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.     

Generation and characterisation of the phenoxyl-radical containing Cu(ii) complex [Cu(triaz)(2)](+) (triaz(-) = O,N chelating triazole-phenolate)

The new copper complex [Cu(triaz)(2)] (Htriaz = 2,4-di-(tert-butyl)-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)phenol) was investigated in detail by single crystal XRD, EPR-, UV/Vis-absorption-, CV-, and spectroelectrochemistry. The oxidised species [Cu(triaz)(2)](+) was characterised by UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry and contains a phenoxyl-radical bound to Cu(ii). This quite stable species was chemically generated by two different methods: aerial oxidation of a Cu(i) precursor in the presence of Htriaz (and base) or from [Cu(triaz)(2)] by adding a Cu(ii) salt (disproportionation). The efficiency for the latter reaction has been studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy, XAS and catalytic test reactions (oxidation of benzyl alcohol).     

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 [Zn L Cl](ClO₄) is discussed. Cu^II and Zn^II complexes are quenched upon halide interaction, whereas the [Cd L ]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.     

Spectroscopic capture and reactivity of S = 1/2 nickel(III)-oxygen intermediates in the reaction of a Ni(II)-salt with mCPBA

Ni(III)-intermediates are trapped by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy in the reaction of a Ni(II) salt with mCPBA. On the basis of their oxo-transfer and hydrogen-atom abstraction abilities the intermediates are assigned as the elusive terminal Ni(III)-oxo/hydroxo species. The findings suggest that Ni(III)-O(H) moieties are viable reactants in oxidation catalysis.     

Spectroelectrochemical characterisation of poly[Ni(saltMe)]-modified electrodes

Electrogenerated polymers based on the nickel(II) complex 2,3-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(salicylidene)butane-2,3-diaminatonickel(II), poly[Ni(saltMe)], were characterised by in situ FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and ex-situ EPR spectroscopy in order to gain insights into film structure, electronic states and charge conduction. The role of the nickel ions during film oxidation was probed by using EPR to study naturally abundant Ni and 61Ni-enriched polymers. The data from all the spectroscopic techniques are consistent, and clearly indicate that polymerisation and redox switching are associated with oxidative ligand based processes; coulometry suggests that one positive charge was delocalised through each monomer unit. EPR provided evidence for the non-direct involvement of the metal in polymer oxidation: the polymer is best described as a polyphenylene-type compound (conducting polymer), rather than an aggregation of nickel complexes (redox polymer), and the main charge carriers are identified as polarons. An explanation for the high electrochemical stability and conductivity of poly[Ni(saltMe)] with respect to that of poly[Ni(salen)] is proposed. based on stereochemical repulsion between monomeric units; this can impose a less compact supramolecular structure on polymers with bulkier substituents.     

Selective metal sensor phthalocyanines bearing non-peripheral functionalities: Synthesis,spectroscopy, electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry

A novel alcohol-soluble ionophore ligand and its non-peripherally tetrasubstituted functional 1,8,15,22-tetrakis(6-hydroxyhexylsulfanyl) metallophthalocyanines M[Pc(α-SC₆H₁₂OH)₄] (M = Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II); Pc = phthalocyanine) are reported. The aggregation and cation binding behaviors of the phthalocyanine compounds in the presence of soft Ag^I and Pd^II metal ions were investigated by using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, ESI and MALDI–TOF–MS mass spectra. Voltammetric and in-situ spectroelectrochemical studies show that while copper and zinc phthalocyanine complexes give well-defined ring-based reduction and oxidation processes, the cobalt phthalocyanine gives both metal-based and ring-based redox processes which have reversible and diffusion controlled character.     

Base‐Free Non‐Noble‐Metal‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid: Scope and Mechanistic Insights

The iron‐catalyzed dehydrogenation of formic acid has been studied both experimentally and mechanistically. The most active catalysts were generated in situ from cationic Fe^II/Fe^III precursors and tris[2‐(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phosphine ( 1 , PP₃). In contrast to most known noble‐metal catalysts used for this transformation, no additional base was necessary. The activity of the iron catalyst depended highly on the solvent used, the presence of halide ions, the water content, and the ligand‐to‐metal ratio. The optimal catalytic performance was achieved by using [FeH(PP₃)]BF₄/PP₃ in propylene carbonate in the presence of traces of water. With the exception of fluoride, the presence of halide ions in solution inhibited the catalytic activity. IR, Raman, UV/Vis, and EXAFS/XANES analyses gave detailed insights into the mechanism of hydrogen generation from formic acid at low temperature, supported by DFT calculations. In situ transmission FTIR measurements revealed the formation of an active iron formate species by the band observed at 1543 cm^?1, which could be correlated with the evolution of gas. This active species was deactivated in the presence of chloride ions due to the formation of a chloro species (UV/Vis, Raman, IR, and XAS). In addition, XAS measurements demonstrated the importance of the solvent for the coordination of the PP₃ ligand.     

