Amphiphilic Schiff Base Organogels: Metal‐Ion‐Mediated Chiral Twists and Chiral Recognition

New amphiphilic gelators that contained both Schiff base and L ‐glutamide moieties, abbreviated as o‐SLG and p‐SLG, were synthesized and their self‐assembly in various organic solvents in the absence and presence of metal ions was investigated. Gelation test revealed that o‐SLG formed a thermotropic gel in many organic solvents, whilst p‐SLG did not. When metal ions, such as Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, were added, different behaviors were observed. The addition of Cu²⁺ induced p‐SLG to from an organogel. In the case of o‐SLG, the addition of Cu²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions maintained the gelating ability of the compound, whilst Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions destroyed the gel. In addition, the introduction of Cu²⁺ ions caused the nanofiber gel to perform a chiral twist, whilst the Mg²⁺ ions enhanced the fluorescence of the gel. More interestingly, the Mg²⁺‐ion‐mediated organogel showed differences in the fluorescence quenching by D ‐ and L ‐tartaric acid, thus showing a chiral recognition ability.     

Zinc Porphyrin Metal‐Center Exchange at the Solid–Liquid Interface

Demetalation of zinc 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) under acidic conditions and ion exchange with Cu²⁺ ions at neutral pH are both rapid reactions in the liquid medium. However, for ZnTPP monolayers adsorbed on a Au(111) surface exposed to aqueous solution, we find that, although ion exchange takes place rapidly as expected, demetalation does not occur, even at pH values as low as 0. Based on this, we conclude that metal center exchange on the surface does not proceed through a free‐base porphyrin as an intermediate. Furthermore, once formed, CuTPP is stable on the surface and the reverse exchange from CuTPP to ZnTPP in the presence of Zn²⁺ ions could not be achieved. The preference for copper is so strong that even an attempt to exchange adsorbed ZnTPP with Ni²⁺ ions in the presence of traces of Cu²⁺ yielded CuTPP rather than NiTPP.     

Sequential detection of Cu2+ and cysteine using an imidazole‐based chemosensor in aqueous solution

A highly substituted imidazole‐based colorimetric and fluorogenic chemosensor, 2‐methoxy‐4‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)phenol (L), for the detection of Cu²⁺ ion and subsequent colorimetric detection of an amino acid, cysteine, was investigated. L exhibited a distinct color change from colorless to red in the presence of Cu²⁺ in an aqueous medium. The L‐Cu²⁺ complex can also be used to detect cysteine by the naked eye over a series of amino acids. The receptor L behaves as a highly selective colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for Cu²⁺ ions at concentrations as low as 4.33 and 2.25 μM, respectively. These values are much less compared to the WHO recommended limit of 30 μM for Cu²⁺ in drinking water. From Job's plot and the ESI‐MS spectrum, a 1:1 stoichiometric complex between L and Cu²⁺ ions can readily be reckoned. This binding was also substantiated by the EPR spectrum and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Additionally, the binding of L with Cu²⁺ ions was also manifested in the detection of B16F10 cells. This was substantiated through fluorescence microscopy. The spectrum of the L‐Cu²⁺ entity was also attempted to reproduce theoretically. The probable structure of this was also propounded through Density Functional Theory.     

Carbazole‐based colorimetric and fluorescent probe for Cu2+ and its utility in bio‐imaging and real water samples

A new carbazole functionalized Schiff base CBM was synthesized and characterized. CBM can selectively recognize Cu²⁺ via UV–vis and fluorescence signal among common biologically relevant metal ions. When Cu²⁺ was added to CBM, there was a significant enhancement at the maximum absorption wavelength of 393 nm and with a distinct blue shift. The maximum emission peak was significantly attenuated by a factor of about 15 times at 535 nm and the blue shift of emission wavelength was observed. When other metal ions were added, there was no remarkable change at the maximum absorption and emission peak. Under the illumination of 365 nm ultraviolet lamp, the color of the CBM solution changed from light blue to dark blue after the addition of Cu²⁺. The combination mechanism of CBM with Cu²⁺ was nicely explored by density functional theory studies. The probe CBM has good cell permeability, fluorescence electron microscopy experiments show that CBM can be used as a fluorescent probe to detect the presence or absence of Cu²⁺ in Hela cells. Furthermore, the probe CBM can also be used for the detection of copper ions in actual water samples.     

