ESI MS and PM5 semiempirical studies of gossypol schiff base with (R)-tetrahydrofurfurylamine complexes and monovalent cations

Complexation of monovalent cations by a new Schiff base of gossypol with (R)-tetrahydrofurfurylamine (GSTF) has been studied by ESI mass spectrometry as well as by PM5 semiempirical method. On the basis of ESI spectra it has been found that the new gossypol Schiff base forms only 1:1 complexes with all monovalent metal cations. With Hþ cation the Schiff base forms 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 complexes. In the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes with protons, they are localised on the N atoms of the Schiff base. In the 1:4 complex two protons are localised on the N atoms and two other on the O atoms of the furan ring. In all complexes with protons the molecule exists in the imine–imine tautomeric form. The new Schiff base forms 1:1 complexes with monovalent cations, which occur in the enamine–enamine tautomeric form. The Liþ and Naþ cations in the complexes with GSTF are coordinated by oxygen atoms and N atoms of the Schiff base, whereas the Kþ, Rbþ and Csþ cations are only coordinated by oxygen atoms. The structures of the complexes are calculated by PM5 semiempirical method and discussed. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved