Bis-Benzimidazolyl Diamide Based Fluorescent Probe for Copper(II): Synthesis, Structural and Fluorescence Studies

A new fluorescent probe based on a bis-benzimidazole diamide N ²,N ^2′-bis[(1-ethyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl]biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxamide ligand L ₁ with a biphenyl spacer group and a Copper(II) trinuclear metallacycle has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystallography, elemental and spectral (FT-IR, ¹H & ¹³C NMR, UV-Visible) analysis. The fluorescence spectra of L ₁ in MeOH show an emission band centered at 300 nm. This band arises due to benzimidazolyl moiety in the ligating system. The diamide L ₁ in the presence of Cu²⁺ show the simultaneous ‘quenching’ of (300 nm) and ‘enhancement’ of (375 nm) emission band. Similar fluorescence behavior was found in water–methanol mixture (9:1). The new emission band at 375 nm is attributed to intra ligand π–π* transition of the biphenyl moiety. L ₁ exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu²⁺ in both the medium over other common metal ions like Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The binding constant with Cu²⁺ was calculated by the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. Selective “off-on-off” behavior of L ₁ in methanol has also been studied. The fluorescent intensity of 375 nm bands in L ₁ enhances (turns-on) upon addition of Cu²⁺ and quenches (turn-off) upon addition of Na₂-EDTA.     

A Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Aluminum Ions Based on Schiff Base

An efficient “off–on” type fluorescent chemosensor, (E)-N′-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (H ₂ L), based on Schiff base for the determination of Al³⁺ has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Upon treated with Al³⁺, the fluorescence of H ₂ L was enhanced 45-fold due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect based on the formation of a 1:1 complex between the chemosensor and Al³⁺. Other metal ions, such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ga³⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Fe³⁺, In³⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺ had little effect on the fluorescence. The results demonstrate that the chemosensor H ₂ L has stronger affinity with Al³⁺ than other metal ions. The detection limit of H ₂ L for sensing Al³⁺ is 3.60 × 10^?6 M in EtOH–H₂O (3:7, v/v) solution. And the recognizing behavior has been investigated both experimentally and computationally.     

N-benzoate-N′ salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine: A new fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ ion by “off-on” mode

Imbalance of zinc ion (Zn²⁺) in human body causes diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and therefore Zn²⁺ estimation in biological fluids has diagnostic values. Fluorescence “off-on” sensors have advantages of high sensitivity and in situ application over other sensors. A new fluorescent “off-on” Zn²⁺ sensor, N-benzoate-N′ salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine (L), has been synthesisied. In 1:1(v/v) CH₃OH:PBS (PBS?=?phosphate buffer solution), L shows ca. 20 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity on interaction with Zn²⁺, due to snapping of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process, which is selective over metal ions - Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺. These metal ions either individually or all together does not interfere the sensing ability of L towards Zn²⁺. A 1:1 interaction between L and Zn²⁺ ion with binding constant 10^4.25 has been established from spectroscopic data.     

A Novel Series Colorimetric and Off–On Fluorescent Chemosensors for Fe3+ Based on Rhodamine B Derivative

A novel series colorimetric and off–on fluorescent chemosensors (2a, 2b, 2c) were designed and synthesized, which showed reversible and highly selective and sensitive recognition toward Fe³⁺ over other examined metal ions. Upon addition of Fe³⁺, sensors (2a, 2b) exhibit remarkably and 2c exhibits moderate enhanced absorbance intensity and color change from colorless to pink in CH₃OH–H₂O(1:1, v/v). The three compounds (2a, 2b, 2c) may therefore be applicable as rhodamine-based turn-on type fluorescent chemosensors.     

Salicylaldehyde Phenylhydrazone: A New Highly Selective Fluorescent Lead (II) Probe

The fluorescence intensity of salicylaldehyde phenylhydrazone (L), in 1:1 (v/v) CH₃OH:H₂O was enhanced by ca. 100 times with a blue shift in emission maximum, on interaction with Pb²⁺ ion. No enhancement in fluorescent intensity of L was observed on interaction with metal ions - Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺. This signal transduction was found to occur via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. A 1:1 complexation between Pb²⁺ and L with log β?=?7.86 has been proved from fluorescent and UV/Visible spectroscopic data. The detection limit of Pb²⁺ was calculated to be 6.3?×?10^?7?M.     

