A sensitive tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent probe for Zn2+ ion involving ESIPT and CHEF processes

A new tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent probe 2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)-4-triphenylvinyl-phenol (HL) for detecting Zn²⁺ ion through the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) processes has been designed and synthesized. The results show that HL emits relatively strong blue fluorescence at 460 nm without Zn²⁺ ion, however, probe HL displays highly pink fluorescent emission at 600 nm when adding Zn²⁺ ion. The fluorescent emission of HL appears an extremely large Stokes shift, which effectively reduces the interference of background signal. The limit of detection of HL for Zn²⁺ ion can reach to 9.0 × 10^–8 M.     

Novel biphenylene-diketopyrrolopyrrole-based A–π–D–π–A molecule: Synthesis,optical, electrochemical and electronical properties

A novel ethynyl-linked A–π–D–π–A structured molecule DPP₂Ph₂ composed of biphenylene and diketopyrrolopyrrole has been designed and synthesized. A detailed study was carried out on its optical, electrochemical, electronical, and the photoinduced charge-separation properties by using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, DFT calculations and fluorescence quenching experiment. The optical results display that DPP₂Ph₂ exhibits strong and broad absorption band covering the whole visible region and has a typical fluorescence of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) feature. From the data in electrochemistry and fluorescence quenching experiment, the DPP₂Ph₂ molecule reveals lower HOMO energy level and proper LUMO energy level to obtain efficient charge separation. These results demonstrated that DPP₂Ph₂ might be a promising donor material for organic solar cells.     

A thienoquinoxaline and a styryl-quinoxaline as new fluorescent probes for amyloid-β fibrils

Simple and easy to prepare quinoxaline derivatives proved able to stain amyloid fibers such as aggregated lysozyme and Aβ(1-40)-peptide by a fluorescence “turn on” mechanism. Thienoquinoxaline 1 allowed the detection of lysozyme and Aβ(1-40) fibers at λ = 555 and 532 nm, respectively, with excitation at λ = 450 nm. Styryl-quinoxaline 2 stained lysozyme and Aβ(1-40) fibers with fluorescence at λ = 579 and 567 nm, respectively, upon excitation at λ = 453 nm. The apparent K_d values for Aβ(1-40) fibers were 77 and 294 nM for 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity of the aggregates detection assay with these new dyes was higher than that of thioflavin T. Considering their unique fluorescence properties compared to other dyes reported in the field, they can be considered as additional staining tools for the detection and studies of peptide/protein aggregation.     

Design,synthesis, and fungicidal activity of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

Employing the intermediate derivatization method (IDM), a series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing arylpyrazoloxyl moiety were designed and synthesized. In vitro bioassays showed that these compounds have moderate to significant fungicidal activity against rice sheath blight and sorghum anthracnose. Furthermore, compound 20 is a promising fungicide for further development.     

A benzothizole-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ recognition utilizing ESIPT coupled AIE characteristics

A new benzothizole-based fluorescent probe 1 for Hg²⁺ recognition utilizing “ESIPT+AIE” strategy has been developed. In THF/H₂O (1:1, v/v, PBS 20 mM, pH = 8.5) mixed solution, probe 1 displays rapid fluorescence responses to Hg²⁺ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity through Hg²⁺-triggered releasing of a compound possessing “ESIPT+AIE” characteristics. Cell imaging investigations indicate that probe 1 is cell permeable with low toxicity to MCF-7 cells, and applicable to detect Hg²⁺ ions in living MCF-7 cells.     

Fused bis[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole] derivatives for improved fluoride sensing: The impact of regiochemistry and competitive hydrogen bonding

Development of fluorescent chemical sensors for fluoride is important due to increased use of fluoride in environment. A fused bis[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole] 5, which is capable of giving ESIPT emission, is found to be a useful fluorescent sensor for fluoride detection. Upon binding to fluoride, bis(HBO) 5 shows a large spectral shift in both fluorescence (from ～490 nm to ～440 nm) and absorption (from 353 nm to 392 nm). In comparison with the isomeric 4, bis(HBO) 5 dramatically improves the sensitivity in fluoride binding (by an order of magnitude), revealing a large impact of regiochemistry on the sensor performance. ¹H NMR has been used to study the fluoride binding, and to correlate the intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the fluoride response. Sensitivity of 5 towards fluoride is as low as 10^?5 M. Bis(HBO) 5 also showed excellent selectivity towards fluoride while being silent to other anions (Cl^?, Br^?, HS^? and PO₄^3?), thus making 5 a potentially useful probe.     

