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.     

New coumarin-urea based receptor for anions: a selective off–on fluorescence response to fluoride

A novel fluorosensor for anions, 1,11-bis(4-methylcoumarin-7-yl)-6-methyl-1,3,6,9,11-pentaazaundeca-2,10-dione (L), which contains two coumarin–urea units spaced by a flexible diethylenetriamine fragment, was easily prepared in 65% yield by a one-pot two-step procedure. The binding ability of L toward several anions (G) was evaluated by ¹H NMR, UV–vis, and fluorescence titration. It was found that L forms stable [LG] and [LG₂] species in both DMSO and CH₃CN solvents. Furthermore, the fluorescence emission of L in the visible range (400 nm) is affected by the presence of anions; it is quenched by acetate, chloride, and pyrophosphate while it is enhanced by fluoride. Thus, this novel fluorosensor provides a selective off–on response to the presence of fluoride in solution.     

Synthesis and evaluation of fluorimetric and colorimetric chemosensors for anions based on (oligo)thienyl-thiosemicarbazones

A family of heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone dyes (3a–d) containing thienyl groups has been synthesized, characterized, and their chromo-fluorogenic response in acetonitrile in the presence of selected anions was studied. Acetonitrile solutions of 3a–d show absorption bands in the 338–425 nm range, which are modulated by the groups attached to the thiosemicarbazone moiety. The fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, acetate, and cyanide anions were used in the recognition studies. Only sensing features were observed for fluoride, cyanide, acetate, and dihydrogen phosphate anions. Two different chromogenic responses were found, (i) a small shift of the absorption band due to coordination of the anions with the thiourea protons and (ii) the appearance of a new red-shifted band due to deprotonation of the receptor. For the latter process changes in the color solutions from pale-yellow to orange-red were observed. Fluorescence studies showed a different emission behavior according to the number of thienyl rings in the π-conjugated bridges. Stability constants for the two processes (complex formation+deprotonation) for receptors 3a–d in the presence of fluoride and acetate anions were determined from spectrophotometric titrations using the HypSpec program. The interaction of 3d with fluoride was studied through ¹H NMR titrations. Semiempirical calculations to evaluate the hydrogen-donating ability of the receptors were also performed.     

A highly selective fluorescent sensor for fluoride anion based on pyrazole derivative: Naked eye “no–yes” detection

A new pyrazole-based fluorescent sensor, 5-amino-3-(5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (compound 1), was studied for fluoride anion (F^?) detection in organic or water-containing solution. This compound displayed both changes in UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra upon addition of F^?. With increasing of F^?, blue emission intensity increases drastically and reaches saturation with 607-fold enhancement at 424 nm. The results indicate that compound 1 has highly selectivity for fluoride detection over other anions, such as Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, HSO₄^?, H₂PO₄^? and AcO^? in DMSO or aqueous DMSO solutions. ¹H NMR titration and other experiments confirm that the sensing process is mainly from the deprotonation of the pyrazole–NH in compound 1.     

Magnetic anisotropy and molecular assembling in d complex cation–f complex anion type coordination compounds

The system [Fe(bpca)₂][Er(NO₃)₄(H₂O)₂] (1) (Hbpca = bis(2-pyridil-carbonyl) amine) is a complex cation–complex anion type coordination compound consisting of distinct d and f units, interlinked by hydrogen bonds. Particularly, the association of f-type complex anions in dimers is remarked and discussed. The energy decomposition analyses based on DFT calculations offered supplementary insight into the coordination effects at the lanthanide ions and the hydrogen bond driven supramolecular association of the complex units. Special ab initio procedures and subsequent modeling afforded the computation of anisotropic magnetization tensors of the [Er(NO₃)₄(H₂O)₂]^? f-type units. The computed results are in line with the experimental data for compound 1.     

含硫脲和酰胺单元的新型杯［4］芳烃中性氟离子受体

Two-armed neutral anion receptors (4,5), calix[4]arenes beating thiourea and amide binding sites, were prepared and examined their anion-binding ability by the UV-vis spectra. The results of non-linear curve fitting and Job plot indicate that 4 or 5 forms 1：1 stoichiometry complex with fluoride by hydrogen bonding interactions. Receptors 4 and 5 have an excellent selectivity for fluoride but have no binding ability with acetate, dihydrogen phosphate and the halogen anions (Cl^-,Br^-,I^-).     

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.     

Selective recognition of H2PO4- by a cholestane-imidazole-zinc ensemble

A new facile amphiphile cholestane-based zinc complex 4 containing a 3-aminopropylimidazole moiety at the 3α and 7α positions of cholestane was designed and synthesized. Recognition selectivity of the new receptor 4 with various anions was assessed by ¹H NMR titration. Dihydrogen phosphate showed the highest binding affinity among all the tested anions (K_a = 4.4 × 10⁵ M^?1).     

Efficient colorimetric fluoride anion chemosensors based-on simple naphthodipyrrolidone dyes

Two novel lactam-containing compounds based on simple naphthodipyrrolidones have been developed as colorimetric sensors for fluoride anion with high selectivity and sensitivity. The two compounds can selectively act with fluoride anion and exhibit the naked-eye visible color change from purple to blue, and the detection limit could reach the concentration as low as 3.0 × 10^?6 M. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance titrations reveal the happen of intermolecular proton transfer between the hydrogen atom on the lactam N and the fluoride anion. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the deprotonation can alleviate the distorted degree between the peripheral phenyl and the naphthodipyrrolidone core, and raise the frontier molecular orbital energy levels and decrease the band gap, rendering the protonated molecules a new more batho-chromic absorption band.     

Efficient synthesis and anion recognition of a colorimetric preorganized tripodal thiourea compound

A preorganized colorimetric tripodal thiourea receptor was synthesized in high yield utilizing a thiol-ene reaction as a primary step. The interaction of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride anions was investigated using UV–vis. and ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration techniques. The binding stoichiometry of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate and acetate was found to be 1:2, and 1:1 with chloride and fluoride. The binding constants for the receptor and dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride were determined using HypNMR2008 and HypSpec.     

A highly selective fluorescence turn-on detection of Al3+ and Ca2+ based on a coumarin-modified rhodamine derivative

A fluorescent chemosensor 1 was synthesized containing a coumarin moiety bound to rhodamine B hydrazide. Compound 1 displayed different fluorescence emission responses to Al³⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions with high quantum yields (0.64 and 0.15, respectively) and low detection limits (3.0 × 10^–8 and 9.4 × 10^–8 M, respectively). The possible binding modes of compound 1 with Al³⁺ and Ca²⁺ ion were calculated using a Job plot, HRMS, ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration and IR spectroscopy. Moreover, the calcium in 1-Ca²⁺ could be displaced by Al³⁺ ions, resulting in another ratiometric sensing signal output, which indicates that 1-Ca²⁺ could detect Al³⁺ ions in a ratiometric way. Bioimaging results also demonstrated that compound 1 could act as an intracellular Al³⁺ ion imaging sensor.     

Structure and magnetic properties of 3-oxyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-olates

The paramagnetic salts (NH₃Bu^t)1 and [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1, where 1 is the 3-oxyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-olate anion, were isolated for the first time in the individual state. The crystal structure of [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1 involves polymer chains formed by hydrogen bonding between anions 1 and [K₂(NH₂Bu^t)₄]²⁺ cation dimer fragments. The magnetic properties of [K(NH₂Bu^t)₂]1 are well described by the quasi-isolated dimer model with spins S = 1/2 coupled by weak exchange interactions via [K₂(NH₂Bu^t)₄]² fragments in polymer chains.     

Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of fluoride anions with potential salicylaldimine based schiff base receptors

Salicylaldimine based schiff base receptors with different substituents showing fluorescent enhancement in the presence of fluoride anion was visualized through naked eye as well as by change in spectral properties (UV–vis and fluorescent techniques). The reason for such fluorescence enhancement may be due to hydrogen bond interaction between receptor recognition site and fluoride anion. Such a hydrogen bond interaction creates a six-membered transition state, which avoids quenching processes. To support this, fluorescence enhancement factor (FEF) was calculated and it was found to be more (FEF = 652) for –NO₂ substituted receptor compared to other receptors.     

