A two‐dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer constructed from 4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylate and 1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate ligands

Crystals of poly[[aqua[μ₃‐4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylato‐κ⁵O¹O^1′:N³,O⁴:O⁵][μ₄‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ⁷N³,O⁴:O⁴,O^4′:O¹,O^1′:O¹]cadmium(II)] monohydrate], {[Cd₂(C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₄)(C₁₆H₁₄N₂O₆)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n or {[Cd₂(Hcpimda)(cpima)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (I), were obtained from 1‐(4‐carboxybenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H₃cpimda) and cadmium(II) chloride under hydrothermal conditions. The structure indicates that in‐situ decarboxylation of H₃cpimda occurred during the synthesis process. The asymmetric unit consists of two Cd²⁺ centres, one 4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylate (Hcpimda²⁻) anion, one 1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate (cpima²⁻) anion, one coordinated water molecule and one lattice water molecule. One Cd²⁺ centre, i.e. Cd1, is hexacoordinated and displays a slightly distorted octahedral CdN₂O₄ geometry. The other Cd centre, i.e. Cd2, is coordinated by seven O atoms originating from one Hcpimda²⁻ ligand and three cpima²⁻ ligands. This Cd²⁺ centre can be described as having a distorted capped octahedral coordination geometry. Two carboxylate groups of the benzoate moieties of two cpima²⁻ ligands bridge between Cd2 centres to generate [Cd₂O₂] units, which are further linked by two cpima²⁻ ligands to produce one‐dimensional (1D) infinite chains based around large 26‐membered rings. Meanwhile, adjacent Cd1 centres are linked by Hcpimda²⁻ ligands to generate 1D zigzag chains. The two types of chains are linked through a μ₂‐η² bidentate bridging mode from an O atom of an imidazole carboxylate unit of cpima²⁻ to give a two‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. The simplified 2D net structure can be described as a 3,6‐coordinated net which has a (4³)₂(4⁶.6⁶.8³) topology. Furthermore, the FT–IR spectroscopic properties, photoluminescence properties, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern and thermogravimetric behaviour of the polymer have been investigated.     

Polymorph‐Dependent Solid‐State Fluorescence and Selective Metal‐Ion‐Sensor Properties of 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone

2‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone (HPQ), an organic fluorescent material that exhibits fluorescence by the excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, forms two different polymorphs in tetrahydrofuran. The conformational twist between the phenyl and quinazolinone rings of HPQ leads to different molecular packing in the solid state, giving structures that show solid‐state fluorescence at 497 and 511 nm. HPQ also shows intense fluorescence in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution and selectively detects Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions at micromolar concentrations in DMF. Importantly, HPQ not only detects Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions selectively, but it also distinguishes between the metal ions with a fluorescence λ_max that is blue‐shifted from 497 to 420 and 426 nm for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions, respectively. Hence, tunable solid‐state fluorescence and selective metal‐ion‐sensor properties were demonstrated in a single organic material.     

Topological identification of the first uninodal 8‐connected lsz MOF built from 2,2′‐difluorobiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate pillars and cadmium(II)–triazolate layers

