Different geometrical arrangements in carboxylate coordination polymers of flexible dicarboxylic acid

Dicarboxylate coordination polymers (1-5) of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II), respectively, derived from (7-carboxymethoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)-acetic acid (L₁H₂) are synthesized and characterized. Depending on the coordination sites around the metal centers and coordination mode of the ligand, dimensionality of these polymers varies. The dicarboxylates adopt three spatial orientations: in-plane linear coordination, out-of-plane cis coordination and out-of-plane trans coordination mode. Both the cis and trans out-of-plane coordination modes are found to exist only if the ancillary ligand pyridine is coordinated to the metal ion. When the aquoligand coordinates the in-plane linear coordination mode of L₁ predominates. The coordination polymers 4 and 5 show photoluminescence in solution. The dicarboxylate of (5-carboxymethoxy-naphthalen-1-yloxy)-acetic acid (L₂H₂) does not form coordination polymer under ambient conditions, but prefers to remain as uncoordinated anion providing hydrophobic confinement to hexa-aquometal(II) cation. Compound 3 crystallizes in P2₁ space group and it shows broadband ultra-violet fluorescence centered at 352.9 nm on focusing 632.8 nm He:Ne laser.     

Two-photon absorption chromophores with a tunable [2,2′]bithiophene core

Sonogashira coupling between 3,5,3′,5′-tetrabromo-[2,2′]bithiophene and various terminal alkynes provides two-photon absorption (TPA) chromophores 1-6, which possess electron donor (D) and/or acceptor (A) alkynyl substituents at 3(3′) and 5(5′) sites of the bithiophene core. The up-converted fluorescence emission excited at 800 nm (Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser, ∼100 fs pulses) was used to determine the two-photon absorption cross-sections (σ) of these compounds. The corresponding TPA cross-section (σ) values ranging from 132 to 1120 GM (10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴ s photon⁻¹) can be fine-tuned by the substitutents. The quadrupolar-type (A-π-D-π-A) chromophore 5 exhibits the largest σ value (1120 GM) in CH₂Cl₂ upon 800 nm excitation.     

A ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter for Cu(II) in water with high selectivity and sensitivity

Coumarin derivative 1 was synthesized as an efficient ratiometric chemodosimeter for the detection of Cu(II) in 99% water/DMSO (v/v) at pH 7.0. Mechanism studies suggested that 1 formed a complex with Cu(II) at 2:1 ratio accompanied by quenching of green fluorescence at 524 nm; when the solution was heated to 50 °C for 30 min, Cu(II)-promoted hydrolysis of coumarin lactone moiety of 1 occurred with bright blue fluorescence at 451 nm emerged. With fluorescence intensity ratio detection at 451 nm and 524 nm, 1 features an excellent sensitivity with the detection limit of 15 nmol L⁻¹ toward Cu(II) and a good selectivity over other metal ions.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of two Zn(II) Schiff’s base complexes of pyridoxal

Two mononuclear zinc(II) complexes, [ZnL¹H₂Cl]Cl·2H₂O (1·Cl·2H₂O) and [ZnL²HCl]·H₂O (2·H₂O) (L¹H₂ and L²H₂ are N,N′-bis(pyridoxylidene)ethylenediamine and N,N′-bis(pyridoxylidene)1,3-propanediamine, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, fluorescence spectroscopy, TG–DTA and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The Zn(II) ion in complex 1 have a square pyramidal geometry with appreciable distortion towards trigonal bipyramid, whereas in 2 it has a geometry which is near the midpoint of square pyramid and trigonal bipyramid. The zinc atom is coordinated by two imine nitrogens, two phenolic oxygens and one chloride ion. The Zn(II) complexes show emission at 462 nm when excited at their lowest energy absorption at 372 nm.     

Self-assembly of a tridentate Schiff-base ligand with Zn(II) in the presence of lanthanides: Novel crystal structures and spectroscopic properties

Condensation of picolinaldehyde with methyl 4-amino-3-hydroxy-benzoate resulted in the acquisition of a tridentate Schiff-base ligand (HL) which contains a structural moiety typical of octahedrally cored grid-type analogs. Reactions of HL with Zn(NO₃)₂ in the presence of Ln(NO₃)₃ [Ln = Sm(III), Tb(III) and Yb(III)] result in two types of complexes, viz. [Zn(HL)(L)]₂[Ln(NO₃)₅] [Sm(III), 1a and Tb(III), 1b] and [Zn(HL)L]₂[Yb(NO₃)₅]·C₃H₆O (1c). Despite applying two different synthetic protocols, the transition metal ion displayed a greater propensity towards the meridional tridentate pocket, which is reflected by XRD analysis, the ESI-MS technique and further supported by elemental analysis and IR characterization of each compound. In addition, we have compared the luminescence properties of 1a, 1b and 1c with the previously synthesized [Zn(HL)(L)]₂[Zn(NO₃)₄] (1d) to investigate whether a different metal in the outer coordination sphere could somehow tune the compounds’ spectral behavior.     

