Development of Dipeptidic hGPR54 Agonists

A series of dipeptides were designed as potential agonists of the human KiSS1‐derived peptide receptor (hGPR54). While the sequence Arg‐Trp‐NH₂ was the most efficient in terms of affinity, we established a convergent synthetic strategy to optimize the N terminus. Using two successive Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions on a solid‐supported peptide, we were able to introduce various alkynes at the N terminus to afford compounds with sub‐micromolar affinities for hGPR54. However, functional assays indicated the benzoylated dipeptide Bz‐Arg‐Trp‐NH₂ as the most promising compound in terms of agonistic properties. Interestingly, this compound appeared much more stable than the endogenous neuropeptide kisspeptin, both in serum and in liver microsomes of rats. This compound was also found to be able to induce a significant in vivo increase in testosterone levels in male rats.     

Synthesis of Bitopic Ligands as Potent Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonists

In this study, we designed and synthesized twelve bitopic ligands as dopamine D₂ receptor (D₂R) agonists. The forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assay revealed that all the finial compounds are able to activate D₂R. Furthermore, bitopic ligand N-((trans)-4-(((2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)(propyl)amino)methyl)cyclo-hexyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide ( 11 b ) showed 21-fold higher potency than lead compound propyl aminoindane ( 2 ) and 17-fold higher subtype selectivity for D₂R over D₄R, indicating that the optimal length of spacer affects the D₂R functionality. Molecular modeling study exhibited that 11 b formed an electrostatic interaction and two H-bonds with amino acid Asp114, which contributes significantly to the D₂R functional activity. Taken together, we discovered a bitopic ligand 11 b as potent D₂R agonist, which may be used as a tool compound for further study.     

Novel hole-transporting carbazole main chain oligomer and its model glass-forming compound

Summary The oligomer containing 9-[2-(9H-carbazo1-9-yl)cyclobutyl]-9H-carbazole moiety in the main chain and its model compound were synthesized by Wittig reaction. Both compounds form glasses with glass transition temperatures of 254°C and 135°C respectively. The optical and photoelectrical properlies of the compounds were studied. The hole drift mobilities observed in the film of the oligoiner by the time of flight technique were in the range of 2·10⁻⁶ – 7·10⁻⁶ cm²/(V·s) at an applied electric field ranging from 5·8.10⁴ to 2·7.10⁵ V/cm. Rcceivcd: 3 April 2002/Revised version: 16 July 2002/ Accepted: 5 August 2002 Correspondence to Juozas V. Grazulevicius e-mail: juogra@ctf.ktu.lt. Tel/Fax: +37 07 456525     

Discovery of Novel Biased Opioid Receptor Ligands through Structure-Based Pharmacophore Virtual Screening and Experiment

G_i-protein-biased agonists with minimal β-arrestin recruitment represent opportunities to overcome the serious adverse effects of human mu opioid receptor (μ-OR) agonists and developing alternative and safe treatments for pain. In order to discover novel non-morphinan opioid receptor agonists, we applied hierarchical virtual screening of our in-house database against a pharmacophore based on modeling the active conformations of opioid receptors. We discovered an initial hit compound, a novel μ-OR agonist with a pyrazoloisoquinoline scaffold. We applied computational R-group screening to this compound and synthesized 14 derivatives predicted to be the best. Of these, a new G_i-protein-biased compound, 1-{5-(3-chlorophenyl)-7,8-dimethoxy-3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)benzyl]-3H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]isoquinolin-1-yl}-N,N-dimethylmethanamine, showed an EC₅₀ value of 179 nm against the μ-OR. This resulted in significant pain relief for mice in the phase II period of formalin response tests. This study provides a new strategy to identify diverse sets of promising compounds that might prove useful for the development of drugs that target other G-protein-coupled receptors.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Properties of Silicon‐Containing GPR81 and GPR109A Agonists

The GPR81 and GPR109A receptors mediate antilipolytic effects and are potential drug targets for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. There is still a need to identify potent GPR81 agonists as pharmacological tools. A high‐throughput screen identified an acylurea‐based GPR81 agonist lead series, with activities at the GPR109A receptor as well. To expand the chemical scope and to explore the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic consequences, a series of structurally related organosilicon compounds with a 6‐sila‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole skeleton was synthesized and studied for their physicochemical properties [octanol/water distribution coefficient (pH 7.4), solubility in HBSS buffer (pH 7.4)], agonistic potency at rat GPR81 and GPR109A receptors, and intrinsic clearance in human liver microsomes and rat hepatocytes. The straightforward synthesis of these organosilicon compounds offered a valuable expansion of the chemical scope in the above‐mentioned GPR81 agonist lead series, provided potency and efficacy SAR, and yielded compounds with sub‐micromolar GPR81 potency. This work supports the value of including silicon chemistry into the toolbox of medicinal chemistry.     

