Complexation and DFT studies of lower rim hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene derivatives bearing pyridyl groups with transition and heavy metal cations. Cone versus partial cone conformation

The binding of representative alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal cations by 2‐pyridylmethoxy derivatives (1b, in cone and partial cone conformations) of p‐tert‐butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene was studied. Binding was assessed by extraction studies of the metal picrates from water into dichloromethane and by stability constant measurements in acetonitrile and methanol, using spectrophotometric and potentiometric techniques. Microcalorimetric studies of some selected complexes in acetonitrile were performed, as well as proton NMR titrations. Computational methods (density functional theory calculations) were also employed to complement the NMR data. The results are compared with those obtained with the dihomooxacalix[4]arene 2b and the calix[4]arene 3b derivative analogues. Partial cone‐1b is the best extractant for transition and heavy metal cations. Both conformers of 1b exhibit very high stability constants for soft and intermediate cations Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺, with cone‐1b the strongest binder (ML, log β ≥ 7) and partial cone‐1b the most selective. Both derivatives show a slight preference for Na⁺. Besides the formation of ML complexes, ML₂ and M₂L species were also observed. The former complexes were, in general, formed with the transition and heavy metal cations, whereas the latter were obtained with Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ and partial cone‐1b. In most cases, these species were corroborated by the proton NMR and density functional theory studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of cation–anion interaction in 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium‐based ion pairs by density functional theory calculations and experiments

Gas‐phase structure, hydrogen bonding, and cation–anion interactions of a series of 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium ([HOEMIm]⁺)‐based ionic liquids (hereafter called hydroxyl ILs) with different anions (X = [NTf₂]^–, [PF₆]^–, [ClO₄]^–, [BF₄]^–, [DCA]^–, [NO₃]^–, [AC]^– and [Cl]^–), as well as 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimizolium ([EMIm]⁺)‐based ionic liquids (hereafter called nonhydroxyl ILs), were investigated by density functional theory calculations and experiments. Electrostatic potential surfaces and optimized structures of isolated ions, and ion pairs of all ILs have been obtained through calculations at the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31 + G(d,p) level and their hydrogen bonding behavior was further studied by the polarity and Kamlet–Taft Parameters, and ¹H‐NMR analysis. In [EMIm]⁺‐based nonhydroxyl ILs, hydrogen bonding preferred to be formed between anions and C2–H on the imidazolium ring, while in [HOEMIm]⁺‐based hydroxyl ILs, it was replaced by a much stronger one that preferably formed between anions and OH. The O–H···X hydrogen bonding is much more anion‐dependent than the C2–H···X, and it is weakened when the anion is changed from [AC]^– to [NTf₂]^–. The different interaction between [HOEMIm]⁺ and variable anion involving O–H···X hydrogen bonding resulted in significant effect on their bulk phase properties such as ¹H‐NMR shift, polarity and hydrogen‐bond donor ability (acidity, α). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Colorimetric quantitative sensing of alkali metal ions based on reversible assembly and disassembly of gold nanoparticles

A novel and simple method for the colorimetric quantitative sensing of individual alkali metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺) based on the reversible properties of self-assembled aggregates and individual gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is described. This paper demonstrates reversible self-assembly processes where the degree of assembly and disassembly is dependent on the individual alkali metal ion concentration, nanoparticle size, and alkali metal ionic radii. The color changes of the colloidal Au NPs with metal ion concentrations in colloidal NP solutions occur reversibly. Below a certain concentration of alkali metal ions, the aggregates of Au NPs are redispersed. As the Au NP diameters and the alkali metal ionic radii increase, the critical concentration decreases.     

