Coumarine–imino–C2-glucosyl conjugate as receptor for Cu in blood serum milieu,on silica gel sheet and in Hep G2 cells and the characterization of the species of recognition

A coumarine–imino–C2-glucosyl conjugate (L) was synthesized and characterized. The conjugate L is found to recognize Cu²⁺ in aqueous HEPES buffer by exhibiting a 95% fluorescence quenching in pH range 7–10 even in the presence of several biologically and ecologically relevant metal ions. Fluorescence on–off behavior has been clearly demonstrated on the basis of the binding variability of Cu²⁺ to L. The binding has been elicited through the changes observed in fluorescence, absorption, ESI-MS and ¹H NMR titrations. All the other thirteen metal ions studied did not show any change in the fluorescence emission. These ions do not interfere with the recognition of Cu²⁺ by L. The structural features of [CuL]₂ complex in both the isomeric forms were established by DFT computational calculations. The utility of L has been demonstrated by showing its sensitivity toward Cu²⁺ on a thin layer of silica gel. The L gives sensitive fluorescence signals for Cu²⁺ even in blood serum and exhibits appropriate fluorescence responses in living cells.     

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.     

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 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.     

Three-step pathway towards bis(1,2,3-triazolyl-γ-propylsilatranes) as Cu fluorescent sensor,via ‘Click Silylation’

A series of substituted aniline derivatized bis(1,2,3-triazolyl-γ-propylsilatranes) 3a–3f were designed in good yield from their triethoxysilane analogues via Cu(I) ‘Click Silylation’. All the silatranes 3a–3f were characterized by IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and HRMS studies. All these compounds were explored for their thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermal analysis (DTA)/differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study and electronic properties by UV–vis spectroscopy and fluorescence study. The binding of silatranes 3a–3f to Cu²⁺ ion proves them to be good chemosensor. These silatranes were subjected to time dependent hydrolysis under normal atmospheric conditions. IR spectroscopic data support hydrolytic instability of 3a, 3c and 3e.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of unsymmetrical tetradentate reduced Schiff base ligands

Two new reduced Schiff base ligands, [HL¹ = 4-{2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-ethylimino}-pentan-2-one and HL² = 4-[2-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylamino)-ethylimino]-pentan-2-one] have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding tetradentate unsymmetrical Schiff bases derived from 1:1: 1 condensation of 1,2-ethanediamine, acetylacetone and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde/2-acetyl pyridine. Four complexes, [Ni(L¹)]ClO₄ (1), [Cu(L¹)]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(L²)]ClO₄ (3), and [Cu(L²)]ClO₄ (4) with these two reduced Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The mono-negative ligands L¹ and L² are chelated in all four complexes through the four donor atoms to form square planar nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes. Structures of 3 and 4 reveal that enantiomeric pairs are crystallized together with opposite chirality in the nitrogen and carbon atoms. The two Cu^II complexes (2 and 4) exhibit both irreversible reductive (Cu^II/Cu^I; E_pc, −1.00 and −1.04 V) and oxidative (Cu^II/Cu^III; E_pa, +1.22 and +1.17 V, respectively) responses in cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemically generated Cu^I species for both the complexes are unstable and undergo disproportionation.     

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.     

Rhodamine based derivative and its zinc complex: synthesis and recognition behavior toward Hg(II)

A simple fluorescent probe, which contains rhodamine and aminoquinoline moieties, was designed and prepared for selective detection of Hg²⁺ in acetonitrile. RbQ exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg²⁺ over other common metal ions. The recognition of RbQ toward Hg²⁺ can be detected by fluorescence spectra, absorption spectra, and even by naked eyes. The binding ratio of the RbQ–Hg²⁺ complex was found to be 1:1 according to Job plot experiment, and the limit of detection was 1.05×10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, the prepared complex RbQ–Zn²⁺ (RbQZ) could detect Hg²⁺ in a ratiometric way and showed lower limit of detection (2.95×10⁻⁸ M) than RbQ in the same condition. Finally, we also demonstrated that the aminoquinoline–zinc complex could be served as a new and effective FRET donor for rhodamine derivatives.     