The Quest for Molecular Grippers: Photo-Electric Control of Molecular Gripping Machinery

The quest for nanoscale molecular machines has inspired the search for their close relatives, molecular grippers. This path was paved by the development of resorcin[4]arene cavitands and their quinone-based redox-active congeners. In this Concept article, the efforts to design and establish the control of quinone-functionalized resorcin[4]arenes by electronic and electromagnetic stimuli is described. This was achieved by relying on paramagnetic semiquinone radical anions formed electrochemically or by photoredox catalysis. The gripper-like motion of such species could not be studied by conventional NMR spectroscopy. Instead, an entirely different approach had to be developed that included various electroanalytical and spectroelectrochemical methods, including UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, pulsed EPR and Davies ¹H ENDOR spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, and time-resolved luminescence measurements, besides density functional theory calculations and X-ray crystallography. The conceptual breakthroughs are reviewed as well as the current state and future perspectives of photoredox-switchable molecular grippers.     

Preparation of Vinyl Arenes by Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aryl Halides with Vinyl Bromides

This work emphasizes the synthesis of substituted vinyl arenes by reductive coupling of aryl halides with vinyl bromides under mild and easy‐to‐operate nickel‐catalyzed reaction conditions. A broad range of aryl halides, including heteroaromatics, and vinyl bromides were employed to yielding products in moderate to excellent yields with high functional‐group tolerance. The nickel‐catalytic system displays good chemoselectivity between the two C(sp²)‐halide coupling partners, thus demonstrating a mechanistic pathway distinct from other stepwise protocols.     

Spectroscopic investigation of heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts: Ti and Mg chloride tetrahydrofuranates, their interaction compound, and the role of the activator

X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Infrared, Raman, and UV/Vis spectroscopy have been used to investigate the structural, vibrational, and optical properties of Ti and Mg chloride tetrahydrofuranates as precursors of heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts for polyethylene production; as well as their interaction compound (pro-catalyst) and the final catalyst obtained after interaction with the AlR(3) activator. Although the structure of the precursors and of the pro-catalyst were well known, that of the catalyst (obtained by reaction of the pro-catalyst with AlR(3)) was not easily obtainable from XRPD data. IR and Raman spectroscopy provided important information on tetrahydrofuran (thf) coordination and on the ν(M-Cl) region; whereas UV/Vis spectroscopy gave the direct proof on both the formal oxidation state and the coordination environment of the active Ti sites. Those presented herein are among the first direct experimental data on the structure of the active Ti sites in Ziegler-Natta catalysts, and can be used to validate the many computational studies that have been increasing exponentially in the last few decades.     

Flavylium Network of Chemical Reactions in Confined Media: Modulation of 3′,4′,7‐Trihydroxyflavilium Reactions by Host–Guest Interactions with Cucurbit[7]uril

In moderately acidic aqueous solutions, flavylium compounds undergo a pH‐, and in some cases, light‐dependent array of reversible chemical reactions. This network can be described as a single acid–base reaction involving a flavylium cation (acidic form) and a mixture of basic forms (quinoidal base, hemiketal and cis and trans chalcones). The apparent pK′_a of the system and the relative mole fractions of the basic forms can be modulated by the interaction with cucurbit[7]uril. The system is studied by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, flash photolysis, and steady‐state irradiation. Of all the network species, the flavylium cation possesses the highest affinity for cucurbit[7]uril. The rate of interconversion between flavylium cation and the basic species (where trans‐chalcone is dominant) is approximately nine times lower inside the cucurbit[7]uril.     

