Benzimidazole-based tripodal receptor: highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for iodide in aqueous solution

We synthesized a novel tripodal fluorescent receptor bearing benzimidazole motifs as recognition sites in the pods of the receptor. The recognition behavior of the receptor toward various anions was evaluated in CH3CN/H2O (9:1, v/v) solution. The receptor showed changes in fluorescent intensity only with I-, but it showed no significant changes on addition of other anions such as F-, Cl-, Br-, HSO4-, NO3-, CH3COO-, and H2PO4-.     

Selective recognition of cyanide anion via formation of multipoint NH and phenyl CH hydrogen bonding with acyclic ruthenium bipyridine imidazole receptors in water

Five imidazole-based anion receptors A-E are designed for cyanide anion recognition via hydrogen bonding interaction in water. Only receptors A [Ru(bpy)(2)(mpipH)](ClO(4))(2) (bpy is bipyridine and mpipH is 2-(4-methylphenyl)-imidazo[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline) and E [Ru(2)(bpy)(4)(mbpibH(2))](ClO(4))(4) (mbpibH(2) is 1,3-bis([1,10]-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene) selectively recognize CN(-) from OAc(-), F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), NO(3)(-), HSO(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HCO(3)(-), N(3)(-), and SCN(-) anions in water (without organic solvent) at physiological conditions via formation of multiple hydrogen bonding interaction with binding constants of K(A(H2O)) = 345 ± 21 and K(E(H2O)) = 878 ± 41, respectively. The detection limits of A and E toward CN(-) in water are 100 and 5 μM, respectively. Receptor E has an appropriate pK(a2)* value (8.75) of N-H proton and a C-shape cavity structure with three-point hydrogen bonding, consisting of two NH and one cooperative phenyl CH hydrogen bonds. Appropriate acidity of N-H proton and multipoint hydrogen bonding are both important in enhancing the selectivity and sensitivity toward CN(-) in water. The phenyl CH···CN(-) hydrogen bonding interaction is observed by the HMBC NMR technique for the first time, which provides an efficient approach to directly probe the binding site of the receptor toward CN(-). Moreover, CN(-) induced emission lifetime change of the receptor has been exploited in water for the first time. The energy-optimized structure of E-CN adduct is also proposed on the basis of theoretical calculations.     

高选择性比色识别碘离子的氨基硫脲类阴离子受体

设计合成了一系列基于氨基硫脲的阴离子受体（M1～M4）.此类受体以氨基硫脲基团为识别位点,以硝基苯基为信号报告基团,其中受体M1和M3可在乙腈溶液中高选择性的比色识别碘离子.在受体M1或M3的乙腈溶液中加入I^–时,溶液的颜色由浅红色变成无色,而加入其他离子如F^–,Cl^–,Br^–,AcO^–,HSO4^–,H2PO4^–,ClO4^–等阴离子时,受体溶液不会褪色.通过紫外滴定和核磁滴定等方法研究了受体选择性比色识别碘离子的机理.结果表明,受体通过其氨基硫脲基团上的三个NH质子与碘离子形成的三重氢键选择性的结合碘离子.在此过程中,受体构型发生转变,从而导致了颜色变化,产生了比色识别的效果.此类阴离子受体具有合成方法简便,产率高,识别效果好等优点.     

A novel colorimetric sensor of dihydrogen-phosphate based on metal complex between 8-hydroxy quinoline-5-azo-4'-nitrobenzene and cobalt

A novel colorimetric sensor based on 8-hydroxy quinoline-5-azo-4'-nitrobenzene (1) was prepared and used for recognizing anions. 1 and its metal complex (1.Co) were found to show response to anions such as CH(3)CO(2)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HSO(4)(-), F(-) and dramatic color changes were observed. The selectivity and sensitivity of 1 and 1.Co for sensing anions were different, which was in the order of CH(3)CO(2)(-)>F(-)>H(2)PO(4)(-)>HSO(4)(-) for 1 and H(2)PO(4)(-)>HSO(4)(-)>CH(3)CO(2)(-) approximately F(-) for 1.Co, respectively. In CH(3)CN, sensor 1.Co exhibited excellent specificity toward H(2)PO(4)(-), and the color variety was dependent on the concentration of H(2)PO(4)(-) which was attributed to anion structure and stability of anionic complex (1-anion), metal complex (1-Co) and inorganic complex (Co-anion).     

New terphenyl based mercury ensemble for detection of acetate ions in a plasma like system

A new terphenyl based chemosensor 3 has been designed and synthesized. The binding behavior of 3 and its chemosensing ensemble 3-Hg toward various anions (F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), CH(3)COO(-), NO(3)(-), N(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), SO(3)(2-), and Cr(2)O(7)(2-)) has been investigated by UV-Vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Compound 3 shows a sensitivity for both F(-) and CH(3)COO(-) ions among various anions tested, whereas the ensemble 3-Hg shows a better selectivity for CH(3)COO(-) ions. The ensemble is utilized for CH(3)COO(-) recognition in a blood plasma like system.     

Imidazolium-based macrocycles as multisignaling chemosensors for anions

A series of structurally novel anion receptors , , and in which a ferrocene unit and a fluorescent moiety are linked to two imidazolium rings have been designed and prepared from 1,1'-bis(imidazolylmethyl)ferrocene. Their crystal structures revealed that these receptors are capable of incorporating anions such as PF(6)(-) and Br(-). Consequently, the anion binding studies were carried out using various techniques including electrochemistry (CV and OSWV), fluorescence, UV-vis, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. All the receptors showed a special electrochemical response to the F(-) anion with a remarkable cathodic shift of more than 260 mV and displayed a unique selectivity for F(-) and AcO(-) anions with fluorescence enhancement over various other anions of present interest (Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-)). In addition, for receptor , obvious absorption changes were observed when the H(2)PO(4)(-) anion was added while other anions (F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), AcO(-), HSO(4)(-)) showed only a minor influence on the UV-vis spectra. (1)H NMR titrations demonstrated that receptors and can bind anions through (C-H)(+)X(-) hydrogen bonds and showed strong affinity and high selectivity for the AcO(-) anion in acetonitrile.     

Selective recognition of fluoride and acetate by a newly designed ruthenium framework: experimental and theoretical investigations

An effective anion sensor, [Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(H(2)L(-))](+) (1(+)), based on a redox and photoactive {Ru(II)(bpy)(2)} moiety and a new ligand (H(3)L = 5-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid), has been developed for selective recognition of fluoride (F(-)) and acetate (OAc(-)) ions. Crystal structures of the free ligand, H(3)L and [1](ClO(4)) reveal the existence of strong intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The structure of [1](ClO(4)) shows that the benzimidazole N-H of H(2)L(-) is hydrogen bonded with the pendant carboxylate oxygen while the imidazole N-H remains free for possible hydrogen bonding interaction with the anions. The potential anion sensing features of 1(+) have been studied by different experimental and theoretical (DFT) investigations using a wide variety of anions, such as F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), OAc(-) and SCN(-). Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry established that 1(+) is an excellent electrochemical sensor for the selective recognition of F(-) and OAc(-) anions. 1(+) is also found to be a selective colorimetric sensor for F(-) or OAc(-) anions where the MLCT band of the receptor at 498 nm is red shifted to 538 nm in the presence of one equivalent of F(-) or OAc(-) with a distinct change in colour from reddish-orange to pink. The binding constant between 1(+) and F(-) or OAc(-) has been determined to be logK = 7.61 or 7.88, respectively, based on spectrophotometric titration in CH(3)CN. The quenching of the emission band of 1(+) at 716 nm (λ(ex) = 440 nm, Φ = 0.01 at 298 K in CH(3)CN) in the presence of one equivalent of F(-) or OAc(-), as well as two distinct lifetimes of the quenched and unquenched forms of the receptor 1(+), makes it also a suitable fluorescence-based sensor. All the above experiments, in combination with (1)H NMR, suggest the formation of a 1:1 adduct between the receptor (1(+)) and the anion (F(-) or OAc(-)). The formation of 1:1 adduct {[1(+)·F(-)] or [1(+)·OAc(-)]} has been further evidenced by in situ ESI-MS(+) in CH(3)CN. Though the receptor, 1(+), is comprised of two N-H protons associated with the coordinated H(2)L(-) ligand, only the free imidazole N-H proton participates in the hydrogen bonding interactions with the incoming anions, while the intramolecularly hydrogen bonded benzimidazole N-H proton remains intact as evidenced by the crystal structure of the final product (1). The hydrogen bond mediated anion sensing mechanism, over the direct deprotonation pathway, in 1(+) has been further justified by a DFT study and subsequent NBO analysis.     

