Dual responsive chemosensors for anions: the combination of fluorescent PET (Photoinduced Electron Transfer) and colorimetric chemosensors in a single molecule

The design and synthesis of two novel fluorescent PET anion sensors is described, based on the principle of ‘fluorophore-spacer-(anion)receptor’. The sensors 1 and 2 employ simple diaromatic thioureas as anion receptors, and the fluorophore is a naphthalimide moiety that absorbs in the visible part of the spectrum and emits in the green. Upon recognition of anions such as F⁻ and AcO⁻ in DMSO, the fluorescence emission of 1 and 2 was ‘switched off’, with no significant changes in the UV-vis spectra. This recognition shows a 1:1 binding between the receptor and the anions. In the case of F⁻, further additions of the anion, gave rise to large changes in the UV-vis spectra, where the λ_max at 455 nm was shifted to 550 nm. These changes are thought to be due to the deprotonation of the 4-amino moiety of the naphthalimide fluorophore. This was in fact found to be the case, using simple naphthalimide derivatives such as 6. Sensors 1 and 2 can thus display dual sensing action; where at low concentrations, the fluorescence emission is quenched, and at higher concentrations the absorption spectra are modulated.     

Solid chemistry of the Zn/1,2,4-triazolate/anion system: Separation of 2D isoreticular layers tuned by the terminal counteranions X (X=Cl, Br, I, SCN)

An array of 2D isoreticular layers, viz. [Zn(atrz)X]_∞ (1·X; X=Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻; atrz=3-amino-1,2,4-triazole anion), [Zn₄(atrz)₄(SCN)₄·H₂O]_∞ (1·SCN·H₂O) and [Zn(trz)X]_∞ (2·X; X=Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻; trz=1,2,4-triazole anion), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1·X and 1·SCN·H₂O are constructed from binuclear planar Zn₂(atrz)₂ subunits and exhibit (4,4) topological network when the subunits are simplified as four-connected nodes. Based on changing the terminal counteranions X (X=Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SCN⁻), the average interlayer separations of 1·X and 1·SCN·H₂O are enlarged, which equal to 5.851, 6.153, 6.651 and 8.292 Å, respectively. As a result, H₂O molecules reside in the spaces between two adjacent layers of 1·SCN·H₂O. 2 and 1 are the isomorphous structures. In common with 1, the interlayer separations of 2·X are widened with increasing the ion radius. Solid-state luminescence properties and thermogravimetric analyses of 1 and 2 were investigated, respectively.     

Fluoride-induced intermolecular excimer formation of bispyrenyl thioureas linked by polyethylene glycol chains

New bispyrenyl thioureas linked by polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains, L1-L3, and methoxy benzene pyrene thiourea, L4, were synthesized. Upon binding with F⁻ in CHCl₃, L1-L3 exhibited strong excimer emission bands (I_E) and weak monomer emission bands (I_M), while L4 displayed the same intensity of both bands. However, little or no change was observed in fluorescence spectra of L1 upon adding OH⁻, AcO⁻, BzO⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, and I⁻. Therefore, only F⁻ induced the pyrene excimer formation. Job’s plots showed 1/1 or 2/2 complexation of L1 with F⁻. Ratios of I_E/I_M of L1·F⁻ complex were dependent on the concentration of L1, implying that the dimerization of L1 proceeded via the intermolecular excimer formation. Among L1-L4, L1 possessed the highest binding constant and sensitivity toward F⁻ implying the importance of the linking PEG chain. L1 was demonstrated to be an excellent probe for F⁻ in CHCl₃ with the detection limit as low as 46.2 μg/L.     

Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties of new receptors and sensors containing anthraquinone and benzimidazole units

Novel anion receptors and sensors, HBIMANQ and BIMANQ fabricated from the imidazolole unit and anthraquinone moieties were synthesized. ¹H NMR spectroscopy and UV-vis titrations in DMSO-d₆ and DMSO, respectively, showed that both receptors underwent deprotonation at the NH- moiety of the amide-anthraquinone unit in the presence of basic anions such as F⁻ and AcO⁻. These phenomena gave a dramatic color change due to charge transfer transition corresponding to the shift of λ_max from 371 nm to 489 nm. Redox chemistry of HBIMANQ and BIMANQ in the presence of anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, AcO⁻, BzO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻) using cyclic voltammetry showed the different CV responses upon addition of various anions. In the case of HBIMANQ with various anions, the CV changes are dependent on the basic strength of anions in order of F⁻>AcO⁻, BzO⁻>H₂PO₄⁻>Cl⁻, Br⁻. Interestingly, the CV responses of BIMANQ with H₂PO₄⁻ exhibited the most significant changes. BIMANQ, thus, has an excellent electrochemical selectivity toward H₂PO₄⁻.     