Highly Efficient and Selective Membrane Transport of Silver(I) Using Dibenzodiaza‐15‐Crown‐4 as a Selective Ion Carrier

A chloroform membrane system containing dibenzodiaza‐15‐crown‐4 was found to be a highly efficient and selective transport of Ag⁺ ions through a chloroform liquid membrane. In the presence of thiosulfate ion as a suitable ion stripping agent in the receiving phase, the amount of silver transported across the liquid membrane after 105 minis 95 ± 1.3%. The selectivity of Ag⁺transport from aqueous solutions containing Tl⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺was investigated. The interfering effect of Cu²⁺ ions was drastically diminished in the presence of EDTA as a proper masking agent in the source phase.     

Metal‐Ion‐Mediated Tuning of Duplex DNA Binding by Bis(2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole)

Studies of double‐stranded‐DNA binding have been performed with three isomeric bis(2‐(n‐pyridyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole)s (n=2, 3, 4). Like the well‐known Hoechst 33258, which is a bisbenzimidazole compound, these three isomers bind to the minor groove of duplex DNA. DNA binding by the three isomers was investigated in the presence of the divalent metal ions Mg²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺. Ligand–DNA interactions were probed with fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. These studies revealed that the binding of the 2‐pyridyl derivative to DNA is dramatically reduced in the presence of Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ ions and is abolished completely at a ligand/metal‐cation ratio of 1:1. Control experiments done with the isomeric 3‐ and 4‐pyridyl derivatives showed that their binding to DNA is unaffected by the aforementioned transition‐metal ions. The ability of 2‐(2‐pyridyl)benzimidazole to chelate metal ions and the conformational changes of the ligand associated with ion chelation probably led to such unusual binding results for the ortho isomer. The addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reversed the effects completely.     

Selective and Sensitive Recognition of Cu2+ in an Aqueous Medium: A Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)‐Based Analysis with a Low‐Cost Raman Reporter

In the present study, surface‐enhanced Raman spectra of a bifunctional Raman reporter, 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole, has been found to be responsive exclusively towards Cu²⁺ ions while the reporter remains anchored on the Au nanoparticle surface. Thus a specific Cu²⁺‐ion‐detection protocol emerges. The simplicity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the method allow routine and quantitative detection of Cu²⁺ ions. An interference study involving a wide number of other metal ions shows the procedure to be uniquely selective and analytically rigorous. A theoretical study was carried out to corroborate the experimental results. Finally, the method is promising for real‐time assessment of Cu²⁺ ions in aqueous samples and also has the ability to discriminate Cu^I and Cu^II ions in solution.     

Syntheses,structures of N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes and their application as redox sensor for Cu2+ ion

Rigid N‐(substituted)‐2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes L1 and L2 were easily synthesized from 1,1 ‐dicarboxyaldehydeferrocene and the corresponding amines. Ligands L1 and L2 were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The coordination abilities of L1 and L2 with metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical shift (ΔE_1/2) of 125 mV was observed in the presence of Cu²⁺ ion, while no significant shift of the Fc/Fc + couple was observed when Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ metal ions were added to the solution of L1 in the mixture of MeOH and H₂O. Moreover, the extent of the anodic shift of redox potentials was approximately equal to that induced by Cu²⁺ alone when a mixture of Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was added to a solution of L1. Ligand L1 was proved to selectively sense Cu²⁺ in the presence of large, excessive first‐row transition and late‐transition metal cations. The coordination model was proposed from the results of controlled experiments and quantum calculations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

BODIPY Immobilized MCM-41 Based Multianalyte Sensor: Application in Detection and Removal of Trivalent (Al3+, Cr3+) and Divalent (Cu2+, Hg2+) Metal Ions in Aqueous Media

