Synthesis of positively charged silver nanoparticles via photoreduction of AgNO3 in branched polyethyleneimine/HEPES solutions

Branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) were used collaboratively to reduce silver nitrate under UV irradiation for the synthesis of positively charged silver nanoparticles. The effects of molar ratio of the ingredients and the molecular weight of BPEI on the particle size and distribution were investigated. The mechanism for the reduction of Ag+ ions in the BPEI/HEPES mixtures entails oxidative cleavage of BPEI chains that results in the formation of positively charged BPEI fragments enriched with amide groups as well as in the production of formaldehyde, which serves as a reducing agent for Ag+ ions. The resultant silver nanoparticles are positively charged due to protonation of surface amino groups. Importantly, these positively charged Ag nanoparticles demonstrate superior SERS activity over negatively charged citrate reduced Ag nanoparticles for the detection of thiocyanate and perchlorate ions; therefore, they are promising candidates for sensing and detection of a variety of negatively charged analytes in aqueous solutions using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).     

DNA-network-templated self-assembly of silver nanoparticles and their application in surface-enhanced Raman scattering

A large-scale lambda-DNA network on a mica surface was successfully fabricated with a simple method. Silver nanoparticles capped with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were self-assembled onto a two-dimensional DNA network template by electrostatic interaction and formed nanoporous silver films, which can be used as active surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Two probe molecules, Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP), were studied on these substrates with very low concentrations, and great enhancement factors for R6G (0.21 x 10(10)-4.09 x 10(11)) and 4-ATP (approximately 1.70 x 10(5)) were observed. It was found that the enhancement ability was affected by the DNA concentration and the electrostatic absorption time of the CTAB-stabilized silver nanoparticles on the DNA strands. These SERS substrates formed by the self-assembly of silver nanoparticles on DNA network also show good stability and reproducibility in our experiments.     

Metal Cyanide Ions Mx(CN)y]+,- in the gas phase: M = Fe,Co, Ni,Zn, Cd,Hg, Fe + Ag,Co + Ag

The generation of metal cyanide ions in the gas phase by laser ablation of M(CN)(2) (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg), Fe(III)[Fe(III)(CN)(6)] x xH(2)O, Ag(3)[M(CN)(6)] (M = Fe, Co), and Ag(2)[Fe(CN)(5)(NO)] has been investigated using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Irradiation of Zn(CN)(2) and Cd(CN)(2) produced extensive series of anions, [Zn(n)(CN)(2n+1)](-) (1 < or = n < or = 27) and [Cd(n)(CN)(2n+1)](-) (n = 1, 2, 8-27, and possibly 29, 30). Cations Hg(CN)(+) and [Hg(2)(CN)(x)](+) (x = 1-3), and anions [Hg(CN)(x)](-) (x = 2, 3), are produced from Hg(CN)(2). Irradiation of Fe(III)[Fe(III)(CN)(6)] x xH(2)O gives the anions [Fe(CN)(2)](-), [Fe(CN)(3)](-), [Fe(2)(CN)(3)](-), [Fe(2)(CN)(4)](-), and [Fe(2)(CN)(5)](-). When Ag(3)[Fe(CN)(6)] is ablated, [AgFe(CN)(4)](-) and [Ag(2)Fe(CN)(5)](-) are observed together with homoleptic anions of Fe and Ag. The additional heterometallic complexes [AgFe(2)(CN)(6)](-), [AgFe(3)(CN)(8)](-), [Ag(2)Fe(2)(CN)(7)](-), and [Ag(3)Fe(CN)(6)](-) are observed on ablation of Ag(2)[Fe(CN)(5)(NO)]. Homoleptic anions [Co(n)(CN)(n+1)](-) (n = 1-3), [Co(n)(CN)(n+2)](-) (n = 1-3), [Co(2)(CN)(4)](-), and [Co(3)(CN)(5)](-) are formed when anhydrous Co(CN)(2) is the target. Ablation of Ag(3)[Co(CN)(6)] yields cations [Ag(n)(CN)(n-1)](+) (n = 1-4) and [Ag(n)Co(CN)(n)](+) (n = 1, 2) and anions [Ag(n)(CN)(n+1)](-) (n = 1-3), [Co(n)(CN)(n-1)](-) (n = 1, 2), [Ag(n)Co(CN)(n+2)](-) (n = 1, 2), and [Ag(n)Co(CN)(n+3)](-) (n = 0-2). The Ni(I) species [Ni(n)(CN)(n-1)](+) (n = 1-4) and [Ni(n)(CN)(n+1)](-) (n = 1-3) are produced when anhydrous Ni(CN)(2) is irradiated. In all cases, CN(-) and polyatomic carbon nitride ions C(x)N(y)(-) are formed concurrently. On the basis of density functional calculations, probable structures are proposed for most of the newly observed species. General structural features are low coordination numbers, regular trigonal coordination stereochemistry for d(10) metals but distorted trigonal stereochemistry for transition metals, the occurrence of M-CN-M and M(-CN-)(2)M bridges, addition of AgCN to terminal CN ligands, and the occurrence of high spin ground states for linear [M(n)(CN)(n+1)](-) complexes of Co and Ni.     

