Taking Advantage of the Coordinative Behavior of a Tridentate Schiff Base Ligand towards Pd2+ and Cu2+

crystals Article Taking Advantage of the Coordinative Behavior of a Tridentate SchiffBase Ligand towards Pd2+and Cu2+ Jesús Sanmartín-Matalobos 1,* , Matilde Fondo 1, Morteza Zarepour-Jevinani 1,2 and Ana M. García-Deibe 1 1Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Avda. de las ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain 2Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran P.O. Box 11155-3516, Iran *Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 23 July 2019; Accepted: 3 August 2019; Published: 5 August 2019   Abstract: We have explored the suitability of an O,N,N–donor Schiffbase (H 2 SB) for obtaining dinuclear complexes with heavy metal ions such as Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Co 2+ (borderline acids) as well as Pd 2+ and Cd 2+ (soft acids). Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that the complexation of H 2 SB and Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Pd 2+ , and Cd 2+ occurred at a 1:1 stoichiometry. We have found two square planar centers with Pd-N-Pd angles of 93.08(11) ◦ and a Pd–Pd distance of 3.0102(4) Å in Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO. This Pd–Pd distance is 30% shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii, which is in accordance with a strong palladophilic interaction. Fluorescence studies on H 2 SB-M 2+ interaction showed that H 2 SB can detect Cu 2+ ions in a sample matrix containing various metal ions (hard, soft, or borderline acids) without interference. Determination of binding constants showed that H2SB has a greater affinity for borderline acids than for soft acids. Keywords: X-ray; fluorescence; metallophilic interaction; palladium; copper; Schiffbase 1. Introduction Metallophilic interactions have attracted the interest of many researchers because they can lead to the formation of supramolecular assemblies of metal complexes, as dimers, oligomers, chains, or sheets, showing useful properties [ 1 – 10 ]. These M ··· M interactions, which can be as strong as hydrogen bonds, can lead to M–M distances shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii, facilitating the electronic communication between heavy metal atoms. Among these short contacts, d 10 -d 10 and d 8 -d 8 interactions have aroused considerable interest, especially when the metal ions involved belong to the second and third transition series. This is because some of them exhibit unique optical, magnetic, chemical, photochemical, or catalytic properties. In particular, dinuclear complexes with palladophilic interactions have demonstrated versatile uses both in catalysis and in synthetic organic chemistry [ 11 – 14 ]. Despite this potential interest, very little research has been devoted to the synthesis of dinuclear palladium(II) complexes through µ2 –Nbridges with short contacts. Thus, a search in Cambridge Structural Database data [ 15 ] indicates that, among more than a million of crystal structures already deposited, only eleven dinuclear palladium complexes connected through µ2 –Nbridges display Pd–Pd distances shorter than 3.02 Å [ 16 – 25 ]. Figure 1shows the four types of µ2 –Nbridges so far reported in literature. Recently, we have reported the crystal structures of two dinuclear palladium(II) complexes, with Pd–Pd distances in the range 3.00–3.02 Å [ 24 , 25 ]. These short interatomic distances were achieved by using tridentate Schiffbases that simultaneously bind two Pd 2+ ions through µ2 –N sulphonamido bridges. As a continuation of our investigation, we report herein the synthesis and characterization of a new Schiffbase (H 2 SB, Figure 1) incorporating a suitable O,N,N-binding domain with the aim of Crystals 2019,9, 407; doi:10.3390/cryst9080407 www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals Crystals 2019,9, 407 2 of 15 obtaining dinuclear complexes with heavy metal ions such as Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Co 2+ (borderline acids) as well as Pd 2+ and Cd 2+ (soft acids) through a double µ2 –N sulphonamido bridge (Figure 1, right). Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that the complexation of H 2 SB and Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Pd 2+ , and Cd 2+ occurred at a 1:1 stoichiometry. The crystal structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO, which has been elucidated by using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, has shown a Pd–Pd distance of 3.0102(4) Å, which is sensibly shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii (4.30 Å). This latter value corresponds to that deduced from recent statistical analyses of intermolecular contacts in deposited X-ray crystal structures, paying also special attention to homoatomic contacts involving Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au [ 26 ]. Fluorescence studies on the interaction of H 2 SB towards heavy metal ions such as Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Pd 2+ revealed the ability of H 2 SB to detect Cu 2+ in aqueous solutions containing various metal ions (hard, soft, or borderline acids) without interference. Determination of binding constants showed that H2SB has a greater affinity for borderline acids than for soft acids. Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 15 dinuclear complexes with heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ (borderline acids) as well as Pd2+and Cd2+ (soft acids) through a double μ2–Nsulphonamido bridge (Figure 1, right). Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that the complexation of H2SB and Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Pd2+, and Cd2+ occurred at a 1:1 stoichiometry. The crystal structure of Pd2(SB)2·Me2CO, which has been elucidated by using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, has shown a Pd–Pd distance of 3.0102(4) Å, which is sensibly shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii (4.30 Å). This latter value corresponds to that deduced from recent statistical analyses of intermolecular contacts in deposited X-ray crystal structures, paying also special attention to homoatomic contacts involving Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au [26]. Fluorescence studies on the interaction of H2SB towards heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Pd2+ revealed the ability of H2SB to detect Cu2+ in aqueous solutions containing various metal ions (hard, soft, or borderline acids) without interference. Determination of binding constants showed that H2SB has a greater affinity for borderline acids than for soft acids. Figure 1. Schematic representation of the μ2–N bridges reported for dinuclear palladium complexes crystallographically characterized (top), and the tridentate Schiff base H2SB used in this work (bottom). 2. Experiment 2.1. Materials and Methods The starting materials and reagents were commercially available and were used without further purification. The synthesis of the starting sulphonamide 2–tosylaminomethylaniline, which derives from the reaction of 2–aminobenzylamine with tosyl chloride has been previously reported [27]. Elemental analyses were performed on a Thermo Finnigan analyzer (Flash 1112). Mass spectra were recorded using FAB or MALDI-TOF techniques. Partial views of the mass spectra of the compounds are shown in SM (Supplementary Materials Figures S1–S5). Infrared spectra were recorded as KBr pellets on a Jasco FT/IR-410 spectrophotometer (JASCO Inc, Easton, MD USA) in the range 4000–600 cm−1 (Figures S6–S11). 1H NMR spectra (400 MHz, Varian Inova 400, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA; USA) and 13C NMR spectra (100 MHz, Varian Inova 400, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA; USA) were measured in deuterated solvents. J values are given in Hertz. NMR assignments were carried out by a combination of COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC experiments. Figure 1. Schematic representation of the µ2 –Nbridges reported for dinuclear palladium complexes crystallographically characterized (top), and the tridentate Schiffbase H 2 SB used in this work (bottom). 2. Experiment 2.1. Materials and Methods The starting materials and reagents were commercially available and were used without further purification. The synthesis of the starting sulphonamide 2–tosylaminomethylaniline, which derives from the reaction of 2–aminobenzylamine with tosyl chloride has been previously reported [ 27 ]. Elemental analyses were performed on a Thermo Finnigan analyzer (Flash 1112). Mass spectra were recorded using FAB or MALDI-TOF techniques. Partial views of the mass spectra of the compounds are shown in SM (Supplementary Materials Figures S1–S5). Infrared spectra were recorded as KBr pellets on a Jasco FT/IR-410 spectrophotometer (JASCO Inc, Easton, MD USA) in the range 4000–600 cm −1 (Figures S6–S11). 1 H NMR spectra (400 MHz, Varian Inova 400, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA; USA) and 13 C NMR spectra (100 MHz, Varian Inova 400, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Palo Alto, CA; USA) were measured in deuterated solvents. Jvalues are given in Hertz. NMR assignments were carried out by a combination of COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC experiments. The NMR numbering scheme is the same that we have used in the molecular structure of H 2 SB. Partial views Crystals 2019,9, 407 3 of 15 of the NMR spectra of the diamagnetic compounds are shown in SM (Figures S12–S14). UV-Vis spectra were recorded using an Uvikon 810 spectrophotometer (Kontron Instruments, Ismaning Germany) (Figure S15). Fluorescence spectra were recorded on a Fluoromax-2 spectrofluorometer (Jobin Yvon-Spex, Edison, NJ, USA). 2.2. Crystal Structure Analysis Data Diffraction data for H 2 SB and Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO were collected at 100(2) K, using graphitemonochromatized Mo-K α radiation ( λ =0.71073 Å) from a fine focus sealed tube. Main crystal parameters and refinement data are listed in Table S1. Data were processed and corrected both for Lorentz and polarization effects. Multi-scan absorption corrections [ 28 ] were performed using the SADABS routine [ 29 ]. The structures were solved by standard direct methods [ 30 ] and then refined by full matrix least squares on F 2 [ 30 ]. All non-hydrogen atoms were anisotropically refined, while most of the H atoms were included in the structure factor calculation in geometrically idealized positions, by using a riding model with thermal parameters depending of the parent atom. Those H atoms that could be involved in a classic H bonding scheme for H 2 SB were located on Fourier maps, and isotropically treated. Figure S16 shows mutual intermolecular interactions between neighboring molecules of H2SB. 2.3. Synthesis of H2SB 2–hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.16 mL, 1.45 mmol) was added to 2–tosylaminomethylaniline solved in absolute ethanol solution (40 mL) of [ 27 ] (0.40 g, 1.45 mmol) and the resulting solution was refluxed for 4 h. After cooling, the resulting solution was concentrated to obtain a yellowish oily product. A hexane solution of the oily product (20 mL) was stirred overnight, and the resulting yellow solid was filtrated and dried under vacuum. Yellow prismatic crystals of H 2 SB suitable for single-crystal X-ray studies were obtained by recrystallization of a chloroform solution of the reaction crude. Yield =0.50 g (90%). MS (FAB + , MNBA) m/z (%) [adduct]: 381.2 (100) [H 2 SB+H] + . 