Download Bioinorganic Applications of Coordination Chemistry

Activity 8: Bioinorganic Applications of Coordination Chemistry
The chemistry of life is so complex that many aspects of chemistry are needed to
study it. About 30% of proteins contain bound metal ions and many biochemical
processes depend critically upon aspects that are considered to be inorganic chemistry.
Additionally, pharmaceutical compounds containing metals were among the first to be
used in medicine and have a history dating back to antiquity. During the later part of the
20th century, metal-containing compounds began to play an increasing role in diagnostic
and therapeutic medicine, so that this class of compounds is called metallopharmaceuticals. This activity will help you apply what you have learned about
coordination chemistry to a few of the fields in biochemistry and medicine.
Objectives
 Read and understand Rodgers, Chapter 6 sections 6.2 and 6.5. This chapter will be
the spring-board for the topics of this activity and here you will find some useful
background for some of the topics.
 Identify the topics, principles, concepts and methodologies in inorganic coordination
chemistry that are essential toward a deeper understanding of the application you are
studying.
 Study one sub-topic (chosen as a small group), do a literature search, write a report
and make a brief presentation to the class about the compounds and their chemistry
and useful application.
Criteria for Success
 Thoroughness in reading the chapter and analyzing the underlying concepts necessary
for understanding the chemistry of the topic.
 Quality of group discussion and participation of all persons in accomplishing the
objectives.
 Insightful and accurate presentation and report that portrays the chemistry of the
topic.
Resources
 Chapter 6 in Rodgers (Glen E. Rodgers, “Descriptive Inorganic, coordination and
Solid-State Chemistry,” Brooks/Cole, Thompson Learning, USA, 2002, ISBN 0-12592060-1). Read Chapter 6, Applications of Coordination Chemistry.
 15 minutes of class time to get started (to discuss the critical thinking questions and
formulate a plan for completing the activity).
 Class period for the presentations (use of powerpoint is required).
Preliminary Assignment: Read chapter 6 sections 6.2 and 6.5. Think about the
topic (below) that you want to work on.
Plan
1. Form groups of three. Choose roles of captain, recorder and reflector.
2. Read the chapter with a view toward noting the underlying topics, principles,
concepts and methodologies needed in order to comprehensively understand it.
Activity for Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry contributed by Susan C. Jackels, Seattle University.
3. Answer the critical thinking questions listed below (giving the group consensus). And
decide who is going to be responsible for preparing the report, annotated bibliography
and powerpoint presentation.
4. Turn in the products of this activity (annotated bibliography, group report of answers
to critical thinking questions, and the powerpoint presentation).
5. Prepare and present report as assigned.
Group Topics:
1. Oxygen transport by heme and non-heme proteins (Fe and Cu).
2. Chelating agents for heavy metals (BAL, EDTA or penicillamine).
3. Platinum antitumor agents (cisplatin and related compounds).
4. Gold compounds for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Vanadium coordination compounds as insulin mimics.
6. Technetium radiopharmaceuticals for imaging the body with respect to function.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. The topics are broad and you will have to make some choices to narrow down the
topic to fit this activity. Do preliminary literature searching to find some good
references that have the chemical structures and basic description of the
compounds of your topic. Consult your instructor for a useful book on medicinal
applications of coordination chemistry (Chris Jones and John thornback,
“Medicinal Applications of coordination Chemistry, RSC Publishing, Cambridge,
UK, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-85404-596-9).
2. Once you have narrowed the field, answer the following questions:
a. What is the chemical structure of the ligand bound to the metal for this
application. What attributes of the ligand are important for this
application (for example, ligand donor atoms, design for a specific chelate,
charge, lipophilicity, shape, etc.)
b. Outline the pertinent chemistry of the metal, including what attributes of
the metal are important for this application (for example, oxidation states,
magnetic properties, binding specificity, preferred geometry of ligands,
lability or inertness, etc).
c. What is the structure of the complex?
d. What special attributes of the complex are important for its function in this
application?
e. Choose one specific example and describe how the complex functions in
this example, with data, figures and results from the literature.
3. Prepare a powerpoint presentation answering the questions in number 2 above,
adding other pertinent information.
4. Using the presentation, report to the class about what you learned. Turn in the
powerpoint presentation, answers to question 2 and the annotated bibliography.
Sample Schedule
May 22
Start activity, sign up for a topic.
May 27
Come to class with literature references, time for group to work on critical
Activity for Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry contributed by Susan C. Jackels, Seattle University.
June 5
June 9
thinking questions
Group reports
Group reports, continued, all reports and bibliographies turned in on this
date.
Activity for Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry contributed by Susan C. Jackels, Seattle University.