Fluoride-selective colorimetric sensor based on thiourea binding site and anthraquinone reporter

A structurally simple colorimetric sensor, N-4-nitrobenzene-N'-1'-anthraquinone-thiourea (1), for anions was synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, ESI mass and IR methods. In acetonitrile, the addition of F(-) changed 1 solution from colorless to yellow. In the presence of other anions such as CH(3)CO(2)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HSO(4)(-) and Cl(-), however, the absorption spectrum of 1 was slightly red shifted with no obvious color changes observed. The association constants of anionic complexes followed the order of F(-)>CH(3)CO(2)(-)>H(2)PO(4)(-)>HSO(4)(-)>Cl(-)>Br(-), which was different from the order of anion basicity. AM1 calculation results indicated that the most stable configuration of 1 existed in the Z-E-conformation with a six-membered ring via intramolecular hydrogen bond. This made thiourea moiety of 1 in an unfavorable conformation to bond with oxygen-anionic substrates such as CH(3)CO(2)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-), thus leading to a high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of F(-).     

Solvent dependent fluorescent properties of a 1,2,3-triazole linked 8-hydroxyquinoline chemosensor: tunable detection from zinc(II) to iron(III) in the CH3CN/H2O system

A triazole-containing 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) ether 2 was efficiently synthesized in two steps from the "click" strategy. Compound 2 gave a strong fluorescence (Φ = 0.21) in nonprotic solvent like CH(3)CN, and a weak fluorescence (Φ = 0.06) in protic solvent like water. In water, a more than 100 nm red shift of the fluorescence maximum was observed for compound 2 in comparison with that in CH(3)CN. This fluorescence difference may be attributed to the intermolecular photoinduced proton transfer (PPT) process involving the protic solvent water molecules. Similarly, this intermolecular PPT process was also observed in the high-water-content CH(3)CN aqueous solution (e.g., CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v). The water content in the CH(3)CN/H(2)O binary solvent mixture greatly affected the fluorescence intensity (e.g., Φ = 0.06 and 0.25 when CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95 and 95/5, v/v, respectively) and emission wavelength. Using this interesting property, by simple variation of the water content in the CH(3)CN aqueous solution, compound 2 was tuned from a selective "turn-on" fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v) to a ratiometric one for Zn(2+) and a selective "turn-off" one for Fe(3+) (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 95/5, v/v) over a wide range of pH value. In high-water-content (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 5/95, v/v) aqueous solution compound 2 shows a selective "turn-on" response toward Zn(2+), with a 10-fold enhancement in the fluorescence intensity at 428 nm and a 62 nm blue shift of the emission maximum (490 to 428 nm) due to the inhibition of intermolecular PPT process upon chelating with Zn(2+). However, in a less polar solvent (CH(3)CN/H(2)O = 95/5, v/v) in which compound 2 has high fluorescence (quantum yield =0.25), it shows a ratiometric response toward Zn(2+), with a continuous decrease of the fluorescence intensity at 399 nm and an increase at 423 nm. More interestingly, in this case, it also exhibits a very sensitive, selective, and ratiometric fluorescence quenching in the presence of Fe(3+), with an 81 nm red shift of the emission maximum (399 to 480 nm) in a wide range of pH through a metal ligand charge transfer (MLCT) effect.     

Anion binding by a tetradipicolylamine-substituted resorcinarene cavitand

Anion binding has been achieved with a resorcinarene substituted with four 2,2'-dipicolylamine moieties on the upper rim. The four dipicolylamine groups reside in proximity on one rim of the cavitand. The dipicolylamine groups were protonated with triflic acid to provide the cationic ammonium sites for anion binding. This anion receptor binds strongly to anions of different geometries, such as H(2)PO(4)(-), Cl(-), F(-), CH(3)CO(2)(-), HSO(4)(-), and NO(3)(-). The association constants for binding these anions are large, on the order of log K = 5 in CD(3)CN, a solvent of intermediate dielectric constant. These values represent significant binding compared to other cavitands with nitrogen pendant groups. Evidence suggests that the cavitand provides two identical receptor sites formed by two dipicolylamine groups, facilitating the simultaneous binding of two anions. Intramolecular binding of anions between two protonated dipicolylamine groups is indicated on the basis of the comparison to a structurally similar monomeric analogue and by semiempirical PM3 molecular modeling. Titrations with the analogue result in much weaker anion association, even at high concentrations, indicating the importance of proximity and preorganization of sites on the cavitand upper rim.     

Fluorescent sensing of anions with acridinedione based neutral PET chemosensor

Newly synthesised fluorescent chemosensor ADDTU contains the thiourea receptor connected to the acridinedione (ADD) fluorophore via a covalent bond, giving rise to a fluorophore-receptor motif. In this fluorescent chemosensor, the anion recognition takes place at the receptor site which result in the concomitant changes in the photophysical properties of a ADD fluorophore by modulation of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. The binding ability of these sensor with the anions F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), HSO(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), AcO(-), H(2)PO(4)(-) and BF(4)(-) (as their tetrabutylammounium salts) in acetonitrile were investigated using UV-vis, steady state and time-resolved emission techniques. ADDTU system allows for the selective fluorescent sensing of AcO(-), H(2)PO(4)(-) and F(-) over other anions in acetonitrile.     