1 H NMR (500 MHz, dmso-d 6 , δ in ppm): 12.48 (s, 1H, HO20), 8.74 (s, 1H, H14), 8.03 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H, HN), 7.65 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, H16), 7.64 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, H2 +H6), 7.44 (t, J=8.2 and 1.0 Hz, 2H, H18), 7.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H, H9), 7.36 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H, H11), 7.31 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H, H3 +H5), 7.25 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H, H10), 7.22 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, H12), 7.00 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H, H17), 6.97 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, H19), 4.08 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H, H7), 2.35 (s, 3H, H40). 13 C NMR (125 MHz, dmso-d 6 , δ in ppm): 164.4 (C14), 160.5 (C20), 147.6 (C13), 142.9 (C4), 138.1 (C1), 133.9 (C18), 132.9 (C16), 131.2 (C8), 130.0 (C3 +C5), 129.3 (C9), 129.0 (C11), 126.8 (C10), 126.8 (C2 +C6), 120.0 (C15), 119.5 (C17), 119.0 (C12), 117.1 (C19), 42.4 (C7), 21.4 (C40). IR (KBr, ν /cm -1 ): ν (OH) 3296, ν (NH) 3268, ν (C=N imi ) 1616, νas (SO 2 ) 1328, νs (SO 2 ) 1163. Elemental analysis (found): C 66.0; H 5.5; N 7.5; S 8.4%; calc. for C21H20N2O3S: C 66.3; H 5.3; N 7.4; S 8.4%. 2.4. Synthesis of Pd2(SB)2 A methanol solution (40 mL) of Pd(OAc) 2· 4H 2 O (0.10 g, 0.39 mmol) and H 2 SB (0.15 g, 0.39 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. An orange precipitate was filtered off, washed with methanol and then dried under vacuum. Orange rhombic crystals of Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO suitable for single-crystal X-ray studies were obtained by recrystallization in acetone. Yield =0.14 g (73%). MS (FAB+, MNBA) m/z (%) [adduct]: 970.7 (26) [Pd 2 (SB) 2 +H] + . 1 H NMR (500 MHz, dmso-d 6 , δ in ppm): 8.10 (s, 2H, H14), 7.57 (d, 2H, H16), 7.52 (d, 4H, H2+H6), 7.39 (t, 2H, H18), 7.15 (t, 2H, H10), 7.14 (t, 2H, H11), 7.12 (d, 2H, H9), 6.95 (d, 2H, H19), 6.88 (d, 4H, H3 +H5), 6.71 (d, 2H, H12), 6.68(t, 2H, H17), 4.12 (s, 4H, H7), 2.20 (s, 6H, H40). IR (KBr, ν in cm -1 ): ν (C=N imine ) 1585, νas (SO 2 ) 1327, νs (SO 2 ) 1156. Elemental analysis (found): C 52.2; H 4.0; N 5,7; S 6.5%; calc. for C 42 H 36 N 4 O 6 Pd 2 S 2 : C 52.0; H 3.7; N 5.8; S 6.6%. Crystals 2019,9, 407 4 of 15 2.5. Synthesis of Cd2(SB)2 A methanol solution (40 mL) of H 2 SB (0.10 g, 0.26 mmol) and Cd(OAc) 2· 2H 2 O (0.07 g, 0.26 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was concentrated to obtain an oily product. This latter product was stirring with 10 mL of diethyl ether during 4 hours to yield a precipitate. Then it was filtrated obtaining a yellow precipitate that was air-dried. Yield: 0.08 g (67%). 1 H NMR (500 MHz, dmso-d 6 , δ in ppm): 8.23 (s, 1H, H14), 7.68 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H, H2 +H6), 7.25 (t, J=5.6 Hz , 1H, H11), 7.16 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H, H3 +H5), 7.12 (t, 1H, H10), 7.01 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1H, H16), 6.91 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H, H9), 6.86 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 1H, H19), 6.59 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H, H12), 6.39 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H, H17), 4.22 (s, 2H, H7), 2.29 (s, 3H, H40). IR (KBr, νin cm−1): ν(C=N) 1612, νas(SO2) 1343, νs(SO2) 1156. Elemental analysis (found): C 51.0; H 3.5; N 5.6; S 6.2%; calc. for C 21 H 18 CdN 2 O 3 S: C 51.4; H 3.7; N 5.7; S 6.5%. 2.6. Synthesis of Zn2(SB)2·4H2O A methanol solution (40 mL) containing H 2 SB (0.10 g, 0.26 mmol) and Zn(OAc) 2· 2H 2 O (0.06 g, 0.26 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was concentrated to obtain an oily product. This dense oil was stirred with 20 mL of diethyl ether during 30 minutes. The resulting suspension was filtrated and washed with acetonitrile obtaining a yellow precipitate that was air-dried. Yield: 0.05 g (86%). 1 H NMR (250 MHz, dmso-d 6 , δ in ppm): 8.50 (s, 1H, H14), 7.66 (d, J =7.6 Hz, 2H, H2 +H6), 7.40 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H, H19), 7.34 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, H16), 7.30 (t, 1H, H11), 7.22 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H, H3 +H5), 7.16 (t, 1H, H18), 7.12 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 1H, H10), 7.09 (d, 1H, H9), 6.77 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H, H12), 6.59 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H, H17), 3.90 (s, 2H, H7), 2.30 (s, 3H, H40). IR (KBr, ν in cm −1 ): ν (C=N) 1616, νas (SO 2 ) 1395, νs (SO 2 ) 1150. Elemental analysis (found): C 52.3; H 4.3; N 5.7; S 6.4%; calc. for C21H22N2O5SZn: C 52.6; H 4.6; N 5.8; S 6.7%. 2.7. Synthesis of Ni2(SB)2·4H2O A methanol solution (40 mL) of Ni(OAc) 2· 4H 2 O (0.07 g, 0.26 mmol) and H 2 SB (0.10 g, 0.26 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was concentrated to obtain an oily product. This latter one was stirried with 20 mL of diethyl ether during 30 minutes. The resulting precipitate was filtered offand then air-dried. Yield =0.09 g (73%). MS (MALDI-TOF + , DCTB) m/z (%) [adduct]: 875.0 (80) [Ni 2 (SB) 2 +H] + . IR (KBr, ν in cm -1 ): ν (OH) 3436, ν (C=N) 1608, νas (SO 2 ) 1315, νs (SO 2 ) 1160. Elemental analysis (found): C 53.3; H 4.6; N 5.6; S 7.1 %; calc. for C 42 H 44 Ni 2 N 4 O 10 S 2 : C 53.3; H 4.7; N 5.9; S 6.8%. 2.8. Synthesis of Cu2(SB)2·2MeOH A methanol solution (40 mL) of H 2 SB (0.10 g, 0.26 mmol) and Cu(OAc) 2· H 2 O (0.06 g, 0.26 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting suspension was filtered offand then air-dried. Yield: 0.04 g (73%). MS (MALDI-TOF, DCTB) m/z: 947.0 (27) [Cu 2 (SB) 2 (MeOH) 2 +H] + . IR (KBr, ν in cm −1 ): ν (OH) 3435, ν (C=N) 1585, νas (SO 2 ) 1327, νs (SO 2 ) 1156. Elemental analysis (found): C 55.2; H 4.5; N 5.6; S 7.0%; calc. for C44H44Cu2N4O8S2: C 55.7; H 4.7; N 5.9; S, 6.8%. 2.9. Synthesis of Co2(SB)2·4H2O A methanol solution (40 mL) of H 2 SB (0.10 g, 0.26 mmol) and Co(OAc) 2· 4H 2 O (0.07 g, 0.26 mmol) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting solution was concentrated to obtain an oily product. This product was stirred with 20 mL of diethyl ether during 30 minutes. The resulting precipitate was filtered offand then dried under vacuum. Yield =0.05 g (41%). MS (MALDI-TOF, DCTB) m/z(%) [adduct]: 875.0 (100) [Co 2 (SB) 2 +H] + . IR (KBr, ν in cm −1 ): ν (OH) 3438, ν (C=N) 1611, νas (SO 2 ) 1335, νs (SO 2 ) 1157. Elemental analysis (found): C 53.0; H 4.5; N 5.8; S 6.4%; calc. for C42H44Co2N4O10S2: C 53.3; H 4.7; N 5.9; S 6.8%. Crystals 2019,9, 407 5 of 15 3. Results and Discussion With the aim of understanding the potential bonding behavior of H 2 SB upon binding different metal ions, we need to know the corresponding binding stoichiometry, degree of deprotonation, and coordination environment. Therefore, we synthesized some representative dinuclear complexes with soft and borderline acids, and then, we studied their behavior in solution by a combination of NMR, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometries. The bonding situation was also investigated in the solid state, by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of H 2 SB and Pd2(SB)2·Me2CO were determined by using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. 3.1. Crystal Structure of H2SB Single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques have demonstrated that the imine group of H 2 SB displays a typical Econfiguration for a Schiffbase with a hydroxyl group ortho positioned (Figure 2). This configuration is favored by an intramolecular O3–H3 ··· N2 interaction, with a length of only 2.607(3) ´ Å. This short distance evidences its intensity, and it could be qualified as strong intramolecular resonance-assistedH-bond[ 31 ]. Thetorsionof165.00(16) ◦ foundfortheC8–C7–N1–S1bondsindicatesa typical anti conformation of the sulphonamide group in this free ligand, with an angle higher than some othersfoundforseveralconformersofarelatedligandalsoderivedfrom2-tosylaminomethylaniline[ 27 ]. The torsion of C6–C1–S1–N1 ( − 90.6(2) ◦ ) illustrates the almost perpendicular disposition of the tolyl ring with respect to the N1–S1 bond, and which is typical of this group in this kind of compound [ 27 ]. Meaningful bond distances and angles (Table S2) also fall within the usual ranges found for other 2-tosylaminomethylaniline derivatives [32,33]. With regard to the packing scheme of this free ligand, some intermolecular interactions occur between the sulphonamide groups of neighboring molecules to associate them in pairs (Figure S16), through two mutual N1–H1A···O1 interactions (Table S3). Association in pairs so related is relatively common for free sulphonamide ligands [ 27 ]. Furthermore, these couples of molecules are forming 1D chains, as they are consecutively connected by means of π-πstacking, with neighboring pairs related by an inversion center. Thus, each flat conjugated fragment formed by the imine group connecting the C8–C13 and the C15–C20 phenyl rings, are stacked with another inverted fragment), being the distance between their respective centroids of 3.77(2) Å. Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15 coordination environment. Therefore, we synthesized some representative dinuclear complexes with soft and borderline acids, and then, we studied their behavior in solution by a combination of NMR, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometries. The bonding situation was also investigated in the solid state, by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of H 2 SB and Pd 2 (SB) 2 ·Me 2 CO were determined by using single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. 3.1. Crystal Structure of H 2 SB Single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques have demonstrated that the imine group of H 2 SB displays a typical E configuration for a Schiff base with a hydroxyl group ortho positioned (Figure 2). This configuration is favored by an intramolecular O3–H3···N2 interaction, with a length of only 2.607(3) Ǻ. This short distance evidences its intensity, and it could be qualified as strong intramolecular resonance-assisted H-bond [31]. The torsion of 165.00(16)° found for the C8–C7–N1– S1 bonds indicates a typical anti conformation of the sulphonamide group in this free ligand, with an angle higher than some others found for several conformers of a related ligand also derived from 2-tosylaminomethylaniline [27]. The torsion of C6–C1–S1–N1 (−90.6(2)°) illustrates the almost perpendicular disposition of the tolyl ring with respect to the N1–S1 bond, and which is typical of this group in this kind of compound [27]. Meaningful bond distances