New color chemosensors for cyanide based on water soluble azo dyes

Cyanide detection in pure water is important for many applications. We present a novel type of chemodosimeter azo dye developed on the basis of the benzophenone as the electrophilic receptor of the cyanide anion and a saccharidic moiety to render the dye water soluble. This chemodosimeter is found to be highly selective and tunable toward only cyanide in pure water.     

Naked-eye detection of cyanide ions in aqueous media based on an azo-azomethine chemosensor

The optical and colorimetric properties of a new chemosensor 4-((2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl)-2-(3-hydroxypropylimino)methyl)phenol (L) for cyanide ions were investigated by the naked-eye detection and UV–vis spectroscopy. This receptor reveals visual changes toward CN⁻ anions in aqueous media. No significant color changes were observed upon the addition of any other anions. The cyanide recognition properties of the receptor through proton-transfer were monitored by UV–vis titration and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The binding constant (K_a) and stoichiometry of the formed host–guest complex were calculated by the Benesi–Hildebrand (B–H) plot and Job's plot method, respectively. The detection limit of the probe towards CN⁻ was 1.03 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹, which is lower than the maximum value of cyanide (1.9 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹) permitted by the World Health Organization in drinking water. Thus, this chemosensor was sensitive enough to detect cyanide in aqueous solutions. ¹H NMR experiments were conducted to investigate the nature of interaction between the receptor and CN⁻ anions. Notably, the designed sensor can be applied for the rapid detection of cyanide anions in the basic pH range and also under physiological conditions, for practical purposes for a long duration. The sensing behavior of the receptor was further emphasized by computational studies. Quantum-chemical calculations and molecular studies via Density Functional Theory (DFT) were carried out to supplement the experimental results.     

Rapid colorimetric sensing of cyanide anion in aqueous media with a spiropyran derivative containing a dinitrophenolate moiety

A spiropyran derivative containing a dinitrophenolate moiety (2: 1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6,8-dinitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a receptor for selective detection of cyanide anion (CN⁻) in aqueous media. Compound 2, when dissolved in aqueous media, spontaneously produces the spirocycle-opened merocyanine (MC) form even in dark condition. The absorption band of the MC form decreases selectively upon addition of CN⁻, via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to the spirocarbon of the MC form. The nucleophilic addition occurs very rapidly (within 1 min) and enables rapid and selective quantification of very low levels of CN⁻ (>0.8 μM) by an absorption analysis.     

Turn-on fluorescence sensing of cyanide ions in aqueous solution简

A sensitive fluorescent probe, 2,2＇-bisbenzimidazole （L）, for CN has been developed. This structurally simple receptor displays great selectivity for the cyanide anion over other common inorganic anions in an aqueous environment. In addition, further study demonstrates the lower detection of the fluorescence response of the sensor to CN is in 10 9 mol/L range. Thus, the present probe should be applicable as a practical system for the monitoring of cyanide concentrations in aqueous samples.     

Self-assembly of various guest substrates in natural cellulose substances to functional nanostructured materials

Biological organisms are produced from self-assembly of highly ordered functional units and are inherently complex and hierarchical, possessing macro-to-nanoscale features. It is a facile, low-cost and environmentally benign short-cut to artificial functional materials with unique multilevel structures and morphologies employing biological substances as platform for the self-assembly of various guest substrates. This review summarizes the recent advances in the fabrication of nanostructured materials with designed properties and functionalities by means of self-assembly of different guest substrates (such as metal oxide thin films, small molecules, polymers, biomacromolecules, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and colloidal spheres) on the surfaces of cellulose nanofibers of bulk natural cellulose substances. The combination of the specific chemical properties of the guest substrates and the unique physical features of the natural cellulose substances sheds new light on the design and syntheses of new functional nanomaterials.     