Fluorescent acridine-based receptors for H2PO4(-)

Two new pseudopeptidic molecules (one macrocyclic and one open chain) containing an acridine unit have been prepared. The fluorescence response of these receptors to a series of acids was measured in CHCl(3). Receptors are selective to H(2)PO(4)(-) versus HSO(4)(-), and an even higher selectivity is found over other anions such as Cl(-), Br(-), CH(3)COO(-), and CF(3)COO(-). We show that the macrocyclic receptor is more selective for H(2)PO(4)(-) than the related open chain receptor. The supramolecular interactions of triprotonated receptors with different anions have been modeled in silico and have been studied by different experimental techniques. Optimized geometries obtained by computational calculations agree well with experimental data, in particular fluorescence experiments, suggesting that the selective supramolecular interaction takes places through coordination of the anions to the triprotonated form of the receptor.     

对二甲氨基苯甲酸的阴离子识别应用研究

采用紫外分光光度法和荧光分光光度法研究了主体分子对二甲氨基苯甲酸与HPO42-、SO42-、H2PO4-、ClO4-、HSO4-、NO3-、BF4-、PF6-、F-、Cl-和Br-等11种阴离子客体的识别作用.发现在乙腈溶液中,该主体分子对二价阴离子HPO42-和SO42-表现了强亲和力和高选择性;并对一价阴离子F-和H2PO4- 具有一定的响应能力;而与一价阴离子ClO4-、HSO4-、NO3-、BF4-、PF6-、Cl-和Br-几乎没有作用.结果表明主客体分子本身的酸碱性和阴离子的负电荷数目是影响主体分子对阴离子识别性能的主要因素.     

一种用于测定F~-的比色和荧光增强型探针

本文利用F~-诱导Si-O键断裂原理,以亚胺香豆素为荧光母体,成功合成了一种比色和荧光增强型F~-探针。由于探针分子结构的自由度较大,探针分子在乙腈溶液中几乎没有荧光,但随着F~-的加入探针分子经历Si-O键断裂及成环反应,生成具有较大共轭结构的环化产物,其荧光光谱在452nm处呈现出显著的荧光峰(荧光增强46倍),溶液的最大吸收峰由315nm红移至410nm(红移95nm),溶液的颜色由无色变为黄色,适用于裸眼检测F~-。同时,相对于其他阴离子(Cl~-、Br~-、I~-、NO_3~-、HSO_4~-、ClO_4~-、Ac~-、H_2PO_4~-),探针分子表现出对F~-较高的选择性和专一性,为F~-浓度的监测提供了一种高效灵敏的分析方法。     

A novel thiourea-based dual fluorescent anion receptor with a rigid hydrazine spacer

[structure: see text] A neutral receptor with a rigid hydrazine spacer, N-p-(dimethylamino)benzamido-N'-phenylthiourea, was prepared, and its dual fluorescence in acetonitrile was found to show response toward the presence of anions such as AcO(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HSO(4)(-), Br(-), Cl(-), F(-), and ClO(4)(-) with high sensitivity and selectivity toward AcO(-).     

Triphenylene based copper ensemble for the detection of cyanide ions

The binding behavior of triphenylene based copper ensemble prepared in situ has been investigated toward various anions (F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), CH(3)COO(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), NO(3)(-), OH(-), ClO(4)(-), CN(-), CO(3)(-) and SO(4)(-)) by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Among various anions tested, 1-Cu(2+) ensemble shows selective and sensitive response towards cyanide ions and responds to CN(-) ions even in the presence of bovine serum albumin and in blood serum milieu. Further, as practical application of compound 1, we utilized the TLC strips coated with THF solution of 1 for the solid state detection of copper and cyanide ions.     

Cholic-acid-based fluorescent sensor for dicarboxylates and acidic amino acids in aqueous solutions

[structure: see text] The binding affinities of a cholic-acid-based fluorescent neutral receptor toward dicarboxylate anions and amino acids have been investigated in a CH3OH/H2O system (1:1, 0.01 M HEPES buffer, pH = 7.4) by fluorescence titration experiments. The synthetic host bearing four convergent functionalities strongly binds glutamate via multiple hydrogen bonds with a binding constant of (5.57 +/- 0.88) x 10(6).     