and angles (Table S2) also fall within the usual ranges found for other 2-tosylaminomethylaniline derivatives [32,33]. With regard to the packing scheme of this free ligand, some intermolecular interactions occur between the sulphonamide groups of neighboring molecules to associate them in pairs (Figure S16), through two mutual N1–H1A···O1 interactions (Table S3). Association in pairs so related is relatively common for free sulphonamide ligands [27]. Furthermore, these couples of molecules are forming 1D chains, as they are consecutively connected by means of π-π stacking, with neighboring pairs related by an inversion center. Thus, each flat conjugated fragment formed by the imine group connecting the C8–C13 and the C15–C20 phenyl rings, are stacked with another inverted fragment), being the distance between their respective centroids of 3.77(2) Å. Figure 2. Ellipsoid view (50% probability) of the molecular structure of H 2 SB with the numbering scheme. The interaction between donor and acceptor atoms in the intramolecular H bond is represented as a dotted light blue line. 3.2. Crystal Structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2 ·Me 2 CO Figure 2. Ellipsoid view (50% probability) of the molecular structure of H 2 SB with the numbering scheme. The interaction between donor and acceptor atoms in the intramolecular H bond is represented as a dotted light blue line. Crystals 2019,9, 407 6 of 15 3.2. Crystal Structure of Pd2(SB)2·Me2CO The molecular structure of the neutral dimeric palladium(II) complex present in the crystal structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO is shown in Figure 3as an ellipsoid diagram, which includes its labelling scheme, but excludes its H atoms for clarity. The main geometric parameters of this compound are listed in Table S4. Coordination distances Pd–O and Pd–N are ranging 1.971(2)–1.972(2) Å and 2.022(3)–2.103(3) Å, respectively, so they can be considered within the usual ranges found for other related compounds [ 24 , 25 , 34 ]. By contrast, Pd–O tosyl distances are longer (3.035(2) and 3.129(2) Å), what reflects very weak metal–ligand interactions, so that they cannot be qualified as true coordination bonds. Hence, Pd 2 (SB) 2 shows two pseudo-square planar centers with Pd-N-Pd angles of 92.68(10) and 93.08(11), while the Pd–Pd distance is 3.0102(4) Å (Figure 4). This Pd–Pd distance is 30% shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radius (4.30 Å) [ 26 ], and it is in accordance with a rather intense palladophilic interaction [ 26 ], and illustrated in Figure S16 of the supplementary information. Figure S16 also reflects the angle formed by both almost planar N2O2donor sets around the palladium ions, which is of 32.9(2) ◦ , considering the calculated planes formed by these atoms. The marked planarity is demonstrated by the low deviations of these atoms from these planes, as the maximum distance 0.122(2) Å, which corresponds to that between Pd1 and the plane calculated for its chromophore. In spite of the considerable steric hindrance that both bulky tosyl groups can exert, they are oriented towards the same side of the mentioned Pd 2 N 2 metallacycle, what could be considered as asyn disposition, involving a C 2v molecular symmetry (Figure 3). By contrast with the free ligand, after coordination, these tosyl groups are folded in such way that the p-tolyl rings are practically π – π stacked under those of their respective salicylaldehyde residues, with a distance between their centroids of 3.62(2) and 3.77(2) ´ Å. With this disposition, the palladium ions can be accessible for potential substrates in its hypothetical use as a catalyst. The Pd–N sulphonamide distances (in the range 2.057(3)–2.103(3) Å are longer than the Pd–N imine ones. This fact evidences some lability for µ2 –N bridges is evidenced [ 24 , 25 ]. This is a highly valued structural feature in catalysis because the break of the Pd–Nsulphonamide bound could allow the access of a substrate to the reaction site. Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 15 The molecular structure of the neutral dimeric palladium(II) complex present in the crystal structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2 ·Me 2 CO is shown in Figure 3 as an ellipsoid diagram, which includes its labelling scheme, but excludes its H atoms for clarity. The main geometric parameters of this compound are listed in Table S4. Coordination distances Pd–O and Pd–N are ranging 1.971(2)–1.972(2) Å and 2.022(3)–2.103(3) Å, respectively, so they can be considered within the usual ranges found for other related compounds [24,25,34]. By contrast, Pd–O tosyl distances are longer (3.035(2) and 3.129(2) Å), what reflects very weak metal–ligand interactions, so that they cannot be qualified as true coordination bonds. Hence, Pd 2 (SB) 2 shows two pseudo-square planar centers with Pd-N-Pd angles of 92.68(10) and 93.08(11), while the Pd–Pd distance is 3.0102(4) Å (Figure 4). This Pd–Pd distance is 30% shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radius (4.30 Å) [26], and it is in accordance with a rather intense palladophilic interaction [26], and illustrated in Figure S16 of the supplementary information. Figure S16 also reflects the angle formed by both almost planar N 2 O 2 donor sets around the palladium ions, which is of 32.9(2)°, considering the calculated planes formed by these atoms. The marked planarity is demonstrated by the low deviations of these atoms from these planes, as the maximum distance 0.122(2) Å, which corresponds to that between Pd1 and the plane calculated for its