1D coordination polymers of silver(I) and copper(II) based on bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands: Synthesis and structural studies

The alkyl chain-linked diimidazolium (or dibenzimidazolium) salts, 1,1′-diethyl-4,4′-tetramethylene-diimidazolium-diiodide (L¹H₂·I₂) and 1,1′-diethyl-3,3′-trimethylene-dibenzimidazolium-diiodide (L²H₂·I₂), and their silver(I) and copper(II) coordination polymers, [L¹AgI]_n (1) and [L²Cu₂I₄]_n (2), have been prepared and characterized. Complex 1 is a 1D helical polymer generated by bidentated carbene ligands (L¹) and Ag(I) atoms. The 1D polymer of 2 is formed by bidentated carbene ligands (L²) and coplanar quadrilateral Cu₂I₂ units. 3D supramolecular frameworks in the crystal packings of 1 and 2 are formed via intermolecular weak interactions, including C–H···π contacts, π–π interactions and C–H···I hydrogen bonds.     

Salen-type nickel(II), palladium(II) and copper(II) complexes having chiral and racemic camphoric diamine components

Chiral and racemic Salen-type Schiff-base ligands (H₂L¹, H₂L² and H₂L³), condensed between D-(+)- and D,L-camphoric diamine (also known as (1R,3S)-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentane-1,3-diamine) and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with a 1:2 molar ratio, have been synthesized and characterized. A series of new nickel(II), palladium(II) and copper(II) complexes of these chiral and racemic ligands exhibiting different coordination number (4, 5 and 6) have been characterized with the formulae [NiL¹]·CH₃OH (3), [NiL¹]·H₂O (4), [NiL²] (5), [PdL²] (6), [Cu₂(L²)₂(H₂O)] (7) and [NiL³(DMF)(H₂O)] (8). Different solvent molecules in 3 and 4 (methanol and water molecules) as well as different apical ligands in 7 and 8 (water and DMF molecules) are involved in different O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions to further stabilize the structures. UV–Vis (UV–Vis), circular dichroism (CD) spectra and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses for the metal complexes have also been carried out.     

Fluorescent sensor of fluorene derivatives having phosphonic acid as a fluorogenic ionophore: synthesis and static quenched properties for Fe(III)

A series of novel fluorene derivatives containing –PO(OH)₂ (1, 2), –HS (3), and –N⁺ (CH₃)₃ (4) were synthesized and only phosphonic-functionalized fluorene derivatives can detect Fe³⁺ with high selectivity over other metal ions. The fluorescence quenching of 1 and 2 with titration Fe³⁺ in water–DMF solution fits the Perrin model of static quenching. Spectral analysis showed that Fe³⁺ bound with fluorene-based chemosensor through the O-atoms at the phosphonic group to form nonfluorescent complexes. The binding ratio was estimated by the Job plot and the trace levels of iron in samples were successfully monitored.     

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.     

Fe Spin crossover materials based on dissymmetrical N4 Schiff bases including 2-pyridyl and 2R-imidazol-4-yl rings: Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic and Mössbauer properties

The synthesis and characterization of new symmetrical Fe^II complexes, [FeL^A(NCS)₂] (1), and [FeL^Bx(NCS)₂] (2–4), are reported (L^A is the tetradentate Schiff base N,N′-bis(1-pyridin-2-ylethylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, and L^Bx stands for the family of tetradentate Schiff bases N,N′-bis[(2-R-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylene]-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine, with: R = H for L^B1 in 2, R = Me for L^B2 in 3, and R = Ph for L^B3 in 4). Single-crystal X-ray structures have been determined for 1 (low-spin state at 293 K), 2 (high-spin (HS) state at 200 K), and 3 (HS state at 180 K). These complexes remain in the same spin-state over the whole temperature range [80–400 K]. The dissymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligands L^Cx, N-[(2-R₂-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylene]-N′-(1-pyridin-2-ylethylidene)-2,2-R₁-propane-1,3-diamine (R₁ = H, Me; R₂ = H, Me, Ph), containing both pyridine and imidazole rings were obtained as their [FeL^Cx(NCS)₂] complexes, 5–10, through reaction of the isolated aminal type ligands 2-methyl-2-pyridin-2-ylhexahydropyrimidine (R₁ = H, 5–7) or 2,5,5-trimethyl-2-pyridin-2-ylhexahydropyrimidine (R₁ = Me, 8–10) with imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = H: 5, 8), 2-methylimidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = Me: 6, 9), and 2-phenyl-imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde (R₂ = Ph: 7, 10) in the presence of iron(II) thiocyanate. Together with the single-crystal X-ray structures of 7 and 9, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer studies of 5–10 showed that it is possible to tune the spin crossover properties in the [FeL^Cx(NCS)₂] series by changing the 2-imidazole and/or C2-propylene susbtituent of L^Cx.     

A new Fe fluorescent chemosensor based on aggregation-induced emission

A new tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based sensor M1 bearing double 2-methylpyridyl-2-methylthiophenylamino units linked with triazole moieties was reported. Both UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic studies demonstrated that M1 was highly sensitive and selective toward Fe³⁺ over other metal ions in THF/H₂O solution based on the aggregation-induced emission quenching mechanism. The lowest detection limit of M1 for Fe³⁺ is 0.7 μM. The detailed fluorescent titration study suggested that the binding stoichiometry of the M1–Fe³⁺ complex was 1:2, and the structure between M1 and the Fe³⁺ complex was confirmed by the ¹H NMR titration.     

Three different fluorescent responses to transition metal ions using receptors based on 1,2-bis- and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis-(8-hydroxyquinolinoxymethyl)benzene

The dipod 1,2-bis(8-hydroxyquinolinoxymethyl)benzene (3) and tetrapod 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(8-hydroxyquinolinoxymethyl)benzene (5) have been synthesized through nucleophilic substitution of respective 1,2-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (2) and 1,2,4,5-tetra(bromomethyl)benzene (4) with 8-hydroxyquinoline (1). For comparison, 1,3,5-tris(8-hydroxyquinolinoxymethyl)benzene derivatives (7a and 7b) have been obtained. The complexation behavior of these podands towards Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ metal ions has been investigated in acetonitrile by fluorescence spectroscopy. The sterically crowded 1,2,4,5-tetrapod 5 displays unique fluorescence ‘ON-OFF-ON’ switching through fluorescence quenching (λ_max 395 nm, switch OFF) with <1.0 equiv of Ag⁺ and fluorescence enhancement (λ_max 495 nm, switch ON) with >3 equiv Ag⁺ and can be used for estimation of two different concentrations of Ag⁺ at two different wavelengths. The addition of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Co²⁺ metal ions to tetrapod 5 causes fluorescence quenching, i.e., ‘ON-OFF’ phenomena at λ_max 395 nm for <10 μM (1 equiv) of these ions but addition of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ to tetrapod 5 results in fluorescence enhancement with a gradual shift of λ_em from 395 to 432 and 418 nm, respectively. Similarly, dipod 3 behaves as an ‘ON-OFF-ON’ switch with Ag⁺, an ‘ON-OFF’ switch with Cu²⁺, and an ‘OFF-ON’ switch with Zn²⁺. The placement of quinolinoxymethyl groups at the 1,3,5-positions of benzene ring in tripod 7a-b leads to simultaneous fluorescence quenching at λ_max 380 nm and enhancement at λ_max 490 nm with both Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺. This behavior is in parallel with 8-methoxyquinoline 8. The rationalization of these results in terms of metal ion coordination and protonation of podands shows that 1,2 placement of quinoline units in tetrapod 5 and dipod 3 causes three different fluorescent responses, i.e., ‘ON-OFF-ON’, ‘ON-OFF’, and ‘OFF-ON’ due to metal ion coordination of different transition metal ions and 1, 3, and 5 placement of three quinolines in tripod 7, the protonation of quinolines is preferred over metal ion coordination. In general, the greater number of quinoline units coordinated per metal ion in 5 compared with the other podands points to organization of the four quinoline moieties around metal ions in the case of 5.     

Catenar bimetallomesogens derived from quinoxaline–salicylaldimine conjugates

The preparation, characterization, and mesomorphic properties of two series of tridentate N-salicylidene-2-hydroxyanilines and their metal complexes were described. The crystal and molecular structure of bis[2-hydroxy-4-propyloxy-N-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dipropyloxybenzylidene) aniline]copper(II) were determined by means of X-ray analysis. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n and a Z=4. The geometry at Cu²⁺ ions is square pyramidal with a THF solvent molecule coordinated. The core structure was nearly flat, and the intramolecular Cu–Cu atoms were separated by ca. 3.0163(6) Å. All compounds 2a formed smectic C phases, and copper complexes 1a–Cu were not mesogenic. In contrast, compound 2e and complexes 1b–Cu, 1d–Cu, 1e–Cu, and 1e–Pd exhibited columnar phases. The lack of mesomorphism in 1e–Zn was attributed to a preferred tetrahedral over square planar geometry. A N_cell equal to 2.44–2.92, calculated from powder XRD data within a 9.0 Å thick indicated that an induced structure correlated by two catenar-shaped molecules was formed in Col_h phases.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and spectroscopic characterization of new neutral and cationic (η-p-cymene)–ruthenium(II) complexes with phosphine–amide ligands

The dimeric starting material [Ru(η⁶-p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ reacts with the phosphino-amides o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄CO–NH–R [R = ⁱPr (a), Ph (b), 4-MeC₆H₄ (c), 4-FC₆H₄ (d)] to give the mononuclear compounds 1a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–NH–R)]Cl. The subsequent reaction of these complexes with KPF₆ produced the cationic species 2a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–NH–R)][PF₆] in which phosphino-amides also act as rigid P,O-chelating ligands. The molecular structures of 2b–d were determined crystallographically. Amide deprotonation is achieved when complexes 2a–d were made react with 1 M aqueous solution of KOH, affording the corresponding neutral species 3a–d [RuCl(η⁶-p-cymene)(o-Ph₂P–C₆H₄–CO–N–R)] in which a P,N-coordination mode is suggested.     

Synthesis,characterization and metal ion complexation and extraction capabilities of calix[4]arene Schiff base compounds

The syntheses, characterization and metal ion complexation and extraction capabilities of six new calix[4]arene Schiff base compounds, 5–10, are reported. The preparation of the compounds was achieved by the condensation of 5,17-diamino-11,23-di-tert-butyl-25,27-di-n-butoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene with the appropriate aldehyde (5-bromosalicylaldehyde for 5, 4-anisaldehyde for 6, 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde for 7, 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde for 8, 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde for 9, and 9-fluorenecarboxaldehyde for 10) in refluxing ethanol. The compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The X-ray crystal structures of 7, 8 and 9 (as dichloromethane solvates) revealed that the calixarene molecules adopt H-bond stabilized, distorted-cone conformations and form centrosymmetric dimers in the solid state. Compounds 5–10 did not form host–guest complexes with NEt₄[(bdt)MoO₂(OSiPh₃)] (bdt^2–=benzene-1,2-dithiolate), a potential precursor for biologically relevant oxosulfido-Mo(VI/V) enzyme models; such host–guest complexes have the potential to stabilize these sought-after but highly reactive model compounds. In addition, the capabilities of 5–10 to extract selected metal ions (Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺) from an aqueous into an organic phase have been assessed by picrate extraction experiments. Compound 5 displayed exceptional selectivity towards Ni²⁺, compound 7 exhibited enhanced extraction towards all of the metal ions tested and compounds 6, 9 and 10 showed very high selectivity towards Hg²⁺. On the other hand, compound 8 exhibited negligible capacity to extract any of the metal ions tested.     

Cadmium–halide and mixed cadmium–halide–dicyanamide polymers mediated by ancillary 2-aminoalkyl-pyridine ligands: Synthesis,X-ray single crystal structures and luminescence property

A series of mixed halide–dicyanamide and halide complexes of cadmium(II) mediated by 2-aminoalkyl-pyridine ligands [2-aminomethylpyridine (ampy) and 2-aminoethylpyridine (aepy)] have been synthesized. Five of them, [CdCl(dca)(aepy)]_n (1), [CdBr(dca)(ampy)]_n (2), [CdCl(dca)(ampy)]_n (3) (dca = dicyanamide); [CdI₂(aepy)]_n (4), and [CdI₂(ampy)]_n (5), (dca = dicyanamide) have been characterized by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. The structural determination shows that the compounds are 1D coordination polymers, with the exception of 3 that gives origin to a 2D sheet-like network. The ampy and aepy ligands (also with the occurrence of dca anions in 1–3) reveal to be useful ancillary fragments for the construction of unprecedented Cd–halide polymeric species. The crystal packing shows that the dimensionality of all compounds is enlarged to 2D, and 3D in the case of complex 3, through π–π interactions occurring between the pyridine rings. All the species exhibit interesting luminescence property in solution as well in solid state which is originated from ligand-centered π–π^∗ transitions. The fluorescence band maxima and fluorescence efficiency (in methanol) are found to be dependent not only on the pyridine ligand but also on the type of halide, and the co-ligand. Solid state luminescent study implies that π–π interactions occurring between pyridine rings are also important in controlling the fluorescence intensity. Amongst the synthesized complexes reported, complex 5 exhibits the highest fluorescence efficiency in methanol.