Versatility of an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate group as a signaling subunit for anion recognition

The versatility of the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate (DMAB) group embedded in host 1 as a signaling subunit for anion recognition was elucidated in terms of ¹H NMR, CD, and fluorescence studies. Host 1 showed 1:1 complexation with monovalent anions and stepwise 1:1 and 2:1 (host 1: anion) complexation with divalent phosphate anions. The binding constants between host 1 and anions were determined by means of ¹H NMR titrations in CD₃CN (HPO₄²⁻: log K_1:1=6.2, log K_2:1=4.9; H₂P₂O₇²⁻: log K_1:1=4.4, log K_2:1=1.8; AMP²⁻: log K_1:1>7, log K_2:1>5) and the affinity of host 1 toward divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻, H₂P₂O₇²⁻, and AMP²⁻, is stronger than that toward monovalent anions, NO₃⁻, BF₄⁻, ClO₄⁻, HSO₄⁻, and PF₆⁻. The CD exciton chirality studies of host 1 with divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻ and AMP²⁻, revealed that the two DMAB groups in the 2:1 complexes were arranged with negative chirality (counterclockwise). The dual fluorescence behavior of the DMAB group demonstrated not only the complexation stoichiometry but also the role(s) of the lipophilic countercation such as tetrabutylammonium and/or the hydrophilic residue in AMP during anion recognition.     

A novel strapped porphyrin receptor for molecular recognition

A novel strapped porphyrin receptor Zn1, in which two electron-rich bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown ether-10 units are incorporated, has been designed and synthesized from the newly developed intermediate 7 for investigating new chemistry of molecular recognition. ¹H NMR and UV-Vis studies revealed that Zn1 displays relatively weak binding abilities to neutral electron deficient naphthalene-1,8,4,5-tetracarboxydiimide (NDI) derivatives 13 (no simple complexing stoichiometry was observed), 19 (K_a=48(±5) M⁻¹) and 30 (K_a=46(±5) M⁻¹) in chloroform-d, strong binding ability to pyridine derivative 25, (K_a=1.5(±0.12)×10³ M⁻¹) in chloroform, moderately strong binding ability to tetracationic compound 35·4PF₆ (K_a=475(±50) M⁻¹) in acetone-d₆, and very strong binding affinity to compound 22 (K_a=6.5(±0.7)×10⁵ M⁻¹), which consists of one pyridine and two NDI units, in chloroform. Remarkable cooperative effect of the intermolecular metal-ligand coordination and donor-acceptor interactions in complex Zn1·22 was observed by comparing the complexing behaviors between Zn1 and the appropriately designed guests. Complex Zn1·22 possesses an unique three-dimensional tri-site binding feature. For comparison, the complexing affinity of 1 toward compounds 13, 19, and 30 in chloroform-d and 35·4PF₆ in acetone-d₆ has also been investigated and the binding patterns in different complexes were explored. The results demonstrate that strapped porphyrin derivatives are ideal precursors for constructing new generation of three-dimensional multi-site artificial receptors for molecular recognition and host-guest chemistry.     

Luminescence anion sensing via modulation of MLCT emission from a naphthalimide-Ru(II)-polypyridyl complex

The selective sensing of fluoride (F⁻; an important breakdown product of some chemical warfare agents such as sarin) was achieved by observing quenching in the metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission of the 1,8-naphthalimide-ruthenium conjugate Ru-Nap-NH₂, which occurs at long wavelengths in CH₃CN, using steady state fluorescence spectroscopy. The F⁻ recognition was also visible to the naked eye, with a clear colour change from yellow to red. The sensing mechanism is most likely initially via hydrogen bonding, between the anion and the amine, which, at higher concentrations, gives rise to deprotonation of the acidic 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide moiety. However, counter ion effects may also be contributing to the overall emission changes. Other anions such as acetate, phosphate and chloride also give rise to quenching in the fluorescence emission with only minor changes in the UV-vis absorption spectra of Ru-Nap-NH₂. Moreover, phosphate also gave rise to shifts in the λ_max in the emission spectra.     

Use of the interaction of a boronic acid with a merocyanine to develop an anionic colorimetric assay

A displacement assay based on the interaction of Brooker’s merocyanine (BM), a merocyanine dye, with an excess of phenylboronic acid (BA) was studied in acetonitrile. BM is colored in solution, but its reaction with BA yields a colorless covalently linked BA-BM species. This strategy was studied in the presence of different anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, , , CH₃COO⁻, and ), but only fluoride, a strongly nucleophilic anion, and to a much lesser extent acetate, reacted with BA-BM, displacing BM through a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution mechanism, and coloring the solution. Experimental data were collected and are shown here in order to gain a better understanding of this chromogenic sensor.     