Using polynuclear metal clusters as nodes, many high‐symmetry high‐connectivity nets, like 8‐connnected bcu and 12‐connected fcu , have been attained in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). However, construction of low‐symmetry high‐connected MOFs with a novel topology still remains a big challenge. For example, a uninodal 8‐connected lsz network, observed in inorganic ZrSiO₄, has not been topologically identified in MOFs. Using 2,2′‐difluorobiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂L) as a new linker and 1,2,4‐triazole (Htrz) as a coligand, a novel three‐dimensional Cd^II–MOF, namely poly[tetrakis(μ₄‐2,2′‐difluorobiphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁵O¹,O^1′:O^1′:O⁴:O^4′)tetrakis(N,N‐dimethylformamide‐κO)tetrakis(μ₃‐1,2,4‐triazolato‐κ³N¹:N²:N⁴)hexacadmium(II)], [Cd₆(C₁₄H₆F₂O₄)₄(C₂H₂N₃)₄(C₃H₇NO)₄]_n, (I), has been prepared. Single‐crystal structure analysis indicates that six different Cd^II ions co‐exist in (I) and each Cd^II ion displays a distorted [CdO₄N₂] octahedral geometry with four equatorial O atoms and two axial N atoms. Three Cd^II ions are connected by four carboxylate groups and four trz⁻ ligands to form a linear trinuclear [Cd₃(COO)₄(trz)₄] cluster, as do the other three Cd^II ions. Two Cd₃ clusters are linked by trz⁻ ligands in a μ_1,2,4‐bridging mode to produce a two‐dimensional Cd^II–triazolate layer with (6,3) topology in the ab plane. These two‐dimensional layers are further pillared by the L²⁻ ligands along the c axis to generate a complicated three‐dimensional framework. Topologically, regarding the Cd₃ cluster as an 8‐connected node, the whole architecture of (I) is a uninodal 8‐connected lsz framework with the Schläfli symbol (4²²·6⁶). Complex (I) was further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and a photoluminescence study. MOF (I) has a high thermal and water stability.     

Tautomeric Switching and Metal‐Cation Sensing of Ligand‐Equipped 4‐Hydroxy‐/4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinolines

Novel 4‐hydroxyquinoline (4HQ) based tautomeric switches are reported. 4HQs equipped with coordinative side arms (8‐arylimino and 3‐piperidin‐1‐ylmethyl groups) were synthesized to access O‐ or N‐selective chelation of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions by 4HQ. In the case of the monodentate arylimino group, O chelation of metal ions induces concomitant switching of phenol tautomer to the keto form in nonpolar or aprotic media. This change is accompanied by selective and highly sensitive fluorometric sensing of Zn²⁺ ions. In the case of the bidentate 8‐(quinolin‐8‐ylimino)methyl side arm, NMR studies in CD₃OD indicated that both Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions afford N chelation for 4HQ, coexisting with tautomeric switching from quinolin‐4(1H)‐one to quinolin‐4‐olate. In corroboration, UV/Vis‐monitored metal‐ion titrations in toluene and methanol implied similar structural changes. Additionally, fluorescence measurements indicated that the metal‐triggered tautomeric switching is associated with compound signaling properties. The results are supported by DFT calculations at the B3LYP 6‐31G* level. Several X‐ray structures of metal‐free and metal‐chelating 4HQ are presented to support the solution studies.     

A Highly Copper‐Selective Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Based on BODIPY

A new ratiometric fluorescent sensor ( 1 ) for Cu²⁺ based on 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) with di(2‐picolyl)amine (DPA) as ion recognition subunit has been synthesized and investigated in this work. The binding abilities of 1 towards different metal ions such as alkali and alkaline earth metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) and other metal ions ( Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺) have been examined by UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. 1 displays high selectivity for Cu²⁺ among all test metal ions and a ～10‐fold fluorescence enhancement in I₅₈₂/I₅₅₈ upon excitation at visible excitation wavelength. The binding mode of 1 and Cu²⁺ is a 1:1 stoichiometry determined via studies of Job plot, the nonlinear fitting of the fluorometric titration and ESI mass.     

Competitive heavy metal removal by poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid‐co‐itaconic acid)

The competitive removal of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions by the copolymer of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and itaconic acid (IA), P(AMPS‐co‐IA), was investigated. Homopolymer of AMPS (PAMPS) was also used to remove these ions from their aqueous solution. In the preparation of AMPS–IA copolymer, the molar percentages of AMPS and IA were 80 and 20, respectively. In order to observe the changes in the structures of polymers due to metal adsorption, FTIR spectra by attenuated total reflectancetechnique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures of the polymers were taken both before and after adsorption experiments. Total metal ion removal capacities of PAMPS and P(AMPS‐co‐IA) were 1.685 and 1.722 mmol Me²⁺/g_polymer, respectively. Experimental data were evaluated to determine the kinetic characteristics of the adsorption process. Competitive adsorption of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions onto both PAMPS and P(AMPS‐co‐IA) was found to fit pseudo‐second‐order type kinetics. In addition, the removal orders in the competitive adsorption of these metal ions onto PAMPS and P(AMPS‐co‐IA) were found to be Cd²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Cu²⁺, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A three‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer constructed from 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,5,5′‐tetracarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands

The title coordination polymer, poly[[aqua(μ₅‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,5,5′‐tetracarboxylato)bis[μ₂‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene]dicadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd₂(C₁₆H₆O₈)(C₁₂H₁₀N₄)₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n, was crystallized from a mixture of 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,5,5′‐tetracarboxylic acid (H₄bpta), 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (1,4‐bib) and cadmium nitrate in water–dimethylformamide. The crystal structure consists of two crystallographically independent Cd^II cations, with one of the Cd^II cations possessing a slightly distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The second Cd^II centre is coordinated by carboxylate O atoms and imidazole N atoms from two separate 1,4‐bib ligands, displaying a distorted octahedral CdN₂O₄ geometry. The completely deprotonated bpta⁴⁻ ligand, exhibiting a new coordination mode, bridges five Cd^II cations to form one‐dimensional chains viaμ₃‐η¹:η²:η¹:η² and μ₂‐η¹:η¹:η⁰:η⁰ modes, and these are further linked by 1,4‐bib ligands to form a three‐dimensional framework with a (4².6⁴)(4.6²)(4³.6⁵.7²) topology. The structure of the coordination polymer is reinforced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding between carboxylate O atoms, aqua ligands and crystallization water molecules. The solid‐state photoluminescence properties were investigated and the complex might be a candidate for a thermally stable and solvent‐resistant blue fluorescent material.     

A three‐dimensional cadmium coordination polymer based on 1,4‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)but‐2‐ene and benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid

The Cd^II three‐dimensional coordination poly[[[μ₄‐1,4‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)but‐2‐ene]bis(μ₃‐5‐carboxybenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato)dicadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd₂(C₉H₄O₆)₂(C₈H₁₀N₆)]·2H₂O}_n , (I), has been synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Cd(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (1,3,5‐H₃BTC) and 1,4‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)but‐2‐ene (1,4‐btbe). The IR spectrum suggests the presence of protonated carboxylic acid, deprotonated carboxylate and triazolyl groups. The purity of the bulk sample was confirmed by elemental analysis and X‐ray powder diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Cd^II ions adopt a five‐coordinated distorted trigonal–bipyramidal geometry, coordinated by three O atoms from three different 1,3,5‐HBTC²⁻ ligands and two N atoms from two different 1,4‐btbe ligands; the latter are situated on centres of inversion. The Cd^II centres are bridged by 1,3,5‐HBTC²⁻ and 1,4‐btbe ligands into an overall three‐dimensional framework. When the Cd^II centres and the tetradentate 1,4‐btbe ligands are regarded as nodes, the three‐dimensional topology can be simplified as a binodal 4,6‐connected network. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the presence of lattice water in (I). Photoluminescence studies imply that the emission of (I) may be ascribed to intraligand fluorescence.     

CE with on‐line detection by ICP‐MS for studying the competitive binding of zinc against cadmium for glutathione

Development of a feasible method for studying the competitive interaction between a pair of antagonists is essential for understanding the antagonism of trace metals in biological systems. Herein, we report the application of CE on‐line coupled with ICP mass spectroscopy (CE‐ICP‐MS) to investigate the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for glutathione (GSH), which is related to the detoxification of Cd²⁺ in biological system, and introduce a method to evaluate the kinetics and thermodynamics for the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH. The CE‐ICP‐MS hybrid technique allows easy and sensitive probing of the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH and quantitative determination of the important thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH. Owing to the high sensitivity and element selectivity with multi‐elements detection capacity of ICP‐MS, we detailed the evaluation of the kinetics and thermodynamics describing the competition of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH from the systematic data obtained by CE‐ICP‐MS. The competitive binding of Zn²⁺ against Cd²⁺ for GSH was demonstrated exothermic and thermodynamically favorable (ΔG=?7.2 kJ/mol) and driven entirely by a large favorable enthalpy decrease (ΔH=?15.1 kJ/mol) but with an unfavorable entropy decrease (ΔS=?25.6 J/mol/K). The kinetic data were fit to a second‐order equation with the reaction rate constant (k) of (2.18±0.10)×10² L/(mol·s) under the simulated physiological condition.     