Synthesis and properties of a thiophene-substituted diaza[7]helicene for application as a blue emitter in organic light-emitting diodes

Carbazole-based diaza[7]helicene substituted by thiophene groups, 2,12-dithiophene-5,15-dihexyl-5,15-diaza[7]helicene (6), was synthesised successfully and confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Compound 6 exhibited good solubility and excellent thermal stability with no melting point and a high decomposition temperature of 453.64 °C. A doped device with a structure of ITO/NPB (50 nm)/CBP: 10% 6 (30 nm)/Bphen (20 nm)/Mg:Ag (150 nm)/Ag (50 nm) emitted the blue light at 460 nm with Commission Internationale de LEclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.176, 0.26). The maximum brightness and external quantum efficiency (EQE) were 2306 cd m^?2 and 0.41%, respectively.     

A fast,highly selective and sensitive dansyl-based fluorescent sensor for copper (II) ions and its imaging application in living cells

Since the copper ions (Cu²⁺) play a fatal role in many foundational physiological processes, it is important to develop a simple, highly sensitive and selective sensor for Cu²⁺ detection in living systems. Herein, an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and dansyl-based fluorescent chemosensor 1 was designed, synthesized and characterized for the sensitive and selective quantification of Cu²⁺. It exhibited remarkable fluorescence quenching upon addition of Cu²⁺ over other selected metal ions, attributed to the complex formation between 1 and Cu²⁺ with the association constant 6.7 × 10⁵ M^?1. The sensor 1 showed a fast and linear response towards Cu²⁺ in the concentration range from 0 to 12.5 × 10^?6 mol L^?1 with the detection limit of 2.5 × 10^?7 mol L^?1. This detection could be carried out in a wide pH range of 5.0–14. Furthermore, sensor 1 can be used for detecting Cu²⁺ in living cells.     

A novel fluorescence sensor for K+ based on bis-Bodipy: The ACQ effect controlled by cation complexation of pseudo crown ether ring

Three novel bis-Bodipy 3a–3c bridged with crown ether chain were prepared in yields of 70–78%. Their complexation absorption and fluorescent spectra for fourteen metal ions suggested that compound 3b exhibited the selective response for K⁺ with obvious ACQ effect. The association constant of compound 3b with K⁺ was 4.3 × 10⁵ M^?1 and 1:1 complex mode was deduced. The complexation mechanism of ACQ effect controlled by cation complexation of pseudo crown ether ring was confirmed by the fluorescent titrations, complexation FT-IR spectra, complexation ¹H NMR spectra, complexation ESI-MS spectra and contrast experiment of similar mono-Bodipy derivative. The K⁺ was binded in the cavity of a pseudo crown ether ring, leading to the closed distance for two Bodipy units and then enhancing the ACQ effect obviously. Both the structure of the crown ether chain and two Bodipy units were decisive factors for the selective fluorescence sensor for K⁺.     

Toward a highly sensitive and selective indole-rhodamine-based light-up probe for Hg2+ and its application in living cells

We herein designed and synthesized a light-up fluorescent probe L1 for Hg²⁺ species, which is based on indole derivative and Rhodamine fluorophore. The new probe can show a linear response to Hg²⁺ with high sensitivity and selectivity. As the Hg²⁺ concentration changed from 0 to 450 μM, the fluorescence intensity of L1 at 575 nm changed from 50 to 6181 (～120-fold). The detection limit of the probe was 5.0 × 10^?8 M. Besides, we have successfully applied L1 to monitor Hg²⁺ species in living MCF-7 cells by way of fluorescence imaging.     

A borondipyrrolemethene-based turn-on fluorescent probe for silver ion with high sensitivity and selectivity and its application in water samples and living cells

A borondipyrrolemethene-based compound (1) is synthesized and used as a “turn-on” fluorescent probe for silver ions (Ag⁺). The probe displays highly sensitive fluorescence response toward Ag⁺ with a 40-fold fluorescence enhancement when 60 μM of Ag⁺ is added. The fluorescence intensity of the probe is linearly dependent on Ag⁺ concentration ranging from 0.05 to 60 μM. And the detection limit (LOD) can reach 0.02 μM, which complies with the standard of World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water (0.9 μM). Moreover, the probe shows remarkable selectivity for Ag⁺ over other metal ions. Furthermore, the response behavior of 1 toward Ag⁺ is pH independent in the neutral range from 6.0 to 8.0. The response of 1 toward Ag⁺ is fast (response time is less than 2 min) and reversible chemically. What’s more, the sensing mechanism of probe 1 toward Ag⁺ is verified by mass spectra (MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In particular, the probe is applied for detection of Ag⁺ in water samples and living cells successfully.     

