Effective receptors for fluoride and acetate ions: synthesis and binding study of pyrrole- and cystine-based cyclopeptido-mimetics

Two conformationally constrained pseudo-cyclopeptides (1, 2) consisting of pyrrole-, pyridine-, and cystine-moieties were designed and synthesized as neutral receptors for anionic guests. The anion recognition abilities of these two receptors were examined photometrically in acetonitrile solution. The UV-vis study revealed that the [1+1] receptor (1) formed 1:1 complexes with anions, whereas the [2+2] receptor (2) led to 1:2 mode binding with anions. Both receptors displayed good affinity and selectivity for fluoride and acetate ions.     

Triphenylamine-based simple chemosensor for selective fluorometric detection of fluoride, acetate and dihydrogenphosphate ions in different solvents

Triphenylamine-based new chemosensors 1 and 2 have been designed and synthesized for fluorometric detection of anions. The urea-amide conjugates in 1 and 2 are involved in binding of anions via hydrogen bonding. UV?Cvis and fluorescence titration experiments revealed that the sensor 1 has the selectivity for acetate (AcO^?), dihydrogenphosphate (H₂PO₄ ^?) and fluoride (F^?) over the other anions examined in the present study, in CHCl₃. In comparison, receptor 2 is non responsive for the same anions under similar conditions. In more polar solvent CH₃CN containing 0.1% DMSO, the receptor 1 shows a greater selectivity towards fluoride. The color of the solution of 1 is changed from colorless to light yellow and finally to yellowish brown only in the presence of fluoride in CH₃CN containing 10% DMSO. In pure DMSO and CH₃CN solvents, almost colorless solution of 1 is transformed into blood red and reddish brown in the presence of 30 equivalent amounts of F^?, respectively.     

A colorimetric sensor for the recognition of biologically important anions

A colorimetric anion sensor 1 based on 3-phthaloyl-N-4-nitrophenylhydrozone was synthesized and characterized. The binding ability evaluated by UV?Cvis experiment reveals that 1 can selectively recognize fluoride. Further insights into the nature of interactions between sensor 1 and anions were investigated by H NMR titrations experiments. In addition, the color changes induced by fluoride can provide a way of detection by ??naked-eye??.     

Diphenylmethane-based anion receptors bearing bis(p-toluenesulfonyl urea) groups

Diphenylmethane-based receptors (1) bearing urea units were prepared for anion recognition. Analogous anion receptors based on biphenyl (2), diphenylsulfide (3), cyclophane (4) and phenyl (5) were also synthesized as control compounds. Their anion recognition ability was evaluated by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy in CDCl₃ at 297 K. The association constants for the complexation between receptors and anions are strongly dependent on the framework of the receptors and the urea moiety substituent. The much stronger binding of a chloride anion by the diphenylmethane-based receptor (1a) having two p-toluenesulfonyl urea groups was observed. It is rationalized by the stronger hydrogen bond donor strength of the p-toluenesulfonyl urea group and the moderate flexibility of the diphenylmethane framework and is explained in terms of the complex geometry.     

Anion binding properties of indolylmethanes

The anion binding properties of the indolylmethanes (1) were investigated by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy in CDCl₃. Tris(3-methylindol-2-yl)methane (1a) selectively bound a chloride anion the over other tested anions (Br^?, I^?, HSO ₄ ^? , and NO ₃ ^? ). In contrast, analogous compounds, phenyl bis(3-methylindol-2-yl)methane (1b), 2-hydroxyphenyl bis(3-methylindol-2-yl)methane (1c), tri(indol-3-yl)methane (1d), and phenyl di(indol-2-yl)methane (1e), showed a low anion binding ability and selectivity. These results indicate that the number and a position of the binding sites (indole NH protons) of the indolylmethanes are important factors for the formation of the complex with an anion. The high binding ability and selectivity of 1a toward a chloride anion is attributed to the proper size of the binding pocket for a chloride anion and the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds between the three indole NH protons and a chloride anion. The anion affinity of 1a was significantly affected by the cation component of quaternary ammonium salts, indicating that it is ion pair binding and not solely anion binding.     

Anion Binding Properties of N-Confused Porphyrins at the Peripheral Nitrogen

Ni(II), Pd(II), and Cu(II) complexes of N-confused porphyrin (NCP) exhibit anion binding properties through a hydrogen bonding interaction at the peripheral NH of confused pyrrole ring. The binding constants of the tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)-NCP metal complexes (1-M, M= Ni, Pd, Cu) for various halide anions in CH₂C1₂ increase in the order of F^? > Cl^? > Br^? > I^?, respectively. Zwitterionic resonance form of the NCP complexes as well as interactions between halide anions and a pentafluorophenyl group are suggested to be important for efficient anion binding.     