Density functional theory study of the bis‐3‐benzo‐crown ethers and their complexes with alkali metal cations Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+

The binding interactions of bis‐3‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ethers and bis‐3‐benzo‐18‐crown‐6 ethers (neutral hosts) with a series of alkali metal cations Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ (charged guests) were investigated using quantum chemical density functional theory. Different optimized structures, binding energies and various thermodynamic parameters of free crown ethers and their metal cation complexes were obtained based on the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr functional using mixed basis set (C, H, O, Na⁺ and K⁺ using 6‐31 g, and the heavier cation Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ using effective core potentials). Natural bond orbital analysis is conducted on the optimized geometric structures. The main types of driving force host–guest interactions are investigated. The electron donating O offers a lone pair of electrons to the contacting LP* (1‐center valence antibond lone pair) orbitals of metal cations. The bis‐3‐benzocrown ethers are assumed to have sandwich‐like conformations, considering the binding energies to gauge the exact interactions with alkali cations. It is found that there are two different types of complexes: one is a tight ion pair and the other is a separated ion pair. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic properties of the molecular ions BeX+ (X=Na,K, Rb): forming cold molecular ions from an ion–atom mixture by stimulated Raman adiabatic process

In this theoretical work, we calculate potential energy curves, spectroscopic parameters and transition dipole moments of molecular ions BeX⁺ (X=Na, K, Rb) composed of alkaline ion Be and alkali atom X with a quantum chemistry approach based on the pseudopotential model, Gaussian basis sets, effective core polarisation potentials and full configuration interaction. We study in detail collisions of the alkaline ion and alkali atom in quantum regime. Besides, we study the possibility of the formation of molecular ions from the ion–atom colliding systems by stimulated Raman adiabatic process and discuss the parameters regime under which the population transfer is feasible. Our results are important for ion–atom cold collisions and experimental realisation of cold molecular ion formation.     

Interaction studies of cysteine with Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ metal cation complexes

The coordination geometries, electronic features, metal ion affinities, entropies, and the energetics of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ metal cations with different possible conformations of cysteine complexes were studied. The complexes were optimized using density functional theory (B3LYP) and second order Moller–Plesset Perturbation (MP2) theory methods using 6‐311 + +G** basis set. The interactions of the metal cations at different nucleophilic sites of cysteine conformations were considered after a careful selection among several binding sites. All the metal cations coordinate with cysteine in a tridentate manner and also the most preferred position for the interaction. It is found that, the overall structural parameters of cysteine are not altered by metal ion substitution, but, the metal ion‐binding site has undergone a noticeable change. All the complexes were characterized by an electrostatic interaction between ligand and metal ions that appears slightly more pronounced for lithium and beryllium metal complexes. The metal ion affinity (MIA) and basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrected interaction energy were also computed for all the complexes. The effect of metal cations on the infrared (IR) stretching vibrational modes of amino N? H bond, side chain thiol group S? H bond, hydroxyl O? H bond, and Carbonyl C?O bond in cysteine molecules have also been studied. The nature of the metal ion‐ligand bond and the coordination properties were examined using natural bond order (NBO) at bond critical point (electron density and their Laplacian of electron density) through Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analyses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Preliminary Investigation of the Complexation of Dopamine by p‐Sulfonated Calix[4, 6] Arene and β‐Cyclodextrin Using Fluorescence Spectrometry

The inclusion complexes of p‐sulfonated calix[4, 6] arene and β‐cyclodextrin with dopamine were studied by fluorescence spectrometry in aqueous media. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of dopamine regularly decreased upon the addition of p‐sulfonated calix[4, 6] arene, on the contrary, it increased upon the addition of β‐cyclodextrin. ¹H NMR spectra were applied to verify the formation of the complexes. According to the experimental results, 1:1 stoichiometry for the complexes was established and their association constants at 25°C were calculated by applying a deduced equation. Judging from the magnitude of their inclusion constants, the p‐sulfonated calix[4, 6] arene showed better inclusion capability than β‐cyclodextrin. The probable interaction mechanisms are proposed.     