Highly selective fluorescent chemosensors for cadmium in water

The design, synthesis and photophysical evaluation of two new chemosensors 1 and 2 is described for the selective detection of Cd(II) in water at pH 7.4. Both are based on the use of aromatic iminodiacetate receptors that connected to an anthracene fluorophore by covalent methyl spacers. These are highly water-soluble sensors where the fluorescence is ‘switched off’ between pH 3-11, due to photoinduced electron transfer (PET) quenching of the anthracene excited state by the receptor. Upon protonation of the receptor, the emission was however, ‘switched on’. From these changes pK_as of 1.8 and 2.5 were determined for 1 and 2 respectively. Both showed good selectivity for Cd(II) over competitive ions such as group II and Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II). For 1, having a single receptor, only a weak monomer anthracene emission was observed for the free sensor at pH 7.4 (HEPES buffer, 135 mM NaCl). Upon Zn(II) titration, a broad red shifted emission occurred, centred at 468 nm. In the presence of Cd(II), a similar red shifted emission was also observed, however, this time centred at 506 nm. In contrast to these results, the fluorescence of 2 in the presence of Zn(II) gave rise to typical monomeric anthracene emission, due to suppression of PET, that is, the anthracene emission was ‘switched on’. Nevertheless, in the presence of Cd(II) a broad emission centred at 500 nm was observed, similar to that seen for 1. These ion induced long wavelength emission bands were assigned to the formation of charge-transfer complexes (exciplexes) between the anthracene moieties and the ion-receptor complexes. Importantly, for both 1 and 2, a selective detection of Cd(II) was possible, even in the presence of Zn(II).     

Bifunctional fluorescent thiacalix[4]arene based chemosensor for Cu and F ions

A new thiacalix[4]arene based fluorescent sensor bearing two dansyl groups has been synthesized in cone conformation. In CH₃CN:CH₂Cl₂ (1:1), the presence of Cu (II) induces the formation of a 1:1 metal:ligand complex, which exhibits increasing emission at 433 nm at the expense of the fluorescent emission of 1 centered at 504 nm. The detection limit of the sensor for Cu²⁺ is 2×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. For anion sensing, 1 shows a high selectivity for fluoride ions over other anions tested.     

Synthesis,structure and properties of [ML(NO3)2]: M = Co,Ni, Cu; L = N-(2-pyridylethyl)pyridine-2-carbaldimine

Syntheses of complexes of the type [ML(NO₃)₂], where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II), L = N-(2-pyridylethyl)pyridine-2-carbaldimine, a tridentate ligand, are described. They were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral, magnetic, thermal studies, and X-ray crystallography. In the cobalt (1), nickel (2), and copper (3) complexes, the bivalent metal ion is coordinated by the three nitrogen atoms of the tridentate L with two pyridine-N groups occupying trans positions. Amongst the two nitrates one coordinates in a bidentate fashion while the other adopts a monodentate fashion. The X-band EPR spectra of 1, 2, and 3 in the polycrystalline state and in acetonitrile solution at 77 K are reported. Room temperature vibrating sample magnetometer data of 1, 2, and 3 afforded μ_eff values respectively of 3.928, 3.897, and 1.952 BM. The thermal stability order is 1 > 2 > 3, showing a reverse Irving-Williams trend.     

A “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor for zinc ion with facile synthesis and application in live cell imaging

Compound 1 was facilely synthesized through a one step reaction from commercially available materials. As a sensitive and selective “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(II), 1 exhibits a 40-fold fluorescence enhancement response to Zn(II) over other physiological relevant metal ions in aqueous solution at neutral pH. Furthermore, 1 could be efficiently delivered to live cells for bioimaging of Zn(II).     

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescein-based chemodosimeter for Hg2+ ions in aqueous media

A new fluorescein-based chemodosimeter (II) for Hg²⁺ ion was designed and synthesized, and it displayed excellent selective and sensitive toward Hg²⁺ ion over other commonly metal ions in aqueous media. II was a colorless, non-fluorescent compound. Upon addition of Hg²⁺ to the solution of II, the thiosemicarbazide moiety of II would undergo an irreversible desulfurization reaction to form its corresponding oxadiazole (IV), a colorful and fluorescent product. During this process, the spirocyclic ring of II was opened, causing instantaneous development of visible color and strong fluorescence emission in the range of 500-600 nm. Based on the above mechanism, a fluorogenic Hg²⁺-selective chemodosimeter was developed. The fluorescence increase is linearly with Hg²⁺ concentration up to 1.0 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 8.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ (3σ). Compared with the rhodamine-type chemodosimeter, II is more stable in aqueous media and exhibits higher sensitivity toward Hg²⁺. The findings suggest that II will serve as a practical chemodosimeter for rapid detection of Hg²⁺ concentrations in realistic media.     

Self assembly of two novel three-dimensional supramolecular networks with blue photoluminescence

Two novel photoluminescent coordination polymers of the formula [Cd(Haip)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O (1) and [Zn(aip)(atz)] · 3H₂O (2) (H₂aip = 5-aminoisophthalic acid; atz = 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) have been synthesized through the self-assembly of metal(II) ions with H₂aip and N-containing ligands [2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole for 1 and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole for 2, respectively] in the presence of NaOH. These complexes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), elemental analysis and X-ray analysis. X-ray crystallographic studies of the complexes reveal that 1 is a first example where only one carboxylate group of the H₂aip ligand participates in coordination with the metal(II) ion and it exhibits a two-dimensional framework which further assembles into a three-dimensional supramolecular network via interlayer π–π stacking interactions and strong hydrogen bonds, while 2 exhibits a two-dimensional porous architecture. The extensively strong hydrogen bonds and interlayer π–π stacking interactions in 2 lead to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Photoluminescence properties of the compounds 1 and 2 have been examined in the solid state at room temperature. These compounds have been found to exhibit blue photoluminescence and may be good candidates for photoactive materials.     

Sensing of Fe(III) ion via turn-on fluorescence by fluorescence probes derived from 1-naphthylamine

Fluorescence probes NA1 and NA2 derived from 1-naphthylamine (NA) as fluorophore have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic studies. Identification behaviour of these probes towards various metal ions has been investigated. Both the fluorescent probes are selective as well as sensitive towards Fe(III) ion. Novel fluorescence probe NA2 afforded turn-on fluorescence behaviour for Fe(III) ion over other metal ions such as Ca(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Hg(II).     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of Zn complex based on 8-hydroxyquinoline group containing 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzene unit with unique crystal structure

The use of a novel 2-substituted-8-hydroxyquinoline ligand (E)-2-{2-[3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethenyl}-8-hydroxyquinoline(4, BFHQ) characterized by EIMS, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy enabled the isolation of a trimeric Zn(II) complex with the formula Zn₃(BFHQ)₆ (5, Scheme 1). X-ray structural analysis shows that 5 exhibits a trinuclear core, which is bridged by four 8-hydroxyquinoline rings. The trinuclear core is surrounded by three pairs of BFHQ ligands with offset π-π stacking, showing propeller-like molecular structure. The aggregation behavior of Zn(AcO)₂ and the ligand 4 in solution was investigated by UV-vis. The luminescence properties of compound 5 were investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectra at room temperature. The experimental results show that the complex 5 emits yellow luminescence at 553 nm (λ_{em, max}) in DMSO solution and at 610 nm (λ_em, max) in solid state. The thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to examine the thermal stability.     

Cobalt complexes of terpyridine ligands: Crystal structure and nuclease activity

Cobalt(II) (1) and cobalt(III) (2) complexes of tridentate ligand, imidazole terpyridine (Itpy), have been synthesized and characterized by both spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of complexes 1 and 2 shows that the complexes belong to monoclinic crystal system, with the two Itpy ligands coordinated to the central metal ion. The binding behavior of both the cobalt complexes to calf thymus DNA has been investigated by UV–Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity and electrochemical measurements. The results suggest that complexes 1 and 2 bind to DNA through intercalation. The intrinsic DNA binding constant values obtained from absorption spectral titration studies were found to be (5.07 ± 0.12) × 10³ M⁻¹ and (7.46 ± 0.16) × 10³ M⁻¹, respectively, for complexes 1 and 2. Gel electrophoresis studies with the cobalt complexes show that while complex 1 cleaves DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, complex 2 cleaves DNA in the presence of ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide.     