chromophore. In spite of the considerable steric hindrance that both bulky tosyl groups can exert, they are oriented towards the same side of the mentioned Pd 2 N 2 metallacycle, what could be considered as a syn disposition, involving a C 2v molecular symmetry (Figure 3). By contrast with the free ligand, after coordination, these tosyl groups are folded in such way that the p-tolyl rings are practically π–π stacked under those of their respective salicylaldehyde residues, with a distance between their centroids of 3.62(2) and 3.77(2) Ǻ. With this disposition, the palladium ions can be accessible for potential substrates in its hypothetical use as a catalyst. The Pd–N sulphonamide distances (in the range 2.057(3)–2.103(3) Å are longer than the Pd–N imine ones. This fact evidences some lability for μ 2 –N bridges is evidenced [24,25]. This is a highly valued structural feature in catalysis because the break of the Pd–N sulphonamide bound could allow the access of a substrate to the reaction site. Figure 3. Ellipsoid view (50% of probability) of the molecular structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2 ·Me 2 CO. H atoms and the solvated acetone molecule have been omitted for clarity. 3.3. Spectroscopic Characterization of the Non-Crystalline Complexes Figure 3. Ellipsoid view (50% of probability) of the molecular structure of Pd 2 (SB) 2· Me 2 CO. H atoms and the solvated acetone molecule have been omitted for clarity. Crystals 2019,9, 407 7 of 15 3.3. Spectroscopic Characterization of the Non-Crystalline Complexes The dinuclear nature of the non-crystalline complexes Cu 2 (SB) 2· 2MeOH, Ni 2 (SB) 2· 4H 2 O, and Co 2 (SB) 2· 4H 2 O was deduced on the basis of mass spectrometry data. Figures S2 and S3 show the peaks attributed to the molecular ion [M 2 (SB) 2 +H] + , which were observed in the mass spectra of Co 2 (SB) 2· 4H 2 O and Ni 2 (SB) 2· 4H 2 O, respectively. Since we have detected the adduct [Cu 2 (SB) 2 (MeOH) 2 +H] + in the mass spectrum of Cu 2 (SB) 2· 2MeOH, a methanol molecule seems to be present in the coordination sphere of each Cu 2+ ion. The electronic absorption spectrum of Cu 2 (SB) 2· 2MeOH (in methanol) showed a broad, but low intensity d-d band, centered near 670 nm (Figure S15), which is coherent with a square-pyramidal CuN3O2coordination geometry [35]. Bideprotonation of the ligand in dinuclear complexes is easy to deduce because ν (NH) and ν (OH) bands at about 3268 and 3296 cm −1 , respectively, are absent in their infrared spectra (Figures S6–S11). Regarding to the 1 H NMR spectra of Zn 2 (SB) 2· 4H 2 O, Cd 2 (SB) 2 , and Pd 2 (SB) 2 , these show the absence of OH and NH signals, what supports that the ligand is coordinated as a dianionic species. This can be clearly observed in Figure 4. The signal corresponding to the –CH=N group can be also observed at about 8.7 ppm in the free ligand, while for the coordinated SB 2- undergoes a shift to the high field (about 0.2–0.5 ppm), indicating the coordination of the ligand through the imine nitrogen atom. Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 15 The dinuclear nature of the non-crystalline complexes Cu2(SB)2·2MeOH, Ni2(SB)2·4H2O, and Co2(SB)2·4H2O was deduced on the basis of mass spectrometry data. Figures S2 and S3 show the peaks attributed to the molecular ion [M2(SB)2+H]+, which were observed in the mass spectra of Co2(SB)2·4H2O and Ni2(SB)2·4H2O, respectively. Since we have detected the adduct [Cu2(SB)2(MeOH)2+H]+ in the mass spectrum of Cu2(SB)2·2MeOH, a methanol molecule seems to be present in the coordination sphere of each Cu2+ ion. The electronic absorption spectrum of Cu2(SB)2·2MeOH (in methanol) showed a broad, but low intensity d-d band, centered near 670 nm (Figure S15), which is coherent with a square-pyramidal CuN3O2 coordination geometry [35]. Bideprotonation of the ligand in dinuclear complexes is easy to deduce because ν(NH) and ν(OH) bands at about 3268 and 3296 cm-1, respectively, are absent in their infrared spectra (Figures S6–S11). Regarding to the 1H NMR spectra of Zn2(SB)2·4H2O, Cd2(SB)2, and Pd2(SB)2, these show the absence of OH and NH signals, what supports that the ligand is coordinated as a dianionic species. This can be clearly observed in Figure 4. The signal corresponding to the –CH=N group can be also observed at about 8.7 ppm in the free ligand, while for the coordinated SB2- undergoes a shift to the high field (about 0.2–0.5 ppm), indicating the coordination of the ligand through the imine nitrogen atom. Figure 4. Partial view of the 1H NMR spectra of H2SB (bottom) and Zn2(SB)2·4H2O (top). 3.4. UV-Vis Studies on the H2SB-M2+ Interaction We have studied the changes in the UV-Vis spectrum of H2SB upon titration with heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ (borderline acids) as well as Pd2+and Cd2+ (soft acids). In the absence of metal ions, H2SB displayed four intense intraligand absorption bands with centers at about 204, 228, 270, and 340 nm. These bands result from π→π* and n→π* transitions of the conjugated system (Figure 5). The most remarkable spectral change observed as a result of the complexation of H2SB with Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ (Figures S18–S21) was the appearance of an additional absorption band at about 390 nm (MLTC), which was not observed after Pd2+ complexation (Figure S22). Besides, the n →π* transition related to the azomethine group underwent a red (bathochromic) shift from 270 to 285 nm, as a consequence of Cu2+ complexation (Figure 7), which was attributed to an increase in the electron density at the imine nitrogen atom. This is also observed, although with a lesser extent, after Zn2+ complexation (10 nm red shift), being the shift even lesser with the remaining metal ions. In Figure 4. Partial view of the 1H NMR spectra of H2SB (bottom) and Zn2(SB)2·4H2O (top). 