Two Zn(II) coordination polymers constructed by a new tricarboxylate and different N-containing ligands: synthesis,crystal structures,and selective luminescence sensing for Fe3+ in aqueous solution

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers, {[Zn₃(L)₂(bipy)₂(H₂O)₄}_n (1) and {[Zn(HL)(4,4′-bibp)}_n (2), were obtained from Zn(II) nitrate, a tricarboxylate ligand (H₃L) and different N-containing ligands with hydrothermal conditions, where H₃L = 4-((6-carboxynaphthalen-2-yl)oxy)phthalic acid, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, and 4,4′-bibp = 4,4′-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that 1 has a 2-D layer framework formed by L^3? and bipy and 2 has an infinite 1-D structure with Zn₂ units built by 4,4′-bibp ligands. The phase purity, IR spectra, thermal stabilities, and fluorescence properties in the solid state of 1 and 2 were investigated. Moreover, 1 and 2 were chosen as fluorescent probes to sense different metal ions, showing selective response to Fe³⁺ ion through luminescence quenching. The possible sensing mechanism to Fe³⁺ ion is also discussed.     

Supramolecular structures of Mn2+, Co2+ and Zn2+ complexes containing 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane and aminosalicylate anion

In this study, the synthesis, spectroscopic properties and crystal structures of three new supramolecular compounds named [Mn₂(bpp)₄(H₂O)₄](AS)₄·H₂O (1), [Co₂(bpp)₄(H₂O)₄](AS)₄·H₂O (2) and [Zn(bpp)(AS)₂] (3), have been described, where bpp is 1,3-bis(4-pyridil)propane and AS^?  is aminosalicylate anion. By analysing the similarities between the X-ray powder diffraction results, it has been observed that compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous, exhibiting an orthorhombic system with space group Pccn; for compound 3, another orthorhombic system was observed, with space group Aba2, which displays coordination between the Zn²⁺ metal ion and the aminosalicylate anion; this can be considered the first case in the literature involving the direct coordination to the metal ion. The vibrational spectra of compounds 1 and 2 are very similar. In the Raman spectra, the main bands are observed at ca. 1625 and 1020 cm^? 1, referring to the ^? O–C = O and CC/CN stretching modes of AS^?  and bpp ligands, respectively.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA-binding,and antioxidant activities of four copper(II) complexes containing N-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-amino amide ligands

Four new substituted amino acid ligands, N-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-glycine acid (HL₁), N-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-alanine acid (HL₂), N-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-phenylalanine acid (HL₃), and N-(3-hydroxybenzyl)-leucine acid (HL₄), were synthesized and characterized on the basis of ¹H NMR, IR, ESI-MS, and elemental analyses. The crystal structures of their copper(II) complexes [Cu(L₁)₂]·2H₂O (1), [Cu(L₂)₂(H₂O)] (2), [Cu(L₃)₂(CH₃OH)] (3), and [Cu(L₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O (4) were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The ligands coordinate with copper(II) through secondary amine and carboxylate in all complexes. In 2, 3, and 4, additional water or methanol coordinates, completing a distorted tetragonal pyramidal coordination geometry around copper. Fluorescence titration spectra, electronic absorption titration spectra, and EB displacement indicate that all the complexes bind to CT-DNA. Intrinsic binding constants of the copper(II) complexes with CT-DNA are 1.32?×?10^6?M^?1, 4.32?×?10^5?M^?1, 5.00?×?10^5?M^?1, and 5.70?×?10^4?M^?1 for 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the compounds have been investigated by spectrophotometric measurements. The results show that the Cu(II) complexes have similar superoxide dismutase activity to that of native Cu, Zn-SOD.     

Two second-order non-linear optical coordination polymers with noninterpenetrating honeycomb-like 2-D (6,3)-type networks

Two isostructural metal–organic frameworks, [ML(H₂O)₄]_n (M = Y(II) (1) and Nd(II) (2)), NaH₂L = 5-sulfoisophthalic monosodium salt), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. Each metal is nine-coordinate with a distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangement. L^3? is a μ³ bridge to generate a homometallic 2-D noninterpenetrating (6,3) honeycomb-like topological network structure. The luminescence spectra indicate emission maxima at 406 and 402 nm, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 show second-harmonic generation responses that are 0.5 and 0.8 times that of urea, respectively.     

Selective separation of strontium by multitopic ion‐pair receptor: A DFT exploration

Selective extraction of a radionuclide in the presence of other interfering ions is one of the vital steps in the back‐end‐of‐the‐nuclear fuel cycle. The presence of interfering cations (such as Ca²⁺) in the radioactive waste and involvement of multiple separation steps are known to be bottlenecks in the efficient Sr²⁺ extraction. Here, using free energy corrected density functional theory, we have proposed a two‐step Sr²⁺ extraction methodology in nitrate media in the presence of interfering Ca²⁺ ion using a multitopic ion‐pair receptor, which was earlier reported to be strongly selective for K⁺ (Kim et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134 , 1782–1792). To depict the correct free energy trend in the proposed extraction processes, the most probable binding mode of the metal (Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺) nitrates in the host are identified. In excellent agreement with the previously reported experiment, Crown/Pyrrole (C/P) binding is noted to be the most preferable mode for KNO₃, where K⁺ and occupied the Crown (C) and Pyrrole (P) site, respectively. However, the divalent metal ions (Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺) are noted to marginally prefer Crown/Crown‐Pyrrole (C/CP) mode, in which metal reside at the C site while two nitrates occupy the P site and also simultaneously bind at the outer sphere of C site to coordinate with the metal via monodentate motif. Based on the free energy of extraction, we predict that the selective separation of chemically alike Ca²⁺/Sr²⁺ pair is indeed achievable using this receptor. We propose that once [Sr(NO₃)₂] is extracted in organic media, the receptor's high affinity toward K⁺ in nitrate media can be used to back strip Sr²⁺ to the aqueous phase.     

Individual extraction constants of some divalent metal cations in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium M²⁺(aq) + Sr²⁺(nb) ? M²⁺(nb) + Sr²⁺(aq) taking part in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system (M²⁺ = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, ${\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 +} $ , Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Furthermore, the individual extraction constants of the M²⁺ cations in the mentioned two-phase system were calculated; they were found to increase in the following cation order: ${\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } $  < Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺ < Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ < Co²⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺ < Sr²⁺ < Pb²⁺ < Ba²⁺.     

DNA binding,cleavage, and cytotoxicity of binuclear phenolate nickel(II) complexes

Three binuclear phenolate complexes, [Ni₂(L¹)₂(OAc)](BPh₄)·DMF (1), [Ni₂(L²)₂(OAc)](BPh₄) (2), and [Ni₂(L³)₂(OAc)](OH)·3H₂O (3), where L¹ = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-methyl-phenol, L² = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-methoxy-phenol, and L³ = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-tert-butyl-phenol), have been synthesized. Single-crystal diffraction reveals that all the metal atoms are in a distorted octahedral geometry. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV–vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Furthermore, DNA cleavage mechanism shows that the complexes may be capable to promote DNA cleavage through oxidative DNA damage pathway, which is indicative of the involvement of hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, or singlet oxygen-like entity in the cleavage process. Cytotoxicity studies on the Hela and MCF-7 cancer cell lines show that complexes 1–3 exhibit excellent activity toward the tested tumor cell lines with respect to the standard drug carboplatin, revealing that they have the potential to act as effective metal-based anticancer drugs.     

Interaction of a Schiff-base fluorescent sensor with Al3+: experimental and computational studies

A fluorescent Al³⁺ chemo-sensor, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-hydroxypyrazole-4-acetone-(3′,4′-dimethylpyrrole-2′-formyl) hydrazone (L), has been synthesized and characterized. L can detect Al³⁺ in ethanol solution with a significant fluorescence enhancement of a turn-on ratio over 155-fold due to the formation of a 1?:?1 complex which is based on the molar ratio between L and Al³⁺ ions, and the 1?:?1 stoichiometric complexation can be obtained from density functional theory calculations. No significant interference of other metal ions such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, Pb²⁺, and Ag⁺ was found. The detection limit for Al³⁺ was 5?×?10^?9?M in ethanol.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and solvatochromic properties of dinuclear oxalato-bridged copper(II) complexes

Three dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(L¹)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?2(CH₃CN), [Cu₂(L²)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?H₂O, and [Cu₂(L³)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂ where ox = oxalato; L = N,N-dimethyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L¹, N,N-diethyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L², N,N-diisoprophyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L³, were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV–Vis) data and molar conductance measurements. The crystal structures of [Cu₂(L¹)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?2(CH₃CN) and [Cu₂(L³)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Solvatochromic behaviors were investigated in various solvents, showing positive solvatochromism. The effect of steric hindrance around the copper ion imposed by N-alkyl groups of the diamine chelates on the solvatochromism property of the complexes is discussed. Solvatochromism was also studied with different solvent parameter models using stepwise multiple linear regression method.     

