Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Interaction With DNA of N,N'-(Butane-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Guanidinium) Tetrachloroplatinate (II)

The design, synthesis, crystal structure and interaction with DNA of the N,N'-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(guanidinium) tetrachloroplatinate(ll) are described. Crystal data: a = 8.152(1), b = 8.889(4), c = 10.700(3) A , alpha = 81.59(3), beta = 87.99(5), gamma = 78.48(6) degrees , V = 752(1) A(3), Z = 2 , space group P-1. The structure was refined to R = 0.039 and Rw = 0.046 from 1853 reflections (I > 3sigma(I)). This compound, named PtC(4)Gua, does not exhibit a center of symmetry and the center linker chain C(2) - C(3) - C(4) - C(5) is in gauche conformation. The cation is bisprotonated with the H(+) attached to the imine group of each terminal guanidinium function. The presence of the platinum moiety reinforces the binding of the butane(bis)guanidinium structure with double stranded DNA as judged from thermal denaturation studies and DNA unwinding experiments.     

Synthesis, Characterisation and Anti-Fungal Activities of Some New Copper(II) Complexes of Octamethyl Tetraaza-Cyclotetradecadiene

The ligand Me(8)[14]diene, L, in its free state as well as in the dihydroperchlorate form, L.2HClO(4), coordinates copper(ll) in different salts to yield a series of [CuLX(x)] X(y)(H(2)O)(z) complexes where X = NO(3), ClO(4), NCS, Cl and Br; x and y may have values of 0 or 2 and z = 0, 1 or 2. The complex, [CuL(ClO(4))(2)].2H(2)O is found to undergo axial ligand substitution reactions with SCN(-), NO(3) and Cl(-) to give a variety of substitution derivatives: [CuL(ClO(4))(m) X(n)] where X = NCS, NO(3) and Cl; m = 0 or 1, and n = 1 or 2. The complexes .have been characterised on the basis of analytical, spectroscopic, magnetic and conductance data. The anti-fungal activities of the ligand and its complexes have been investigated against a range of phytopathogenic fungi.     

Radioprotectant Activity of Dicopper(II) Tetrakis(3,5- Diisopropylsalicylate) and Manganese(II) bis(3,5- Diisopropylsalicylate) Alone and in Combination

Dicopper(ll) tetrakis(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate), (Cu(II)(2)(3,5-DIPS)(4), manganese(II) bis(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate), Mn(II)3,5-DIPS)(2) or combinations of them were used to treat gamma-irradIated mice in examining the possibility that combination treatments might be more effective in increasing survival than treatment with either complex alone. Doses of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mumol of each complex per kilogram of body mass were administered subcutaneously in a factorial design before 9 Gy gamna irradiation, an LD(90) dose of irradiation. Doses of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mumol Cu(II)(2)(3, 5-DIPS)(4) per kg of body mass produced 12, 28, 28, or 36 % survival, respectively, while doses of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mumol (II)(3), 5-DIPS)(2) per kg of body mass prduced 12, 36, 20, or 24 % survival, respectively. However, the combination of 20 mumol Cu(II)(2)(3, 5-DIPS)(4) and 10 mumol Mn(II)(3, 5-DIPS)(2) produced the greatest survival, 48 %, which was 300 % greater than vehicle-treated mice (P=0.01). It is concluded that specific combination treatments can be used to maximize survival of lethally irradiated mice.     

Structure-Activity Relationships for Some Diamine, Triamine and Schiff Base Derivatives and Their Copper(II) Complexes

Ethylenediamine (en), putrescine (pu), diethylenetriamine (dien), dipropylenetriamine (dpta), spermidine (spmd) and their Cu(II) compounds as well as the Schiff bases with 2-furaldehyde (dienOO), 2- thiophenecarboxaldehyde (dienSS) and pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (dienNN) of dien and that of dpta with 2- thiophenecarboxaldehyde (dptaSS), were prepared and characterised. They were tested against Bacillus substilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Xanthomonas campestris as antibacterial reagents, the highest activity being exhibited by Cu(dptaSS)(NO(3))(2) complex, which acts as antibiotic. In the antiproliferative tests (vs. T(47)D,L(929) and BHK(21/c13) cell lines) the best results were obtained with Cu(dptaSS)(2+) and Cu(dienSS)(2+). Electronic structure calculations gave for dptaSS and dienSS the higher negative charges on the N atoms. The counter-ions (Br(-), NO(3) (-) and SO(4) (2-)) play an important role by modulating the reagent's selectivity versus the bacteria [Gram(+) or Gram(-)], but they have no effect on the antiproliferative activity.     