Synthesis of redox-active, intramolecular charge-transfer chromophores by the [2+2] cycloaddition of ethynylated 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones with tetracyanoethylene

Ethynylated 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-ones 5-15 have been prepared by Pd-catalyzed alkynylation of 3-iodo-5-isopropyl-2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one (2) with the corresponding ethynylarenes or the reaction of 2-iodothiophene with 3-ethynyl-5-isopropyl-2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one (4) under Sonogashira-Hagihara conditions. Compounds 5-15 reacted with tetracyanoethylene in a formal [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, followed by ring opening of the initially formed [2+2] cycloadducts, cyclobutenes, to afford the corresponding 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobutadienyl (TCBD) chromophores 16-26 in excellent yields. The intramolecular charge-transfer interactions between the 2H-cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one ring and TCBD acceptor moiety were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The redox behavior of the novel TCBD derivatives 16-26 was examined by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, which revealed multistep electrochemical reduction properties, depending on the number of TCBD units in the molecule. Moreover, a significant color change was observed by UV/Vis spectroscopy under electrochemical reduction conditions.     

One‐Electron Reduction of Acenaphthene‐1,2‐Diimine Nickel(II) Complexes

New nickel‐based complexes of 1,2‐bis[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (dpp‐bian) with BF₄^? counterion or halide co‐ligands were synthesized in THF and MeCN. The nickel(I) complexes were obtained by using two approaches: 1) electrochemical reduction of the corresponding nickel(II) precursors; and 2) a chemical comproportionation reaction. The structural features and redox properties of these complexes were investigated by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The influence of temperature and solvent on the structure of the nickel(I) complexes was studied in detail, and an uncommon reversible solvent‐induced monomer/dimer transformation was observed. In the case of the fluoride complex, the unpaired electron was found to be localized on the dpp‐bian ligand, whereas all of the other nickel complexes contained neutral dpp‐bian moieties.     

Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of the One‐Electron Reduction of Nonplanar Nickel(II) Porphyrins

The electrochemical reduction of a series of nickel porphyrins with an increasing number of substituents was investigated in acetonitrile. A one‐electron reduction of [5,15‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)porphyrinato]nickel(II) leads to π‐anion radicals and to efficient formation of phlorin anions, presumably by disproportionation and subsequent protonation of the doubly reduced species. The phlorin anion was identified by using cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis and resonance Raman spectroelectrochemistry, complemented by quantum‐chemical calculations to assign the spectral signatures. The theoretical analysis of the potential‐energy landscape of the singly reduced species suggests a thermally activated intersystem crossing that populates the quartet state and thus lowers the energy barrier towards disproportionation channels. Structure–reactivity correlations are investigated by considering different substitution patterns of the investigated nickel(II) porphyrin cores, that is, for the porphyrin with additional β‐aryl ([5,15‐bis(1‐ethylpropyl)‐2,8,12,18‐tetra(p‐tolyl)porphyrinato]nickel(II)) and meso‐alkyl substitution ([5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐ethylpropyl)porphyrinato]nickel(II)), no phlorin anion formation was observed under electrochemical conditions. This observation is correlated either to kinetic inhibition of the disproportionation reaction or to lower reactivity of the subsequently formed doubly reduced species towards protonation.     

Ion‐Pair Recognition by a Heteroditopic Triazole‐Containing Receptor

A new heteroditopic calix[4]diquinone triazole containing receptor capable of recognising both cations and anions through Lewis base and C? H hydrogen‐bonding modes, respectively, of the triazole motif has been prepared. This ion‐pair receptor cooperatively binds halide/monovalent‐cation combinations in an aqueous mixture, with selectivity trends being established by ¹H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Cation binding by the calix[4]diquinone oxygen and triazole nitrogen donors enhances the strength of the halide complexation at the isophthalamide recognition site of the receptor. Conversely, anions bound in the receptor’s isophthalamide cavity enhance cation recognition. ¹H NMR investigations in solution suggest that the receptor’s triazole motifs are capable of coordinating simultaneously to both cation and anion guest species. Solid‐state X‐ray crystallographic structural analysis of a variety of receptor ion‐pair adducts further demonstrates the dual cation–anion binding role of the triazole group.     

Reactions of methyl and ethyl halides with the complexes Ni[P(C2H5)3]4 and Ni(X)[P(C2H5)3]3

The rates of the thermal reaction of the nickel(0) complex Ni[P(C₂H₅)₃]₄ with the alkyl halides CH₃Br, CH₃I in toluene have been compared with those of the reactions of the nickel(I) complexes Ni(X)[P(C₂H₅)₃]₃ (X  Br,I). The organic products from CH₃X are methane and ethane, and those from C₂H₅I are ethane and ethylene. The reactivity of the nickel(I) complexes is 10–20 times less than that of the nickel(0) complex. The result suggest that the first step of the reaction of nickel(0) with CH₃I is the expected oxidative addition of the halide to the metal substrate. The intermediate thus formed decomposes to produce ethane (and small amounts of methane) without further reaction with the organic halide. This mechanism is supported by deuterium-labeling experiments.     