3.4. UV-Vis Studies on the H2SB-M2+Interaction We have studied the changes in the UV-Vis spectrum of H 2 SB upon titration with heavy metal ions such as Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Co 2+ (borderline acids) as well as Pd 2+ and Cd 2+ (soft acids). In the absence of metal ions, H 2 SB displayed four intense intraligand absorption bands with centers at about 204, 228, 270, and 340 nm. These bands result from π→π * and n →π * transitions of the conjugated system (Figure 5). The most remarkable spectral change observed as a result of the complexation of H 2 SB with Cu 2+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Cd 2+ (Figures S18–S21) was the appearance of an additional absorption band at about 390 nm (MLTC), which was not observed after Pd 2+ complexation (Figure S22). Besides, the n →π * transition related to the azomethine group underwent a red (bathochromic) shift from 270 to 285 nm, as a consequence of Cu 2+ complexation (Figure 7), which was attributed to an increase in the electron density at the imine nitrogen atom. This is also observed, although with a lesser extent, Crystals 2019,9, 407 8 of 15 after Zn 2+ complexation (10 nm red shift), being the shift even lesser with the remaining metal ions. In contrast, after addition of Pd 2+ ions there are very little changes related to the intraligand absorption bands of H 2 SB, which is probably due to not significant changes in the electron density at donor atoms as a consequence of palladium complexation. Based on that, we speculated that perhaps H 2 SB-Cu 2+ could be the strongest interaction and H2SB-Pd2+the weakest one. In order to find out the binding stoichiometry of the complexes obtained by interaction of H 2 SB with M 2+ ions, Job’s plot method was used. Analysis of the UV-Vis data for complexation of H 2 SB with M 2+ (Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ Pd 2+ , and Cd 2+ ) supports the 1:1 stoichiometry that was found in the characterized complexes (Figure S23). Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 15 contrast, after addition of Pd2+ ions there are very little changes related to the intraligand absorption bands of H2SB, which is probably due to not significant changes in the electron density at donor atoms as a consequence of palladium complexation. Based on that, we speculated that perhaps H2SB-Cu2+ could be the strongest interaction and H2SB-Pd2+ the weakest one. In order to find out the binding stoichiometry of the complexes obtained by interaction of H2SB with M2+ ions, Job's plot method was used. Analysis of the UV-Vis data for complexation of H2SB with M2+ (Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ Pd2+, and Cd2+) supports the 1:1 stoichiometry that was found in the characterized complexes (Figure S23). Figure 5. Partial view of the absorption spectra of H2SB (100 μM,) before (red line) and after addition of Cu2+ (100 μM), measured in methanol-water in 80:20 v/v (pH 7.0–7.5). Spectral data were recorded immediately after the addition of Cu2+ (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mL) to H2SB (1.0 mL) at room temperature. 3.5. Fluorescence Studies on the H2SB-Mn+ Interaction Exposition to UV light with a wavelength of 390 nm of an aqueous solution of H2SB emitted a maximal fluorescence at about 500 nm (Figure 6). The fluorescence intensity of H2SB depends on the pH, as it experiments a drastic increase at pH values higher than 11, whereas pH values in the range 4.0 to 9.5 exert scarce influence on the fluorescence intensity. Since pKa of -OH and –SO2-NH- groups have values near to 10, we have attributed this enhancement of the intensity to deprotonation of both acidic groups in H2SB. 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 Absorbance/a.u. Wavelength/nm H2SB:Cu2+ (1:0) H2SB:Cu2+ (1:0.2) H2SB:Cu2+ (1:0.4) H2SB:Cu2+ (1:0.6) H2SB:Cu2+ (1:0.8) H2SB:Cu2+ (1:1) Figure 5. Partial view of the absorption spectra of H 2 SB (100 µ M,) before (red line) and after addition of Cu 2+ (100 µ M), measured in methanol-water in 80:20 v/v (pH 7.0–7.5). Spectral data were recorded immediately after the addition of Cu 2+ (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mL) to H 2 SB (1.0 mL) at room temperature. 3.5. Fluorescence Studies on the H2SB-Mn+Interaction Exposition to UV light with a wavelength of 390 nm of an aqueous solution of H 2 SB emitted a maximal fluorescence at about 500 nm (Figure 6). The fluorescence intensity of H 2 SB depends on the pH, as it experiments a drastic increase at pH values higher than 11, whereas pH values in the range 4.0 to 9.5 exert scarce influence on the fluorescence intensity. Since pK a of -OH and –SO 2 -NH- groups have values near to 10, we have attributed this enhancement of the intensity to deprotonation of both acidic groups in H2SB. We speculated that a linear varying (enhancement or quenching) of the fluorescence intensity with increasing M n+ ion concentration, could allow the feasibility of H 2 SB as a fluorescent probe for detection of any of the following heavy metal ions Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Pd 2+ . The subsequent studies showed that, in fact, enhancement of the fluorescence was observed upon titration with Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ , whereas titration with Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Pd 