In the present study, a novel p-phenylcarboxylic acid BODIPY ( L ) immobilized MCM-41 based solid chemosensor material L-propylsilyl@MCM-41 ( MS4 ) was developed to detect multiple metal ions in a pure aqueous medium. The synthesized solid chemosensor material MS4 shows high sensitivity and removal ability towards trivalent (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) and divalent (Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺) metal ions. The emission intensity of MS4 enhanced multifold selectively in the presence of trivalent (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) metal ions and shows quenching in the presence of divalent (Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺) metal ions. The limit of detection was calculated to be in the nanomolar range with Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺_, and Hg²⁺ metal ions in the aqueous medium. The spectroscopic and analytical results suggest that MS4 selectively binds with Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ through −NH functionality and with Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ through −COOH functionality of p-phenylcarboxylic acid BODIPY ( L ). Further, MS4 selectively removes Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ metal ions from the aqueous media with removal efficiency of 97.28 %, 96.34 %, 87.19 %, and 95.63 %, respectively. No noticeable change in the concentration was observed for other metal ions. The recycling potential of MS4 was evaluated using EDTA for up to seven cycles with no significant reduction in sensing capability.     

1-(d-Glucopyranosyl-2′-deoxy-2′-iminomethyl)-2-hydroxynaphthalene as chemo-sensor for Fe in aqueous HEPES buffer based on colour changes observable with the naked eye

A new glucose-based C2-derivatized colorimetric chemo-sensor (L₁) has been synthesized by a one-step condensation of glucosamine and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde for the recognition of transition metal ions. Among the eleven metal ions studied, viz., Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺, L₁ results in visual colour change only in the presence of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺and Cu²⁺ in methanol. However, in an aqueous HEPES buffer (pH 7.2) it is only the Fe³⁺ that gives a distinct visual colour change even in the presence of other metal ions, up to a concentration of 280 ppb. The changes have been explained based on the complex formed, and the composition has been determined to be 2:1 between L₁ and Fe³⁺ based on Job’s plot as well as ESI MS. The structure of the proposed complex has been derived based on HF/6-31G calculations.     

A Dinuclear Ruthenium(II) Complex as a One‐ and Two‐Photon Luminescent Probe for Biological Cu2+ Detection

A new dinuclear Ru^II polypyridyl complex, [(bpy)₂Ru(H₂bpip)Ru(bpy)₂]⁴⁺ ( RuH₂bpip , bpy=2,2‐bipyridine, H₂bpip=2,6‐pyridyl(imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline), was developed to act as a one‐ and two‐photon luminescent probe for biological Cu²⁺ detection. This Ru^II complex shows a significant two‐photon absorption cross section (400 GM) and displays a remarkable one‐ and two‐photon luminescence switch in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. Importantly, RuH₂bpip can selectively recognise Cu²⁺ in aqueous media in the presence of other abundant cellular cations (such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺), trace metal ions in organisms (such as Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Co²⁺), prevalent toxic metal ions in the environment (such as Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Cr³⁺), and amino acids, with high sensitivity (detection limit≤3.33×10^?8 M ) and a rapid response time (≤15 s). The biological applications of RuH₂bpip were also evaluated and it was found to exhibit low cytotoxicity, good water solubility, and membrane permeability; RuH₂bpip was, therefore, employed as a sensing probe for the detection of Cu²⁺ in living cells and zebrafish.     

Reversible Electrochemical Modulation of a Catalytic Nanosystem

A catalytic system based on monolayer‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) that can be electrochemically modulated and reversibly activated is reported. The catalytic activity relies on the presence of metal ions (Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺), which can be complexed by the nanoparticle‐bound monolayer. This activates the system towards the catalytic cleavage of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNPP), which can be monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. It is shown that Cu²⁺ metal ions can be delivered to the system by applying an oxidative potential to an electrode on which Cu⁰ was deposited. By exploiting the different affinity of Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions for the monolayer, it was also possible to upregulate the catalytic activity after releasing Cu²⁺ from an electrode into a solution containing Cd²⁺. Finally, it is shown that the activity of this supramolecular nanosystem can be reversibly switched on or off by oxidizing/reducing Cu/Cu²⁺ ions under controlled conditions.     

