Complexation of Mn(II) by Rigid Pyclen Diacetates: Equilibrium, Kinetic, Relaxometric, Density Functional Theory, and Superoxide Dismutase Activity Studies

We report the Mn(II) complexes with two pyclen-based ligands (pyclen = 3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene) functionalized with acetate pendant arms at either positions 3,6 (3,6-PC2A) or 3,9 (3,9-PC2A) of the macrocyclic fragment. The 3,6-PC2A ligand was synthesized in five steps from pyclen oxalate by protecting one of the secondary amine groups of pyclen using Alloc protecting chemistry. The complex with 3,9-PC2A is characterized by a higher thermodynamic stability [log K-MnL = 17.09(2)] than the 3,6-PC2A analogue [log K-MnL = 15.53(1); 0.15 M NaCl]. Both complexes contain a water molecule coordinated to the metal ion, which results in relatively high H-1 relaxivities (r(1p) = 2.72 and 2.91 mM(-1) s(-1) for the complexes with 3,6-PC2A and 3,9-PC2A, respectively, at 25 degrees C and 0.49 T). The coordinated water molecule displays fast exchange kinetics with the bulk in both cases; the rates (k(ex)(298)) are 140 x 10(6) and 126 x 10(6) s(-1) for [Mn(3,6-PC2A)(H2O)] and [Mn(3,9-PC2A)(H2O)], respectively. The two complexes were found to be remarkably inert with respect to their dissociation, with half-lives of 63 and 21 h, respectively, at pH = 7.4 in the presence of excess Cu(II). The r(1p) values recorded in blood serum remain constant at least over a period of 120 h. Cyclic voltammetry experiments show irreversible oxidation features shifted to higher potentials with respect to [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)](2-) (H(4)EDTA = ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and [Mn(PhDTA)(H2O)](2-) (H(4)PhDTA = phenylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid), indicating that the PC2A complexes reported here have a lower tendency to stabilize Mn(III). The superoxide dismutase activity of the Mn(II) complexes was tested using the xanthine/xanthine oxidase/p-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride assay at pH = 7.8. The Mn(II) complexes of 3,6-PC2A and 3,9-PC2A are capable of assisting decomposition of the superoxide anion radical. The kinetic rate constant of the complex of 3,9-PC2A is smaller by 1 order of magnitude than that of 3,6-PC2A.

Automated summary

In this study, Mn(II) complexes with two pyclen-based ligands were synthesized. The complex with 3,9-PC2A showed higher thermodynamic stability compared to the 3,6-PC2A complex, with both complexes exhibiting high H-1 relaxivities. The complexes demonstrated remarkable inertness and stability in the presence of excess Cu(II) at pH = 7.4, with consistent r(1p) values in blood serum over a period of 120 hours. Cyclic voltammetry experiments indicated that the PC2A complexes have a lower tendency to stabilize Mn(III) compared to other complexes. Additionally, the Mn(II) complexes showed superoxide dismutase activity, with 3,9-PC2A complex having a smaller kinetic rate constant than 3,6-PC2A.