioinspired Method