A highly efficient and selective turn-on fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ ion based on calix[4]arene bearing four iminoquinoline subunits on the upper rim

A new fluorescent chemosensor based on calix[4]arene bearing four iminoquinoline subunits on the upper rim was conveniently synthesized, which showed a remarkable enhanced fluorescent intensity in the presence of Cu(2+) ion and a high selectivity toward Cu(2+) ion over a wide range of tested metal ions in acetonitrile.     

Multimodal Use of New Coumarin‐Based Fluorescent Chemosensors: Towards Highly Selective Optical Sensors for Hg2+ Probing

Despite several types of fluorescent sensing molecules have been proposed and examined to signal Hg²⁺ ion binding, the development of fluorescence‐based devices for in‐field Hg²⁺ detection and screening in environmental and industrial samples is still a challenging task. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of three new coumarin‐based fluorescent chemosensors featuring mixed thia/aza macrocyclic framework as receptors units, that is, ligands L1 – L3 . These probes revealed an OFF–ON selective response to the presence of Hg²⁺ ions in MeCN/H₂O 4:1 (v/v), which allowed imaging of this metal ion in Cos‐7 cells in vitro. Once included in silica core–polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell nanoparticles or supported on polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐based polymeric membranes, ligands L1 – L3 can also selectively sense Hg²⁺ ions in pure water. In particular we have developed an optical sensing array tacking advantage of the fluorescent properties of ligand L3 and based on the computer screen photo assisted technique (CSPT). In the device ligand L3 is dispersed into PVC membranes and it quantitatively responds to Hg²⁺ ions in natural water samples.     

Copper(II) coordination to ligands immobilized on photoluminescent porous silicon

Increased preorganization can be achieved by immobilizing ligands on solid supports. Photoluminescent porous silicon, which can undergo facile hydrosilylation, was used as a support for open chain neutral N- and O-donor ligands. The abilities of these ligands to bind the divalent metal ions Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Pb(2+) are examined. Immobilized ligands selectively complexed Cu(II) over the other metal ions studied. Ligands immobilized on photoluminescent porous silicon also removed a significant amount, up to 98%, of Cu(II) from copper(II)-spiked, organic-rich, seawater samples.     

Synthesis and photopysical properties of a polioxo ethylene chain alkaline earth metal fluorescent sensor with 2-aminoanthracene as terminal group

A new symmetric polioxo ethylene chain fluorescent probe containing 2-aminoanthracene bichromophoric as the terminal group for the alkaline earth metal cation, 2,2'-[oxybis(3-oxapentamethyleneoxy)]-bis[N-(2-anthryl)benzamide)] (1), has been synthesized. The photophysical properties of 1 have been studied by means of absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and (1)H NMR. The difference in emission spectra response to concentration of model compound 2-acetamido-anthracene and 1 in acetonitrile implies that intermolecular excited dimers is likely to occur. Fluorescence decay profiles of 2-acetamido-anthracene can be described by a biexponential fit, while three lifetimes, two of which are similar as those of 2-acetamido-anthracene, are found for 1. The third lifetime might be attributed to intramolecular excited dimers. Complex formation with alkaline earth metal ions are investigated in acetonitrile as solvent via fluorimetric titrations. Fluorescence intensity trend of the complex with Mg(2+) differed from those of other alkaline earth metal ions. The compound forms 1:2 (ligand/Mg(2+)) complex with Mg(2+) while formed 1:1 complexes with Ca(2+), Sr(2+), and Ba(2+), producing large hypochromic shifts in the emission spectra and significant cation-induced fluorescence amplifications. On the contrary, the addition of Ca(2+), Sr(2+), or Ba(2+) lead to a decrease in the fluorescence emission first, then an increase and blue shift in emission could be found at the end.     