Extent of the Acidification by N7-Coordinated cis-Diammine-Platinum(II) on the Acidic Sites of Guanine Derivatives

Coordination of two monoprotonated 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate species, H(dGMP)(-), via N7 to cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(2+) gives the complex cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(H.dGMP)(2) which is a four-protonic acid. The corresponding acidity constants were measured by potentiometric pH titrations (25; I = 0.1 M, NaNO(3)). The first two protons are released from the two -P(O)(2)(OH)(-) groups (PK(a/1)= 5.57; PK(a/2) = 6.29) and the next two protons are from the H(N1) sites of the guanine residues (PK(a/3) = 8.73; PK(a/4) = 9.48). The micro acidity constants of the various sites are also evaluated. Comparison of these data with those determined for the three-protonic H(2)(dGMP)(+/-) (PK(a/1) = 2.69 for the H(+)(N7) site; PK(a/2) = 6.29 for -P(O)(2)(OH)(-) ;PK(a/3) = 9.56 for H(N1)) shows that on average the N-7-coordinated Pt(2+) acidifies the phosphate protons by Delta pK(a) = 0.36 and the H(N1) sites by Delta pK(a) = 0.46. These results are further compared with those obtained previously for cis-(NH(2))(2)Pt(L)(2), where L = 9-ethylguanine or monoprotonated 2'-deoxycytidine 5'-monophosphate. Conclusions regarding platinated DNA are also presented.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Antiproliferative Activity of the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) Complexes of 2-(4-Thiazolyl)Benzimidazole (Thiabendazole)

Complexes of 2-(4-thiazolyi)benzimidazole (thiabendazole, THBD) with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(ll) of general formula ML(2)(NO(3))(2) H(2)O and complexes of Pd(II) and Pt(II) of general formula ML2Cl(2) H(2)O have been obtained and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and far IR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The X-ray crystal structure of the copper(II) complex has been determined. The in vitro cell proliferation inhibitory activity of these compounds was examined against human cancer cell lines A 549 (lung carcinoma), HCV-29 T (urinary bladder carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast cancer), T47D (breast cancer), MES-SA (uterine carcinoma) and HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia). Pt-THBD has been found to exhibit an antileukemic activity of the HL-60 line cells matching that of an arbitrary criterion.     

Developing Carrier Complexes for "Caged NO": RuCl(3)(NO)(H(2)O)(2) Complexes of Dipyridylamine, (dpaH), N,N,N'N'-Tetrakis (2-Pyridyl) Adipamide, (tpada), and (2-Pyridylmethyl) Iminodiacetate, (pida)

Delivery agents which can carry the {Ru(NO)}(6) chromophore ("caged NO") are desired for vasodilation and for photodynamic therapy of tumors. Toward these goals, complexes derived from [RuCl(3)(NO)(H(2)O)(2)]= (1) have been prepared using dipyridylamine (dpaH) as mono and bis adducts, [Ru(NO)Cl(3)(dpaH)] = (2) and [Ru(NO)Cl(dpaH)(2)]Cl(2) = (3). The dpaH ligands coordinate cis to the Ru(NO) axis.The mono derivative is a model for a potential DNA groove-spanning binuclear complex {[RuNO)Cl(3)](2)(tpada)} = (4) which has two DNA-coordinating Ru(II) centers, photo-labile {Ru(NO)}(6) sites, and a groove-spanning tether moiety.The binuclear assembly is prepared from the tethered dipyridylamine ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)adipamide (tpada) which has recently been shown to provide a binuclear carrier complex suited to transporting Ru(II) and Pd(II) agents. A related complex, [Ru(NO)Cl(pida)] = (5) with the {Ru(NO)}(6) moiety bound to (2-pyridylmethyl) iminodiacetate (pida(2-)) is also characterized as a potential "caged NO" carrier. Structural information concerning the placement of the pyridyl donor groups relative to the {Ru(NO)}(6) unit has been obtained from (1)H and (13)C NMR and infrared methods, noting that a pyridyl donor trans to NO+ causes "trans strengthening" of this ligand for [Ru(NO)Cl(pida)], whereas placement of pyridyl groups cis to NO+ causes a weakening of the N-O bond and a lower NO stretching frequency in the dpa-based complexes.     