Surface modification of natural cellulose substances:toward functional materials and applications

Combining various synthetic chemical processes and biological assemblies provides a promising strategy for the design and fabrication of functional materials with tailored structures and properties.The unique multilevel structures and morphologies of natural cellulose substances such as ordinary commercial laboratory filter paper make them ideal platforms for the self-assemblies of various functional guest molecules that are to be deposited on the surfaces of their fine structures,and the resulting composite matters show significant potentials for various applications.The surface sol-gel process was employed to deposit ultrathin metal-oxide(e.g.,titania and zirconia)gel films to coat the cellulose nanofibers in bulk filter papers;thereafter,monolayers of specific guest substrates were immobilized onto the surfaces of the metal-oxide gel films.Highly selective,sensitive,and reversible chemosensors based on the surface modification of filter paper were obtained toward the fluorescence and colorimetric detection of various analytes such as heavy-metal ions,inorganic anions,amino acids,and gases.Cellulosebased composite materials with superhydrophobic,antibacterial,or luminescent properties were fabricated by self-assembly approaches toward practical applications.     

Colorimetric response of spiropyran derivative for anions in aqueous or organic media

We previously found that a simple spiropyran derivative (1:1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a selective and sensitive cyanide anion (CN⁻) receptor in aqueous media under UV irradiation¹³. The receptor, when irradiated by UV light in a water/MeCN mixture, creates a CN⁻-selective absorption band via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to 1 (formation of the 1-CN⁻ species) and allows quantitative determination of very low levels of CN⁻. In the present work, effects of pH and water content on the response of 1 to anions were studied to clarify the detailed properties of 1. In aqueous media, 1 reacts selectively with CN⁻regardless of pH and water content, but the reaction is suppressed by a decrease in pH and an increase in water content due to the protonation of CN⁻. In contrast, in pure MeCN, addition of F⁻ also creates a new absorption band, as does CN⁻. This is promoted via a nucleophilic interaction between 1 and F⁻ in a 1:2 stoichiometry (formation of the 1-2F⁻ species). The 1-CN⁻ and 1-2F⁻ species have different photochemical properties; the 1-CN⁻ species is stable upon UV irradiation, while the UV irradiation of the 1-2F⁻ species leads to a decomposition of the spiropyran platform.     

Chemical modification of natural polymers in China

Abstract

This paper introduces the main Chinese research work on the chemical modification of natural polymers including silk, Chinese lacquer, gutta-percha, cellulose, and chitin. The following aspects of this research work are emphasized: research on the mechanism of graft copolymerization of vinyl monomer onto natural polymers, research on overcoming the defects of natural polymers to allow further application by chemical modification, and research on exploring new applications of natural polymers.     

Thiourea based novel chromogenic sensor for selective detection of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic and aqueous media

Novel chromogenic thiourea based sensors 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl ether 1 and 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl methane 2 having nitrophenyl group as signaling unit have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. The both sensors show visual detection, UV-vis and NMR spectral changes in presence of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic solvent as well as in aqueous medium. The absorption spectra indicated the formation of complex between host and guest is in 1:2 stoichiometric ratios.     

Effect of microcrystalline and nanocrystals cellulose fillers in materials based on PLA matrix

The aim of this work was to compare the effects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) addition on the properties of PLA matrix. The CNC were obtained by acid hydrolysis of the MCC. Both MCC and CNC were separately incorporated in PLA at ratios of 3, 5 and 7 wt%. In some compositions, organophilic silica (R972) was added to improve the cellulose-matrix compatibility. The properties of the materials were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, NMR and mechanical tests. Functional groups and crystalline structure of MCC and CNC were determined by FTIR and XRD, respectively. NMR T₁H values showed that films containing CNC presented better interfacial interaction than those containing MCC, and indicated that R972 acts as compatibilizer. MCC and CNC acted as nucleating agents for PLA crystallization and there was an improvement in the mechanical performance of materials with the addition of CNC.     

A novel cyanide chemodosimeter based on trifluoroacetamide benzhydrol-2 as binding motif: importance of substituent positioning on intra-molecular charge transfer

The nucleophilic nature of cyanide is used to develop a simple, sensitive, and highly effective sensor. Azo dye 6a based on 2-(trifluoroacetamide) benzhydrol-2 (2-TFAB) as anions receptor, presents a new way to build molecular color sensors for cyanide in water. The 2-TFAB moiety of the dye 6a is used as receptor group for cyanides and linked directly by dominant reversible covalent bonding over hydrogen bonding, confirmed by the inactivity of the derivative 6b toward cyanides.     

Simple photometric determination of free cyanide ion in aqueous solution with 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol

In this work, a simple photometric method with high accuracy and precision for measuring trace amounts of free cyanide ion in aqueous solution is demonstrated. Under the evaluated conditions, we could determine CN⁻ concentration in the range of 5–70 ppm easily. The work is based upon the photometric titration of CN⁻ with Co(II) in the presence of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) at λ_max = 602 nm in aqueous solution. The optimal conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, and concentration of chromopher were evaluated. The interence effect of many other cations and anions studied and the results are given here. The optimized titration was successfully used to determine the concentration of free cyanide ion in aqueous solutions.     

Controllable and reversible proton transfer for inorganic cyanide visual sensing based on the deprotonation of azo-phenolic hydroxyl group

ABSTRACT

Methods for optical detection of inorganic cyanide based on the single molecule sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity have attracted increasing interest recently due to the high toxicity of cyanide ions. In this work, a visual sensor (S1) containing both imidazole NH and azo-phenolic OH was synthesised and characterised. The spectral experimental data indicated that protic aqueous solution facilitated enhancing the selectivity of cyanide ions with the nanomolar-level detection limit in semi-aqueous solution. The visual sensing mechanism arising from the deprotonation of azo-phenolic OH and the enhancement of intramolecular charge transfer could be clearly demonstrated by titration experiments of ¹H NMR, HR MS and energy changes between the HOMO?LUMO band gaps. Furthermore, the reversibility and reusability of S1 upon alternating addition of CN^? and H⁺ were studied.     

Chromophoric thin film based on cellulose triacetate blends for sensing metal ions

Chromophoric sensors were made based on 8-hydroxyquinoline immobilized onto a thin film of a polymer blend matrix. The thin films were made by the solution casting method using cellulose triacetate and polyethylene glycol (PEG 600) as plasticizer and pore-forming agent. Different contents of PEG 600 additive were investigated. The prepared films were characterized by FTIR and thermal analysis. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of different films were dependent on the content of PEG 600 with clear quenching of the fluorescence of the film that contains PEG 600 compared to that with zero content. This behavior was attributed to the collective effect of hydrogen bonding (intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding) that enhances the process of excited-state proton transfer. This result is favorable to a responsive sensor that shows fluorescence off in the absence of metal ions and fluorescence on upon metal ion chelation. The detection of 5 × 10⁻⁵ M of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺ and thallium (I) in aqueous solution has been observed with the fluorescence method. The result obtained is consistent with the enhancing effect of PEG 600 in the detectability of metal ions. Compared with the detection of Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺, the sensor shows better detection of thallium (I), with clear fluorescence spectra.     

Supramolecular polymer materials based on pillar[5]arene: Ultrasensitive detection and efficient removal of cyanide

An ultrasensitive detection and effective removal material was successfully developed by using a pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular polymer gel (MTP5⊃HB). The MTP5⊃HB can ultrasensitively recognize Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺, and the limits of detection (LODs) for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ are 1.55 and 2.68 nmol/L, respectively. Additionally, the in-situ generated metallogel MTP5⊃HB-Cu can exclusively detect CN⁻, and the LOD for CN⁻ is 1.13 nmol/L. Noticeably, the xerogel of MTP5⊃HB-Cu can effectively remove CN⁻ from aqueous solution with 94.40% removal rate. Test kit based on MTP5⊃HB-Cu is also prepared for convenient detection of CN⁻.     