Metal ion sensing novel calix[4]crown fluoroionophore with a two-photon absorption property

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene-based fluorescent chemosensors bearing two-photon absorbing chromophores have been synthesized, and their sensing behaviors toward metal ions were investigated via absorption band shifts as well as one- and two-photon fluorescence changes. Free ligands absorb the light at 461 nm and weakly emit their fluorescence at 600 nm when excited by UV-vis radiation at 461 nm, but no two-photon excited fluorescence is emitted by excitation at 780 nm. Addition of an Al(3+) or Pb(2+) ion to a solution of the ligand causes a blue-shifted absorption and enhanced fluorescence due to a declined resonance energy transfer (RET) upon excitation by one- and two-photon processes. Addition of a Pb(2+) ion to a solution of 1.K(+) results in a higher fluorescence intensity than the original 1.Pb(2+) complex regardless of one- or two-photon excitation, due to the allosteric effect induced by the complexation of K(+) with a crown loop.     

An 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based OFF-ON fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(2+) in aqueous solution and imaging application in living cells

A new 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based fluorescence chemosensor 1, N-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(5-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)glycine ethyl ester, has been designed and synthesized. Its fluorescence properties and selectivity for various metal ions were investigated in detail. A prominent fluorescence enhancement only for Zn(2+) was found in aqueous acetonitrile solution and the response mechanism of 1 was analyzed by time-resolved fluorescence decay and DFT calculations. Furthermore, the fluorescence imaging of Zn(2+) in living cells was successfully applied.     

A two-component polymeric optode membrane based on a multifunctional ionic liquid

This work details the use of a 2-component optode membrane which is capable of generating three distinct colours in the presence of Cu(2+) and Co(2+) ions. It has been found that the ionic liquid (IL) trihexyltetradecylphosphonium dicyanamide [P(6,6,6,14)][DCA] can act as plasticizer, ligand and transducer dye when used in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes, which significantly simplifies the optode membrane cocktail. Upon exposure to an aqueous Cu(2+) solution, a yellow colour is generated within the membrane, while exposure to an aqueous Co(2+) solution generates a blue colour. Exposure to a solution containing both ions produces a green colour. Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to investigate the molecular basis of the IL-metal ion the binding mechanism. Analytical characteristics of the membranes including the effect of interfering ions, binding constants and the limit of detection for both ions have been estimated. Finally the case of simultaneous dual-analyte recognition is presented based on two distinct absorption maxima.     

A pyrenyl-appended triazole-based calix[4]arene as a fluorescent sensor for Cd2+ and Zn2+

The synthesis and evaluation of a novel calix[4]arene-based fluorescent chemosensor 8 for the detection of Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) is described. The fluorescent spectra changes observed upon addition of various metal ions show that 8 is highly selective for Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) over other metal ions. Addition of Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) to the solution of 8 results in ratiometric measurement.     

Selective interaction of lower rim calix[4]arene derivatives and bivalent cations in solution. Crystallographic evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in lead(II) and cadmium(II) complexes

The interaction of lower rim calix(4)arene derivatives containing ester (1) and ketone (2) functional groups and bivalent (alkaline-earth, transition- and heavy-metal) cations has been investigated in various solvents (methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, and benzonitrile). Thus, 1H NMR studies in CD3OD, C3D7NO, and CD3CN show that the interaction of these ligands with bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+) is only observed in CD3CN. These findings are corroborated by conductance measurements in these solvents including benzonitrile, where changes upon the addition of the appropriate ligand (1 or 2) to the metal-ion salt only occur in acetonitrile. Thus, in this solvent, plots of molar conductance against the ligand/metal cation ratio reveal the formation of 1:1 complexes between these ligands and bivalent cations. Four metal-ion complex salts resulting from the interaction of 1 and 2 with cadmium and lead, respectively, were isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. All four structures show an acetonitrile molecule sitting in the hydrophobic cavity of the ligand. The mode of interaction of the neutral guest in the cadmium(II) complexes differs from each other and from that found in the lead(II) complexes and provides evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in binding processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives. The thermodynamics of complexation of these ligands and bivalent cations in acetonitrile is reported. Thus, the selective behavior of 1 and 2 for bivalent cations is for the first time demonstrated. The role of acetonitrile in the complexation process in solution is discussed on the basis of 1H NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. It is suggested that the complexation of 1 and 2 with bivalent cations is likely to involve the ligand-solvent adducts rather than the free ligand. Plots of complexation Gibbs energies against the corresponding data for cation hydration show a selectivity peak which is explained in terms of the predominant role played by cation desolvation and ligand binding energy in complex formation involving metal cations and macrocycles in solution. A similar peak is found in terms of enthalpy suggesting that for most cations (except Mg2+) the selectivity is enthalpically controlled. The ligand effect on the complexation process is quantitatively assessed. Final conclusions are given highlighting the role of the solvent in complexation processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives and metal cations.     