Two enantiomers of [Cu(3)(mnt)(3)](3-) as ligands to Cu(i) or Ag(i) in building [Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)](4-) complexes (M = Cu or Ag) with the reversal of the reaction by X(-) (X = Cl, Br)

Two enantiomers of [Bu(4)N](3)[Cu(3)(mnt)(3)] () formed by Na(2)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, [S(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2-)) and CuCl in a 1 : 1 molar ratio react further with MCl (M = Cu or Ag) involving both the enantiomers of to produce the larger complex, [Bu(4)N](4)[Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)] (M = Cu (2), Ag (3)) from which the capped Cu(+) or Ag(+) ion can readily be removed by Bu(4)NX (X = Cl, Br), reverting or back to . Such reversal does not work with non-coordinating anions like BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-).     

Subtle role of polyatomic anions in molecular construction: structures and properties of AgX bearing 2,4'-thiobis(pyridine) (X(-) = NO(3)(-), BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), CF(3)CO(2)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-))

Studies on the subtle effects and roles of polyatomic anions in the self-assembly of a series of AgX complexes with 2,4'-Py(2)S (X(-) = NO(3)(-), BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), CF(3)CO(2)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-); 2,4'-Py(2)S = 2,4'-thiobis(pyridine)) have been carried out. The formation of products appears to be primarily associated with a suitable combination of the skewed conformers of 2,4'-Py(2)S and a variety of coordination geometries of Ag(I) ions. The molecular construction via self-assembly is delicately dependent upon the nature of the anions. Coordinating anions afford the 1:1 adducts [Ag(2,4'-Py(2)S)X] (X(-) = NO(3)(-) and CF(3)CO(2)(-)), whereas noncoordinating anions form the 3:4 adducts [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-)). Each structure seems to be constructed by competition between pi-pi interactions of 2,4'-Py(2)S spacers vs Ag.X interactions. For ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-), an anion-free network consisting of linear Ag(I) and trigonal Ag(I) in a 1:2 ratio has been obtained whereas, for the coordinating anions NO(3)(-) and CF(3)CO(2)(-), an anion-bridged helix sheet and an anion-bridged cyclic dimer chain, respectively, have been assembled. For a moderately coordinating anion, CF(3)SO(3)(-), the 3:4 adduct [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) has been obtained similarly to the noncoordinating anions, but its structure is a double strand via both face-to-face (pi-pi) stackings and Ag.Ag interactions, in contrast to the noncoordinating anions. The anion exchanges of [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), and PF(6)(-)) with BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), and PF(6)(-) in aqueous media indicate that a [BF(4)(-)] analogue is isostructural with [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-)). Furthermore, the anion exchangeability for the noncoordinating anion compounds and the X-ray data for the coordinating anion compounds establish the coordinating order to be NO(3)(-) > CF(3)CO(2)(-) > CF(3)SO(3)(-) > PF(6)(-) > ClO(4)(-) > BF(4)(-).     