Novel dual inhibitors against FP-2 and PfDHFR as potential antimalarial agents: Design,synthesis and biological evaluation

A series of novel 2,4-diaminopyrimidine-modified compounds was designed and synthesized. Compound 14 showed micromolar dual inhibitory effect on both FP-2 and PfDHFR, and potential inhibition to the proliferation of P. falciparum 3D7 strain and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum Dd2 strain.     

A new luminescent sulfate bridged dimeric copper(II) complex with DNA binding and SO2 fixation ability: Synthesis and structure

New luminescent mononuclear and dinuclear copper(II) (S = 1/2) complexes [Cu(HL)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1a) and [Cu₂(HL)₂(μ-SO₄)₂]·2H₂O (1b) were synthesized with the acyclic tridentate pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde-2-pyridylhydrazone ligand, HL (1). Interestingly, the mononuclear complex 1a can be converted into the disulfate bridged dimeric copper(II) complex 1b by passing freshly prepared SO₂ through the basic medium. On excitation at 290 nm, the ligand fluoresces at 364 nm due to an intraligand ¹(π–π1) transition. Upon complexation with copper(II), the emission peak is slightly blue shifted (356 nm, F/F₀ 0.76 for 1a and 354 nm, F/F₀ 0.89 for 1b) with a little quenching in the emission intensity. The association constants (K_ass (5.06 ± 0.004) × 10⁴ for 1a and K_ass (5.46 ± 0.006) × 10⁴ for 1b at 298 K) and the thermodynamic parameters have been determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The molecular structure of the complex 1b (Cu?Cu 4.456 Å) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The complex 1b exhibits a strong interaction towards DNA as revealed from the K_b (intrinsic binding constant) 6.3 × 10⁴ M^?1 and K_sv (Stern–Volmer quenching constant) 2.93 values.     

A pyrene-based dual chemosensor for colorimetric detection of Cu2+ and fluorescent detection of Fe3+

A pyrene based chemosensor was designed and synthesized. The pyrene fluorophore was connected with a pyridine unit through a Schiff base structure to give the sensor (L). L was tested with a variety of metal ions and exhibited high colorimetric selectivities for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ over other ions. Upon binding with Cu²⁺ or Fe³⁺, L showed an obvious optical color change from colorless to pink for Cu²⁺ or orange for Fe³⁺ over a wide pH range from 3 to 12. Moreover, the fluorescence of L at 370 nm decreased sharply after bonding with Fe³⁺, while other metal ions including Cu²⁺ had no apparent interference. Thus, using such single chemosensor, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ can be detected independently with high selectivity and sensitivity. The limits of detection toward Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were 8.5 and 2.0 μM, respectively. DFT calculation results also proved the formation of stable coordination complexes and the phenomenon of fluorescence quenching by Fe³⁺. Furthermore, L was also successfully used as a bioimaging reagent for detection of Fe³⁺ in living cells.     

Photophysical properties of 5-hydroxyflavone

To investigate the role of the excited triplet state in the deactivation process of 5-hydroxyflavone (5HF), the photophysical process of 5HF was studied by transient absorption, phosphorescence spectroscopies, and semiempirical calculations. The triplet–triplet absorption (T–T) spectra of 5HF and 5-methoxyflavone (5MF) were observed upon direct and triplet-sensitized excitation. The T–T spectrum of 5HF (λ_max=350 nm, τ_T=2.8 μs) was different from that of 5MF (λ_max=360 nm, τ_T=6.8 μs). Estimations of the triplet energies of 5HF and 5MF by quenching experiments, phosphorescence, and semiempirical (PM3/CI4) calculation revealed that 5HF underwent an intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer and formed the tautomer in the excited triplet state. The triplet energy of the normal form of 5HF was 260 kJ mol⁻¹, while that of the tautomer form (5HF′) was 197 kJ mol⁻¹. The triplet energy of 5MF, the model compound of the normal form of 5HF, was 261 kJ mol⁻¹. The PM3/CI4 calculation supported the experimental observations and suggested that the most stable conformer in the triplet state of 5HF is the tautomer form.     