Computational investigations into new fluorescence quenching process induced by complexation of alkali metal ion

A novel fluorescent switchable chemosensor 1 , which is composed of an anthracene‐modified calix[4]crown in the 1,3‐alternate conformation, was calculated by density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory method. Geometries, molecular orbitals and binding thermal energies were evaluated at the restricted hybrid Becke's three‐parameter exchange functional using 6‐31 G(d) basis set and relativistic effective core potentials. The metal–ligand and cation–π interactions were investigated acting as two main types of driving force. Our calculations clearly show that solvent effects strongly influence cation selectivity, and K⁺ selectivity is recovered when even a few waters of hydration are considered. The calculations indicate that because of the photoinduced electron transfer effect, the addition of alkali metal ions have hardly any effect on the fluorescence of ligand 1 under neutral or basic conditions. Also, the high selectivity of ligand 1 for K⁺ and Rb⁺, under acidic conditions, the complexed metal ion can result in ammonium ion deprotonation, which leads to quenching of fluorescence of 1 ?H⁺. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pyrene functionalized oxacalix[4]arene architecture as dual readout sensor for expeditious recognition of cyanide anion

A pyrene functionalized oxacalix[4]arene architecture (DPOC) was utilized as a fluorescence probe for selective recognition of cyanide ions. The receptor DPOC shows excellent selectivity towards cyanide ion with a red shift of 108 nm in absorption band along with a significant change in colour from light yellow to pink. The fluorescence titration experiments further confirm the lower limit of detection as 1.7µM with no significant influences of competing anions. ¹ H-NMR titration experiments support the deprotonation phenomena, as the -NH proton disappears upon successive addition of cyanide ions. The DFT calculation also indicates a certain increment of -NH bond length upon interaction with cyanide ions. The spectral properties as well as colour of DPOC-CN^? system may be reversed upon the addition of Ag⁺/ Cu²⁺ ions up to 5 consecutive cycles. Moreover, DPOC coated “test strips” were prepared for visual detection of cyanide ions.

     

Spectroscopic Study of the Photophysical Properties of Rare Earth Ions Encapsulated: Water Soluble Functional Calixresorcin[4]Arene

Abstract

A novel macrocyclic compound-water soluble functional calixresorcin[4]arenes—tetra para sulfo-phenylmethyl-calixresorcin[4]arenes was synthesized for the first time. the photophysical properties of terbium and europium ions encapsulated in the macrocyclic ligand were studied in detail. the triplet state energy of the calixresorcin[4]arene was determined to be 24400 cm^?1 by the low temperature phosphorescence spectrum and it was found that it can sensitize both terbium ion and europium ion. the possible energy transfer process between the functional calixresorcin[4]arene and the encapsulated Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ was discussed. the luminescence quantum efficiency of Tb³⁺- calixresorcin[4]arene was calculated.     

A theoretical prediction on the ground‐state complexes bound by metal ions to thymine base isomers

Stability orderings of 150 stable complexes formed by metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺) and 13 stable thymine tautomers in both solvent and gas phases are obtained, and the optimal binding site for a metal ion in a specific thymine tautomer is identified. Results indicate that the complex with the canonical thymine tautomer (T1) is more stable than those with the rare ones, and the monodentate complex M–T1o4(o2) are their ground‐state form in the solvent phase. The ground‐state thymine complexes bound by Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, or Zn²⁺ become bidentate M–T3o4lo2,n3, which is derived from a rare thymine tautomer T3o4l, whereas those bound by Na⁺ and K⁺ are still monodentate complexes M–T1o4(o2), however, in the gas phase. The differences in stability are discussed in detail from the binding strength of metal ions, relative energy of the corresponding thymine tautomers, and solution effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fragmentation Study of Globularin Through Positive and Negative ESI/MS,CID/MS,and Tandem MS/MS