Titration of cyanide and hexacyanoferrate(II) with silver nitrate-I Calculation of titration curves for potentiometric and conductometric titration

Stepwise potentiometric titration of cyanide and hexacyanoferrate(II) with silver nitrate is possible in the absence of potassium ions. At an initial concentration below 5.00 x 10(-4)M, cyanide can be titrated with silver nitrate (Ag:CN = 1:2) and the end-point indicated by precipitation of silver hexacyanoferrate(II); hexacyanoferrate(II) can be titrated with silver nitrate (Ag: Fe(CN)(6) = 4:1) and the end-point indicated by precipitation of silver dicyanoargentate. The hexacyanoferrate(II) reacts with silver to form two poorly soluble salts, Ag(4)Fe(CN)(6), KAg(3)Fe(CN)(6). The formation of these salts has been confirmed by conductometric titration of hexacyanoferrate(II) with silver nitrate in solutions containing varying concentrations of potassium nitrate.     

Heterometallic modular metal-organic 3D frameworks assembled via new tris-β-diketonate metalloligands: nanoporous materials for anion exchange and scaffolding of selected anionic guests

The modular engineering of heterometallic nanoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on novel tris-chelate metalloligands, prepared using the functionalised β-diketone 1,3-bis(4'-cyanophenyl)-1,3-propanedione (HL), is described. The complexes [M(III)L(3)] (M=Fe(3+), Co(3+)) and [M(II)L(3)](NEt(4)) (M=Mn(2+), Co(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+)) have been synthesised and characterised, all of which exhibit a distorted octahedral chiral structure. The presence of six exo-oriented cyano donor groups on each complex makes it a suitable building block for networking through interactions with external metal ions. We have prepared two families of MOFs by reacting the metalloligands [M(III)L(3)] and [M(II)L(3)](-) with many silver salts AgX (X=NO(3)(-), BF(4)(-), PF(6)(-), AsF(6)(-), SbF(6)(-), CF(3)SO(3)(-), tosylate), specifically the [M(III)L(3)Ag(3)]X(3)·Solv and [M(II)L(3)Ag(3)]X(2)·Solv network species. Very interestingly, all of these network species exhibit the same type of 3D structure and crystallise in the same trigonal space group with similar cell parameters, in spite of the different metal ions, ionic charges and X(-) counteranions of the silver salts. We have also succeeded in synthesising trimetallic species such as [Zn(x)Fe(y)L(3)Ag(3)](ClO(4))((2x+3y))·Solv and [Zn(x)Cd(y)L(3)Ag(3)](ClO(4))(2)·Solv (with x+y=1). All of the frameworks can be described as sixfold interpenetrated pcu nets, considering the Ag(+) ions as simple digonal spacers. Each individual net is homochiral, containing only Δ or Λ nodes; the whole array contains three nets of type Δ and three nets of type Λ. Otherwise, taking into account the presence of weak Ag-C σ bonds involving the central carbon atoms of the β-diketonate ligands of adjacent nets, the six interpenetrating pcu networks are joined into a unique non-interpenetrated six-connected frame with the rare acs topology. The networks contain large parallel channels of approximate hexagonal-shaped sections that represent 37-48% of the cell volume and include the anions and many guest solvent molecules. The guest solvent molecules can be reversibly removed by thermal activation with retention of the framework structure, which proved to be stable up to about 270°C, as confirmed by TGA and powder XRD monitoring. The anions could be easily exchanged in single-crystal to single-crystal processes, thereby allowing the insertion of selected anions into the framework channels.     