New α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers with 4,4′-bipyridine: Cu(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C6H8O4) and Mn(bpy)(C8H12O4) · H2O

Four 4,4′-bipyridine α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers Cu(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (1), Zn(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (2), Zn(bpy)(C₆H₈O₄) (3) and Mn(bpy)(C₈H₁₂O₄) · H₂O (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods (bpy = 4,4-bipyridine, (C₅H₆O₄)²⁻ = glutarate anion, (C₆H₈O₄)²⁻ = adipate anion, (C₈H₁₂O₄)²⁻ = suberate anion). Their crystal structures are featured by dimeric metal units, which are co-bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine ligands and dicarboxylate anions such as glutarate, adipate and suberate anions to generate 2D layers with a (4,4) topology in 1, 2 and 4 as well as to form 3D frameworks in 3. Two 3D frameworks in 3 interpenetrate with each other to form a topology identical to the well-known Nb₆F₁₅ cluster compound. Over 5–300 K, the paramagnetic behavior of 4 follows the Curie–Weiss law χ_m(T − Θ) = 4.265(5) cm³ mol⁻¹ with the Weiss constant Θ = −6.3(2) K. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of 3 and 4 is also discussed.     

Diorganotin(IV) dithiocarbamate complexes as chromogenic sensors of anion binding

One dinuclear chlorodiphenyltin (IV) dithiocarbamate complex (1) and four mononuclear complexes of general formula Ph₂Sn(S₂CNR)Cl (2, 3, 5, and 6) have been synthesized and characterized both in solid-state and solution. X-ray structures for complexes 1, 3 and 6 demonstrated a five-coordination geometry around of tin atoms, in which dithiocarbamate ligand chelates asymmetrically the metal center. As shown by ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy, five-coordination geometry observed in the solid-state remains in solution. The stability of these chlorodiphenyltin(IV) dithiocarbamate complexes in the presence of biologically relevant anions such as acetate, dicarboxylates of general formula ^?OOC-(CH₂)_n-COO^? (n = 2–8), dihydrogenphosphate, hydrogensulfate, and halides has been examined in acetonitrile solutions. For all of these organotin(IV) complexes the displacement of the coordinated ligands (i.e., chloride and dithiocarbamate) from the organotin(IV) moiety occurred in the presence of monoanions like acetate, dihydrogenphosphate, hydrogensulfate and fluoride. A stepwise mechanism for ligand exchange is proposed based on UV–Vis, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn spectroscopic data, as well as mass spectrometry. From UV–Vis titration experiments it was found that dicarboxylates with small spacers like malonate and succinate, acted differently in the exchange of the dithiocarbamate group in comparison to other monoanionic O donor ligands or dicarboxylates with longer chains, perhaps by following an intramolecular displacement of the coordinated ligand.The lability of these organotin(IV) dithiocarbamate compounds in solution hampers their use as stably host for anions, however, by taking advantage of the intrinsic chromogenic properties of free dithiocarbamate anions, or by attaching dithiocarbamate groups to well-known fluorescent moieties such as antracene, these complexes can sense the presence of O-donor anions at very low concentrations by displacement of the metal-coordinated dithiocarbamate.     

The anion recognition properties of Schiff base or its reductive system based on 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives

Two novel artificial receptors, 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives containing phenol group, have been designed and synthesized. The interaction of the receptors containing Schiff base or its reductive system with biologically important anions was determined by UV–vis and ¹H NMR titration experiments. Results indicate that receptors 1 and 2 show the strong binding ability for dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻), fluoride (F⁻), acetate (AcO⁻) and almost no binding ability for chloride (Cl⁻), bromide (Br⁻), iodide (I⁻). At the same time, the strongest binding ability of receptor 1 for H₂PO₄⁻ among studied anions is not influenced by the existence of other anions; as well as receptor 2 for F⁻. In addition, the binding ability of receptor 1 (Schiff base system) with various anions is stronger than that of receptor 2 (the reductive Schiff base system) due to the difference of electronic effect.     

Tetracyanoethylene substituted triphenylamine analogues

A set of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) substituted triphenylamine analogues (4–6) exhibiting strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) were designed and synthesized by the [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reaction of 3 (tris-(4-phenylethynyl-phenyl)-amine) with TCNE. The reaction was found to be temperature dependent. The blue shift in the π → π¹ transition and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in amines 4–6 were found to be directly proportional to the number of TCNE units. The computational study shows good agreement with the experimental results and reveals that as the number of TCNE units in amine increases, HOMO–LUMO gap increases.     

Effective receptors for fluoride and acetate ions: synthesis and binding study of pyrrole- and cystine-based cyclopeptido-mimetics

Two conformationally constrained pseudo-cyclopeptides (1, 2) consisting of pyrrole-, pyridine-, and cystine-moieties were designed and synthesized as neutral receptors for anionic guests. The anion recognition abilities of these two receptors were examined photometrically in acetonitrile solution. The UV-vis study revealed that the [1+1] receptor (1) formed 1:1 complexes with anions, whereas the [2+2] receptor (2) led to 1:2 mode binding with anions. Both receptors displayed good affinity and selectivity for fluoride and acetate ions.     

Crystal structure,magnetic property and DFT analysis for a bis(tetracyanoquinodimethane)zinc(II) complex

A bis(tetracyanoquinodimethane)zinc(II) complex (1) was structurally characterized, in which the Zn²⁺ ion occupies at an inversion centre and is bonded to two tetracyanoquinodimethane radical anions (TCNQ^?), two H₂O and two DMF molecules to form almost perfectly octahedral coordination geometry. The strong H-bonding interactions are observed between H₂O molecules as well as between H₂O molecule and TCNQ^? radical anion of the neighboring complex molecules, additionally, there exist π?π stack interactions between TCNQ^? radical anions. The intermolecular H-bonding and π?π stack interactions lead to a supramolecular network sheet forming on the crystallographic ac-plane, and the neighboring supramolecular network sheets further extend into three-dimensional supramolecular structure via weak van der Waals forces. Symmetry-broken approach in the theoretical formwork of DFT for magnetic exchange constants analysis disclosed that the ground state of 1 is singlet state, the excited triplet state is much closed to the nonmagnetic ground state with a small energy gap of 1.25 × 10^?5 eV, and there exist AFM interaction in the TCNQ π-stacks, and these predictions are in agreement with magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

{Mo2O2S2}2+-directed synthesis of a polyoxotungstoarsenate(III). Structure and 183W NMR studies of the [(α–AsW9O33)3(WO(OH2))3(Mo2O2S2(H2O)4)]13− anion

Reaction of the [Mo₂O₂S₂(OH₂)₆]²⁺ aqua cation and [WO₄]^2? with the trivacant ion [α-B-AsW₉O₃₃]^9? in acidic condition (pH = 1.4) leads to the formation of a {Mo₂S₂O₂}-supported polyoxotungstate. The mixed salt NMe₄K₁₂[(α–AsW₉O₃₃)₃(WO(OH₂))₃(Mo₂O₂S₂(H₂O)₄)]?20H₂O (noted TMAK₁₂–1) has been obtained as single crystals and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural analysis of TMAK₁₂-1 reveals a molecular polyoxotungsto-arsenate (III) framework consisting of three α-{AsW₉O₃₃} subunits mutually linked by three {O = W-OH₂}⁴⁺ groups. The resulting triangular arrangement delimits a large “open-space”, lined on the periphery by six terminal oxygen atoms. The central cavity is partially filled by a single {Mo₂O₂S₂(OH₂)₄}²⁺ which spans two {AsW₉O₃₃} subunits. Furthermore, three potassium ions have been located, one being embedded within the central cavity and the other two, symmetrically distributed at the periphery of the central cavity. In the solid state, two anions 1 interact through hydrogen bonds and ionic contacts to give a large dimeric arrangement bordered by two TMA⁺ cations. 1 has been characterized in solution (Li⁺ salt) by its ¹⁸³W NMR spectrum which contains 16 lines in agreement with the C_s idealized symmetry assumed for the isolated anion 1. Infrared data and elemental analysis are also supplied.