Synthesis and Assessment of Fused β-Carboline Derivatives as Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists

The synthesis of 5-formyl-6-aryl-6H-indolo[3,2,1-de][1,5] naphthyridine-2-carboxylates by reaction between 1-formyl-9H-β-carbolines and cinnamaldehydes in the presence of pyrrolidine in water with microwave irradiation is described. Pharmacophoric modification of the formyl group offered several new fused β-carboline derivatives, which were investigated for their κ-opioid receptor (KOR) agonistic activity. Two compounds 4 a and 4 c produced appreciable agonist activity on KOR with EC₅₀ values of 46±19 and 134±9 nM, respectively. Moreover, compound-induced KOR signaling studies suggested both compounds to be extremely G-protein-biased agonists. The analgesic effect of 4 a was validated by the increase in tail flick latency in mice in a time-dependent manner, which was completely blocked by the KOR-selective antagonist norBNI. Moreover, unlike U50488, an unbiased full KOR agonist, 4 a did not induce sedation. The docking of 4 a with the human KOR was studied to rationalize the result.     

Design and synthesis of novel dual-action compounds targeting the adenosine A(2A) receptor and adenosine transporter for neuroprotection

A novel compound, N⁶‐(4‐hydroxybenzyl)adenosine, isolated from Gastrodia elata and which has been shown to be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating neurodegenerative disease, was found to target both the adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) and the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). As A_2AR and ENT1 are proximal in the synaptic crevice of striatum, where the mutant huntingtin aggregate is located, the dual‐action compounds that concomitantly target these two membrane proteins may be beneficial for the therapy of Huntington’s disease. To design the desired dual‐action compounds, pharmacophore models of the A_2AR agonists and the ENT1 inhibitors were constructed. Accordingly, potentially active compounds were designed and synthesized by chemical modification of adenosine, particularly at the N⁶ and C^5’ positions, if the predicted activity was within an acceptable range. Indeed, some of the designed compounds exhibit significant dual‐action properties toward both A_2AR and ENT1. Both pharmacophore models exhibit good statistical correlation between predicted and measured activities. In agreement with competitive ligand binding assay results, these compounds also prevent apoptosis in serum‐deprived PC12 cells, rendering a crucial function in neuroprotection and potential utility in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Synthesis and photoconductivities of bisazo charge generation materials

Six bisazo compounds were synthesized by coupling 2-(4′-aminophenyl)-6-aminobenzoxazole as diazo component with N-phenyl-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoyl)urea derivatives, and characterized by ultra-violet and visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and elemental analysis (EA). Using these bisazo compounds as charge generation materials and CT-191(2-methyl-4-(N,N-dibenzyl) aminobenzoaldehyde-1,1-diphenylhydrazone) as charge transportation material, organic photoconductive devices were prepared. The result from photoconductivity measurement of the devices shows that the bisazo compound from N-(2-methylphenyl)-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoyl)urea has the best xerographic performance, V ₀=600 V, V _R=30 V, R _d=15 V·s⁻¹, E _1/2=3.5 lx·s. __________ Translated from Journal of Tianjin University, 2007, 40(11): 1295–1299 [译自: 天津大学学报]     

A New Metal–Organic ZnII Supramolecular Assembled via Hydrogen Bonds and N···N Interactions as a New Precursor for Preparation Zinc(II) Oxide Nanoparticles, Thermal, Spectroscopic and Structural Studies

A new 1D supramolecular involving two different ligands, {[Zn(GB)₂]·(μ-bpe)₃} _n (ClO₄)_2n ·nH₂O (GB = 2-guanidinobenzimidazole and bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, has been synthesised, characterized by elemental analysis, IR-, ¹H NMR-, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of compound {[Zn(GB)₂]·(μ-bpe)₃} _n (ClO₄)_2n ·nH₂O was studied by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The single crystal X-ray analysis shows that the complex is a one-dimensional polymer involving macrocycle rings as a result of non-covalent bridging bpe ligands via N–H···N and N···N interactions, N–H···bpe···bpe···H–N, with the basic repeating {[Zn(GB)₂](μ-bpe)₃}(ClO₄)₂·H₂O units and by connecting [Zn(GB)₂]²⁺ nodes. ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by calcination of compound {[Zn(GB)₂]·(μ-bpe)₃} _n (ClO₄)_2n ·nH₂O at 500 °C in air. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.     