A [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato]zinc(ii) complex as an oral therapeutic for the treatment of type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice

We prepared and characterized [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato]zinc(II) ([Zn(tpps)]), and investigated its in vitro insulin-mimetic activity and in vivo hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice. The results were compared with those of previously proposed insulin-mimetic zinc(II) complexes and zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4)). The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of [Zn(tpps)] was considerably better than that of bis(allixinato)zinc(II) ([Zn(alx)(2)]), bis(maltolato)zinc(II) ([Zn(mal)(2)]), bis(2-aminomethylpyridinato)zinc(II) ([Zn(2-ampy)(2)](2+)), and ZnSO(4). In particular, the order of in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of the complexes was determined to be: [Zn(tpps)]>[Zn(alx)(2)]>[Zn(mal)(2)]>[Zn(2-ampy)](2+)>ZnSO(4). [Zn(tpps)] normalized the hyperglycemia of KKA(y) mice within 21 days when administered orally at doses of 10-20 mg (0.15-0.31 mmol) Zn per kg body mass for 28 days. In addition, metabolic syndromes such as insulin resistance, the degree of renal disturbance, and the degree of liver disturbance were significantly improved in [Zn(tpps)]-treated KKA(y) mice relative to those administered with saline and ZnSO(4). The improvement in diabetes was validated by the results of oral glucose-tolerance tests and the decrease in the HbA(1c) level observed. In contrast, ZnSO(4) and the ligand H(2)tpps did not lower the elevated blood glucose level under the same experimental conditions. Based on these observations, [Zn(tpps)] is proposed to be the first orally active zinc(II)-porphyrin complex for the efficacious treatment of not only type 2 diabetes but also metabolic syndromes in animals.     

Preparation of cobalt(II) salts by extractive conversion

The possibility of preparing cobalt(II) salts from cobalt chloride solutions via extractive conversion has been demonstrated. Di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric, caprylic, and bis(2,4,4-trimethylpenthyl)phosphonic acids and trioctylamine have been tested as extractive agents. The results of large-scale laboratory tests of techniques for the extractive conversion of cobalt chloride into cobalt sulfate are provided.     

Novel Unsymmetrical Ru(III) and Mixed-valence Ru(III)/Ru(II) Dinuclear Compounds Related to the Antimetastatic Ru(III) Drug NAMI-A

In this paper we report the stepwise preparation and the characterization of new unsymmetrical monoanionic Ru(III) dinuclear compounds, [NH(4)][{trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)}(mu-L){mer-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)(Me(2)SO-O)}] (L = pyz (1), pym (2)). By a similar synthetic approach we also prepared new mixed-valence Ru(III)/Ru(II) dinuclear compounds of formula [NH(4)][{trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)}(mu-pyz){cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO-S)(2)(CO)}] (L = pyrazine (pyz, 3), pyrimidine (pym, 4)). Moreover, we describe the chemical behavior of compounds 1-4 in physiological solution, also after complete reduction (with ascorbic acid) to the corresponding Ru(II)/Ru(II) species. Overall, the chemical behavior of 1 and 2 after reduction resembles that of the corresponding dianionic and neutral dinuclear species, [{trans-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)}(2)(mu-L)](2-)and [{mer-RuCl(3)(Me(2)SO-S)(Me(2)SO-O)}(2) (mu-L)]. On the other hand, the mixed-valence dinuclear compounds 3 and 4, owing to the great inertness of the cis,cis,cis-RuCl(2)(Me(2)SO-S)(2)(CO)(1/2mu-L) fragment, behave substantially like the mononuclear species [trans-RuCl(4)(Me(2)SO-S)(L)](-) in which the terminally bonded L ligand can be considered as bearing a bulky substituent on the other N atom.     