Luminescent lanthanide ions hosted in a fluorescent polylysin dendrimer. Antenna-like sensitization of visible and near-infrared emission

We have investigated the complexation of the luminescent Nd(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+), Tb(3+), Er(3+), and Yb(3+) ions by a polylysin dendrimer containing 21 amide groups in the interior and, in the periphery, 24 chromophoric dansyl units which show an intense fluorescence band in the visible region. Most of the experiments were performed in 5:1 acetonitrile/dichloromethane solution at 298 K. On addition of the lanthanide ions to dendrimer solutions, the fluorescence of the dansyl units is quenched; in Nd(3+), Er(3+), and Yb(3+), a sensitized near-infrared emission of the lanthanide ion is observed. At low metal ion concentrations, each dendrimer hosts only one metal ion and when the hosted metal ion is Nd(3+) or Eu(3+), the fluorescence of all the 24 dansyl units of the dendrimer is quenched with unitary efficiency. Quantitative measurements were performed in a variety of experimental conditions, including protonation of the dansyl units and measurements in rigid matrix at 77 K where a sensitized Eu(3+) emission could also be observed. The results obtained have been interpreted on the basis of the energy levels and redox potentials of dendrimer and metal ions.     

Rhodamine-based highly sensitive colorimetric off-on fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ in aqueous solution and for live cell imaging

A novel rhodamine-based highly sensitive and selective colorimetric off-on fluorescent chemosensor for Hg(2+) ions is designed and prepared by using the well-known thiospirolactam rhodamine chromophore and furfural hydrazone as signal-reporting groups. The photophysical characterization and Hg(2+)-binding properties of sensor RS1 in neutral N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) aqueous solution are also investigated. The signal change of the chemosensor is based on a specific metal ion induced reversible ring-opening mechanism of the rhodamine spirolactam. The response of the chemosensor for Hg(2+) ions is instantaneous and reversible. And it successfully exhibits a remarkably "turn on" response toward Hg(2+) over other metal ions (even those that exist in high concentration). Moreover, this sensor is applied for in vivo imaging in Rat Schwann cells to confirm that RS1 can be used as a fluorescent probe for monitoring Hg(2+) in living cells with satisfying results, which further demonstrates its value of practical applications in environmental and biological systems.     

Complexation of metal ions with TRAP (1,4,7-triazacyclononane phosphinic acid) ligands and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid: phosphinate-containing ligands as unique chelators for trivalent gallium

