A simple click generated probe for highly selective sequential recognition of Cu(II) and pyrophosphate

A click generated quinoline derivative (1) has been synthesized and used as a fluorescent probe for sequential recognition of Cu²⁺ and pyrophosphate (PPi) in DMSO/H₂O (1:1, v/v, HEPES 20 mM, pH = 7.4) solution. Probe 1 displays high selectivity to Cu²⁺ ions, and the in-situ prepared probe 1-Cu²⁺ exhibits high selectivity toward pyrophosphate (PPi) with emission recovery of probe 1. Therefore, 1-Cu²⁺ complex can be applied as a fluorescence turn-on probe for PPi with high selectivity and sensitivity.     

Ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu based on 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide and sensing cyanide via Cu displacement approach

Two 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized as ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu²⁺, respectively. In 100% aqueous solutions of 1, the presence of Cu²⁺ induces a strong and increasing fluorescent emission centered at 478 nm at the expense of the fluorescent emission of 1 centered at 534 nm. Compound 2 senses Cu²⁺ by means of a colorimetric (primrose yellow to pink) method with a thorough quench in emission attributed to the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to the naphthalimide fluorophore. 1-Cu²⁺ and 2-Cu²⁺ sense cyanide in ratiometric way via colorimetric and fluorescent changes.     

Fluorogenic dual click derived bis-glycoconjugated triazolocoumarins for selective recognition of Cu(II) ion

Carbohydrate based fluorescent sensors S1 and S2 have been developed by fluorogenic dual click chemistry and are characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Both the fluorescent probes displayed highly selective detection of Cu²⁺ ions by means of fluorescence quenching. The job plot experiment suggested 1:1 complexation of probes S1 and S2 with Cu²⁺ ions having detection limit of 6.99 μM and 7.30 μM, respectively. The binding constants for S1-Cu²⁺ and S2-Cu²⁺ complexation were evaluated to be 3.34 × 10³ M⁻¹ and 5.93 × 10³ M⁻¹, respectively.     

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.     

A highly selective fluorescent probe for Hg based on a rhodamine-coumarin conjugate

A fluorescent probe 1 for Hg²⁺ based on a rhodamine-coumarin conjugate was designed and synthesized. Probe 1 exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for sensing Hg²⁺, and about a 24-fold increase in fluorescence emission intensity is observed upon binding excess Hg²⁺ in 50% water/ethanol buffered at pH 7.24. The fluorescence response to Hg²⁺ is attributed to the 1:1 complex formation between probe 1 and Hg²⁺, which has been utilized as the basis for the selective detection of Hg²⁺. Besides, probe 1 was also found to show a reversible dual chromo- and fluorogenic response toward Hg²⁺ likely due to the chelation-induced ring opening of rhodamine spirolactam. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Hg²⁺-sensitive probe were investigated. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Hg²⁺ from 8.0 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ and the detection limit is 4.0 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹. The determination of Hg²⁺ in both tap and river water samples displays satisfactory results.     

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.     

Highly selective fluorescent sensing of Cu ion by an arylisoxazole modified calix[4]arene

A novel fluorescent chemosensor 1 with two anthraceneisoxazolymethyl groups at the lower rim of calix[4]arene has been synthesized, which revealed a dual emission (monomer and excimer) when excited at 375 nm. This chemosensor displayed a selective fluorescence quenching only with Cu²⁺ ion over all other metal ions examined. When Cu²⁺ ion was bound to 1, the fluorescence intensities of both monomer and excimer were quenched. Furthermore, the association constant for the 1:1 complex of 1·Cu²⁺ was determined to be (1.58 ± 0.03) × 10⁴ M⁻¹.     

Exploiting the deprotonation mechanism for the design of ratiometric and colorimetric Zn fluorescent chemosensor with a large red-shift in emission

The design, synthesis, and photophysical evaluation of a new naphthalimide-based fluorescent chemosensor, N-butyl-4-[di-(2-picolyl)amino]-5-(2-picolyl)amino-1,8-naphthalimide (1), were described for the detection of Zn²⁺ in aqueous acetonitrile solution at pH 7.0. Probe 1 showed absorption at 451 nm and a strong fluorescence emission at 537 nm (Φ_F=0.33). The capture of Zn²⁺ by the receptor resulted in the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to 1,8-naphthalimide so that the electron-donating ability of the N atom would be greatly enhanced; thus probe 1 showed a 56 nm red-shift in absorption (507 nm) and fluorescence spectra (593 nm, Φ_F=0.14), respectively, from which one could sense Zn²⁺ ratiometrically and colorimetrically. The deprotonated complex, [(1-H)/Zn]⁺, was calculated at m/z 619.1800 and measured at m/z 618.9890. In contrast to these results, the emission of 1 was thoroughly quenched by Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺. The addition of other metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, and Pb²⁺ produced a nominal change in the optical properties of 1 due to their low affinity to probe 1. This means that probe 1 has a very high fluorescent imaging selectivity to Zn²⁺ among metal ions.     

Hg- and Cu-selective fluoroionophoric behaviors of a dioxocyclam derivative bearing anthrylacetamide moieties

New dioxocyclam derivatives bearing two anthracene fluorophores were prepared, and their fluoroionophoric properties toward transition metal ions were investigated. Chemosensor 2 having anthrylacetamide moieties exhibited pronounced Hg²⁺- and Cu²⁺-selective fluoroionophoric properties in aqueous acetonitrile solution over other representative transition metal ions, as well as alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. Chemosensor 2 also exhibited Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ selectivity under competitive conditions in the presence of physiologically and environmentally important metal ions. The detection limits for the sensing of Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions were 7.8 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ M, respectively, in aqueous 95% acetonitrile solution.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of new cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes tetra-substituted with 3,4-(methylendioxy)-phenoxy

The synthesis and electrochemical properties of new cobalt and manganese phthalocyanine complexes, tetra-substituted with 3,4-(methylendioxy)-phenoxy at the peripheral (complexes 3 and 5) and non-peripheral (complexes 4 and 6) positions, are reported. Complexes 3 and 4 showed Q-band absorption, in DMF, at 668 and 686 nm, respectively while Q-band due to complexes 5 and 6 appeared at 732 and 760 nm, respectively in CHCl₃. All the complexes showed well resolved redox processes attributed to both metal and ring based processes. Complexes 3 and 4 showed four redox processes, labeled I, II, III and IV. For complex 3, process I (Co^IPc⁻²/Co^IPc⁻³) was observed at −1.45 V, II (Co^IIPc⁻²/Co^IPc⁻²) at −0.38 V, III (Co^IIIPc⁻²/Co^IIPc⁻²) at +0.49 V and IV (Co^IIIPc⁻¹/Co^IIIPc⁻²) at +0.97 V versus Ag|AgCl. Similar processes were observed for complex 4 at −1.36 V, −0.27 V, +0.56 V, +1.03 V versus Ag|AgCl, respectively. Complexes 5 and 6 showed two redox processes (I and II). For complex 5, these processes appeared at −0.79 V (Mn^IIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻³, I) and −0.07 V versus Ag|AgCl (Mn^IIIPc⁻²/Mn^IIPc⁻², II), while for complex 6, they were observed at −0.86 V and −0.04 V versus Ag|AgCl. Spectroelectrochemistry was used to probe and confirm the origin of these processes.     

"Off-On" based fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ in aqueous media and living cells

A novel Cu²⁺-specific “off-on” fluorescent chemosensor of naphthalimide modified rhodamine B (naphthalimide modified rhodamine B chemosensor, NRC) was designed and synthesized, based on the equilibrium between the spirolactam (non-fluorescence) and the ring-opened amide (fluorescence). The chemosensor NRC showed high Cu²⁺-selective fluorescence enhancement over commonly coexistent metal ions or anions in neutral aqueous media. The limit of detection (LOD) based on 3 × δ_blank/k was obtained as low as 0.18 μM of Cu²⁺, as well as an excellent linearity of 0.05-4.5 μM (R = 0.999), indicating the chemosensor of high sensitivity and wide quantitation range. And also the coordination mode with 1:1 stoichiometry was proposed between NRC and Cu²⁺. In addition, the effects of pH, co-existing metal ions and anions, and the reversibility were investigated in detail. It was also demonstrated that the NRC could be used as an excellent “off-on” fluorescent chemosensor for the measurement of Cu²⁺ in living cells with satisfying results, which further displayed its valuable applications in biological systems.     

Fluorescent ratioable recognition of Cu in water using a pyrene-attached macrocycle/γ-cyclodextrin complex

A pyrene-functional fluoroionophore, 1 was used to construct a supramolecular 1/γ-CD complex for Cu²⁺ recognition in water. In aqueous γ-CD solution, 1 exhibits pyrene monomer fluorescence emission at 378 nm and 397 nm, while in the presence of Cu²⁺, it shows a pyrene excimer emission at 452 nm with a decrease in the monomer fluorescence due to the formation of a 1:2 metal-liganded complex. Based on the response characteristics of the supramolecular complex, a fluorescent ratiometric method was performed for the determination of Cu²⁺ concentration in water. With the optimum conditions described, Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution can be determined from 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ to 4.5 × 10⁻⁴ M. The Cu²⁺ selectivity of the complex is excellent, and the excimer fluorescence enhancements are very smaller induced by other heavy metal and transition metal ions.     

A rigid conjugated pyridinylthiazole derivative and its nanoparticles for divalent copper fluorescent sensing in aqueous media

A rigid conjugated pyridinylthiazole derivative (1) and two bithiazole derivatives with similar structures (2, 3) were synthesized and characterized. Their optical properties were investigated through spectral analysis. By applying the three compounds to Cu²⁺ ions detection, it was shown that compound 1 could be employed as a selective and sensitive Cu²⁺ ions fluorescent chemosensor. For aqueous assay, the nanoparticles of compound 1 were prepared in aqueous media. Compared to the monomer, 1 nanoparticles were more fluorescence sensitive to Cu²⁺ ions. Its binding mode with Cu²⁺ ions was correlated well with Langmuir equation. Compound 1 nanoparticles exhibit a dynamic working range for Cu²⁺ ions from 0.02 to 0.50 μM with a detection limit of 10 nM. The proposed chemosensor has been used for the direct measurement of Cu²⁺ content in drinking water samples with satisfying results.     

Synthesis of a sugar-aza-crown ether-based cavitand as a selective fluorescent chemosensor for Cu ion

A chemosensor based upon the sugar-aza-crown ether 7 with one anthracenetriazolymethyl moiety was prepared and its fluoroionophoric properties toward transition metal ions were investigated. Chemosensor 7 exhibits highly selective recognition toward Cu²⁺ ion among a series of tested metal ions in MeOH solution. The association constant for 7∗Cu²⁺ in MeOH solution was calculated to be 2.5 × 10⁴ M⁻¹.     

Study of the cyclen derivative 2-[1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl]-ethanethiol and its complexation behaviour towards d-transition metal ions

The compound 2-[1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl]-ethanethiol (L2) has been synthesized and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Its thiol-protected precursor L1 has also been isolated and characterized, including by X-ray structural analysis. The protonation constants of L2 were determined by potentiometric methods at 25.0 °C and 0.10 mol dm⁻³ KNO₃ ionic strength. ¹³C NMR studies and 2D NMR spectra recorded at different pD values have been used to analyse its protonation scheme. Stability constants of L2 with Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were also determined by potentiometry, and the Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes were studied in solution by NMR, UV–Vis, and EPR spectroscopies. The pM values (pH 7.4) calculated for the metal complexes of L2 are higher than the corresponding values found for cyclen and cyclam, but the selectivity of L2 for Cu²⁺ is low.     

A ratiometric and exclusively selective Cu fluorescent probe based on internal charge transfer (ICT)

A new ratiometric and exclusively selective fluorescent probe N-butyl-4,5-di[N-(phenyl)-2-(amino)-acetamino]-1,8-naphthalimide (1) was designed and synthesized on the basis of the mechanism of internal charge transfer (ICT). The probe 1 showed exclusively selectivity for Cu^II in the presence of a variety of other metal ions in aqueous ethanol solutions and the binding mode of probe 1 with Cu^II was 1:1 metal-ligand complex. Fluorescent emission spectra of probe 1 in the presence of Cu^II showed a 50 nm blue shift, which is from 521 nm to 471 nm. Furthermore, probe 1 shows the same fluorescent change with the Cu^II in living cells.     

Magnetic coupling in EE and EO azido-bridged binuclear copper complexes: Synthesis,structure and magnetic studies

Four azide bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(L^X)₂(N₃)₂](ClO₄)₂, with L^X = substituted N,N-bis[(3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-yl)-methyl]benzylamine, [X = H (1), OMe (2), Me (3) and Cl (4)] have been synthesized, out of which complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized structurally. In Complex 1 the two bridging azide ligands have connected the two metal centers in an end-on (EO) fashion with aSP (asymmetric Square Pyramidal) geometry and showed an weak antiferromagnetic interaction (J = −3.34 cm⁻¹). On the contrary, in complex 2, the two metal centers have been connected in end-to-end (EE) fashion exhibiting moderately strong ferromagnetic interaction (J = +19.7 cm⁻¹). Cyclic voltammetric studies performed on all the four complexes show a reasonably good correlations when E_1/2 for Cu^IICu^II → Cu^IICu^III and Cu^IICu^III → Cu^IIICu^III oxidations are plotted against σ (substituent constants) with ρ = −0.182 (R² = 0.92) and −0.684 (R² = 0.99) respectively.     

A chemosensor showing discriminating fluorescent response for highly selective and nanomolar detection of Cu and Zn and its application in molecular logic gate

A fluorescent based receptor (4Z)-4-(4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene amino)-1,2dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazol-3-one (receptor 3) was developed for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in semi-aqueous system. The fluorescence of receptor 3 was enhanced and quenched, respectively, with the addition of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions over other surveyed cations. The receptor formed host-guest complexes in 1:1 stoichiometry with the detection limit of 5 nM and 15 nM for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions, respectively. Further, we have effectively utilized the two metal ions (Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) as chemical inputs for the manufacture of INHIBIT type logic gate at molecular level using the fluorescence responses of receptor 3 at 450 nm.     

A coumarinylaldoxime as a specific sensor for Cu and its biological application

In this Letter we present a new probe, (E)-7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde oxime (JB), which can detect Cu²⁺ ions in HEPES buffer under physiological conditions. Benesi–Hildebrand and Job plots demonstrate that the stoichiometry of the Cu²⁺ complex formed is 2:1. Possible interference with other analytes was examined, and the decrease of the fluorescence of JB at 510 nm when it reacts with Cu²⁺ was shown to be highly selective. This probe accumulates in the plasmalemma of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that JB interacts with the lipid bilayer at the level of the glycerol moieties.