Molecular dynamic studies of amyloid-beta interactions with curcumin and Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide readily forms aggregates that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Transition metals play a key role in this process. Recently, it has been shown that curcumin (CUA), a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits the aggregation of Aβ peptide. However, interactions of Aβ peptide with metal ions or CUA are not entirely clear. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to clear the nature of interactions between the 42-residue Aβ peptide (Aβ-42) and Cu²⁺ ions and CUA. Altogether nine different models were investigated, and more than 2 µs of the simulation data were analyzed. The models represent the possible modes of arrangement between Aβ-42 and Cu²⁺ ions and CUA, respectively, and were used to shed light on the Aβ-42 conformational behavior in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions and CUA molecules. Obtained data clearly showed that the presence of a CUA molecule or a higher concentration of copper ions significantly affect the conformational behavior of Aβ-42. Calculations showed that the change of the His13 protonation state (Aβ(H13δ)-Cu²⁺, Aβ(H13δ)-Cu²⁺ -CUA models) leads to higher occurrence of the Asp23-Lys28 salt bridge. Analyzes of trajectories revealed that C-terminal β-sheet structures occurred significantly less frequently, and CUA promoted the stabilization of the α-helical structure. Further, calculations of the Aβ-42 complex with CUA and Cu²⁺ ions showed that CUA can chelate the Cu²⁺ ion and directly interact with Aβ, which may explain why CUA acts as an inhibitor of Aβ aggregation.     

A new perylene diimide-based colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> cation

A new perylene diimide (PDI) ligand (1) functionalized with a dipicolylethylenediamine (DPEN) moiety was synthesized and first used as a colorimetric and fluorometric dual-channel sensor to specifically detect the presence of Cu²⁺ over a wide range of other cations. The solution of 1 (10 μmol/L) upon addition of Cu²⁺ displayed distinguishing pink color compared with other cations including K⁺, Ni²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Na⁺, Sr²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ag⁺, and Ba²⁺, indicating the sensitivity and selectivity of 1 to Cu²⁺. Thus, the advantage of this assay is that naked-eye detection of Cu²⁺ becomes possible. Moreover, among these metal ions investigated, only Cu²⁺ quenched more than half fluorescent intensity of 1. The ESI-TOF spectrum of a mixture of 1 and CuCl₂ in combination of the fluorescence titration spectra of 1 (10 μmol/L) upon addition of various amounts of Cu²⁺ revealed the formation of a 2:1 metal-ligand complex through the metal coordination interaction. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20872101 & 20772086)     

Advanced oxidation processes for decolorization of aqueous solution containing acid red G azo dye

Some investigations concerning the decolorization of Acid Red G azo dye by photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide were performed. The influences of pH, oxidant concentration, and the presence of Fe²⁺ or other metal ions (Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺) as potential catalysts, were investigated. The best results were obtained in the presence of ferrous ions in acid and neutral media. The other ions are not as effective as Fe²⁺ for dye decolorization. Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions have a catalytic action, at low concentration, within a wide range of pH. Ni²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions have no catalytic effect in photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide at acid Ni²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions have no catalytic effect in photooxidation with hydrogen peroxide at acid pH values, but show a weak action in alkaline media.     

A New Fluorescent Chemosensor for Metal Ions Based upon 1,8‐Naphthalimide and 8‐Hydroxyquinoline

A new fluorescent chemosensor based upon 1,8‐naphthalimide and 8‐hydroxyquinoline was synthesized, and its fluorescent properties in the presence of different metal cations (Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were investigated. It displayed fluorescence quenching with some heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions, and the quenching strongly depended on the nature of HTM ions.     