Facile and Efficient Fabrication of Photoresponsive Microgels via Thiol–Michael Addition

A photoresponsive microgel is designed by the combination of a noncovalent assembly strategy with a covalent cross‐linking method. End‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) with azobenzene [(PEG‐(Azo)₂)] was mixed with acrylate‐modified β‐CD (β‐CD‐MAA) to form photoresponsive inclusion complex through host–guest interaction. The above photoresponsive complex was cross‐linked by thiol‐functionalized PEG (PEG‐dithiol) via Michael addition click reaction. The photoreversibility of resulted microgel was studied by TEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and ¹H NMR measurements. The characterization results indicated that the reversible size changes of the microgel could be achieved by alternative UV–Vis irradiations with good repeatability.     

Synthesis and characterization of NiO nanoclusters via thermal decomposition

Thermal decomposition process has been developed to synthesize nickel oxide (NiO) nanoclusters via the reaction between a new precursor, nickel oxalate [Ni(O₄C₂)(H₂O)₄] and oleylamine (C₁₈H₃₇N). The combination of triphenylphosphine (C₁₈H₁₅P) and C₁₈H₃₇N were added as surfactants to control the particle size. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The synthesized NiO nanoclusters have a cubic structure with average size 2–10 nm.     

Study on the Interaction of Colloidal Gold with Taq DNA Polymerase

The interaction of colloidal gold with Taq DNA polymerase （Taq） was investigated in this study. Taq-gold conjugate was formed by adding the enzyme to the colloidal gold solution, as evidenced by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photon cross correlation spectroscopy measurements. The conjugate was further characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the Taq-gold conjugate particles were still spherical and well-dispersed. The influence of gold nanoparticles on the bioactivity of Taq was studied by analyzing the yield of the polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results indicated that the enzymatic activity of Taq decreased after interaction with the colloidal gold.     

Characterisation of zeolitic materials with a HEU-type structure modified by transition metal elements: definition of acid sites in nickel-loaded crystals in the light of experimental and quantum-chemical results

Nickel-loaded HEU-type zeolite crystals have been obtained by well-known synthetic procedures and characterised by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning-electron microscopy/ energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), FT-IR, diffuse reflectance UV/ Vis spectroscopy (DR(UV/Vis)S) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements as non-homoionic and non-stoichiometric substances containing exchangeable hydrated Ni2+ ions in the micropores and nickel hydroxide phases supported on the surface. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential gravimetry (TGA/DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) demonstrated that full dehydration below approximately 400 degrees C follows a clearly endothermic process, whereas at higher temperatures the zeolite is amorphised and finally partially recrystallised to Ni(Al,Si) oxides, detected by powder X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The solid acidity of NiHEU, initially determined by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of ammonia to be 8.93 mgg(-1) NH3, is attributed to the weak acid sites (fundamentally Lewis sites) resolved at approximately 183 degrees C, and to the strong acid sites (essentially Br?nsted sites) resolved at approximately 461 degrees C in the TPD pattern. A more sophisticated study based on in situ/ex situ FT-IR with in situ/ex situ 27Al MAS NMR and pyridine (Py) as a probe molecule, revealed that the Lewis acid sites can be attributed primarily to Ni2+ ions, whereas the Br?nsted ones can probably be associated with the surface-supported nickel hydroxide phases. The spectroscopic measurements in conjunction with powder XRD and 29Si MAS NMR data strongly suggest that distorted Al tetrahedra are formed during the dehydration process and Py chemisorption/complexation (NiHEU-Py), whereas the crystal structure is remarkably well preserved in the rehydrated material (NiHEU-Py/R). The structural, electronic, energetic and spectroscopic properties of all possible nickel(II) aqua and dihydroxy complexes absorbed in the zeolite micropores or supported on the zeolite surface were studied theoretically by density functional theory (DFT). The computed proton affinity, found to be in the range 182.0-210.0 kcalmol(-1), increases with increasing coordination number of the aqua and dihydroxy nickel(II) complexes.