Rapid, quantitative analysis of ppm/ppb nicotine using surface-enhanced Raman scattering from polymer-encapsulated Ag nanoparticles (gel-colls)

Rapid, quantitative SERS analysis of nicotine at ppm/ppb levels has been carried out using stable and inexpensive polymer-encapsulated Ag nanoparticles (gel-colls). The strongest nicotine band (1030 cm(-1)) was measured against d(5)-pyridine internal standard (974 cm(-1)) which was introduced during preparation of the stock gel-colls. Calibration plots of I(nic)/I(pyr) against the concentration of nicotine were non-linear but plotting I(nic)/I(pyr) against [nicotine](x)(x = 0.6-0.75, depending on the exact experimental conditions) gave linear calibrations over the range (0.1-10 ppm) with R(2) typically ca. 0.998. The RMS prediction error was found to be 0.10 ppm when the gel-colls were used for quantitative determination of unknown nicotine samples in 1-5 ppm level. The main advantages of the method are that the gel-colls constitute a highly stable and reproducible SERS medium that allows high throughput (50 sample h(-1)) measurements.     

Conversion of phenyl-substituted cyclopentadienes to pyrylium cations

Phenyl-substituted cyclopentadienes are proved to form phenylated pyrylium cations in the presence of silver(I) perchlorate by insertion of an oxygen atom into the cyclopentadiene-ring. Three phenylated pyrylium compounds, [(Ph(5)C(5)O(+))(ClO(4)(-))](2)(CH(2)Cl(2)) (1), Ag(ClO(4))(H(2)O)(Ph(4)HC(5)O(+)) (ClO(4)(-)) (2), and (Ph(3)H(2)C(5)O(+))(ClO(4)(-)) (3) have been synthesized and characterized. A possible reaction pathway and formation mechanism of the pyrylium cation are proposed and discussed.     

Controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles from polyoxometalates-immobilized poly(4-vinylpyridine) brushes

We extend the application of polymer brush to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Polymer brushes can efficiently prevent the aggregation of the prepared nanoparticles and allow the tailored synthesis of Ag nanoparticles.     

Dinuclear silver(I) complexes for the design of metal-ligand networks based on triazolopyrimidines

Silver(I) coordination complexes with the versatile and biomimetic ligands 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (tp), 5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dmtp) and 7-amine-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (7atp) all feature dinuclear [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)](2+) building units (where tp is a triazolopyrimidine derivative), which are the preferred motif, independently of the counter-anion used. According to AIM (atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analyses, this fact is due to the great stability of these dinuclear species. The complexes structures range from the dinuclear entities [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](BF(4))(2) (1), [Ag(2)(μ-tp)(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (2), [Ag(2)(μ-7atp)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (3) and [Ag(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(ClO(4)) (4) over the 1D polymer chain [Ag(2)(μ-CF(3)SO(3))(2)(μ-dmtp)(2)](n) (5) to the 3D net {[Ag(2)(μ(3)-tp)(2)](PF(6))(2)·～6H(2)O}(n) (6) with NbO topology.     

(Bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methane)silver(I) phosphino complexes: structures and spectroscopic properties of mixed-ligand coordination polymers

Adducts of the ligand bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methane (tz(2)(CH(2))) of the form AgX:tz(2)(CH(2)):ER(3):MeCN (1:1:1:x) (X = NO(3), R = Ph, E = P, As, or Sb, x = 1 or 2; X = NO(2), ClO(4), O(3)SCF(3), E = P, R = Ph, x = 0, 1 or 2; X = NO(3), ClO(4), E = P, R = cy, x = 1; X = ClO(4), E = As, R = Ph, x = 2) and AgNO(3):tz(2)(CH(2)):P(o-tolyl)(3) (2:2:1) have been synthesized and characterized in the solid state and in solution by analyses, spectral (IR, far-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, ESI MS data) data, and conductivity measurements. In the one-dimensional polymers (characterized by X-ray studies) AgNO(3):tz(2)(CH(2)):PPh(3):CH(3)CN (1:1:1:1), AgClO(4):tz(2)(CH(2)):PPh(3):CH(3)CN (1:1:1:2), AgNO(3):tz(2)(CH(2)):AsPh(3): CH(3)CN (1:1:1:2), and AgNO(3):tz(2)(CH(2)):SbPh(3):CH(3)CN (1:1:1:2), the silver atom can be regarded as four-coordinate, the tz(2)(CH(2)) ligands behaving as bridging groups rather than chelates, with no pair of ligands being dominant, quasi-trans, in their interactions. The AgNO(3):tz(2)(CH(2)):P(o-tolyl)(3) (2:2:1) adduct is a two-dimensional polymer containing two independent silver atoms, one four-coordinated unsymmetrically by a pair of triazolyl rings, one P(o-tolyl)(3), and a unidentate nitrate and the second by a quasi-symmetrical O(2)NO chelate and a pair of equivalent triazolyl rings.     