Selective transport of copper(II) ions across a liquid membrane mediated by Piroxicam

Piroxicam was found to be a highly selective carrier for uphill transport of Cu²⁺ ions through a chloroform liquid membrane. The transport occurs via a counterflow of protons from the receiving phase to the source phase. The effects of several parameters on the transport of Cu²⁺ ions, such as the carrier concentration, pH of the source phase, composition of the receiving phase, and duration are described. A high transport efficiency (98±2%) was provided by the carrier for Cu²⁺ ions in a receiving phase of 0.01 mol l⁻¹ sulfuric acid after 4 h. Different metal ion transport experiments showed that Cu²⁺ ions were selectively transported over other ions, such as Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, UO₂²⁺ and ZrO₂²⁺. In the presence of fluoride ions (used as a suitable masking agent in the source phase), the interfering effects of UO₂²⁺ and ZrO₂²⁺ ions were eliminated. The applicability of the method was tested on a real sample, and the results obtained show that it is potentially useful for solvent extraction of copper.     

“On–off–on” pyrene-based fluorescent chemosensor for the selective recognition of Cu2+ and S2− ions and its utilization in live cell imaging

A new “on–off–on” fluorescence chemosensor (DPD) was designed, synthesized, and characterized based on pyrene and benzothiozole hydrazide. The probe DPD shows high affinity towards Cu²⁺ ions and the DPD-Cu²⁺ ensemble shows high sensitivity towards S²⁻ ions through the displacement method in the presence of other interfering ions. The detection limits of DPD for Cu²⁺ and S²⁻ ions were found to be 0.73 and 0.87 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the receptor was effectively applied to recognize Cu²⁺ and S²⁻ ions in real samples and live A549 cells through imaging studies.     

Fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ ion based on iminoanthryl appended calix[4]arene

Calix[4]arene based podands 1a of cone conformation and 1b of 1,3-alternate conformation possessing imine units and bearing anthracene moieties have been synthesized by a 1 + 2 Schiff base condensation in good yields and examined for their cation recognition abilities towards cations such as lithium, sodium, potassium, nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, silver and mercury ions by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The calix[4]arene derivative 1b shows a selective fluorescence enhancement in presence of Cu²⁺ ions among the various metal ions tested (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions). The colour of the solution changes from colourless to light yellow in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The stoichiometry of the complex formed between 1b and Cu²⁺ was found to be 1:1 as established by Job’s plot.     

Zeolite ZSM-5 containing copper ions: The effect of the copper salt anion and NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>OH/Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ratio on the state of the copper ions and on the reactivity of the zeolite in DeNO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>

Isotherms of copper cation sorption by H-ZSM-5 zeolite from aqueous and aqueous ammonia solutions of copper acetate, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate are considered in terms of Langmuir’s monomolecular adsorption model. Using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and temperatureprogrammed reduction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, it has been demonstrated that the electronic state of the copper ions is determined by the ion exchange and heat treatment conditions. The state of the copper ions has an effect on the redox properties and reactivity of the Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with propane and in N₂O decomposition. The amount of Cu²⁺ that is sorbed by zeolite H-ZSM-5 from aqueous solution and is stabilized as isolated Cu²⁺ cations in cationexchange sites of the zeolite depends largely on the copper salt anion. The quantity of Cu(II) cations sorbed from aqueous solutions of copper salts of strong acids is smaller than the quantity of the same cations sorbed from the copper acetate solution. When copper chloride or sulfate is used, the zeolite is modified by the chloride or sulfate anion. Because of the presence of these anions, the redox properties and nitrogen oxides removal (DeNO _x ) efficiency of the Cu-ZSM-5 catalysts prepared using the copper salts of strong acids are worse than the same characteristics of the sample prepared using the copper acetate solution. The addition of ammonia to the aqueous solutions of copper salts diminishes the copper salt anion effect on the amount of Cu(II) sorbed from these solutions and hampers the nonspecific sorption of anions on the zeolite surface. As a consequence, the redox and DeNO _x properties of Cu-ZSM-5 depend considerably on the NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ ratio in the solution used in ion exchange. The aqueous ammonia solutions of the copper salts with NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ = 6–10 stabilize, in the Cu-ZSM-5 structure, Cu²⁺ ions bonded with extraframework oxygen, which are more active in DeNO _x than isolated Cu²⁺ ions (which form at NH4OH/Cu2+ = 30) or nanosized CuO particles (which form at NH₄OH/Cu²⁺ = 3).