Synthesis and Anti-Candida Activity of Cobalt(II) Complexes of Benzene-1,2-Dioxyacetic Acid (bdoaH(2)). X-Ray Crystal Structures of [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)] 3.5H(2)O and {[CO(phen)(3)](bdoa)}(2)24H(2)O (phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline)

Co(CH(3)CO(2))(2)4H(2)O reacts with benzene-1,2-dioxyacetic acid (bdoaH(2)) to give the Co(2+) complexes [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)]H(2)O (1a) and [Co(bdoa)(H(2)O)(3)] 3.5H(2)O (1b). Subsequent reaction of 1a with 1,10- phenanthroline produces [CO(phen)(3)] bdoa10H(2)O (2a) and {[CO(phen)(3)](bdoa)}(2)24H(2)O (2b). Molecular structures of 1b and 2b were determined crystallographically. In 1b the bdoa(2-)- ligates the metal by two carboxylate oxygens and two ethereal oxygens, whereas in 2b the bdoa(2-) is uncoordinated. The Mn(2+) and Cu(2+) complexes [Mn(bdoa)(phen)(2)]H(2)O (3) and [Cu(pdoa)(imid)(2)] (4) were also synthesised, 1a-4 and other metal complexes of bdoa H(2) (metal = Mn(2+), Co(2+) ,Cu(2+), Cu(+) ) were screened for their ability to inhibit the growth ofhe yeast Candida albicans. Complexes incorporating the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand were the most active.     

Cobalt(II), Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II)-Squarate Complexes with N-Methylimidazole

Three M(II)-squarate complexes, [Co(sq)(H₂O)(Nmim)₄] (1), [Zn(μ_1,3-sq)(H₂O)₂ (Nmim)₂] _n (2) and [Cd(μ_1,3-sq)(H₂O)₂(Nmim)₂] _n (3) (sq = squarate, Nmim = N-methylimidazole) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental, spectral (IR and UV–Vis.) and thermal analyses. The molecular structures of the complexes have been investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The squarate ligand acts as two different coordination modes as a monodentate (in 1) and bis(monodentate) (O ^1– O ³ ) bridging ligand (in 2, 3). The Co(II) atom has a distorted octahedral geometry with the basal plane comprised of three nitrogen atoms of Nmim ligands and a oxygen atom of squarate ligand. The axial position is occupied by a nitrogen atom of Nmim and one aqua ligand. The crystallographic analysis reveals that the crystal structures of 2 and 3 are one-dimensional linear chain polymers along the c and b axis, respectively. The configuration around each metal(II) ions are distorted octahedral geometry with two nitrogen atoms of trans-Nmim, two aqua ligands and two oxygen atoms of squarate-O¹,O³ ligand. These chains are held together by the C–H···π, π···π and hydrogen-bonding interactions, forming three-dimensional network.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Diaqua(1,10-Phenanthroline-N,N')(Thiosulfato-O,S)Manganese(II). Biological Properties

The synthesis of diaqua(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')(thiosulfato-O,S)manganese(ll) [Mn(phen)(S(2)O(3))(H(2)O)(2)] was investigated. Its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction from 2418 reflections (I > 3 sigma(I)) to a final value of R = 0.047 and Rw = 0.054. Crystal data are as follows : space group P(2) (1); a = 10.356(3), b = 7.097(3), c = 20.316(2) A, beta = 94.29(2) degrees , V = 1489.1(8) , A(3), Z = 2. There are two independent title compounds in the asymetric unit. Each manganese atom has a distorted octahedral Mn(SO)N(2)O(2) geometry with the S and O atoms (from two neighbouring thiosulfate ligands) mutually trans, two N atoms from the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and two water oxygen. The thiosulfate group behaves as a bridging ligand, connecting, through sulfur and oxygen, Mn atoms related by the binary b translation, thus forming infinite chains running parallel to this axis. Infrared and electronic spectra are reported.     

Biologically Active Transition Metal Chelates of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) With 2-Aminothiazole-Derived Schiff-bases: Their Synthesis, Characterization and the Role of Anions (NO(3), SO(4), C(2)O(4)and CH(3)CO(2-)) on Their Antibacterial Properties

Biologically active nickel(ll), copper(ll) and zinc(ll) chelates with thiazole-derived nitro- and chlorosalicylaldehyde Schiff-bases having the same metal ion but different anions, e.g. nitrate, sulfate, oxalate and acetate have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of their physical, spectral and analytical data. In order to evaluate the possible participating role of anions on the antibacterial properties, these ligands and their synthesized metal chelates with various anions have been screened against bacterial species Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Synthesis, Characterisation and Antifungal Activities of Some New Copper(II) Complexes of Isomeric 3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-Octamethyl-1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecanes

Three isomeric Me(8)[14]anes, L(A), L(B) and L(C), undergo complexation with copper(II) salts to form a series of [CuLX(n)(H(2)O)(x)]X(y).(H(2)O)(z) complexes where L = L(A), L(B) and L(C); X = Cl, Br, NO(3); n, x, y and z may have values of 0, 1 or 2. The complexes have been characterised on the basis of analytical, spectroscopic, magnetic and conductance data. Further, the X-ray crystal structure of one complex, [CuL(B)(OH(2))(2)](NO(3))(2), has been determined. The antifungal activity of all three isomeric ligands and their complexes has been investigated against a range of phytopathogenic fungi.     

Inorganic Salts of N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)—Novel Family with Promising Representatives for Nonlinear Optics

Seven inorganic salts containing N-phenylbiguanide as a prospective organic molecular carrier of nonlinear optical properties were prepared and studied within our research of novel hydrogen-bonded materials for nonlinear optics (NLO). All seven salts, namely N-phenylbiguanidium(1+) nitrate (C2/c), N-phenylbiguanidium(1+) perchlorate (P-1), N-phenylbiguanidium(1+) hydrogen carbonate (P2₁/c), bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) sulfate (C2), bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) hydrogen phosphate sesquihydrate (P-1), bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) phosphite (P2₁), and bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) phosphite dihydrate (P2₁/n), were characterised by X-ray diffraction (powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction) and by vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman). Two salts with non-centrosymmetric crystal structures—bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) sulfate and bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) phosphite—were further studied to examine their linear and nonlinear optical properties using experimental and computational methods. As a highly SHG-efficient and phase-matchable material transparent down to 320 nm and thermally stable to 483 K, bis(N-phenylbiguanidium(1+)) sulfate is a promising novel candidate for NLO.     

NMR Investigation of the Copper(II)-Ciprofloxacin System

A proton NMR study was performed on the copper(ll)-ciprofloxacin system. The proton relaxation times (T(1)) were determined from the titration data in acidic and basic media. In acidic medium the H5 signal is dramatically affected and it is assumed that copper is bonded to the quinolone through carbonyl and one of the carboxyl oxygens. Such bonding is in agreement with the X-ray literature data for the complex [Cu(cf)(1)]Cl(2).6H(2)O isolated from the slightly acidic solution. There are additional significant changes in (1)T(1) of H3' and H5' atoms which suggest that the terminal nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring system-N4' also interacts with copper in the basic conditions. Thus it is plausible that more than one species are present in the solution at high pH values.     