Synthesis, properties, and oxidizing function of 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Uracil-annulated heteroazulenes, 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates 7a,b·BF₄⁻, which are the isoelectronic compounds of 5-dezazaflavin, were synthesized. X-Ray crystal analysis and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 7a,b·BF₄⁻. The stability of cations 7a,b is expressed by the pK_R+ values which were determined spectrophotometrically to be 10.9 and 11.2, respectively. The electrochemical reduction of 7a,b exhibited high reduction potentials at −0.84 and −0.87 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good linear correlation between the pK_R+ values and reduction potentials (E1_red) of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ and reference compounds 4·BF₄⁻ and 5·BF₄⁻ was obtained. In a search of the reactivity, reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a,b·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process.     

Anion recognition through hydrogen bonding by adamantane-dipyrromethane receptors

Adamantane-dipyrromethane (AdD) receptors [di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyladamantane (1), 2,2-di(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (2), 1,3-bis[di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyl]adamantane (3), 2,2,6,6-tetra(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (4)] form complexes with F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, AcO⁻, NO₃⁻, HSO₄⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻. The association constants of the complexes were determined by ¹H NMR titrations, whereas the geometries of complexes 1·F⁻ (2:1), 2·F⁻ (2:1), 2·Cl⁻ (2:1), 2·AcO⁻ (2:1), and 4·F⁻ (1:1) were determined by X-ray structural analysis. The most stable complexes are of 2:1 stoichiometry with F⁻ and AcO⁻. The stability constants are in accordance with the anion basicity and the ability of AdD receptors to place the hydrogen bonding donor groups in a tetrahedral fashion around anions. The binding energies of the complexes between receptors 1-4 and F⁻ anion are calculated using quantum chemical methods. The calculated results show that the solvent polarity is important for the complexation of fluoride ion with AdD receptors 1-4.     

Fluoride sensing with a PCT-based calix[4]arene

Novel calix[4]arene-based anion sensor 1 with two coumarin units attached via amido functions acting also as binding sites is presented. Complexation of F⁻ by PCT-based 1 causes selectively red-shift in UV-vis absorption and in fluorescence emission due to H-bonding followed by deprotonation of NH-amide groups.     

Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

Ring transformation of cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium ion to the corresponding pyrrole derivatives via troponeimine intermediates: photo-induced autorecycling oxidizing reactions of some amines

Ring transformation of 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan- 8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 4⁺·BF₄⁻ to 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 6a-d⁺·BF₄⁻ consists of the reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with amines and subsequent exchange of the counter-ion using aq. HBF₄. Reactions of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with aniline and 4-substituted anilines afforded the corresponding pyrrole derivatives 6a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ directly in good yields. On the other hand, reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with benzylamine gave the troponeimine intermediate 9, which was not converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ and reverted to 4⁺·BF₄⁻ by adding HBF₄; however, it was converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ upon treatment with (COCl)₂ or SOCl₂, followed by exchange of the counter-ion. In a search for the characteristics of 9, inspection and comparison of the X-ray crystal analyses, NMR and UV-vis spectra, and CV measurement of 9 and N,N-disubstituted troponeimine derivatives 12 were carried out to suggest the remarkable structure of 12 having ionic C-O bonding between the imine-carbon atom and the oxygen atom of the barbituric acid moiety in the solid state. Thus, characteristics of 9 were ascribed to the sterically hindered and favorable conformation of N-protonated troponeimine intermediates. Furthermore, novel photo-induced oxidation reactions of a series of 4⁺·BF₄⁻, 5⁺·BF₄⁻, and 6a,e⁺·BF₄⁻ towards some amines under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding imines in 455-8362% yields [based on compounds 4⁺, 5⁺, and 6a,e⁺], suggesting the oxidation reaction occurs in an autorecycling process. Mechanistic aspects of the amine-oxidation reaction are also postulated.     

Anion and cation binding by a new indole/pyridine/amine-based ion-pair receptor

A new ion-pair receptor bis(3-bromoindol-2-ylmethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (1) was synthesized and studied for its anion and cation binding behavior using ESI-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Among halides, 1 exhibits the strongest binding with Cl⁻ to form a 1:1 adduct (K_a = 1042 ± 21 in CD₃CN). Among alkali metal ions, Li⁺ and Na⁺ showed the strongest binding in the formation of a 1·M⁺ complex. The simultaneous binding of Cl⁻ and Li⁺ to 1 was confirmed by ¹H NMR titration of a 1:1 mixture of 1 and Cl⁻ with LiPF₆ in 83:17 v/v mixture of CDCl₃ and DMSO-d₆. DFT-optimized structures of 1·Cl⁻, 1·Li⁺, and 1·Li⁺·Cl⁻ are consistent with the chemical shift changes observed in ¹H NMR studies.     

Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of anions using thiourea based coumarin receptors

Thiourea-containing coumarins 1, 2 have been designed and synthesized via reaction of 6-aminomethylcoumarin and the corresponding isothiocyanates. Their anion-binding ability has been examined using UV-vis, fluorescence and ¹H NMR. The anion recognition takes place through charge neutral thiourea receptor sites with concomitant fluorescence quenching of the coumarin moiety with 1 showing a strong binding to C₆H₅COO⁻ over F⁻ with a distinct change in color.     

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.     

Manganese (II) selective PVC based membrane sensor using a Schiff base

N,N′,N″,N′′′-1,5,8,12-tetraazadodecane-bis(salicylaldiminato)(H₂L) has been used as ionophore for preparing Mn²⁺ selective sensor. Membranes of different composition with regard to ratio of H₂L:PVC:NPOE:NaTPB have been prepared and investigated. The best performance was obtained with the membrane of composition 10:150:150:10 (H₂L:PVC:NPOE:NaTPB) (w/w; mg). This membrane generated linear potential response in the concentration range of 5.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M with a Nernstian slope of 30.0 mV/decade of activity and fast response time (10 s). Hydrogen ion does not effect to the performance of sensor in the pH range 3.0-6.5. The sensor was found to be sufficient selective for Mn²⁺ over a number of alkali, alkaline and heavy metal ions and could therefore be used for the determination of manganese in various samples by direct potentiometry.     

meso-Indanyl calix[4]pyrrole receptors

Two new meso-indanyl-substituted calix[4]pyrrole receptors, 2 and 3, have been synthesized. A range of calix[4]pyrrole host-neutral molecule complexes crystallise from solutions of 2 in a variety of solvents and the structures of four have been elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The F⁻ and Cl⁻ anion affinities of 2 have been measured in acetonitrile, and are significantly different from the corresponding affinities of the prototypical calix[4]pyrrole, the octamethyl-derivative, 1. ESI-FTICR-MS has been used to determine the relative F⁻ and Cl⁻ anion affinities of receptors 1 and 2 in methanol-acetonitrile solution. Deprotonation of 1 and 2 by fluoride is observed (under the conditions of the MS experiment).     

Ion-pair charge transfer complexes with intense near IR absorption: Syntheses,crystal structures,electronic spectra and DFT calculations

Five ion-pair complexes, consisting of R-benzylidene-1-aminopyridinium derivatives and [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ (R = p-nitro (1), p-methyl (2), p-bromo (3), p-chloro (4) and m-nitro (5); mnt²⁻ = maleonitriledithiolate), were synthesized and structurally characterized. As for 1, it is interesting to observe a large deviation from square-planar coordination geometry for the Ni atom, while no deviation is observed in the other four complexes. In the solid state, UV–Vis–NIR spectra of 2–5 show similar properties with intense absorption in the 200–750 nm and moderate near IR absorption in the 750–1000 nm region, whereas 1 exhibits an intense absorption from UV/Visible to near-IR region (200–1100 nm). This unique spectral feature of 1 is attributed to its distinctive structural differences from 2 to 5, namely the strong intermolecular packing interactions between anions and cations, as well as a significant deviation from the planarity of the anion. Based on DFT and TDDFT calculations, near-IR absorbance bands in 1–5 were assigned to combined transitions of d–d, MLCT and π–π^∗ in the [Ni(mnt)₂]²⁻ anion as well as the ion-pair charge transfer (IPCT) from the anionic HOMO to the cationic LUMO. The IPCT band position in acetonitrile is independent of the substituent group feature in benzene ring of cations for 1–5, which could be interpreted that the substituent group in benzene ring only has a minor contribution to the cationic LUMO.     

Hemisphere-shaped calixarenes and their analogs: synthesis, structure, and chiral recognition ability

The hemisphere-shaped calixarene 1a and its split-hemisphere-shaped isomer 1b were synthesized from [2.1.2.1]metacyclophane (MCP) 3 by pinacol rearrangement and subsequent intramolecular acetalization. Their structures were revealed by X-ray crystallography and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The temperature-dependence of the intramolecular acetalization to provide 1a and 1b was examined. The results indicated that 1a is the dominant product at high temperatures, and the values of ΔH° and ΔS° were estimated to be −18.3±0.37 kJ mol⁻¹, −59.1±1.12 kJ mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. The dinitro derivative 7 and tetranitro derivatives8 were obtained by ipso-nitration at the upper rims of 1a. The optical resolution and chiral recognition ability of racemic mixture 7 were investigated by HPLC systems.