Dual-emissive complexes: Visible and near-infrared luminescence from bis-pyrenyl lanthanide(III) complexes

The syntheses and photophysical attributes of a range of dual-emissive lanthanide complexes are described. The simple ligand architecture is based upon a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) core and appended with two aminopyrenyl chromophores to yield the fluorescent free ligand L^pyr. Reaction of the ligand with Ln(tris-trifluoromethanosulfate) gave the mononuclear complexes Ln · L^pyr (Ln = Nd, Er, Yb). Luminescence studies revealed that the complexes were emissive in both the near-IR and UV–Vis, the latter resulting from pyrene localised emission (λ_em = 390 nm), the former from pyrene-sensitised emission of the lanthanide ion (λ_ex = 337 nm). Time-resolved measurements in the near-IR indicated that the number of coordinated solvent molecules for Nd and Yb was <1, confirming the proposed coordination mode of the octadentate L^pyr. The suitability of pyrene as a sensitiser for near-IR emitting lanthanides was further demonstrated in the rare observation of Er^III emission in a non-deuteriated protic medium.     

Selective sensing of Zn(II) ion by a simple anthracene-based tripodal chemosensor

A new and an easy-to-make simple tripodal shaped chemosensor 1, comprising an anthracene moiety as a fluorophore and amide, alcohol functionalities as ligating groups has been designed and synthesized for Zn(II). In CH₃CN containing 0.1% DMSO, upon excitation at 370 nm, the chemosensor 1 exhibited an emission at 412 nm, which increased to a large extent upon complexation of Zn(II). Among the other metal ions examined in the study, Cd²⁺ moderately perturbed the emission of 1 under similar conditions.     

Polyazamacrocycles based on a tetraaminoacetate moiety and a (poly)pyridine intracyclic unit: direct synthesis and application to the photosensitization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions in aqueous solutions

A series of five new 15-, 18- or 21-membered polyazamacrocycles (L₁-L₅) based on a pyridine, bipyridine or terpyridine unit and a triethylenetetraminetetraacetic acid (TTTA) skeleton is described. In ligands L₄ and L₅ the azaheterocycle contains an additional extracyclic functionality (ester group) suitable for covalently attachment to bioactive molecules. The synthetic procedure is based on the use of a linear tetra-N-alkylated tetramine synthon incorporating masked acetate arms and an efficient metal template ion effect, which controls the crucial macrocyclization step. In the case of L₁-L₃, the formation of lanthanide complexes with europium(III) and terbium(III) was investigated and the fluorescence characteristics of the complexes were established. In this series, the terbium(III) complex derived from the bipyridine ligand exhibits the highest lifetime and quantum yield values (τ=2.18 ms, Φ=26%).     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of zinc(II) complexes of N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazone derived from salicylaldehyde: Structural study of a novel –OH free Zn(II) complex

Five novel zinc(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde 3-hexamethyleneiminyl thiosemicarbazone were synthesized and physico-chemically characterized. The complexes were given the formulae [Zn(HL)₂] (1), [Zn(L)py] (2), [Zn(L)bipy] · 3.5H₂O (3), [Zn(L)phen] · H₂O (4) and [Zn(L)γ-pic] (5). The thiosemicarbazone binds the metal as a dianionic ONS donor ligand in all the complexes, except in 1. Compound 1 is a homoleptic complex with zinc occupying the center of a distorted tetrahedral environment and being coordinated by two azomethine nitrogen and two thiolate sulfur atoms.     

Catalytic efficacy of Schiff-base copper(II) complexes: Synthesis,X-ray structure and olefin oxidation

Three copper(II) Schiff-base complexes, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)](ClO₄) (1), [Cu(L²)] (2) and [Cu(L³)] (3) have been synthesized and characterized [where HL¹ = 1-(N-ortho-hydroxy-acetophenimine)-2-methyl-pyridine], H₂L² = N,N′-(2-hydroxy-propane-1,3-diyl)-bis-salicylideneimine and H₂L³ = N,N′-(2,2-dimethyl-propane-1,3-diyl)-bis-salicylideneimine]. The structure of complex 1 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In complex 1, the copper(II) ion is coordinated to one oxygen atom and two nitrogen atoms of the tridentate Schiff-base ligand, HL¹. The fourth coordination site of the central metal ion is occupied by the oxygen atom from a water molecule. All the complexes exhibit high catalytic activity in the oxidation reactions of a variety of olefins with tert-butyl-hydroperoxide in acetonitrile. The catalytic efficacy of the copper(II) complexes towards olefin oxidation reactions has been studied in different solvent media.