Anthroneamine based chromofluorogenic probes for Hg2+ detection in aqueous solution

Anthroneamine derivatives 1–3 (H₂O:DMSO; 9:1, HEPES buffer, pH 7.0 ± 0.1) undergo highly selective fluorescence quenching with Hg²⁺. The observed linear fluorescence intensity change allows the quantitative detection of Hg²⁺ between 200 nM/40 ppb—12 μM/2.4 ppm even in the presence of interfering metal ions viz. Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺. Probes 1–3 and their Hg²⁺ complexes also show the broad pH resistance for their practical applicability.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,theoretical, antimicrobial,DNA interaction and in vitro anticancer studies of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with pyrimidine-morpholine based Schiff base ligand

Novel Cu(II) (1) and Zn(II) (2) complexes with 4-(1-(4-morpholinophenyl)ethylideneamino)pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile) (L) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. DFT (density functional theory) studies result confirms that, LMCT mechanism have been done between L and M(II) ions. The antimicrobial studies indicate that the ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 exhibit higher activity against the E. coli bacteria and C. albicans fungi. The groove binding mode of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 with CT-DNA have been confirmed by electronic absorption, competitive binding, viscometric and cyclic voltammetric studies. The electronic absorption titration of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 with DNA have been carried out in different buffer solutions (pH 4.0, 7.0 & 10.0). The K_b values of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 are higher in acidic buffer at pH 4.0 (K_b = 2.42 × 10⁵, L; 2.8 × 10⁵, 1; 2.65 × 10⁵, 2) and the results revealed that, the interaction of synthesized compounds with DNA were higher in the acidic medium than basic and neutral medium. Furthermore, CT-DNA cleavage studies of ligand L and complexes 1 & 2 have been studied. The in vitro anticancer activities results show that complexes 1 & 2 have moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and low toxicity on normal cell line than ligand L.     

Fluorescence and DNA-binding spectral studies of neodymium(III) complex containing 2,2′-bipyridine, [Nd(bpy)2Cl3·OH2]

The interaction of [Nd(bpy)₂Cl₃·OH₂], where bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine, with DNA has been studied by absorption, emission, and viscosity measurements. [Nd(bpy)₂Cl₃·OH₂] showed absorption decreasing in charge transfer band with increasing of DNA. The binding constant, K_b has been determined by absorption measurement and found to be (1.5 ± 0.1) × 10⁵ M^?1. The fluorescent of [Nd(bpy)₂Cl₃·OH₂] has been investigated in detail. The interaction was also studied by fluorescence quenching technique. The results of fluorescence titration revealed that DNA had the strong ability to quenching the intrinsic fluorescence of Nd(III) complex at 327 nm. The binding site number n, apparent binding constant K_b and the Stern–Volmer quenching constant K_SV have been determined. Thermodynamic parameters have been calculated according to relevant fluorescent data and Van’t Hoff equation. Characterization of bonding mode has been studied. The results suggested that the major interaction mode between [Nd(bpy)₂Cl₃·OH₂] and DNA was groove binding.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, structural and thermal characterizations of [(C7H6NO4)2TeBr6·4H2O]

Tellurium (IV) complexes with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligand were synthesized by slow evaporation from aqueous solutions yielding a new compound: [(C₇H₆NO₄)₂TeBr₆·4H₂O]. The structure of this compound was solved and refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound is centrosymmetric P2₁/c (N°: 14) with the parameters a = 8.875(5) Å, b = 15.174(5) Å, c = 10.199(5) Å, β = 94.271° (5) and Z = 2. The structure consists of isolated H₂O, isolated [TeBr₆]^2? octahedral anions and (pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) [C₇H₆NO₄]⁺ cations. The stability of the structure was ensured by ionic and hydrogen bonding contacts (N–H?Br and O–H?Br) and Van-Der Walls interaction. The thermal decomposition of the compound was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR and Raman spectroscopy at different temperatures confirm the existence of vibrational modes that correspond to the organic, inorganic and water molecular groups. Additionally, the UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum was recorded in order to investigate the band gap nature. The measurements show that this compound exhibits a semiconducting behavior with an optical band gap of 2.66 eV.     

Synthesis,structure and property of a new inorganic–organic hybrid compound [Cu(phen)2][Cu(phen)H2O]2[Mo5P2O23]·3.5H2O

A new polyoxomolybdophosphate 1, formulated as [Cu(phen)₂][Cu(phen)H₂O]₂[Mo₅P₂O₂₃]·3.5H₂O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 12.2429(5) Å, b = 14.3543(5) Å, c = 20.0814(8) Å, α = 80.023 (1)°, β = 74.283 (1)°, γ = 66.452(1)°, V = 3105.8(2) Å³, R₁ = 0.0375, wR₂ = 0.0885, Z = 2 and GOF = 1.009. Compound 1 is constructed from diphosphopentamolybdate clusters coordinated to Cu(II)-phen units, and free water molecules, which are connected to a three-dimensional framework via π–π stacking interactions from the phen ligands. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, TG-DTA, XPS, EPR and fluorescent spectra for this compound were determined. The electrochemical properties of compound 1 are studied using cyclic voltammogram, the results indicated that the compound 1 shows good electrocatalytic activity to NO₂^?.