Abstract

The structure of globularin was studied by a mass spectrometric methodology based on the combined use of positive and negative electrospray ionization, collision‐induced dissociation (CID), and tandem mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry investigation was achieved through in‐source fragmentation of the deprotonated [M?H]^?, protonated [M+H]⁺, lithiated [M+Li]⁺, sodiated [M+Na]⁺, and potassium‐cationized [M+K]⁺ ions. This allowed collision‐induced dissociation spectra of the ionized molecular ions to be obtained to give valuable structural information regarding the nature of both the glycoside and the aglycone moieties and the effect of metal cationization on the CID spectra. Glycosidic fission and ring cleavages of both aglycone and sugar moieties were the major fragmentation pathways observed during collision‐induced dissociation, where the losses of small molecules, the cinnamoyl and the cinnamate parts were also observed. Alkali metal cationization offers additional fragmentation pathways involving cross rings cleavage under CID conditions. Unlike the dissociation of protonated molecular ions, that of metal‐cationized molecules also provides sugar fragments where the C₀ ⁺ fragment corresponding with the glucose ion was obtained as a major daughter peak for all the studied compounds. Even with low abundance, fragment ions coordinated to K⁺ were also observed from [M+K]⁺.     

Density functional theory study on the adsorption of alkali metal ions with pristine and defected graphene sheet

The graphene-based materials along with the adsorption of alkali metal ions are suitable for energy conversion and storage applications. Hence in the present work, we have investigated the structural and electronic properties of pristine and defected graphene sheet upon the adsorption of alkali metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The presence of vacancies or vacancy defects enhances the adsorption of alkali ions than the pristine sheet. From the obtained results, it is found that the adsorption energy of Li⁺ on the vacancies defected graphene sheet is higher (3.05?eV) than the pristine (2.41?eV) and Stone–Wales (2.50?eV) defected sheets. Moreover, the pore radius of the pristine and defected graphene sheets are less affected by metal ions adsorption. The increase in energy gap upon the adsorption of metal ions is found to be high in the vacancy defected graphene than that of other sheets. The metal ions adsorption in the defective vacancy sheets has high charge transfer from metal ions to the graphene sheet. The bonding characteristic between the metal ions and graphene sheet are analysed using QTAIM analysis. The influence of alkali ions on the electronic properties of the graphene sheet is examined from the Total Density of States (TDOS) and Partial Density of States (PDOS).     

A thin wire ion trap to study ion–atom collisions built within a Fabry–Perot cavity

We report on the implementation of a thin wire Paul trap with tungsten wire electrodes for trapping ions. The ion trap geometry, though compact, allows large optical access enabling a moderate finesse Fabry–Perot cavity to be built along the ion trap axis. The design allows a vapor-loaded magneto-optical trap of alkali atoms to be overlapped with trapped atomic or molecular ions. The construction and design of the trap are discussed, and its operating parameters are determined, both experimentally and numerically, for Rb⁺. The macromotion frequencies of the ion trap for ⁸⁵Rb⁺ are determined to be f _r  = 43 kHz for the radial and f _z  = 54 kHz for the axial frequencies, for the experimentally determined optimal operating parameters. The destructive off axis ion extraction and detection by ion counting is demonstrated. Finally, evidence for the stabilization and cooling of trapped ions, due to ion–atom interactions, is presented by studying the ion-atom mixture as a function of interaction time. The utility and flexibility of the whole apparatus, for a variety of atomic physics experiments, are discussed in conclusion.     

Structure of negative impurity ions in liquid helium

The experimental mobilities of negative halogen (Cl^?, F^?, and I^?) and metal (Ba^? and Ga^?) impurity ions in superfluid ⁴He are close to each other and much lower than the mobilities of not only He⁺ ions but also electron bubbles. It has been shown that the formation of multiatomic complexes (clusters or bubbles) around ions is responsible for this low mobility. Although the mobilities are similar, the structures of the resulting complexes are qualitatively different in the cases of halogens and metals: solid clusters, which are similar to a well-studied cluster at the He⁺ ion, are formed near halogen ions, which exhibit high electron affinities, whereas metal ions are localized in bubbles, which are similar to electron bubbles. The temperature and pressure dependence of the mobility of these complexes is qualitatively different. Experiments in this area, most likely, performed with a wider variety of negative ions, would enhance the understanding of the structure of charged complexes in liquid helium.     