Discrete and infinite 1D, 2D/3D cage frameworks with inclusion of anionic species and anion-exchange reactions of Ag3L2 type receptor with tetrahedral and octahedral anions

Complexes [PF6 subset(Ag3(titmb)2](PF6)2 (8) and {SbF6 subset[Ag3(titmb)2](SbF6)2}.H2O.1.5 CH3OH (9) are obtained by reaction of titmb and Ag+ salts with different anions (PF6(-) and SbF6(-)), and crystal structures reveal that they are both M3L2 cage complexes with short Ag...F interactions between the silver atoms and the fluorine atoms of the anions. In complex 8, a novel cage dimer is formed by weak Ag...F contacts; an unique cage tetramer formed via Ag...pi interactions (Ag...eta5-imidazole) between dimers and an infinite 1D cage chain is presented. However, each of the external non-disordered SbF6(-) anions connect with six cage 9s via Ag...F contacts, and each cage 9 in turn connects with three SbF6(-) anions to form a 2D network cage layer; and the layers are connected by pi-pi interactions to form a 3D network. The anion-exchange reactions of four Ag3L2 type complexes ([BF4 subset(Ag3(titmb)2](BF4)2 (6), [ClO4 subset(Ag3(titmb)2](ClO4)2 (7b), [PF6 subset(Ag3(titmb)2](PF6)2 (8) and [SbF6 subset(Ag3(titmb)2](SbF6)2.1.5CH3OH (9)) with tetrahedral and octahedral anions (ClO4(-), BF4(-), PF6(-) and SbF6(-)) are also reported. The anion-exchange experiments demonstrate that the anion selective order is SbF6(-) > PF6(-) > BF4(-), ClO4(-), and this anion receptor is preferred to trap octahedral and tetrahedral anions rather than linear or triangle anions; SbF6(-) is the biggest and most preferable one, so far. The dimensions of cage complexes with or without internal anions, anion-exchange reactions, cage assembly and anion inclusions, silver(I) coordination environments, Ag-F and Ag-pi interactions of Ag3L2 complexes 1-9 are discussed.     

Anion dependent structures of luminescent silver(i) complexes

The reaction of AgX, where X = trifluoroacetate (CF(3)CO(2)(-), tfa), nitrate (NO(3)(-)), trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate, CF(3)SO(3)(-), OTf), hexafluorophosphate (PF(6)(-)), or perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)), with 2,2',3' '-tripyridylamine (tpa) yields five novel silver(I) complexes, which have been structurally characterized. The five complexes have the same 1:1 stoichiometry of Ag/tpa but exhibit different modes of coordination, depending upon the counterion present in the compound. Compound 1, [Ag(tpa)(tfa)](n)(), forms a 1D coordination polymer of [Ag(tpa)(tfa)](2) dimer units linked through bridging tfa counterions. Compound 2, [Ag(tpa)(CH(3)CN)(NO(3))](n), forms a zigzag chain 1D coordination polymer exclusively through Ag-N bonds. In compounds 1 and 2, each tpa ligand is bound to two Ag(I) ions via a 2-py and a 3-py group. Compound 3, [Ag(tpa)(OTf)](n), forms a ribbonlike 1D coordination polymer, in which each tpa ligand binds to three different silver centers via all three pyridyl groups, and the counterion remains coordinated to the Ag(I) center. Compounds 4, [Ag(tpa)(CH(3)CN)](n)(PF(6))(n), and 5, [Ag(tpa)(CH(3)CN)](n)() (ClO(4))(n), display ribbonlike structures resembling that of 3, except that the counterions are not coordinated. All complexes are luminescent in acetonitrile solution, with emission maxima in the near-UV region (lambda(max) = 366, 368, 367, 367, and 368 nm for 1-5, respectively). At 77 K, the emission maxima are red-shifted to lambda(max) = 452, 453, 450, 450, and 454 nm for 1-5, respectively.     