Three phosphinic acid 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives bearing methylphosphinic (TRAP-H), methyl(phenyl)phosphinic (TRAP-Ph), or methyl(hydroxymethyl)phosphinic acid (TRAP-OH) pendant arms were investigated as members of a new family of efficient Ga(3+) chelators, TRAP ligands (triazacyclononane phosphinic acids). Stepwise protonation constants of ligands and stability constants of their complexes with Ga(3+), selected divalent metal, and Ln(3+) ions were determined by potentiometry. For comparison, equilibrium data for the metal ion-NOTA (1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid) systems were redetermined. These ligands exhibit high thermodynamic selectivity for Ga(3+) over the other metal ions (log K(GaL) - log K(ML) = 7-9) and a selective complexation of smaller Mg(2+) over Ca(2+). Stabilities of the Ga(3+) complexes are dependent on the basicity of the donor atoms: [Ga(NOTA)] (log K(GaL) = 29.6) > [Ga(TRAP-OH)] (log K(GaL) = 23.3) > [Ga(TRAP-H)] (log K(GaL) = 21.9). The [Ga(TRAP-OH)] complex exhibits unusual reversible rearrangement of the "in-cage" N(3)O(3) complex to the "out-of-cage" O(6) complex. The in-cage complex is present in acidic solutions, and at neutral pH, Ga(3+) ion binds hydroxide anion, induces deprotonation and coordination of the P-hydroxymethyl group(s), and moves out of the macrocyclic cavity; the hypothesis is supported by a combination of results from potentiometry, multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and density functional theory calculations. Isomerism of the phosphinate Ga(3+) complexes caused by a combination of the chelate ring conformation, the helicity of coordinated pendant arms, and the chirality of the coordinated phosphinate groups was observed. All Ga(3+) complexes are kinetically inert in both acidic and alkaline solutions. Complex formation studies in acidic solutions indicate that Ga(3+) complexes of the phosphinate ligands are formed quickly (minutes) and quantitatively even at pH <2. Compared to common Ga(3+) chelators (e.g., 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) derivatives), these novel ligands show fast complexation of Ga(3+) over a broad pH range. The discussed TRAP ligands are suitable alternatives for the development of (68)Ga radiopharmaceuticals.     

New cesium ion-selective electrodes based on anilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile derivatives

Cesium ion-selective PVC membrane electrodes based on anilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile derivatives as a novel class of neutral ionophores were examined. The ionophores were p-methoxyanilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile, p-methylanilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile and p-N,N-dimethylanilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile. The anilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile proved to work well with cesium, the corresponding electrodes display a response to this ion. The most favourable ionophore was p-methoxyanilino-(1,3-dioxo-2-indanylidene) acetonitrile, especially when the secondary ion exchanger potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate was incorporated in 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether for ion-selective electrode membrane construction. The response function was linear within the concentration range 10(-1)-2.5x10(-5) mol l(-1) and the slope was 52 mV decade(-1). The detection limit remained at 6.3x10(-6) mol(-1). The selectivity and response time of the electrode was studied and it was found that the electrode exhibited good selectivity for cesium over alkali, alkaline earth and some transition metal ions. The electrode response was stable over a wide pH range. The lifetime of the electrode was about 1 month.     

Multi-use NBD-based tetra-amino macrocycle: fluorescent probe for metals and anions and live cell marker

Ligand L (4-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazole-4-yl)-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane) is a versatile fluorescent sensor useful for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal detection, as a building block of fluorescent metallo-receptor for halide detection, and as an organelle marker inside live cells. Ligand L undergoes a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect upon metal coordination in acetonitrile solution. In all three complexes investigated the metal cation is coordinatively unsaturated; thus, it can bind secondary ligands as anionic species. The crystal structure of [ZnLCl](ClO(4)) is discussed. Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are quenched upon halide interaction, whereas the [CdL](2+) species behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for halide anions in acetonitrile solution. The mechanism of the fluorescence response in the presence of the anion depends on the nature of the metal ion employed and has been studied by spectroscopic methods, such as NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis and fluorescence techniques and by computational methods. Subcellular localization experiments performed on HeLa cells show that L mainly localizes in spot-like structures in a polarized portion of the cytosol that is occupied by the Golgi apparatus to give a green fluorescence signal.     

Selective removal and quantification of Cu(II) using fluorescent iminocoumarin-functionalized magnetic nanosilica

A newly prepared iminocoumarin-functionalized magnetic nanosilica (Ni@SiO(2)-1) was found to form a selective stable complex with Cu(2+) over other metal ions. Quantification of Cu(2+) ions in aqueous solution using Ni@SiO(2)-1 is demonstrated through a fluorescent demetallization ensemble process.     