Facile Routes to Manganese(II) Triflate Complexes

Manganese(II) chloride reacts with trimethylsilyl triflate (TMS(OTf) where OTf = (-)OSO(2)CF(3)) in a 1:1 mixture of acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran, and after recrystallization affords the linear coordination polymer [Mn(II)(CH(3)CN)(2)(OTf)(2)](n). Each distorted octahedral manganese(II) center in the polymeric chain has trans-acetonitriles and the remaining equatorial coordination positions are occupied by the bridging triflate anions. Dissolving [Mn(II)(CH(3)CN)(2)(OTf)(2)](n) in equal volumes of acetonitrile and pyridine followed by recrystallization with diethyl ether yields trans-[Mn(II)(C(5)H(5)N)(4)(OTf)(2)]. The distorted octahedral geometry of the manganese center features monodentate trans-triflate anions and four equatorial pyridines. Exposure of either [Mn(II)(CH(3)CN)(2)(OTf)(2)](n) or [Mn(II)(C(5)H(5)N)(4)(OTf)(2)] to water readily gives [Mn(II)(H(2)O)(6)](OTf)(2). XRD reveals hydrogen-bonding interactions between the [Mn(II)(H(2)O)(6)](2+) cation and the triflate anion. All three of these species are easily crystallized and provide convenient sources of manganese(II) for further synthetic elaboration.     

Impact of Exogenous Silicate Amendments on Nitrogen Metabolism in Wheat Seedlings Subjected to Arsenate Stress

We intended to investigate the response of arsenate on nitrogen metabolism in wheat seedlings and aimed to assess the efficacy of silicon amendments in modulating the metabolic disturbances caused by arsenate stress. The nitrogen metabolism of wheat cultivated in different levels of arsenate with or without silicate in a medium supplemented with modified Hoagland’s solution for 21 days was studied. Experimental design was completely randomized with different arsenate concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 μM) with or without 5 mM silicate. Arsenate treatment decreased growth along with decline in nitrate (NO3−) uptake and accumulation. Activities of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS) as well as glutamate synthase (GOGAT) were lowered in the test seedlings. Decline in nitrite (NO2−) and amino acid contents were also evident along with an enhancement in the accumulation of toxic ammonia. Silicate supplementation under arsenate stress however, improved growth, repaired the arsenate-induced effects leading to an enhancement in nitrate (NO3−) uptake and consequently improved nitrite (NO2−) and amino acid contents as well. The total and soluble nitrogen contents were enhanced along with enhancements in activities of enzymes associated with nitrate metabolism while ammonia accumulation was lowered. Results therefore, imply the involvement of exogenous silicon amendments in relieving the metabolic alterations in nitrogen metabolism caused by arsenate stress that enabled wheat seedlings to adapt under arsenate excess and eventually promoted plant growth.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Manganese (II) Complexes of Phthalic and Isophthalic Acid: X-Ray Crystal Structures of [Mn(ph)(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)]. 4H(2)O, [Mn(Phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2)(Isoph)(2)(Phen). 12H(2)O and {[Mn(Isoph)(bipy)](4). 2.75biby}(n)(phH(2) = Phthalic Acid; isoph = Isophthalic Acid; phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline; bipy = 2,2-Bipyridine)

Manganese(II) acetate reacts with phthalic acid (phH(2)) to give [Mn(ph)].0.5H(2)O (1). Reaction of 1 with 1,10-phenanthroline produces [Mn(ph)(phen)].2H(2)O (2) and [Mn(ph)(phen)(2)(H(2)O)].4H(2)O (3). Reaction of isophthalic acid (isophH(2)) with manganese(II) acetate results in the formation of [Mn(isoph)].2H(2)O (4). The addition of the N,N-donor ligands 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine to 4 leads to the formation of [Mn(2) (isoph)(2)(phen)(3))].4H(2)O (5), [(Mn(phen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2)(isoph)(2)(phen).12H(2)O (6) and {[Mn(isoph)(bipy)](4).2.75 biby}(n) (7), respectively. Molecular structures of 3, 6 and 7 were determined crystallographically. In 3 the phthalate ligand is bound to the manganese via just one of its carboxylate groups in a monodentate mode with the remaining coordination sites filled by four phenanthroline nitrogen and one water oxygen atoms. In 6 the isophthalates are uncoordinated with the octahedral manganese center ligated by two phenanthrolines and two waters. In 7 the Isophthalate ligands act as bridges resulting in a polymeric structure. One of the carboxylate groups is chelating a single manganese with the other binding two metal centres in a bridging bidentate mode. The phthalate and isophthalate complexes, the metal free ligands and a number of simple manganes salts were each tested for their ability, to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Only the "metal free" 1,10-phenanthroline and its manganese complexes were found to be active.