Luminescent properties of three structures built from 3‐cyano‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐olate and cadmium

Yellow–orange tetraaquabis(3‐cyano‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐olato‐κN³)cadmium(II) dihydrate, [Cd(C₈HN₄O₂)₂(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O, (I), and yellow tetraaquabis(3‐cyano‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐olato‐κN³)cadmium(II) 1,4‐dioxane solvate, [Cd(C₈HN₄O₂)₂(H₂O)₄]·C₄H₈O₂, (II), contain centrosymmetric mononuclear Cd²⁺ coordination complex molecules in different conformations. Dark‐red poly[[decaaquabis(μ₂‐3‐cyano‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐olato‐κ²N:N′)bis(μ₂‐3‐cyano‐4‐dicyanomethylene‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐diolato‐κ²N:N′)tricadmium] hemihydrate], [Cd₃(C₈HN₄O₂)₂(C₈N₄O₂)₂(H₂O)₁₀]·0.5H₂O, (III), has a polymeric two‐dimensional structure, the building block of which includes two cadmium cations (one of them located on an inversion centre), and both singly and doubly charged anions. The cathodoluminescence spectra of the crystals are different and cover the wavelength range from UV to red, with emission peaks at 377 and 620 nm for (III), and at 583 and 580 nm for (I) and (II), respectively.     

A CdII‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework with pcu Topology as Turn‐On Fluorescent Sensor for Al3+

A new metal‐organic framework (MOF) {[Cd₂(bbib)₂(ndc)₂]?2DMF}_n ( JXUST‐1 ) (bbib=1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene, H₂ndc=1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, PXRD, TGA, IR and elemental analysis. JXUST‐1 exhibits a three‐dimensional 6‐connected pcu topology with a Schläfli symbol {4¹².6³} constructed by [Cd₂(CO₂)₃] secondary building units. Fluorescence studies show that this MOF can sensitively and selectively recognize Al³⁺ via a fluorescence enhancement effect, and the detection limit is 0.048 ppm. Furthermore, JXUST‐1 displays relatively good thermal and chemical stabilities as well as reusability. All these results suggest JXUST‐1 to be a highly selective and recyclable luminescent sensing material for the detection of Al³⁺.     

Differential Detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ Ions by BODIPY‐Based Fluorescent Sensors

Two monostyryl BODIPY derivatives that contain one or two bis(hydroxyamido)amino group(s) as the metal chelator have been prepared. The effects of various metal ions on their electronic absorption and fluorescence properties have been studied in detail in MeCN or in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results show that the derivative with two hydroxyamide chains can selectively detect Zn²⁺ ions in MeCN. The compound and ions bind in a 1:1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 2.2(±0.1)×10⁴ M ^?1. The intensity of the fluorescence emission increases remarkably and is substantially blue‐shifted from 624 to 572 nm, owing to the inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer, thus allowing its use as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Zn²⁺ ions. The derivative with four hydroxyamide chains behaves differently: It responds selectively toward Cd²⁺ ions in phosphate buffered saline. The compound and ions bind in a 1:2 stoichiometry, with first and second association constants of 4.4(±0.9)×10⁴ M ^?1 and 1.3(±0.1)×10⁴ M ^?1, respectively. Upon the addition of 80 equivalents of Cd²⁺ ions, the fluorescence quantum yield increases 15‐fold. Both of these compounds exhibit differential sensing of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions and the associated color changes can be easily seen by the naked eye.     