Comparison of five membrane electrode designs and a study of poly(vinyl chloride) membranes with monoaza crown ethers

Five electrode designs based on PVC and silicone-rubber membranes are compared. The responses of conventional electrodes, a coated silver wire and a coated carbon rod, to potassium ion were tested with valinomycin as model ionophore. A laboratory-made PVC electrode was found to be particularly useful for testing new membranes. Five of the six plasticizers studied were found to respond in near-Nernstian fashion to alkali metal ions. Of the six monoaza crown ethers tested as ionophores, only one improved the alkali metal response of the PVC membranes in neutral solution. The reason for this is discussed.     

Mercury ions complexation with a series of heterocyclic derivatives of 3-hydroxychromone: spectral effects and prospects for ultrasensitive Hg2+ probing

Complexation of three 3-hydroxychromone derivatives bearing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic moiety in the position 2 of the chromone bicycle - benzimidazole, quinoline, and 2,5-diphenyloxazole, with mercury(II) ions is reported. Formation of chelate complexes with the metal cations coordinated with the cavity formed by 3-OH and 4-C═O groups was shown, as well as the possibility of side moiety heteroatom participation in binding of metal ions. High sensitivity to mercury of 2,5-diphenyloxazole-substituted 3-hydroxychromone was elucidated, allowing to detect Hg(2+) below the maximum permissible concentration for drinking water. This makes the above-mentioned compound a prospective basis for development of sensors for ultralow mercury concentration detection in water. Unusual fluorescence ignition of 2-(quinolin-2-yl)-3-hydroxychromone at low Hg(2+) concentrations, rarely observed for heavy metals ions complexation with organic fluorescent ligands, was discussed.     

Synthesis, coordination properties, and analytical applications of mixed donor macrocycles containing the 1,10-phenanthroline sub-unit

The coordination properties towards different metal ions of a new class of mixed N/S-, and N/S/O-donor macrocycles containing the 1,10-phenanthroline sub-unit in the cyclic framework are reviewed. The conformational constraints imposed by the heteroaromatic fragment onto the aliphatic portion of the ring determine the coordination mode of these ligands which can stabilise low-valent Ni⁺, Pd⁺, Pt⁺, and Rh⁺ metal complexes. Structural and thermodynamic aspects of the coordination chemistry of these ligands are considered together with possible applications as building blocks in the synthesis of multi-centred systems, and as template in the construction of extended polyiodide networks. However, solution studies demonstrate the inability of these ligands to work as selective and specific fluorescent chemosensors for heavy transition and post-transition metal ions and the formation constants evaluated for the formation of 1:1 complexes with Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ in acetonitrile are of the same order of magnitude. Nevertheless, some of these macrocyles are extremely effective to recognise Cu²⁺ or Ag⁺ over the other metal ions in transport processes, and have been successfully used as neutral ionophore in the construction of PVC-based ionselective electrodes and supported liquid membranes for analytical detection and separation, respectively, of these metal ions.     

Modified cyclodextrin polymers as selective ion carriers for Pb(II) separation across plasticized membranes

In the present work the hydrophobic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymers have been used as macrocyclic ion carriers for separation of Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions from dilute aqueous solutions by transport across polymer inclusion membranes. The β-CD polymers were prepared by cross-linking of β-CD with 2-(1-docosenyl)-succinic anhydride derivatives in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of NaH. The metal ions were transported from aqueous solutions containing heavy metal ions through plasticizer triacetate membranes with dimer and polymer β-CD derivatives into distilled water. The selectivity of lead(II) over other metal ions in the transport through polymer inclusion membrane was very high, especially for dimer cyclodextrin carrier. In the case of competitive transport of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions through plasticized immobilized membranes the selectivity of process is controlled via formation of ion pairs of β-CD hydroxyl groups with metal cations. The polymer and dimer of β-CD linked by 2-(1-docosenyl)-derivative used as ionic carriers for competitive transport of metal ions show preferential selectivity order: Pb(II)  Cu(II) > Zn(II). Application of ion carriers mixtures (β-CD polymers and palmitic acid) causes the increase of Pb(II) maximal removal from dilute aqueous solution. The weight-average molecular weight (M_W) and the chemical structure of the β-CD polymers were determined using high-performance size exclusion chromatography with refractive index detector, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy.