Synthesis of new benzimidazolium salts with tunable emission intensities and their application as fluorescent probes for Fe in pure aqueous media

A series of novel, water-soluble benzimidazolium salts with common ‘fluorophore–spacer–receptor’ PET design has been synthesized. Despite the common PET scaffold these benzimidazolium salts displayed diverse emission intensities in pure aqueous solutions. The observed emission intensities were found to be influenced by the functionalized alkyl side arms present on the benzimidazolium ring. These benzimidazolium salts were also found to act as selective sensors for Fe³⁺ ions over other metal ions like Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in pure aqueous media.     

Structural characterization of mono- and bisphosphonium salts by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

Positive-ion fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectra are reported for a representative series of mono- and bisphosphonium halides derived from triphenylphosphine. The mass spectra of the monoalkyltriphenylphosphonium salts typically contain abundant intact cations that can be used to establish the cationic relative molecular mass and diagnostic fragment ions that allow the characterization of structural subgroups. Depending on the functional group substitution on the alkyl group, additional fragment ions are observed which are formed by loss of small neutral molecules from the intact cation and that can be used for the differentiation of isomeric phosphonium salts. Molecular dication are typically observed in the FAB mass spectra of the bisphosphonium salts when they are analysed in 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol. In addition, production of singly charged ions by clustering with a counter ion, decomposition involving removal of one of the charge centres and one-electron reduction are generally observed. Structurally diagnostic fragments are also obtained. The fragmentation pathways of the ions derived from the phosphonium salts were elucidated by precursor ion and product ion tandem mass spectrometric experiments. For the phosphonium salts containing a long-chain hydrocarbon alkyl group, high-energy collision-induced decomposition of the intact cation is needed to obtain unambiguous structural information.     

Salts of Mosher’s thioacid: agents for determining the enantiomer excess of SN2 substrates

The racemic and the (S)-enantiomer of Mosher’s thioacid, 2-methoxy-2-trifluoromethylphenylacetic thioacid, form air-stable salts with Proton Sponge [1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene]. These salts are powerful nucleophiles that react cleanly (S_N2 inversion) in CDCl₃ with optically active alkyl halides ranging in reactivities from unactivated alkyl bromides and iodides to benzylic bromides. The diastereomeric excess (de) of the thioester products indicates the enantiomeric excess (ee) of the starting alkyl halides.     

Reactions of the nitrosonium ion. VII. Syntheses of dihydroisoquinolines and oxazoles from azides in nitrile solvents

N-Alkylnitrilium salts are cleanly produced from alkyl azides by reaction with nitrosonium salts in nitrile solvents. Syntheses of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines from nitrilium ions formed in this method from 2-phenylethyl azide are described. Oxazoles are readily formed from phenacyl azides by this general method; the advantages of oxazole syntheses through azide nitrosation are discussed.     

Mass spectral studies of alkylbenzenesulphonic acids through their S-benzylisothiouronium salts

The mass spectra of alkylbenzenesulphonic acids in the form of their S-benzylisothiouronium salts have been studied. These S-benzylisothiouronium salts dissociated into two parent reactant ions: (i) alkylbenzenesulphonic acid and (ii) S-benzylisothiourea. The characteristic fragmentation patterns of alkylbenzenesulphonic acids (0-5 substituted alkyls) were studied and compared with those of the parent hydrocarbons. The intensity of the molecular ion peak decreased with the increase in the molecular weight of the sulphonic acids. Desulphonation as well as loss of the alkyl group was observed in all the spectra. Migration of the alkyl group from S to O, followed by degradation, was also observed in all the spectra studied.     

Mass spectrometry of π-complexes of transition metals: XXXIV. Mass spectral investigation of alkylcobalticinium salts and of the fragmentation of alkylcobaltocenes by electron impact

The mass spectrometric method was used for the investigation of cobalticinium salts and their alkyl derivatives. Metal-containing ions are formed as a result of evaporation of the cobaltocenes obtained in the thermal reduction of cobalticinium cations. It was established that the decomposition of cobalticinium tetraphenylborates at 300°C is accompanied by the formation of phenyl-substituted alkylcobaltocenes. One of the processes of the thermal conversion of alkylcobalticinium salts has been shown to be a ligand exchange reaction. The principal directions of the molecular ion fragmentation by electron impact are stipulated by rupture of the metal-ligand bond and the bonds in the alkyl substituents. The first type of process is less likely than that for analogous ferrocene derivatives. Fragmentation of the substituents occurs along an unusual path including the consecutive elimination of two radicals.     

Clouding behavior of nonionic–cationic and nonionic–anionic mixed surfactant systems in presence of carboxylic acids and their sodium salts

The study is focused on evaluation of clouding phenomena of the aqueous single nonionic surfactant system Triton X-100 (TX-100) and its mixed systems with anionic aerosol-OT (AOT) and cationic dodecylpyridinium chloride (DPC) in presence of hydrophobic ions furnished by sodium salts of carboxylic acids, viz., sodium ethanoate, sodium propanoate, sodium butanoate, and sodium hexanoate and the respective carboxylic acids [ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, and hexanoic acid]. The influence of salts on the cloud point (CP) has been explained on the basis of salt effect as well as the solubilization of higher alkyl chain hydrophobic ions furnished by these salts. Moreover, the co- and counterion effect has been taken into account to explain the variation of the CP in the mixed systems. However, the effect of acids on CP has been explained in the light of their aqueous solubility and their partitioning ability between octanol and water as reflected by their K _OW values.     

Characterization of internal salts by laser mass spectrometry

An intermolecular alkyl transfer reaction (ATR) leading to ion-pair formation has been observed for internal salts by using laser mass spectrometry (l.m.s.). Positive- and negative-ion spectra both show evidence for alkyl transfer. Both the LAMMA-500 (transmission) and LAMMA-1000 (reflection) laser mass spectrometers were used. The positive-ion laser mass spectra obtained by these two instruments show some significant differences; no significant differences were observed in the negative-ion spectra. Results obtained for quaternary ammoniohexanoates as a function of laser power indicate that the extent of ATR is greater at high laser power. Addition of a small amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the ammoniohexanoates reduces fragmentation and enhances the intensity of the quasimolecular ion (M + H)⁺ relative to ATR. Results from deuterated sultaines were used to confirm intermolecular alkyl transfer and to elucidate some fragmentation processes. Field-desorption (f.d.) mass spectra of internal salts show similarities and differences from l.m.s.; not all internal salts showed the alkyl transfer reaction in f.d. Cluster ion formation was observed in f.d.m.s. but not in l.m.s.     

Stereoisomerism in the series of isoindole-based quaternary salts

Steric structure of quaternary ammonium salts of the 3-[alkyl(aryl)amino]-1-[alkyl(aryl)iminio]-1H-isoindole series was studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. The examined salts are characterized by E,E configuration of substituents with respect to the exocyclic C-N bonds, and the presence of ortho- and meta-substituents in the benzene rings on the nitrogen atoms gives rise to atropisomers. Sterically hindered N-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) derivative was found to exist as Z,Z isomer which undergoes irreversible thermal isomerization into the more stable E,E isomer through intermediate Z,E structure. The reactions of 1,1,3-trichloro-1H-isoindole with secondary aromatic amines having an electron-withdrawing substituent in the ortho position in the presence of organic bases (triethylamine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine) are accompanied by decomposition of the latter and formation of unsymmetrically substituted salts of the 3-[alkyl(aryl)amino]-1-(dialkyliminio)-1H-isoindole series, which contain both arylamine residue and dialkylamino group and are also characterized by atropisomerism.     

Anion-Radical Salts of 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane with Cations in the Basis of Alkylolpyridines

Anion-radical salts of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane with cations on the basis of methylol- and ethylolpyridines, N-methyl- and N-ethyl alkylolpyridines, were synthesized. Their composition is determined by the method of electronic spectroscopy, and the thermal stability is studied. The nature of the salts is investigated by the method of IR spectroscopy: it is shown that the conducting properties depend both on the nature of the alkyl group and on the position of the alkylol substituent. The presence of hydroxy groups in the conducting anion-radical salts allow their application as electronic organic materials for the design of conducting film coatings.     