基于纳米Ag粒子的表面等离子体共振光谱测定CN-的研究

利用UV-辐照光化学还原法制备了平均直径为20 nm的黄色胶体银溶液,银粒子的表面等离子体共振(SPR)光谱的最大吸收波长位于399 nm处,摩尔吸光系数为1.3×104 L·mol-1·cm-1.利用Ag粒子与CN-反应的动力学特性,研究了SPR光谱的λMAX吸光与CN-浓度的关系及其影响因素,拟定了检测环境水样中隐色、有毒CN-离子的方法.标准工作曲线的线性相关系数0.9995,测定下限0.05 μg/mL, 相对标准偏差RSD(%)≤6.1 (n=5).对Ag粒子与CN-反应的机理进行了探讨.     

Influence of chemical surface modification of cellulose nanowhiskers on thermal,mechanical, and barrier properties of poly(lactide) based bionanocomposites

In the aim of producing fully organic bionanocomposite based on poly(lactide) (PLA), cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) were grafted by n-octadecyl-isocyanate (CNW-ICN) applying an in situ surface grafting method. The compatibilizing effect of the long aliphatic grafted chain was investigated by thermal, mechanical and permeability analysis of solvent cast nanocomposite films. The grafted CNW-ICN could be successfully dispersed in the polymer matrix. The gained compatibility brought about a nucleating effect, decreasing the half time of isothermal crystallization from 25 min for the neat PLA to 8.4 min for the nanocomposite including 2.5 wt% CNW-ICN, e.g., tensile strength was improved by 10 MPa for the same 2.5 wt% CNW-ICN/PLA composite. Mechanical reinforcement was also effective in the rubbery state of PLA and increased the tensile modulus of the rubbery plateau providing thereby thermal resistance to the polymer. Oxygen barrier properties did not change significantly upon the inclusion of CNW-ICN, even when the quantity of CNW-ICN was increased to 15 wt%. More interestingly, the water vapour permeability of the CNW-ICN nanocomposite was always lower than the one of ungrafted CNW composites, which led to the conclusion that the hydrophobic surface graft and improved compatibility could counteract the effect of inclusion of hydrophilic structures in the matrix on water vapour transport. In conclusion, the surface grafting of CNW with isocyanates might be an easy and versatile tool for designing fully organic bionanocomposites with tailored properties.     

Exploiting stored TiO2 electrons for multi-electron reduction of an azo dye methyl orange in aqueous suspension

The mechanism of multi-electron reduction of methyl orange (MO) azo dye on TiO₂ nanoparticles has been studied performing stopped flow technique. A multi-electron reduction of azo dye has been investigated. It was found that a multistep reduction of the dye takes place: the stored electrons reduce the conjugative system of the azo group resulting in the decolorization of the dye and leading to the formation of hydrazine derivative followed by further 2 electron transfer step leading to the cleavage of the N–N bond and the formation of aromatic amines. The FTIR analysis of the products confirms the proposed mechanism of the dye reduction. The kinetic parameters and of the multi-electrons reduction of the MO have been determined. The rate of MO reduction was found to be dependent on both the TiO₂ electrons and the dye concentrations.     

Biosourced 3-formyl chromenyl-azo dye as Michael acceptor type of chemodosimeter for cyanide in aqueous environment

A simple water-soluble aldehyde functionalized chromone 5 was utilized as a doubly activated Michael acceptor type of chemodosimeter for cyanide in water. The water solubility of the probe 5 is due to the incorporation of two glycerol units on the starting prepared chemodosimeter. This sensory system is able to selectively distinguish cyanide among fluoride and many other anions at micromolar concentrations and instantly detect cyanide in water at ambient temperatures with a detection limit down to 1.0 mM. Thus, the chemodosimeter 5 was applied to the quantitative determination of cyanide anion in drinking water sample (drinking water from commence).