A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Fe (III) based on rhodamine 6G dyes derivative

A new fluorescent probe L based on the rhodamine 6G platforms for Fe³⁺ has been designed and synthesised. L showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity for Fe³⁺ against other metal ions such as K⁺, Na⁺, Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ce³⁺ and Y³⁺ in HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4)/CH₃CN (40:60, V/V). The distinct color change and the rapid emergence of fluorescence emission provided naked-eyes detection for Fe³⁺. The recognition mechanism of the probe toward Fe³⁺ was evaluated by Job’s plots, IR and ESI-MS. In order to further study their fluorescent properties, L + Fe³⁺ fluorescence lifetime was also measured. Moreover, the test strip results showed that these probes could act as a convenient and efficient Fe³⁺ test kit.     

Promotion of Activity and Thermal Stability of Chloroperoxidase by Trace Amount of Metal Ions (M2+/M3+)

The effect of M²⁺ (Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺) and M³⁺ (Cr³⁺, La³⁺, Fe³⁺, Ce³⁺, Y³⁺, Al³⁺) metal ions on the activity and thermal stability of chloroperoxidase (CPO) was investigated in this work. It was found that the lower concentration of metal ions was favorable to CPO activity whereas the higher concentration reversed the results. CPO activity could be increased to 116.4–127.1 % in the presence of a trace amount of these M²⁺/M³⁺ metal ions at a concentration range of 0–25 μmol L^?1 after 2 h of incubation at 25 °C. The activating effect of M³⁺ is better than that of M²⁺, and Cr³⁺ was mostly efficient. The thermal stability of the enzyme was also improved significantly. Only 30.3 % of CPO activity was retained at 50 °C whereas 82.6 % of CPO activity was maintained in the presence of Cr³⁺ after 2 h of incubation at the same temperature. The activation of CPO by metal ions at their low concentration was studied through intrinsic fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and UV–Vis spectra assay. A favorable environment around the active site was achieved in the presence of metal ions. Intrinsic fluorescence and CD spectra indicated that the α-helix structure of CPO was strengthened in metal ion-contained media. More exposure of the heme ring was achieved for easy access of the substrate, which was suggested by UV–Vis spectrum analysis. This strategy for enhancing CPO activity is very simple and useful. It will be favorable to the practical application of this enzyme.     

Nuclease activity of redox/non-redox active binuclear transition metal mixed-polypyridine complexes: [M2(1,4-tpbd)(diimine)2(H2O)2]4+, M = Zn,Co, Ni,Cd, diimine = phen,bpy, dafo

Seven new transition metal complexes formulated as [M₂(1,4-tpbd)(diimine)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ [M = Zn, Co, Ni, Cd; 1,4-tpbd = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)benzene-1,4-diamine; diimine is a N,N-donor heterocyclic base like 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (dafo)] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography: [Zn₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (1), [Zn₂(1,4-tpbd)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (2), [Co₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (3), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (4), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (5), [Ni₂(1,4-tpbd)(dafo)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (6) and [Cd₂(1,4-tpbd)(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (7). Single crystal diffraction reveals that the metals in the complexes are all in a distorted octahedral geometry. The interactions of the seven complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The apparent binding constants (K_app) are calculated to be 5.2?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 1, 1.05?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 2, 5.76?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 3, 4.57?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 4, 1.29?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 5, 1.7?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 6, 2.53?×?10⁵ M^?1 for 7, the binding propensity to the calf thymus DNA in the order: 3 (Co-phen) > 1 (Zn-phen) > 4 (Ni-phen) > 7 (Cd-phen) > 6 (Ni-dafo) > 5 (Ni-bpy) > 2 (Zn-bpy). Furthermore, these complexes display efficient oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA; the Zn(II)/H₂O₂ and Cd(II)/H₂O₂ systems efficiently cleave DNA attributed to the peroxide ion coordinated to the Zn(II) and Cd(II), which enhanced their nucleophilicity, this is rare.     