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.     

The supramolecular isomerism based on argentophilic interactions: the construction of helical chains with defined right-handed and left-handed helicity

The reactions of racemic and enantiopure macrocyclic compounds [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO(4))(2) (containing equal amounts of SS and RR enantiomers), [Ni(alpha-SS-L)](ClO(4))(2), and [Ni(alpha-RR-L)](ClO(4))(2) with K[Ag(CN)(2)] in acetonitrile/water afford three 1D helical chains of {[Ni(f-rac-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2)}(n) (1), {[Ni(f-SS-L)](2)[Ag(CN)(2)](4)}(n) (Delta-2), and {[Ni(f-RR-L)](2)[Ag(CN)(2)](4)}(n) (Lambda-2); one dimer of [Ni(f-rac-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) (3); and one trimer of [Ni(f-rac-L)Ag(CN)(2)](3).(ClO(4))(3) (4) (L = 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane). Compounds 1, Delta-2, Lambda-2, and 3, which are supramolecular isomers, are constructed via argentophilic interactions. In 1, [Ni(f-RR-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) enantiomers alternately connect with [Ni(f-SS-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) enantiomers through intermolecular argentophilic interactions to form a 1D meso-helical chain, and the 1D chains are further connected through the interchain hydrogen bonds to generate a 2D network. When chiral [Ni(alpha-SS-L)](ClO(4))(2) and [Ni(alpha-RR-L)](ClO(4))(2) were used as building blocks, two supramolecular stereoisomers of Delta-2 and Lambda-2 were obtained, which show the motif of homochiral right-handed and left-handed helical chains, respectively, and the 1D homochiral helical chains are linked by the interchain hydrogen bonds to form a 3D structure. In 3, a pair of enantiomers of [Ni(f-RR-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) and [Ni(f-SS-L)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) connect with each other through intermolecular argentophilic interactions to form a dimer. The reaction of [Ni(alpha-rac-L)](ClO(4))(2) with K[Ag(CN)(2)] in acetonitrile gives a trimer of 4; each trimer is chiral with unsymmetrical RR, RR, and SS, or RR, SS, and SS configurations. The homochiral nature of Delta-2 and Lambda-2 was confirmed by the results of solid circular dichroism spectra measurements. The solid samples of 1-4 show strong fluorescent emissions at room temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of mononuclear zinc aryloxide complexes supported by nitrogen/sulfur ligands possessing an internal hydrogen bond donor

Treatment of a dinuclear zinc hydroxide complex ([(bmnpaZn)(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (1) or [(benpaZn)(2)(mu-OH)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (2)) with excess equivalents of an aryl alcohol derivative (p-HOC(6)H(4)X; X = NO(2), CHO, CN, COCH(3), Br, H, OCH(3)) yielded the nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc aryloxide complexes [(bmnpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)NO(2))](ClO(4)) (3), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)NO(2))](ClO(4)) (4), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)CHO)](ClO(4)) (5), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)CN)](ClO(4)) (6), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)COCH(3))](ClO(4)) x 0.5H(2)O (7), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(4)Br)](ClO(4)) (8), [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(5))](ClO(4)) (9), and [(benpa)Zn(p-OC(6)H(5)OCH(3))](ClO(4)) (10). The solid state structures of 2, 3, 5, and 6 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. While 3 and 6 exhibit a mononuclear zinc ion possessing a distorted five-coordinate trigonal bipyramidal geometry, in 5 each zinc center exhibits a distorted six-coordinate octahedral geometry resulting from coordination of the aldehyde carbonyl oxygen of another zinc-bound aryloxide ligand, yielding a chain-type structure. Zinc coordination of the aldehyde carbonyl of 5 is indicated by a large shift (>40 cm(-)(1)) to lower energy of the carbonyl stretching vibration (nu(C[double bond]O) in solid state FTIR spectra of the complex. In the solid state structures of 3, 5, and 6, a hydrogen-bonding interaction is found between N(3)-H of the supporting bmnpa/benpa ligand and the zinc-bound oxygen atom of the aryloxide ligand (N(3)...O(1) approximately 2.78 A). Solution (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of 3-10 in CD(3)CN and FTIR spectra in CH(3)CN are consistent with all of the aryloxide complexes having a similar solution structure, with retention of the hydrogen-bonding interaction involving N(3)-H and the oxygen atom of the zinc-coordinated aryloxide ligand. For this family of zinc aryloxide complexes, a correlation was discovered between the chemical shift position of the N(3)-H proton resonance and the pK(a) of the parent aryl alcohol. This correlation indicates that the strength of the hydrogen-bonding interaction involving the zinc-bound aryloxide oxygen is increasing as the aryloxide moiety increases in basicity.     

Argentophilicity and solvent-induced structural diversity in double salts of silver acetylide with silver perfluoroalkyl carboxylates

A series of novel double salts of silver(I) were isolated by dissolving Ag(2)C(2) in a concentrated aqueous solution of R(F)CO(2)Ag (R(F) = CF(3), C(2)F(5)) and AgBF(4). Different ancillary solvento ligands such as H(2)O, CH(3)CN, and C(2)H(5)CN were found to affect the crystallization process that led to the assembly of various silver(I) cages with embedded C(2)(2-) ions. 2Ag(2)C(2) x 12CF(3)CO(2)Ag x 5H(2)O (1) consists of two independent C(2)@Ag(7) cages, each having the shape of a basket with a square base. Ag(2)C(2) x 6CF(3)CO(2)Ag x 3CH(3)CN (2) contains a zigzag chain of edge-sharing triangulated dodecahedra, and 4Ag(2)C(2) x 23CF(3)CO(2)Ag x 7C(2)H(5)CN x 2.5H(2)O (3) features an unusual double-walled silver column constructed from the fusion of four different kinds of irregular polyhedra. Ag(2)C(2) x 10C(2)F(5)CO(2)Ag x 9.5H(2)O (4), Ag(2)C(2) x 9C(2)F(5)CO(2)Ag x 3CH(3)CN x H(2)O (5), and Ag(2)C(2) x 6C(2)F(5)CO(2)Ag x 2C(2)H(5)CN (6) all contain an edge-sharing double cage with each single cage in the shape of a square antiprism, a capped square antiprism, and a triangulated dodecahedron, respectively.     

Self-assembled silver nanochains for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) integrates high levels of sensitivity with spectroscopic precision and has tremendous potential for chemical and biomolecular sensing. The key to the wider application of Raman spectroscopy using roughened metallic surfaces is the development of highly enhancing substrates for analytical purposes. Here, we demonstrate a simple strategy for self-assembling silver nanochains on glass substrates for sensitive SERS substrates. The chain length of short Ag nanochains can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA). CTAB with appropriate concentration serves as the "glue" that can link the {100} facets of two neighboring Ag nanoparticles. MUA is found to be effective in "freezing up" the aggregation of Ag short chains and preventing them from further aggregating into a long chainlike network structure. The surface plasmon bands can be tuned over an extended wavelength range by controlling the length of the nanochains. The Ag monolayer, mainly composed of four-particle nanochains, exhibited the maximum SERS enhancement factor of around 2.6 x 108, indicating that a stronger SERS enhancement can be obtained in these interstitial sites of chainlike aggregated Ag nanoparticles.     

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.