A Novel Water‐Soluble Fluorescence Probe with Wash‐Free Cellular Imaging Capacity Based on AIE Characteristics

A potential real‐time imaging water‐soluble fluorescent polymer ( P3 ) is facilely prepared via one‐pot method. For P3 , tetraphenylethene unit serves as the fluorescent unit, poly(acryloyl ethylene diamine) (a kind of polyelectrolyte) with specific degree of polymerization acts as water‐soluble part. ¹H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV‐vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and confocal laser scanning microscopy are undertaken to characterize the structure and property of P3 . The results of wash‐free cellular imaging show that the signal‐to‐noise ratio is high as the concentration of P3 is 50 μg mL⁻¹. In addition, the pH‐responsive and Cd²⁺‐responsive are also investigated in this paper. The results coming from pH‐responsive show that P3 solution displays significant fluorescence under near neutral. And the result from the cellular imaging shows that intracellular fluorescence intensity enhances with the augment of concentration of Cd²⁺, which reveals that P3 can give a hint to resolve the dilemma of traditional fluorescent dyes used as living cellular fluorescent probe.

     

Nitroaromatic‐detecting Layered Cadmium Cyclohexyldicarboxylate Coordination Polymers with Long‐Spanning Dipyridyl Pillaring Ligands

Three new divalent cadmium coordination polymers containing cyclohexyldicarboxylate and pillaring dipyridylamide ligands have been prepared and structurally characterized via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. All three compounds exhibited layered structures, but with different topologies and interpenetration schemes. [Cd₂(12chedc)₂(ebin)(H₂O)₂]_n ( 1 ) [12chedc = 1,2‐cyclohex‐4‐ene‐dicarboxylate, ebin = ethylenediamine(bis)isonicotinamide] displays a 2D 3,4‐connected net with (4²6)(4²6³8) topology, also known as the V₂O₅ structural type. {[Cd(13cdc)(ebin)] · H₂O}_n ( 2 ) (13cdc = cis‐1,3‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate) showed a rare 2D + 2D → 3D parallel polycatenated system of looped layer networks. {[Cd(13cdc)(hbn)] · H₂O}_n ( 3 ) [hbn = hexanediamine(bis)nicotinamide] manifests a (4²6)(4²6⁷8) network, also known as the 3,5L2 net. All three materials were assayed as fluorescent “turn‐off” sensors for the detection of nitrobenzene in solution. Thermal decomposition behavior of the new phases is also discussed.     

Synthesis of Bismuth‐Nanoparticle‐Enriched Nanoporous Carbon on Graphene for Efficient Electrochemical Analysis of Heavy‐Metal Ions

A BiNPs@NPCGS nanocomposite was designed for highly efficient detection of multiple heavy‐metal ions by in situ synthesis of bismuth‐nanoparticle (BiNP)‐enriched nanoporous carbon (NPS) on graphene sheet (GS). The NPCGS was prepared by pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanocrystals deposited on graphene oxide and displayed a high surface area of 1251 m² g^?1 and a pore size of 3.4 nm. BiNPs were deposited on NPCGS in situ by chemical reduction of Bi³⁺ with NaBH₄. Due to the restrictive effect of the pore/surface structure of NPCGS, the BiNPs were uniform and well dispersed on the NPCGS. The BiNPs@NPCGS showed good conductivity and high effective area, and the presence of BiNPs allowed it to act as an efficient material for anodic‐stripping voltammetric detection of heavy‐metal ions. Under optimized conditions, the BiNPs@NPCGS‐based sensor could simultaneously determine Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ with detection limits of 3.2 and 4.1 nM , respectively. Moreover, the proposed sensor could also differentiate Tl⁺ from Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺. Owing to its advantages of simple preparation, environmental friendliness, high surface area, and fast electron‐transfer ability, BiNPs@NPCGS showed promise for practical application in sensing heavy‐metal ions.     