A fluorescent di-zinc(II) complex of bis-calix[4]arene conjugate as chemosensing-ensemble for the selective recognition of ATP

A triethylene glycol di-imine locked triazole linked bis-calix[4]arene conjugate L has been synthesised and characterised. Conjugate L exhibits high fluorescence enhancement towards Zn²⁺ among the 13 metal ions studied down to a lower detection limit of ～12 ppb. The absorption and visual colour change experiments differentiated the Zn²⁺ from the other metal ions studied. The isolated zinc complex, [Zn₂L] has been used as a chemo-sensing ensemble for the recognition of anions based on their binding affinities towards Zn²⁺. [Zn₂L] was found to be sensitive and selective towards phosphate-bearing species and in particular to adenosine triphosphate (ATP^2 ? ) among the other 20 anions studied as observed based on the changes occurred in the fluorescence intensity. The selectivity of the ATP^2 ?  has been shown on the basis of the changes observed in the emission and absorption spectral studies. The lowest detectable concentration for ATP^2 ?  with the chemo-sensing ensemble [Zn₂L] is 348 ppb in methanol. The fluorescence quenching by the phosphate-based anions has been modelled by molecular mechanics studies and found that the anions possessing two or more phosphate moieties can only bridge between the two zinc centres, and hence those possessing only one phosphate moiety (H₂PO₄^?  and AMP^2 ? ) are ineffective.     

Self-assembly snapshots of a 2 × 2 copper(I) grid

Self-assembled 2 × 2 grids have been characterised as high-fidelity species produced when the correct stoichiometric ratios are met, but rarely are the individual steps leading to and from their formation characterised. Here, we present such a study using equilibrium-restricted factor analysis to model a set of UV–vis spectra starting from a bis-bidentate ligand to the assembly of a 2 × 2 grid complex upon titration with 1 equiv. of [Cu(MeCN)₄](PF₆) and to disassembly upon further titration. Intermediate species [CuL₂]⁺, [Cu₂L₃]²⁺, [Cu₃L₂]³⁺ and [Cu₂L]²⁺ are evidenced along the assembly and disassembly pathways. Complementary ¹H NMR titrations are consistent with the rich set of complexes and equilibria involved. Given the nature of the assembly process, the assembly is entropy driven and likely enthalpy driven as well. The disassembly process is both enthalpy and entropy driven according to the standard free energy values derived from the modelling of the spectrophotometric titration data.     

Experimental and computational investigations on the high binding-selectivity of pyrimidine derivatives by a pillar[5]arene

The binding selectivity of an adenine-monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene (H) with a series of pyrimidine derivatives were investigated through ¹H NMR experiments and density functional theory (DFT) study. High binding-selectivity was demonstrated. Typically, H displayed very strong binding strength with 6-(2,4-dioxo-3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-1 (2H)-yl)hexanenitrile (G1) [K_a >10⁵ M^?1], up to about 3000-fold as compared with 1-hexylpyrimidine-2,4(1H, 3H)-dione (G5) [K_a = 31 M^?1]. The strong binding ability of H with G1 was due to the cooperative multiple hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, C-H···π and π···π interactions. The high binding-selectivity was also verified by calculation results. The calculated interaction energy (ΔE_i) of G1?H was ?12.92 Kcal·mol^?1 while that of G5?H was ?2.85 Kcal·mol^?1.     

