Themed collection New Talent: Americas

Tim Storr, Ellen Matson and Ilich Ibarra introduce the Dalton Transactions themed issue “New talent: Americas 2024”.

Transition metal η⁶-arene complexes have unique properties that facilitate a variety of arene substitution reactions, rendering π-activation a powerful approach for arene functionalization.

Analysis of C(acyl)–N functionalisation mechanisms with a focus on recent developments involving mechanisms unique to the late transition metals.

A new family of binucleating ligands is prepared and shown to successfully coordinate the first-row transition metals titanium and vanadium.

Herein, we compare the known dinuclear complex [(CNC)(PPh₃)Pt–Au(PPh₃)]⁺ (2) with the newly synthesized [(CNC^F)(PPh₃)Pt–Au(PPh₃)]⁺ (2-F). We use pyridine titrations to establish the relative thermodynamic stability of 2vs.2-F.

We established an integrated process that deploys electrochemical CO₂ reduction to fuel hydroformylation.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) is a reactive nitrogen species causing cellular damage. The copper-binding E2 domain of amyloid precursor protein reduces ONOO⁻ via single-electron transfer, highlighting its role in oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease.

We synthesize and characterize As(Cys)₃, Sb(Cys)₃, and Bi(Cys)₃, describe their crystal structures, analyze structural trends across Pn(SR)₃ compounds, and compare their features to the structures of proteins with these centers bound to Cys₃ motifs.

This study utilizes LA-ICP-MS to reveal the distribution and determine the concentration of Pt in MDA-MB-231 cells, providing insight into the mechanism and efficacy of Pt-based chemotherapeutic drugs.

18-membered N₂S₄ macrocyclic chelators bearing picolinic acid, pyridine, and thioether pendant arms were studied for their ability to complex the “soft” (radio)metal ion ^197/natHg²⁺.

In this contribution we introduce a new UofT (University of Toronto) series of olefin-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The nickel-based congener of the series, UofT-2(Ni), is the first example of a stable mesoporous olefinic pillared MOF.

The incorporation of bromide atoms into ZIF-71 significantly enhances its hydrophobicity, leading to a preference for acetone adsorption over butanol.

A copper(I) donor–chromophore–acceptor triad bearing 1,8-napthalenemonoimide and triphenylamine is explored as a photosensitizer for the preparation of both photoanodes and photocathodes.

Heterobimetallic NiAl-hydride complexes with varying electronic profiles and charge are synthesized and interrogated in their degree of Ni–H character.

Alcoholysis of (C₅H₄SiMe)₃Ln results in bimetallic complexes with unexpected decreases in Ln⋯Ln distances as bridging alkoxides become bulkier. These complexes were characterized by DOSY NMR, CV, DPV, and a La^II species was observed by EPR.

Novel gold(I)(NHC) containing thiopyrimidines and thiazolidines with promising antiviral and antiparasitic activity.

We report a novel class of Au(I) agents generated from Au(III)-mediated C_aryl–P bond formation captured within the same complex that demonstrate potent anticancer activity and induce mitochondrial disruption.

Tetracycline water remediation employing the bimetallic MOF ZnCu-MOF-74 synthesized at room temperature exhibits excellent performance, stability, and cyclability.

Ru(II)–arene azole complexes demonstrated that decreased affinity to serum albumin led to an increase in preventing amyloid-β aggregation and cytotoxicity.

The synthesis and evaluation of the newest generation of our DFO2 chelator family—DFO2K—is described, including Zirconium-89 radiolabeling and stability assays.

Coordination of the amine-rich Cp^N3 ligand to cobalt is reported. Ligand displacement leads to ligand protonation and evaluation of the metal-free C–H bond thermochemistry, revealing a weak homolytic C–H bond dissociation free energy (52 kcal mol⁻¹).

Palladium(II) complexes have stimulated research interest mainly due to their in vitro cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and their low cytotoxicity in healthy cells.