Supramolecular Structures with the 2‐Propyl‐4,5‐dicarboxy‐1H‐imidazole Ligand: Hydrothermal Synthesis,Structures, and Photoluminescence

Self‐assembly of the rigid organic ligand 2‐propyl‐4,5‐dicarboxy‐1H‐imidazole ( L ) with different metal ions (Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺) led to four new complexes, namely, [M( L )(phen)] [M = Zn ( 1 ); Ni ( 2 ); Cd ( 3 )] and [Cu( L )( 4 )] (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline). Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and they were further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Whereas compounds 1 , 2 , and 3 are discrete units, hydrogen‐bonding interactions play a vital role in these complexes. Compounds 1 and 2 form one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) structures through hydrogen‐bondinginteractions with helical character. In 1 , the hydrogen bonds (O–H ··· O) alternately bridge the M^II cations of the discrete units to form a one‐dimensional (1D) infinite helical chain. Complex 2 forms a 2D helical layer through parallel hydrogen bonds (N/O–H ··· O/N) between two adjacent helical chains. In 3 , the hydrogen bonds (N–H ··· O) connect adjacent discrete units into a ten‐membered ring with extension into a one‐dimensional double‐chain supramolecular structure. Complex 4 is a two‐dimensional gridlike (4,4) topological layer which is extended to a 3D network by hydrogen bonding. The solid‐state fluorescence spectrum of complex 3 was determined.     

A Selective,Nontoxic, OFF–ON Fluorescent Molecular Sensor Based on 8‐Hydroxyquinoline for Probing Cd2+ in Living Cells

In spite of the fact that cadmium(II) has been recognized as a highly toxic element and that excessive exposure to this metal ion has been reported to have many adverse effects on human health, very few selective and specific fluorescent probes are available for imaging Cd²⁺ in living cells. Herein, we report the spectroscopic and photochemical characterization of 5‐(5‐chloro‐8‐hydroxyquinolinylmethyl)‐2,8‐dithia‐5‐aza‐2,6‐pyridinophane ( L ) as a fluorescent sensor for the selective imaging of Cd²⁺ in living cells. In particular, the response of L to Cd²⁺ was first assessed in aqueous solutions, sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, and liposomes, and subsequently in living cells by fluorescence microscopy techniques. Cytofluorimetric analyses of leukemic HL‐60 cells loaded with L also allowed evaluation of the toxicity of the probe and the selective analysis of its intracellular fluorescence in the presence of Cd²⁺. Furthermore, the 1:1 complex species [Cd( L )H₂O]²⁺ responsible for the OFF–ON chelation enhancement of fluorescence (CHEF) effect on L was structurally characterized; time‐dependent DFT calculations allowed the prediction of theoretical excitations, which were comparable with the experimental ones.     

All Solid State Chromium(III) Selective Potentiometric Sensor Based on 2‐(1‐(2‐((3‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrozol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)phenol

Highly selective all solid state electrochemical sensor based on a synthesized compound i.e. 2‐(1‐(2‐((3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrozol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)phenol (I) as an ionophore has been prepared and investigated for the selective quantification of chromium(III) ions. The effect of various plasticizers, viz. dibutyl phosphonate (DBP), dibutyl(butyl) phosphonate (DBBP), nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), tris‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphonate (TEP), tri‐butyl phosphonate (TBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), dioctyl sebacate (DOS), benzyl acetate (BA) and acetophenone (AP) along with anion excluders NaTPB (sodium tetraphenyl borate) and KClTPB (potassium(tetrakis‐4‐chlorophenyl)borate was also studied. The optimum composition of the best performing membrane contained (I):KClTPB:NPOE:PVC in the ratio 15 : 3 : 40 : 42 w/w. The sensor exhibited near Nernstian slope of 20.1±0.2 mV/decade of activity in the working concentration range of 1.2×10^?7–1.0×10^?1 M, and in a pH range of 3.8–4.5. The sensor exhibited a fast response time of 10 s and could be used for about 5 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The proposed sensor showed very good selectivity over most of the common cations including Na⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, Cu²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Ba²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺and La³⁺. The activity of Cr(III) ions was successfully determined in the industrial waste samples by using this sensor.     