Cyclic quaternary ammonium ionic liquids with perfluoroalkyltrifluoroborates: synthesis, characterization, and properties

New cyclic quaternary ammonium salts, composed of N-alkyl(alkyl ether)-N-methylpyrrolidinium, -oxazolidinium, -piperidinium, or -morpholinium cations (alkyl = nC4H9, alkyl ether = CH3OCH2, CH3OCH2CH2) and a perfluoroalkyltrifluoroborate anion ([R(F)BF3]-, R(F) = CF3, C2F5, nC3F7, nC4F9), were synthesized and characterized. Most of these salts are liquids at room temperature. The key properties of these salts--phase transitions, thermal stability, density, viscosity, conductivity, and electrochemical windows--were measured and compared to those of their corresponding [BF4]- and [(CF3SO2)2N]- salts. The structural effect on all the above properties was intensively studied in terms of the identity of the cation and anion, variation of the side chain in the cation (i.e., alkyl versus alkyl ether), and change in the length of the perfluoroalkyl group (R(F)) in the [R(F)BF3]- ion. The reduction of Li+ ions and reoxidation of Li metal took place in pure N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium pentafluoroethyltrifluoroborate as the supporting electrolyte. Such comprehensive studies enhance the knowledge necessary to design and optimize ionic liquids for many applications, including electrolytes. Some of these new salts show desirable properties, including low melting points, high thermal stabilities, low viscosities, high conductivities, and wide electrochemical windows, and may thus be potential candidates for use as electrolytes in high-energy storage devices. In addition, many salts are ionic plastic crystals.     

Activity and behavior of imidazolium salts as a phase transfer catalyst for a liquid-liquid phase system

The structure-activity relationship and behavior of N,N′-dialkylimidazolium salts as a phase transfer and/or ion-exchange catalyst in a liquid-liquid phase system were investigated for the reactions such as β-elimination reaction of alkyl halides, nucleophilic epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, alkylation of active methylenes, and nucleophilic substitution reaction.     

Facile synthesis of C-phosphanylformamidines via a carbene pathway

A direct synthetic approach to C-phosphanyl-N,N-dialkyl-N′-aryl(alkyl)-formamidines was developed. It was shown that phosphorylation of the formamidines proceeds at the nitrogen atom affording N-phosphanylformamidinium salts. Upon deprotonation, these salts gave C-phosphanylformamidines via formation of carbenes followed by a 1,2-phosphorus shift.     

Relative viscosity and viscosity coefficients of aqueous azoniaspiroalkane bromides at 25°C

The relative viscosities η_r of dilute aqueous solutions of azoniaspiroalkane bromides, (CH₂) _n N⁺ (CH₂) _n Br^? (wheren=4, 5, and 6), have been measured at 25°C. The viscosityB _η andD _η coefficients were determined using the extended Jones-Dole equation $$\eta _r = 1 + A_\eta c^{1/2} + B_\eta c + D_\eta c^2$$ TheB _η coefficients obtained for the bicyclic azoniaspiroalkane bromides were compared with those of the corresponding homologous tetra-n-alkylammonium bromides. Based on the obtained sign and magnitude of (B _n ?0.0025ø _v ^° ) for the salts and for the bicyclic ions, the structural effects of cation geometry and alkyl group flexibility on water are discussed. The results indicate that the hydrophobic (clathrate hydrate-like) character of the larger tetra-n-alkylammonium ions is reduced significantly when cyclic groups are formed from the alkyl chains in symmetrical quaternary ammonium ions.     

Investigatins of the extraction of adenosine phosphates with N,N′-dioctadecyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2.]octane and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-dioctadecyldiammonium alkanes

The extraction of adenosine phosphates with hydrophobic cyclic diammonium or alkyl diammonium salts is described. The selectivity of these compounds is governed by two factors, the length of the spacer arm between the two ammonium nitrogens and the pH of the system. The cyclic compound exhibits less selectivity than the similar noncyclic alkyl compounds. It is shown that several of the compounds are fairly selective for adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP). The best of these, N,N,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-dioctadecyldiammoniumethane, is tested for assay of ATP in spiked urines.     

Radical chain monoalkylation of pyridines

The monoalkylation of N-methoxypyridinium salts with alkyl radicals generated from alkenes (via hydroboration with catecholborane), alkyl iodides (via iodine atom transfer) and xanthates is reported. The reaction proceeds under neutral conditions since no acid is needed to activate the heterocycle and no external oxidant is required. A rate constant for the addition of a primary radical to N-methoxylepidinium >10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ was experimentally determined. This rate constant is more than one order of magnitude larger than the one measured for the addition of primary alkyl radicals to protonated lepidine demonstrating the remarkable reactivity of methoxypyridinium salts towards radicals. The reaction has been used for the preparation of unique pyridinylated terpenoids and was extended to a three-component carbopyridinylation of electron-rich alkenes including enol esters, enol ethers and enamides.

N-Methoxypyridinium salts are exceptionally reactive radical traps that can be used in efficient radical chain reactions with organoboranes.     

Reductive alkylation of p-benzoquinone using mixed organoboranes

Mixed organoboranes based on diphenyl- or dimethylalkylboranes transfer the alkyl group in the reductive alkylation of p-benzoquinone to form the alkylhydroquinones in very high yields. The auxiliary groups do not transfer or have a low migratory aptitude. Primary and secondary alkyl groups are transferred with retention of regio- and stereochemistry to the hydroquinone. O-Alkylation is the major product with tertiary and secondary groups with steric bulk in proximity to the site of attachment. The presence of metal salts, such as magnesium, results in reduction to the unsubstituted hydroquinone. This reaction makes the first practical route to alkylhydroquinones via organoboranes.     

Tuning and calibration in thermospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry using perfluorinated alkyl acids and their ammonium salts

Of the several approaches used to interface liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, the thermospray interface has evolved as the most popular and applicable for the analysis of polar and labile organic compounds. Since a separate ion source must be used for thermospray, separate tuning and calibration are required. Unfortunately, current approaches to tuning and calibration suffer from serious shortcomings, most notably rapid contamination of the ion source. Recent reports have shown that this shortcoming can be overcome by using acetic acid-ammonia cluster ions or trifluoroacetic acid–ammonia cluster ions for tuning and calibration. In the latter approach, the tuning solution could also be used in the negative ion mode of operation but suffers from concentration of most of the ion current in one ion. The use of perfluorinated alkyl acids and their ammonium salts to generate intense high-mass negative ions for tuning and calibration to m/z 2000 is reported. Additionally, the ammonium salts of the longer chain perfluorinated acids offer an enhanced high-mass response in the positive ion mode of operation.     

Oxidative rearrangements of arylalkanones with 1H-1-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,2,3-benziodoxathiole 3,3-dioxide, a ‘green’ analog of Koser’s reagent

Previous methods for the conversion of arylalkanones to alkyl 2-arylesters by oxidative rearrangement utilized reagents which either produced toxic metal salts or halogenated organics as by-products. In this report, 1H-1-hydroxy-5-methyl-1,2,3-benziodoxathiole 3,3-dioxide (HMBI) is used to effect this useful transformation, where the reduced iodine reagent is water-soluble and readily recycled.     

Sulfur makes the difference: synthesis and mesomorphic properties of novel thioether-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid crystals

Novel thioether-linked imidazolium ionic liquid crystals were synthesized starting from methyl 2-mercaptoacetate. The mesomorphic properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and X-ray diffraction. All mesogens displayed smectic A mesophase geometries with strongly interdigitated bilayer structures. Comparison of the thioether-linked imidazolium salts with the corresponding amine- and amide-linked imidazolium salts as well as simple N-alkyl-imidazolium salts showed that both mesophase width and stability increased with increasing softness of the linking unit, thus indicating the beneficial effect of sulfur. Additionally, an increase of the length of the linking unit decreased the interdigitation of the alkyl chains.