2+ , or Cu 2+ led to partial quenching of the fluorescence (Figures S24–S28). Among these results, those observed in the presence of Cu 2+ (declining intensity by over 90% after addition of 2.2 mg/L) have aroused our interest. Crystals 2019,9, 407 9 of 15 Crystals 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 15 Figure 6. Left: Fluorescent photographic image under UV lamp (365 nm) obtained for the blueemitting H2SB (an image under daylight has been included to facilitate comparison). Right: Fluorescence spectrum of H2SB (100 μM,) measured in methanol-water in 80:20 v/v at different pH values. We speculated that a linear varying (enhancement or quenching) of the fluorescence intensity with increasing Mn+ ion concentration, could allow the feasibility of H2SB as a fluorescent probe for detection of any of the following heavy metal ions Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Pd2+. The subsequent studies showed that, in fact, enhancement of the fluorescence was observed upon titration with Zn2+ and Cd2+, whereas titration with Co2+, Ni2+, Pd2+, or Cu2+ led to partial quenching of the fluorescence (Figures S24–S28). Among these results, those observed in the presence of Cu2+ (declining intensity by over 90% after addition of 2.2 mg/L) have aroused our interest. Figure 7. The linear relationship (trend line in blue) between fluorescence intensity and Cu2+ concentrations measured in methanol (pH 7.0–7.5) under λexc = 390 nm. Fluorescence intensity data have been rescaled to have values between 0 and 1. Spectral data were recorded at 5 minutes after the addition of Cu2+ (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 mL) to H2SB (1.0 mL) at r.t. The variation in the fluorescence spectrum of H2SB upon titration with Cu2+ ions are shown in Figure 7. The fluorescence intensity of H2SB decreased with increasing Cu2+ ion concentration, in a methanol-water (in 80:20 v/v) solution. The fluorescence intensity varied linearly with the concentrations of Cu2+ ions in the range of 0 to 33 μM (0–2.1 mg/L), declining by over 90%. Since the 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 420 470 520 570 620 670 Fluorescence intensity / a.u. Wavelength / nm H2SB pH 7.94; slit 20 nm H2SB pH 9.45; slit 20 nm H2SB pH 11.02; slit 10 nm H2SB pH 11.90; slit 10 nm y = -28125x + 1.0216 R² = 0.9941 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 0.00E+00 5.00E-06 1.00E-05 1.50E-05 2.00E-05 2.50E-05 3.00E-05 3.50E-05 Normalized Fluorescence Intensity [Cu2+] Figure 6. Left: Fluorescent photographic image under UV lamp (365 nm) obtained for the blue-emitting H 2 SB (an image under daylight has been included to facilitate comparison). Right: Fluorescence spectrum of H2SB (100 µM,) measured in methanol-water in 80:20 v/v at different pH values. The variation in the fluorescence spectrum of H 2 SB upon titration with Cu 2+ ions are shown in Figure 7. The fluorescence intensity of H 2 SB decreased with increasing Cu 2+ ion concentration, in a methanol-water (in 80:20 v/v) solution. The fluorescence intensity varied linearly with the concentrations of Cu2+ions in the range of 0 to 33 µM (0–2.1 mg/L), declining by over 90%. Since the detection limit for Cu2+ions with H2SB was 83 nM (5.3 µg L−1), the working range was 0.276–33 µM (17.6–2.1 10 3µ g L −1 ). Limits of detection and quantification were calculated according to the formula LOD =3SD/b, LOQ =10 SD/b, where SD is the standard deviation of the response, and b is the slope of the calibration curve. The quenching mechanism upon titration with Cu 2+ ions was studied with Stern–Volmer plots (I 0 /I=1+K SV [M 2+ ]) [ 36 ], and they are shown in Figure S29. From the slope, the values of the quenching constants (K SV ) for the H 2 SB-Cu 2+ interaction are found to be about 45.2 10 3 M −1 at 20 ◦ C, 39.4 10 3 M −1 at 30 ◦ C, and 28.6 10 3 M −1 at 40 ◦ C. As increasing temperatures lead to a decrease of the quenching efficiency, quenching occurred as a result of a non-fluorescent ground-state complex formed between the fluorophore H 2 SB and the quencher Cu 2+ (static quenching). Hence, an increase in temperature appears to reduce the stability of the complex. It is noteworthy that, the binding constant for complex formation (K b ) is t he quenching constant K SV for static quenching (τ0/τ=1). The Benesi–Hildebrand equation [ 37 ] for 1:1 complexes has been used to determine the binding constant (K b =intercept/slope) values of H 2 SB with soft acids, such as Cd 2+ and Pd 2+ and borderline acids, such as Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Co 2+ , and Ni 2+ . The values of the binding constant at room temperature (K b ) of H 2 SB with the Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Pd 2+ are found to be about 47.5 10 3 , 38.5 10 3 , 30.1 10 3 , 26.7 10 3 , 21.3 10 3 , and 16.9 10 3 M −1 , respectively (Figure S30–S35). The good agreement between the value of the binding constant (at r.t.) calculated from Benesi–Hildebrand (47.5 10 3 ) and Stern–Volmer (45.1 10 3 M −1 ) supports the accuracy of the calculations. Thus, we have found that the affinityof H 2 SBfor metal ionsis accordingto thefollowing series: Cu 2+ >Zn 2+ >Ni 2+ >Co 2+ >Cd 2+ >Pd 2+ . It must be noted that soft acids (Pd 2+ and Cd 2+ ) are occupying the last positions, and borderline acids (Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Co 2+ ) occupy the first positions, with Cu 2+ showing the highest affinity. Therefore, we will pay particular attention to the fluorescence study on the interaction between H 2 SB and borderline acids, but especially on the H2SB-Cu2+interaction.