Magnesium-PVC Membrane Sensor Based on 4,5-Bis(Benzoylthio)-1,3-Dithiole-2-Thione

Abstract

This report describes an attempt to develop potentiometric Mg²⁺ sensors based on a liquid polymeric membrane. Membrane incorporating 4,5-Bis(benzoylthio)-1,3- dithiole-2-thione (Bz₂dmit) as ionophore, with composition Bz₂ dmit:NaTPB:NB:PVC in the ratio 2.5:2.5:65:30 (w/w), exhibits the best result for potentiometric sensing of Mg²⁺ ions. The proposed electrode, based on Bz₂ dmitwith nitrobenzene (NB) as a solvent mediator in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane matrix, exhibited a near-Nernstian response to Mg²⁺ in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10^?5 to 1.0 × 10^?1 M, with a slope of 29.2 mV per decade of activity of Mg²⁺. The lower limit of detection was 1.0 × 10^?5 M. This sensor showed high selectivity with respect to alkaline, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions, except for Sr²⁺, and could be used over a pH range of 3.5–9.0. It can be used for at least 2 mo without considerable divergence in potentials and has a relatively fast response of <10 s. It was applied successfully as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Mg²⁺ ions with EDTA.     

Extraction and theoretical study on complexation of the strontium cation with antamanide

By using extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Sr²⁺(aq) + 2A^?(aq) + 1(nb) ? 1·Sr²⁺(nb) + 2A^?(nb) occurring in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system (A^? = picrate, 1 = antamanide; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was determined as log K _ex (1·Sr²⁺, 2A^?) = ?0.3 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1·Sr²⁺ complex in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β _nb (1·Sr²⁺) = 8.8 ± 0.1. Finally, applying quantum mechanical density functional level of theory calculations, the most probable structure of the cationic complex species 1·Sr²⁺ was derived. In the resulting complex, the “central” cation Sr²⁺ is bound by six bond interactions to the corresponding six oxygen atoms of the parent ligand 1. The interaction energy of the considered 1·Sr²⁺ complex was found to be ?1,114.9 kJ/mol, confirming the formation of this cationic species as well.     

Density functional theory study of calix[4]arene‐N‐azacrown‐5, calix[4]arene‐N‐phenyl‐azacrown‐5, and their complexes with alkali‐metal cations: Na+, K+, and Rb+

Theoretical studies of 1,3‐alternate‐25,27‐bis(1‐methoxyethyl)calix[4]arene‐azacrown‐5 ( L₁ ), 1,3‐alternate‐25,27‐bis(1‐methoxyethyl)calix[4]arene‐N‐phenyl‐azacrown‐5 ( L₂ ), and the corresponding complexes M⁺/ L of L₁ and L₂ with the alkali‐metal cations: Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺ have been performed using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6‐31G* level. The optimized geometric structures obtained from DFT calculations are used to perform natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions are investigated. The results indicate that intermolecular electrostatic interactions are dominant and the electron‐donating oxygen offer lone pair electrons to the contacting RY* (1‐center Rydberg) or LP* (1‐center valence antibond lone pair) orbitals of M⁺ (Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺). What's more, the cation–π interactions between the metal ion and π‐orbitals of the two rotated benzene rings play a minor role. For all the structures, the most pronounced changes in geometric parameters upon interaction are observed in the calix[4]arene molecule. In addition, an extra pendant phenyl group attached to nitrogen can promote metal complexation by 3D encapsulation greatly. In addition, the enthalpies of complexation reaction and hydrated cation exchange reaction had been studied by the calculated thermodynamic data. The calculated results of hydrated cation exchange reaction are in a good agreement with the experimental data for the complexes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

A fluorescent sensor for Al3+ based on a photochromic diarylethene with a hydrazinobenzothiazole Schiff base unit

A new fluorescent turn-on chemosensor for Al³⁺ based on a diarylethene unit was designed and synthesized. Photochromism, fluorescence switch, and metal ion recognition behaviors of this diarylethene derivative were investigated by absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. It shows an outstanding fluorometric sensing ability toward Al³⁺ ion, and the detection limit was measured to be 9.3 × 10^?8 mol L^?1 via fluorescence methods. Based on these interesting properties, a combinational logic circuit was constructed successfully.     

Synthesis and complexing properties of four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes

Four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes 5–8 have been prepared by reacting the corresponding methyl esters derivatives 1–4 with histamine in 1:1 mixture of methanol:toluene. The yields ranged from 56 to 68%. 5–8 have been shown to be in cone conformation. The complexation behaviour of 5–8 towards monovalent metal picrates M⁺Pic⁻ with M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ and divalent metal picrates M²⁺(Pic⁻)₂ with M²⁺ = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺ are given. Tentative localisation of the metal cations in the receptors is given. The binding properties towards these cations have been determined along with stoichiometries of the complexes.