Condensation Product of 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde and Ethylenediamine: “Off-On” Fluorescent Sensor for Cerium(III)

The condensation product (L) of 4-methoxybenzaldehyde and ethylenediamine has been synthesised and characterised. L showed a 21 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity on interaction with Ce³⁺ in CH₃OH at λ_max?=?360 nm when excited with 270 nm photons. Metal ions K⁺, Na⁺, Al³⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ do not interfere. The stoichiometry of binding and the binding constants were determined from spectroscopic data and found to be 1:1 and 10^4.8 M respectively. The detection limit was found to be 10^–5.2 M. The protonation/de-protonation of water molecules coordinated to Ce³⁺ was found to show interesting behaviour on the fluorescence of L:Ce³⁺.     

A Pyrene-based Highly Selective Turn-on Fluorescent Chemosensor for Iron(III) Ions and its Application in Living Cell Imaging

A new pyrene-based chemosensor (1) exhibits excellent selectivity for Fe³⁺ ions over a wide range of tested metal ions Ag⁺, Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺. The binding of Fe³⁺ to chemosensor 1 produces an emission band at 507 nm due to the formation of a Py-Py* excimer that is induced by Fe³⁺-binding. The binding ratio of 1-Fe³⁺ was determined to be 1:1 from a Job plot. The association constant of 1-Fe³⁺ complexes was found to be 1.27?×?10⁴ M^?1 from a Benesi-Hildebrand plot. In addition, fluorescence microscopy experiments show that 1 can be used as a fluorescent probe for detecting Fe³⁺ in living cells.     

A Phenylbenzothiazole Derived Fluorescent Sensor for Zn(II) Recognition in Aqueous Solution Through “Turn-On” Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Emission

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent Zn²⁺ sensor N-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)acetamide (1) that derived from 2-(2′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole has been developed. In aqueous solution (HEPES/CH₃CN=4/6, v/v, HEPES 20 mM, pH?=?7.4), sensor 1 displays highly selective recognition to Zn²⁺ over other metal ions with a distinct longer-wavelength emission enhancement. Sensor 1 binds Zn²⁺ through its amide form with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry, which switched on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Graphical Abstract

A simple 2-(2′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole-based fluorescent “off-on” sensor for Zn²⁺ recognition in HEPES/CH₃CN(4/6, v/v, HEPES 20 mM, pH?=?7.4) solution through switching on ESIPT has been developed.     

9, 10-Bis(8-Quinolinoxymethyl)Anthracene—A Fluorescent Sensor for Nanomolar Detection of Cu2+ with Unusual Acid Stability of Cu2+-Complex

In this work, the dipod 9,10-bis(8-quinolinoxymethyl)anthracene (1) and for comparison, monopod 9-(8-quinolinoxymethyl)anthracene (2) have been synthesized. The fluoroionophore 1 in pH 7.1 HEPES buffered CH₃CN:H₂O (4:1 v/v) solution shows quenching only with Cu²⁺ with lowest limit of detection 150 nM, amongst various metal ions. Fluoroionophore 1 could also be applied to sense Co²⁺ with lowest limit of detection 600 nM. By modulating the pH of the solution and concentration of Cu²⁺, 1 shows respective “On-Off-On” and “On-Off” fluorescent switching. The self-assembly of two Cu²⁺ ions and two molecules of fluoroionophore 1 to form closed structure [Cu₂(L)₂]⁴⁺ seems to be responsible for nanomolar sensitivity towards Cu²⁺. The combination of delayed second protonation of 1 (pK_a2?=?2.6) and stepwise protonation of [Cu₂ L ₂]⁴⁺ causes unusual stability of [Cu(LH)₂]⁴⁺ even at pH?<?2.

The First Bifluoride Sensor Based on Fluorescent Enhancement

The first fluorescent sensor for HF₂ ^? anion, N¹, N³-di(naphthalene-1-yl)isophthalamide (L) has been derived from α-Napthylamine and isopthaloyl chloride. In 1:1 (v/v) DMSO:H₂O, L exhibits high selectivity towards HF₂ ^? anion with a 4-fold enhancement in fluorescent intensity. Very little enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed for F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, SCN^?, PO₄ ^3?, SO₄ ^2?, and CH₃COO^? anions. The stoichiometry interaction between L and HF₂ ^? is found to be 1:1 from fluorescence and UV/Visible spectral data. DFT calculation shows that binding between HF₂ ^? and L is 1:1 and increases the relative planarity between the two naphthyl rings causing fluorescence enhancement. A shift of 0.080 V in oxidation potential of L is observed on interaction with HF₂ ^? by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry.     

A Sensitive Schiff-Base Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Selective Detection of Zn2+

A Schiff-base fluorescent probe – N, N^/-bis(salicylidene) trans 1, 2 – diaminocyclohexane (H ₂ L) was synthesized and evaluated as a chemoselective Zn²⁺ sensor. Upon treatment with Zn²⁺, the complexation of H ₂ L with Zn²⁺ resulted in a bathochromic shift with a pronounced enhancement in the fluorescence intensity in ethanol solution. Moreover, other common alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions failed to induce response or minimal spectral changes. Notably, this chemosensor could distinguish clearly Zn²⁺ from Cd²⁺. The stoichiometric ratio and association constant were evaluated using Benesi – Hildebrand relation giving 1:1 stoichiometry. This further corroborated 1:1 complex formation based on Job’s plot analyses.     

The Smart 2-(2-Fluorobenzoyl)-N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)Hydrazinecarbothioamide Functionalized as Ni(II) Sensor in Micromolar Concentration Level and its Application in Live Cell Imaging

In recent years, fluorescent probes for the detection of environmentally and biologically important metal cations have received extensive attention for designing and development of fluorescent chemosensors. Herein, we report the photophysical results of 2-(2-fluorobenzoyl)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide (4) functionalized as Ni (II) sensor in micromolar concentration level. Through fluorescence titration at 488 nm, we were confirmed that ligand 4 showed the remarkable emission by complexation between 4 and Ni (II) while it appeared no emission in case of the competitive ions (Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cu⁺, Cs⁺). Furthermore, ligand 4 exhibited no toxicity with precise cell permeability toward normal living cells using L929 cell lines in bio imaging experiment investigated through confocal fluorescence microscope. The non-toxic behavior of ligand 4 (assessed by MTT assay) and its ability to track the Ni²⁺ in living cells suggest its possibility to use in biological system as nickel sensor.

Urea Based Dipodal Fluorescence Receptor for Sensing of Fe3+ Ion in Semi-Aqueous Medium

Urea based fluorescent chemosensor 1 was synthesized. Receptor 1 shows unique selectivity for the Fe³⁺ion and no such significant response was noticed with other metal ions (Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Bi³⁺) in DMSO/H₂O (50:50,v/v) semi-aqueous solution. The binding features have been established by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The binding constant (K) values obtained from Benesi-Hildebrand, Scatchard and Connor plot for receptor 1 is (8.3?±?0.3) × 10³ M^?1 and has good detection limit 0.7?μM. The stoichiometry of 1.Fe³⁺ complex was confirmed by mass spectroscopy and Job’s plot.

An asymmetric imidazole derivative as potential fluorescent chemosensor for Fe in aqueous solution

A novel conjugated molecule, L, based on 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole and 6-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine (HC^∧N^∧N) was synthesized in two steps. The molecule can recognize Fe³⁺ in aqueous solution (THF/H₂O, 1/1, v/v) by the appearance of new emission bands at 416 and 442 nm, which can be attributed to the emission of the newly formed L-Fe³⁺ complex. The binding constant of the complex was calculated to be (6.6±0.39)×10³ M⁻¹, and its formation was also confirmed by the appearance of isosbestic points at 312 and 381 nm in the UV-visible spectral titration experiment. While other transition and rare-earth metal ions, such as Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Eu³⁺ and Nd³⁺, can only cause some decrease of L's fluorescence, alkali and alkaline earth metal ions, such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, almost have no effect on L's fluorescence. The fluorescence of L can be recovered by the addition of EDTA to the L-Fe³⁺ system just due to EDTA's stronger chelating ability than that of L.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Photo- and Electro-Luminescence of Copper(I) Complexes Containing Electron-Transporting Diaryl-1,3,4-Oxadiazole

Two mononuclear Cu(I) complexes based on 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl derivative ligand containing electron-transporting 1,3,4-oxadiazole group (L), [Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) and [Cu(L)(DPEphos)](BF₄), where L?=?1-(4-(5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)benzimidazole and DPEphos?=?bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether, have been successfully synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure analyses of the ligand L and the complex [Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) were described. The photophysical properties of the complexes were examined by using UV–vis, photoluminescence spectroscopic analysis. The doped light-emitting devices using the Cu(I) complexes as dopants were fabricated. With no electron transporting layers employed in the devices, yellow electroluminescence from Cu(I) complexes were observed. The devices based on the complex [Cu(L)(DPEphos)](BF₄) possess better performance as compared with the devices fabricated by the complex [Cu(L)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄). The devices with the structure of ITO/MoO₃ (2 nm)/NPB (40 nm)/CBP:[Cu(L)(DPEphos)](BF₄) (8 wt%, 30 nm)/BCP (30 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (150 nm) exhibit a maximum efficiency of 3.04 cd/A and a maximum brightness of 4,758 cd/m².     

New Application of a Known Molecule: Rhodamine B 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde Schiff Base as a Colorimetric and Fluorescent “Off-On” Probe for Copper (II)

Rhodamine B 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde Schiff base (1) has been investigated as a colorimetric and fluorescent “off-on” probe for the recognition of Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution. Probe 1 was synthesized by condensation of rhodamine B hydrazide and 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde, which exhibited good selectivity for Cu²⁺ among a range of biologically and environmentally important metal ions. The Cu²⁺ recognition event undergoes a Cu²⁺ promoted hydrolysis of probe 1 to release rhodamine B and the recognition process is barely interfered by other coexisting metal ions.

A Novel Colorimetric and Fluorescent “Off-On” Chemosensor for Cu2+ Based on a Rhodamine Derivative Bearing Naphthyridine Group

A new rhodamine-based derivative bearing a naphthyridine group (compound 1) was synthesized as a colorimetric and fluorescent “off-on” chemosensor for Cu²⁺ in aqueous solutions. The sensing behaviors of 1 toward various metal ions in neutral aqueous solutions were investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Compound 1 is found to exhibit a significant increase in absorbance at 561 nm and an amplified fluorescence at 590 nm toward Cu²⁺ in a selective, sensitive and rapid manner. The quantification of Cu²⁺ by 1 using an absorption spectroscopy method was satisfactory in the linear working range 0.9–10 μM, with a detection limit of 5.4?×?10^?8?M for Cu²⁺ and good tolerance of other metal ions. Upon addition of Cu²⁺, the spirolactam ring (colorless and nonfluorescent) of 1 was opened to ring-opened amide (red color and fluorescent) and a 1:1 stoichiochemetry for the 1-Cu²⁺ complex was formed with an association constant of 1.57?×?10⁴?M^?1.     

Indole-based Fluorescent Sensors for Selective Detection of Hg2+

A series of indole-based fluorescent chemosensors 1–4 were prepared and investigated characteristick features with transition metal ions. Sensors 1 and 2 were selective for Hg²⁺ ion among a series of metal ions in H₂O–DMSO with association constants of 4.60×10⁴ and 5.90×10⁴?M^?1 and detection limits of 140 and 101.6 μM, respectively.

Comparison of Responsive Behaviors of Two Cinnamic Acid Derivatives Containing Carbazolyl Triphenylethylene

Two cinnamic acid derivatives (CPA and CPC) containing carbazolyl triphenylethylene moiety have been synthesized and characterized. The two derivatives possessed aggregation-induced emission property. They exhibited different and interesting responsive behaviors to solvents, water and metal ions. Considering the structural differences between the two derivatives resulting in different interactions between their molecules and the various media was proposed as a possible explanation for these observations. The intermolecular interactions of CPC were much stronger than those of CPA, which promoted molecular association through intermolecular hydrogen bonding to form multimers. It was found that CPC and CPA exhibited high sensitivity to K⁺ and Mn²⁺, respectively. It is suggested that the derivatives have potential technological applications in chemosensor fields.     

Electric field properties at cationic sites in normal, incommensurate and commensurate K2ZnCl4 crystals

The local electric properties at K and Zn sites in the normal, incommensurate and commensurate phases of K₂ZnCl₄, as derived from a numerical computation of the lattice contributions to the electric potential V(r), electric field intensityE(r) and electric field gradient tensorV _αβ(r) are reported. The numerical data obtained at each cationic position were correlated with the experimental³⁹K NMR, Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ EPR and⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer results in pure and doped K₂ZnCl₄. A proportionality between crystal field and zero-field splitting was taken into account for Mn²⁺, whereas for K⁺, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions the electric field gradient is directly related to the crystal field parameter. By this comparison, on computations done in the ionic fractional charge and relaxed lattice approximations, the insertion of probe-species of iron, copper and manganese ions on off-center Zn sites is proposed. The³⁹K electric field gradient tensor calculations in the incommensurate phase fit well with the NMR data reported recently.