Reactions of strong bases with vinyl fluoride formation and characterization of 1-fluorovinyl anion and the fluoride-acetylene hydrogen-bonded complex

Vinyl fluoride reacts with strong bases to afford I-fluorovinyl anion (1a) and a fluoride-acetylene cluster (1b). The former ion can be prepared independently, and cleanly, by the fluorodesilylation of 1-(trimethylsilyl) fluoroethylene. Reactions of 1a are reported, and its proton affinity is assigned (387 ± 3 kcal mol^?1). Vinyl fluoride is 22 kcal mol^?1 more acidic than ethylene. This unusually large substituent effect is reproduced by ab initio calculations, and can be accounted for by geometric changes which minimize the electron-electron repulsion in 1a. Computations on 2-fluorovinyl anions (1c and 1d) have also been carried out, and both ions are only slightly less stable than 1a. The cis isomer (1c) has a larger barrier for fluoride elimination and is a reasonable target for preparation.     

Biaryl-based anion receptors bearing thiourea groups: fluoride anion receptor

The synthesis, characterization and binding studies with anions for biaryl-based anion receptors bearing thiourea groups have been described. The results revealed that receptors (1 and 2) showed good selectivity and binding affinity for F^?, and among them binaphthyl-based receptor (1a) showed the best binding affinity for F^? in comparison to other tested anions (Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, $ {\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } ,\;{\text{HSO}}_{4}^{ - } , $ AcO^? and $ {\text{H}}_{2} {\text{PO}}_{4}^{ - } $ ). This is probably due to the fact that the moderate rigidity of binaphthyl skeleton in 1a is able to provide the better geometry of two thiourea groups for incorporating F^? into the binding pocket. The higher basicity of F^? also participated in this selectivity.     

A novel colorimetric and fluorometric anion sensor based on BODIPY-calix[4]pyrrole conjugate

A novel fluorescent anion sensor 1 based on boradiazaindacenes (BODIPY) derivative was synthesized and its absorption and fluorescence properties were investigated in various solvents. 1 exhibited a red shift of absorption spectrum and fluorescence quenching in varying degree in the presence of F^?, AcO^?, H₂PO₄ ^? and Cl^? due to multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between these anions and calix[4]pyrrole receptor. As an anion sensor in the visible region, 1 displayed the similar selectivity and sensitivity toward anions compared to the parent calix[4]pyrrole. However, 1 can be used as an effective dual responsive optical sensor for F^? via chromogenical and fluorogenical signals.     

Study on the selectivity of anion receptors by adjusting the distance of two urea fragments and their analytical application

Three anion receptors based on urea: 1 N, N??-bis-(p-nitrophenylaminocarbonyl)-Hydrazine, 2 N, N??-bis-(p-nitrophenylaminocar-bonyl)-ethylenediamine and 3 N, N??-bis-(p-nitrophenylaminocarbonyl)-1, 3-propane-diamine are designed and synthesized. Studies of UV?Cvis spectra presented that 1 was an excellent sensor of F^? and 2 was sensitive to H₂PO₄ ^?. Unfortunately, 3 can not distinguish the anions investigated in this paper. The color changes of the hosts upon the addition of a variety of structurally different anions were also utilized as naked-eye detection which is very convenient. It also revealed significantly that the distance between two recognition sites of receptor had an immediate effect on the selectivity of receptor for anions, which had been confirmed by the ¹H NMR titration and IR.     

Anion recognition by a novel Fipronil-based receptor: efficient deprotonation or stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding

Strong electron-deficient heterocycles of acetyl Fipronil (F3) was designed and synthesized, its ability for anion recognition was investigated by UV and NMR analyses. This novel Fipronil-based receptor F3 shows strong binding affinity with acetate (?10⁷ M⁻¹), phosphate or fluoride ion through efficient deprotonation. In addition, its interaction with chloride anion or other weak base anions through stable intermolecular H-bonding was also reported.     

A hybrid macrocycle containing benzene and pyridine subunits is a better anion receptor than both its homoaromatic congeners

The hybrid tetraamide receptor 3 containing both 2,5-diamidopyridine and 1,3-diamidobenzene anion binding units has been synthesized. NOESY spectroscopy revealed that the new receptor is well preorganized for anion complexation, presumably owing to the macrocyclic topology and the rigidity of the 2,5-diamidopyridine unit. Association constants of 3 with several anions are higher than those determined earlier for its homoaromatic congeners 1 and 2. X-ray crystallographic analysis of the chloride complex of hybrid macrocycle 3 enabled direct comparison of structural aspects of anion recognition by the 2,5-diamidopyridine and 1,3-diamidobenzene moieties.     

Synthesis of the anionic fluororeceptors based on thiourea and amide groups and recognition property for α,ω-dicarboxylate

Three new neutral receptors (1, 2 and 3) containing thiourea and amide groups were synthesized by simple steps in good yields. The binding properties for anions of 1, 2 and 3 were examined by UV-vis, fluorescence, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Receptors 1, 2 and 3 all had a better adipate anion selectivity by comparison with other dicarboxylate anions. The association constants of 1, 2 and 3 with adipate were higher as compared to other anions (malonate, succinate, glutarate). In particular, a distinct color change was observed from light yellow to orange-red upon addition of adipate to the solution of 1 in DMSO. The UV-vis and fluorescence data indicate that a 1:1 stoichiometry complex is formed between compound 1, 2 or 3 and dicarboxylate anions through hydrogen bonding interactions.     

Ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric sensing of anion utilizing simple Schiff base derivatives

Two ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric anion sensors were designed and synthesized according to simple Schiff base reaction. Two compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by ESI–MS, elemental analyses and ¹H NMR. The sensors could give fast and visible color changes from yellow to red upon presence of the strong basic anions such as acetate ion. In particular, two compounds exhibited marked blue shifts (about 136 nm) in their emission spectra, when interacting with anions. Accordingly, the compounds 1 and 2 could act as real-time ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric sensors for anions.     

Study on the synthesis and molecular recognition of new receptors for selective complexation of carboxylic acids

A new synthetic method based on the synthesis of unsymmetrical thioureas followed by double S-alkylation reaction by xylylene dibromides was used to obtain isothiouronium receptors. Their binding abilities to acetate, succinate and maleate anions were evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopic titrations in such solvents as water, acetonitrile, methanol and mixtures of acetonitrile/methanol (1:1, v/v). For simple receptor 4 with one isothiouronium group, no selectivity was observed in the complexation of the anions studied. Receptors (R) 5a-c with two thiouronium groups are able to form with all the anions studied (A) not only stable complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry but also other possessing structure of the type A_nR_m. The most reliable values of stability constants are for systems of the type maleate anion-receptor 5 and acetate-receptor 5b. However, the best selectivity in the mixed solvents is demonstrated by anion-5c system. The study indicates also that particularly 5c is preferred as a chemosensor for the maleate anion. The obtained results suggest that subtle changes in the receptor structure lead to different binding modes towards anions.     

Synthesis and characterization of bispentafluorophenyl carbohydrazone/thiocarbohydrazone: selective recognition of F ions

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of bispentafluorophenylcarbohydrazone 1, corresponding thiocarbohydrazone 2 and its potassium salt 3. Compounds 1 and 2 show efficient intermolecular interactions with fluoride anions. However, compound 2 among various anions, binds F⁻ selectively with a large binding constant (3.09 × 10⁶). This interaction is visible to naked eye. Theoretical calculations (DFT and TD DFT) also support these experimental results.     

Convenient synthesis and anion recognition properties of N-flurobenzoyl-N′-phenylthioureas in water-containing media

Novel artificial anionic receptors N-flurobenzoyl-N′-phenylthioureas were synthesized by simple steps in good yields. The binding properties for anions of these N-flurobenzoyl-N′-phenylthioureas and 2N-benzoyl-N′-phenyl thiourea were examined by UV-vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. By fluorination of the benzoyl chromophore, the receptors had higher binding affinity for tested anions than the receptor 2. Especially, we studied the anion binding efficiency of the receptors 1N-(3-flurobenzoyl)-N′-phenylthiourea and 2 in dimethyl and dimethyl sulfoxide-water binary solutions in detail respectively. In pure dimethyl sulfoxide, the receptors 1 and 2 had higher binding affinity for F⁻ over AcO⁻. However, as the ratio of water to dimethyl sulfoxide increases, we found the binding properties for tested anions of 1 and 2 changed in dimethyl sulfoxide-water binary solutions. The receptor 1 showed high binding affinity and selective ability for AcO⁻ in dimethyl sulfoxide containing water with varied ratios.     

Thiazole-based chemosensor II: synthesis and fluorescence sensing of fluoride ions based on inhibition of ESIPT

Novel chemosensors based on 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenylthiazole were synthesized and their anion sensing behaviors were investigated. Sensors 1 and 2 show fluoride ion selective behaviors related to their absorption and emission spectra amongst F^?, CH₃CO₂ ^?, H₂PO₄ ^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, ClO₄ ^?, NO₃ ^?, and HSO₄ ^? anions. Sensor 2 shows color change upon interaction with F^?. Interactions of 1, 2 and 3 with F^? cause a red-shift in UV–vis absorption and a large Stokes shift in fluorescence emission due to the inhibition of ESIPT induced by the deprotonation of phenolic proton by F^?.     

Development of colorimetric receptors for selective discrimination between isomeric dicarboxylate anions

Three new chromogenic receptors (1, 2, and 3) containing p-nitrophenyl or p-nitronaphthyl group appended to the thiourea units or containing p-nitrophenyl group appended to the urea moiety were synthesized and characterized. Upon addition of a series of isomeric dicarboxylate anions to receptor 1 in DMSO/H₂O (80:20 v/v), the appearance of the solution of receptor 1 with maleate or phthalate showed color changes from blue to green or blue to dark-green, respectively, which those can be detected by naked eye at parts per million. Similar experiments were repeated using 2, the solution showed a distinct color change from blue to pink only when 2 is formed as a complex with maleate. Whereas, the addition of the same isomeric dicarboxylate anions to receptor 3, did not induce any color change. Thus, for unique color change, both receptors 1 and 2 can act as optical chemosensors for recognition of maleate versus fumarate. In addition, the receptor 1 can also be a colorimetric receptor for selective discrimination between aromatic isomeric dicarboxylate anions.