Mapping the Melatonin Receptor. 8. Selective MT2 Agonists Derived from 5,6-Dihydroindolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Related Systems

A series of substituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and indolo[1,2-a]benzoxazines have been prepared, as melatonin analogues, to investigate the nature of the binding site of the melatonin receptor. Agonist and antagonist potency of all the analogues was measured using the [35S]GTPγS binding assay protocol. The binding affinity of the analogues were measured by competition binding studies against the human MT1 (hMT1) and MT2 (hMT2) receptors stably transfected in Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells, using 2-[¹²⁵I]-iodomelatonin, as a ligand. N-Acetyl 2-(10-methoxy-5,6-dihydroindolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-12-yl)propyl-1-amine (12 a) binds strongly to both the hMT1 and hMT2 receptors, and shows a preference for the hMT2, as does its propanamido counterpart 12 b . The introduction of two methyl groups into their side chain, analogues 15 a and 1 5 b , leads to antagonism, in the case of the former, and drastically diminishes its hMT1 binding; an analogous profile is seen for 15 b , which, however, is a partial agonist. Introduction of chlorine or methoxy groups into ring 4 gives compounds, that are weakly binding, with a preference for MT2. Substitution of oxygen for carbon at position 5 gives the indolo[1,2-c]benzoxazines 33 , 36 a and b , that bind strongly to the human receptors, 33 , 36 b being potent agonists at the melatonin receptors, but do not discriminate between hMT1 and hMT2.     

Two CdII-containing coordination polymers based on trinuclear and dodecanuclear clusters

Two new metal-organic coordination polymers, namely, [Cd₃(Tipa)₂(1,2,3-btc)₂]·2H₂O·0.5(C₂H₅OH) (1) and [Cd₆(Tipa)₂(1,2,3-btc)₄(H₂O)₃]·3H₂O (2), where 1,2,3-btc = benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic anion and Tipa = tris(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with Cd(AcO)₂, CdCl₂ or CdSO₄. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals that compounds 1–2 show different three dimensional (3D) frameworks based on trinuclear and dodecanuclear cadmium clusters, respectively. For compound 1, the Tipa ligands bridge the trinuclear cadmium clusters in bi-dentate and tri-monodentate modes to give a 3D (3,6)-connected framework with the short Schläfli symbol of (6²·4)(6¹²·4³). For compound 2, all Tipa and 1,2,3-btc ligands connected dodecanuclear cadmium clusters to generate a rare 3D uninodal ten-connected topology with the short Schläfli symbol of 3¹²·4²⁸·5⁵. Moreover, the infrared spectra, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis, and luminescent properties for the two compounds were also investigated.     

Design and Synthesis of Conformationally Constrained RORγt Inverse Agonists

Retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) inverse agonists could be used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Previously, we reported a novel quinazolinedione 1 a with a flexible linear linker as a novel RORγt inverse agonist. A U-shaped conformation in the complex structure of 1 a with RORγt protein was confirmed. Further improvement of the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles was required because of the low drug exposure in mice upon oral administration (mouse AUC of 1 a : 27 ng ⋅ h ⋅ mL⁻¹ at 1 mg ⋅ kg⁻¹, p.o.). To improve the PK profiles, conformationally constrained U-shaped scaffolds were investigated. As a result, morpholine analogues with improved PK profiles and high potency were successfully identified. The substituent at the N1 position of the quinazoline moiety was also modified, leading to an enhancement of reporter activity. Consequently, compound 43 (N²-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-N⁴-(3-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1-isopropyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazolin-6-yl)morpholine-2,4-dicarboxamide) exhibited improved drug exposure (mouse AUC: 1289 ng ⋅ h ⋅ mL⁻¹ at 1 mg ⋅ kg⁻¹, p.o.). In addition, suppression of IL-17A gene expression by IL-23 stimulation in a mouse pharmacodynamics model was observed for 43 . The conformation of 43 with RORγt protein was also confirmed as U-shape by X-ray co-crystal structure analysis. The key interaction that boosts potency is also discussed.     

Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles and 3D Interpenetrated Coordination Polymer Nanorods from the Same Initial Reagents

Nanorods of the three-dimensional coordination polymer, [Ag₂(μ ₂-py-4-c)₂] _n (1) [py-4-c⁻ = pyridine-4-carboxylate], have been synthesized by sonochemical process. The single-crystal X-ray data of compound 1 shows the formation of a 3D interpenetrated silver(I) coordination polymer, which has agostic interactions around the silver(I) ions and two types of Ag^I ions with O₂NAg1···O₂H, N₂ Ag2···O₂H₂ coordination spheres. Silver nanoparticles were fabricated from thermal decomposition of 1 nanorods. These nanostructures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of 1 was studied by thermo gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DT) analysis.     

GPR55 Receptor Activation by the N-Acyl Dopamine Family Lipids Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells via the Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) Over-Stimulation

GPR55 is a GPCR of the non-CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor family, which is activated by lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) and stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells. Anandamide, a bioactive lipid endocannabinoid, acts as a biased agonist of GPR55 and induces cancer cell death, but is unstable and psychoactive. We hypothesized that other endocannabinoids and structurally similar compounds, which are more hydrolytically stable, could also induce cancer cell death via GPR55 activation. We chemically synthesized and tested a set of fatty acid amides and esters for cell death induction via GPR55 activation. The most active compounds appeared to be N-acyl dopamines, especially N-docosahexaenoyl dopamine (DHA-DA). Using a panel of cancer cell lines and a set of receptor and intracellular signal transduction machinery inhibitors together with cell viability, Ca²⁺, NO, ROS (reactive oxygen species) and gene expression measurement, we showed for the first time that for these compounds, the mechanism of cell death induction differed from that published for anandamide and included neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) overstimulation with concomitant oxidative stress induction. The combination of DHA-DA with LPI, which normally stimulates cancer proliferation and is increased in cancer setting, had an increased cytotoxicity for the cancer cells indicating a therapeutic potential.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some pyrazolo-thiazolyl alkoxy-1H-isoindole-1, 3(2H)-dione derivatives

1,3-Thiazolidine-2,4-dione 2 has been synthesized by the cyclisation reaction of thiourea and chloroacetic acid in the presence of ethanol. The reaction of compound 2 with substituted aromatic aldehyde afforded the corresponding derivatives of substituted 5-benzylidene-1,3-thiazolidinone-2,4-dione 3a–d, which upon reflux with ω-bromoalkoxyphthalimide gave 2-{[-5-(substituted benzylidine)-2,4-dioxo-1,3-thiazolidine-3-yl]alkoxy} -1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione 4a–i. Further, compounds 4a–i were treated with phenyl hydrazine and 2,4 dinitro phenyl hydrazine in the DMF to yield the title compound 2-[5-oxo-2,3-substituted diphenyl-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d][1,3]thiazol-6(5H)-yl)alkoxy]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione 5a–r. Structures of newly synthesized compounds were established based on elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectral data. Synthesized compounds have been assayed for their antibacterial activities against B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and antifungal activities against A. fumigatus and C. albicans.     

Synthesis,structural and spectroscopic studies of 1-(2-FUROYL)-3-phenylthiourea: a theoretical and experimental approach

The thiourea derivative 1-(2-Furoyl)-3-phenylthiourea (FPT) was synthesized and characterized by using spectroscopic (IR, Raman, UV–VIS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR) and structural methods (powder X-ray diffraction data). The experimental measurements were complemented with quantum chemical calculations. FPT crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/c, with cell parameters a?=?4.7679(5) Å, b?=?20.9704(2) Å, c?=?12.5109(5) Å and β?=?109.811(10)°, V?=?1176.87(3) ų. In the crystal structure, the thiourea group makes dihedral angle of 43.8(5)° with the furoyl group, whereas the benzene ring is inclined by 24.3(4)°. The anti-syn geometry of the thiourea unit is stabilized by intramolecular N–H^?…?O hydrogen bond between the H atom of the syn thioamide and the carbonyl O atom. In the crystal structure, molecules of FPT are packed through N–H···S, C–H···O and C–H···C hydrogen bonds, and a π–π interaction with offset arrangement. Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed in order to evaluate and quantify intermolecular interactions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicated that the H···H interactions comprise the majority of interactions. Shape index and curvedness clearly indicate π–π interactions in the compound FPT.     

MT1‐Selective Melatonin Receptor Ligands: Synthesis,Pharmacological Evaluation,and Molecular Dynamics Investigation of N‐{[(3‐O‐Substituted)anilino]alkyl}amides

The design of compounds selective for the MT₁ melatonin receptor is still a challenging task owing to the limited knowledge of the structural features conferring selectivity for the MT₁ subtype, and only few selective compounds have been reported so far. N‐(Anilinoalkyl)amides are a versatile class of melatonin receptor ligands that include nonselective MT₁/MT₂ agonists and MT₂‐selective antagonists. We synthesized a new series of N‐(anilinoalkyl)amides bearing 3‐arylalkyloxy or 3‐alkyloxy substituents at the aniline ring, looking for new potent and MT₁‐selective ligands. To evaluate the effect of substituent size and shape on binding affinity and intrinsic activity, both flexible and conformationally constrained derivatives were prepared. The phenylbutyloxy substituent gave the best result, providing the partial agonist 4 a , which was endowed with high MT₁ binding affinity (pK_i=8.93) and 78‐fold selectivity for the MT₁ receptor. To investigate the molecular basis for agonist recognition, and to explain the role of the 3‐arylalkyloxy substituent, we built a homology model of the MT₁ receptor based on the β₂ adrenergic receptor crystal structure in its activated state. A binding mode for MT₁ agonists is proposed, as well as a hypothesis regarding the receptor structural features responsible for MT₁ selectivity of compounds with lipophilic arylalkyloxy substituents.     

Development of Tetrachlorophthalimides as Liver X Receptor β (LXRβ)‐Selective Agonists

Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists are candidates for the treatment of atherosclerosis via induction of ABCA1 (ATP‐binding cassette A1) gene expression, which contributes to reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and to cholesterol efflux from the liver and intestine. However, LXR agonists also induce genes involved in lipogenesis, such as SREBP‐1c (sterol regulatory binding element protein 1c) and FAS (fatty acid synthase), thereby causing an undesirable increase in plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Recent studies indicate that LXRα contributes to lipogenesis in liver, and selective LXRβ activation improves RCT in mice. Therefore, LXRβ‐selective agonists are promising candidates to improve atherosclerosis without increasing plasma or hepatic TG levels. However, the ligand‐binding domains in the two LXR isoforms α/β share high sequence identity, and few LXR ligands show subtype selectivity. In this study we identified a tetrachlorophthalimide analogue as an LXRβ‐selective agonist. Structural development led to (E)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrachloro‐2‐(2‐styrylphenyl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione ( 24 a ), which shows potent and selective LXRβ agonistic activity in reporter gene assays. In binding assays, compound 24 a bound to LXRβ preferentially over LXRα. It also induced the expression of ABCA1 mRNA but not SREBP‐1c mRNA in cells. Compound 24 a appears to be a promising lead compound for therapeutic agents to treat atherosclerosis without the side effects induced by LXRα/β dual agonists.     

Pharmacophore‐Based Design of Novel Oxadiazoles as Selective Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) Receptor Agonists with in vivo Efficacy

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists have shown promise as therapeutic agents for multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their regulatory roles within the immune, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Here, the design and optimization of novel [1,2,4]oxadiazole derivatives as selective S1P receptor agonists are described. The structure–activity relationship exploration was carried out on the three dominant segments of the series: modification of the polar head group (P), replacement of the oxadiazole linker (L) with different five‐membered heterocycles, and the use of diverse 2,2′‐disubstituted biphenyl moieties as the hydrophobic tail (H). All three segments have a significant impact on potency, S1P receptor subtype selectivity, physicochemical properties, and in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profile of the compounds. From these optimization studies, a selective S1P₁ agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(4‐{5‐[2‐methyl‐2′‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine ( 45 ), and a dual S1P_1,5 agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐{5‐[2′‐methyl‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine ( 49 ), emerged as frontrunners. These compounds distribute predominantly in lymph nodes and brain over plasma and induce long lasting decreases in lymphocyte count after oral administration. When evaluated head‐to‐head in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model, together with the marketed drug fingolimod, a pan‐S1P receptor agonist, S1P_1,5 agonist 49 demonstrated comparable efficacy while S1P₁‐selective agonist 45 was less potent. Compound 49 is not a prodrug, and its improved property profile should translate into a safer treatment of relapsing forms of MS.     

Syntheses,structures and photoluminescence properties of two 2D Cd(II) coordination polymers based on a semirigid tridentate N-donor ligand

The assembly of a semirigid tridentate N-donor ligand with Cd(II) ions afforded two novel coordination polymers, [Cd(tipa)(H₂O)₂·2NO₃·2DMF·H₂O]_n (1), [Cd₂(tipa)₂Cl₄·2DMF·6H₂O]_n (2), where tipa = tris(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl) amine. Structural analyses indicate that the two compounds feature 2D layered networks. A 3-connected uninodal net with point symbol of (8²·10) is constructed in compound 1 by the connection of tipa and metal ions, in which the terminally coordinated water molecules prevent further extension of the layer. Compound 2 features [Cd₂Cl₄] motifs, which are bridged by tridentate tipa ligands into a 2D (3,6)-connected layer. The results show that tipa with different dihedral angles between benzene ring and terminal imidazole groups can act as versatile building blocks for the generation of various networks. Moreover, the photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 in the solid state at room temperature have been investigated.