Design and synthesis of methyl 2‐{[4‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]sulfanyl}acetate (phpy2NS) as a ligand for complexes of Group 12 elements: structural assessment and hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular assembly analysis

The reaction of 2‐cyanopyridine with N‐phenylthiosemicarbazide afforded 2‐[amino(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐N‐phenylhydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide (Ham4ph) and crystals of 4‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thione (pyph3NS, 1 , C₁₃H₁₀N₄S). Crystals of methyl 2‐{[4‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]sulfanyl}acetate (phpy2NS, 2 , C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂S), derived from 1 , were obtained by the reaction of Ham4ph with chloroacetic acid, followed by the acid‐catalyzed esterification of the carboxylic acid with methyl alcohol. Crystals of bis(methanol‐κO)bis(methyl 2‐{[4‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl‐κ²N¹,N⁵]sulfanyl}acetato)zinc(II)/cadmium(II) hexabromidocadmate(II), [Zn_0.76Cd_0.24(C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂S)₂(CH₃OH)₂][Cd₂Br₆] or [Zn_0.76Cd_0.24(phpy2NS)₂(MeOH)₂][Cd₂Br₆], 3 , and dichlorido(methyl 2‐{[4‐phenyl‐5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl‐κ²N¹,N⁵]sulfanyl}acetato)mercury(II), [HgCl₂(C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂S)] or [Hg(phpy2NS)Cl₂], 4 , were synthesized using ligand 2 and CdBr₂ or HgCl₂, respectively. The molecular and supramolecular structures of the compounds were studied by X‐ray diffractometry. The asymmetric unit of 3 is formed from CdBr₃ and M(phpy2NS)(MeOH) units, where the metal centre M has a 76% occupancy of Zn^II and 24% of Cd^II. The M²⁺ centre of the cation, located on a crystallographic inversion centre, is hexacoordinated and appears as a slightly distorted octahedral [MN₄O₂]²⁺ cation. The Cd centre of the anion is coordinated by two terminal bromide ligands and two bridging bromide ligands that generate [Cd₂Br₆]^2? cadmium–bromide clusters. These clusters display crystallographic inversion symmetry forming two edge‐shared tetrahedra and serve as agents that direct the structure in the formation of supramolecular assemblies. In mononuclear complex 4 , the coordination geometry around the Hg²⁺ ion is distorted tetrahedral and comprises two chloride ligands and two N‐atom donors from the phpy2NS ligand, viz. one pyridine N atom and the other from triazole. In the crystal packing, all four compounds exhibit weak intermolecular interactions, which facilitate the formation of three‐dimensional architectures. Along with the noncovalent interactions, the structural diversity in the complexes can be attributed to the metal centre and to the coordination geometry, as well as to its ionic or neutral character.     

Highly Selective Detection of 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol and Cu2+ Ions Based on a Fluorescent Cadmium–Pamoate Metal–Organic Framework

A luminescent cadmium–pamoate metal–organic framework, [Cd₂(PAM)₂(dpe)₂(H₂O)₂]?0.5(dpe) ( 1 ), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by using π‐electron‐rich ligands 4,4′‐methylenebis(3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid) (H₂PAM) and 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (dpe). Its structure is composed of both mononuclear and dinuclear Cd^II building units, which are linked by the PAM and dpe ligands, resulting in a (4,8)‐connected 3D framework. The π‐conjugated dpe guests are located in a 1D channel of 1 . The strong emission of 1 could be quenched efficiently by trace amounts of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP), even in the presence of other competing analogues such as 4‐nitrophenol, 2,6‐dinitrotoluene, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, 1,3‐dinitrobenzene, hydroquinone, dimethylbenzene, and bromobenzene. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the fluorescence response of 1 to TNP shows that this framework could be used as an excellent sensor for identifying and quantifying TNP. In the same manner, 1 also exhibits superior selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu²⁺ compared with other metal ions such as Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ca²⁺. This is the first MOF that can serve as a dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting trace amounts of TNP and Cu²⁺.