H+5团簇离子及其中性团簇产物H3和H4

报道了H⁺₅的实验结果.分析讨论了H⁺₅的 形成和分解途径.根据理论分析，以稳定的H⁺₃为核心与一个或多个氢分子结合可能形成稳定的H^{+_n氢团簇离子.另一方面，在高频离子源中, 有发生H+₃与H₂反应的条件.实 验中，从高频离子源引出的离子束被静电加速器加速，然后用9 关键词： +}₅团簇离子')" href="#">H⁺₅团簇离子 3中性团簇')" href="#">H₃中性团簇 4中性团簇')" href="#">H_{4中性团簇}     

Hofmeister series and ionic effects of alkali metal ions on DNA conformation transition in normal and less polarised water solvent

Normal and less polarised water models are used as the solvent to investigate Hofmeister effects and alkali metal ionic effects on dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG) B-DNA with atomic dynamics simulations. As normal water solvent is replaced by less polarised water, the Hofmeister series of alkali metal ions is changed from Li⁺ > Na⁺ ? K⁺ ? Cs⁺ ? Rb⁺ to Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺ > Cs⁺. In less polarised water, DNA experiences the B→A conformational transition for the lighter alkali metal counterions (Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺). However, it keeps B form for the heavier ions (Rb⁺ and Cs⁺). We find that the underlying cause of the conformation transition for these alkali metal ions except K⁺ is the competition between water molecules and counterions coupling to the free oxygen atoms of the phosphate groups. For K⁺ ions, the ‘economics’ of phosphate hydration and ‘spine of hydration’ are both concerned with the DNA helixes changing.     

[2.2.2]Paracyclophane as a receptor for the cesium cation in the gas phase

By using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, it was proven experimentally that the cesium cation (Cs⁺) forms with [2.2.2]paracyclophane (C₂₄H₂₄) the cationic complex [Cs(C₂₄H₂₄)]⁺. Further, applying quantum chemical calculations, the most probable structure of the [Cs(C₂₄H₂₄)]⁺ complex was derived. In the resulting complex with a symmetry very close to C₃, the ‘central’ cation Cs⁺, fully located in the cavity of the parent [2.2.2]paracyclophane ligand, is bound to all three benzene rings of [2.2.2]paracyclophane via cation–π interaction. Finally, the interaction energy, E(int), of the considered cation–π complex [Cs(C₂₄H₂₄)]⁺ was found to be ?73.2 kJ/mol, confirming the formation of this fascinating complex species as well. This means that [2.2.2]paracyclophane can be considered as a receptor for the Cs⁺ cation in the gas phase.     

Ions and atoms in superfluid helium (4He)

New experimental results for mobilities in superfluid helium of the alkali earth ions Be⁺, Mg⁺, Ca⁺, Sr⁺ and Ba⁺ in the temperature region from 1.27 up to 1.66 K are reported. Surprisingly, the temperature dependence of the Be⁺ ion mobility, measured here for the first time, is more similar to that of the He⁺ ion than to the heavier alkali earth ions. This behavior may suggest a snowball like structure for the defect around Be⁺ in contrast to the bubble like defects around the heavier alkali earth ions.     

Comparison of the Stability of Calix[4]arene‐crown‐6‐cation Binary Complexes Under Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray/mass spectrometry ESI/MS analyses were performed to study the stability of calix[4]‐arene‐crown‐6/alkali cation complexes in the gas phase, and in acetonitrile/water mixtures. This approach allowed a comparison with previous investigations by molecular‐dynamic simulations,which demonstrated a complementarity between calculation and experiment. Experimental results obtained from ESI/MS confirm that the stability of calixarene/cation complexes depends upon the medium used. Indeed, the calixarene in solution presents a strong affinity for cesium, whereas in the gas phase, it has a stronger affinity for sodium. Similarly, the stability of [calixarene + Na]⁺‐type complexes in the solvent phase is increased by the presence of water in the dilution system (up to 40% in acetonitrile), whereas other alkaline complexes are destabilized by water in any proportion. Finally, calixarenes that bear benzo groups on their crowns have an affinity for sodium, which is weak in solution, but considerably stronger in the gas phase.