Ruthenium(II) 2,2'-bibenzimidazole complex as a second-sphere receptor for anions interaction and colorimeter

A ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(bpy) 2(H 2bbim)](PF 6) 2 ( 1) as anions receptor has been exploited, where Ru(II)-bpy moiety acts as a chromophore and the H 2bbim ligand as an anion binding site. A systematic study suggests that 1 interacts with the Cl (-), Br (-), I (-), NO 3 (-), HSO 4 (-), and H 2PO 4 (-) anions via the formation of hydrogen bonds. Whereas 1 undergoes a stepwise process with the addition of F (-) and OAc (-) anions: formation of the monodeprotonated complex [Ru(bpy) 2(Hbbim)] with a low anion concentration, followed by the double-deprotonated complex [Ru(bpy) 2(bbim)], in the presence of a high anion concentration. These stepwise processes concomitant with the changes of vivid colors from yellow to orange brown and then to violet can be used for probing the F (-) and OAc (-) anions by naked eye. The deprotonation processes are not only determined by the basicity of the anion but also related to the strength of hydrogen bonding, as well as the stability of the formed compounds. Moreover, a double-deprotonated complex [Ru(bpy) 2(bbim)].CH 3OH.H 2O ( 3) has been synthesized, and the structural changes induced by the deprotonation has also been investigated. In addition, complexes [Ru(bpy) 2(Hbbim)] 2(HOAc) 3Cl 2.12H 2O ( 2), [Ru(bpy) 2(Hbbim)](HCCl 3CO 2)(CCl 3CO 2).2H 2O ( 4), and [Ru(bpy) 2(H 2bbim)](CF 3CO 2) 2.4H 2O ( 5) have been synthesized to observe the second sphere coordination between the Ru(II)-H 2bbim moiety and carboxylate groups via hydrogen bonds in the solid state.     

Density functional theory analysis of the reaction pathway for methane oxidation to acetic acid catalyzed by Pd2+ in sulfuric acid

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the thermodynamics and activation barriers associated with the direct oxidation of methane to acetic acid catalyzed by Pd2+ cation in concentrated sulfuric acid. Pd2+ cations in such solutions are ligated by two bisulfate anions and by one or two molecules of sulfuric acid. Methane oxidation is initiated by the addition of CH4 across one of the Pd-O bonds of a bisulfate ligand to form Pd(HSO4)(CH3)(H2SO4)2. The latter species will react with CO to produce Pd(HSO4)(CH3CO)(H2SO4)2. The most likely path to the final products is found to be via oxidation of Pd(HSO4)(CH3)(H2SO4)2 and Pd(HSO4)(CH3CO)(H2SO4)2 to form Pd(eta2-HSO4)(HSO4)2(CH3)(H2SO4) and Pd(eta2-HSO4)(HSO4)2(CH3CO)(H2SO4), respectively. CH3HSO4 or CH3COHSO4 is then produced by reductive elimination from the latter two species, and CH(3)COOH is then formed by hydrolysis of CH3COHSO4. The loss of Pd2+ from solution to form Pd(0) or Pd-black is predicted to occur via reduction with CO. This process is offset, though, by reoxidation of palladium by either H2SO4 or O2.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of a series of non-heme alkoxide-Fe(III) complexes of a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand as models for lipoxygenase

The treatment of Fe(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O or Fe(ClO(4))(3)·9H(2)O with a benzimidazolyl-rich ligand, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (medtb) in alcohol/MeCN gives a mononuclear ferrous complex, [Fe(II)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·?CH(3)CN·?CH(3)OH (1), and four non-heme alkoxide-iron(III) complexes, [Fe(III)(OMe)(medtb)](ClO(4))(2)·H(2)O (2, alcohol = MeOH), [Fe(III)(OEt)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·CH(3)CN (3, alcohol = EtOH), [Fe(III)(O(n)Pr)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·(n)PrOH·2CH(3)CN (4, alcohol = n-PrOH), and [Fe(III)(O(n)Bu)(Hmedtb)](ClO(4))(3)·3CH(3)CN·H(2)O (5, alcohol = n-BuOH), respectively. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes all show 1) a Fe(III)-OR center (R = Me, 2; Et, 3; (n)Pr, 4; (n)Bu, 5) with the Fe-O bond distances in the range of 1.781-1.816 ?, and 2) a yellow color and an intense electronic transition around 370 nm. The alkoxide-iron(III) complexes can be reduced by organic compounds with a cis,cis-1,4-diene moiety via the hydrogen atom abstraction reaction.