Halide anions driven self-assembly of haloperfluoroarenes: Formation of one-dimensional non-covalent copolymers

The supramolecular organization in six solid assemblies involving iodo- and bromoperfluoroarene derivatives is described. Single crystal X-ray analyses show that the formation of the supramolecular architectures is controlled by I⁻?Br–Ar_F, I⁻?I–Ar_F, Br⁻?I–Ar_F, and Cl⁻?I–Ar_F halogen bondings thus proving the X⁻?X′–Ar_F supramolecular synthon, where X can be the same as or different from X′, is particularly robust. In five of the described architectures halide anions form two halogen bondings and form infinite chains wherein dihaloperfluoroarenes, which function as bidentate electron acceptors, and halide anions, which function as bidentate electron donors, alternate. This behaviour shows halide anions have a fair tendency to work as bidentate halogen bonding acceptors.     

Colorimetric response of spiropyran derivative for anions in aqueous or organic media

We previously found that a simple spiropyran derivative (1:1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a selective and sensitive cyanide anion (CN⁻) receptor in aqueous media under UV irradiation¹³. The receptor, when irradiated by UV light in a water/MeCN mixture, creates a CN⁻-selective absorption band via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to 1 (formation of the 1-CN⁻ species) and allows quantitative determination of very low levels of CN⁻. In the present work, effects of pH and water content on the response of 1 to anions were studied to clarify the detailed properties of 1. In aqueous media, 1 reacts selectively with CN⁻regardless of pH and water content, but the reaction is suppressed by a decrease in pH and an increase in water content due to the protonation of CN⁻. In contrast, in pure MeCN, addition of F⁻ also creates a new absorption band, as does CN⁻. This is promoted via a nucleophilic interaction between 1 and F⁻ in a 1:2 stoichiometry (formation of the 1-2F⁻ species). The 1-CN⁻ and 1-2F⁻ species have different photochemical properties; the 1-CN⁻ species is stable upon UV irradiation, while the UV irradiation of the 1-2F⁻ species leads to a decomposition of the spiropyran platform.     

Theoretical study of thiazole derivatives as chemosensors for fluoride anion

The interactions between chemosensor, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenylthiazole (1), and different halides (F⁻, Cl⁻, and Br⁻) and NO₃⁻ anions have been theoretically investigated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level with the BSSE correction. It turned out that the unique selectivity of 1 for F⁻ is ascribed to its ability of deprotonating the hydroxy group of host sensor. The intermolecular proton transfer (IPT) causes the colorimetric and fluorescent signaling of 1 for F⁻. The deprotonated complex 1⁻·HF is formed for the deprotonation process of chemosensor. The study of substituent effects suggest that the electron-donating –CH₃ and –OCH₃ substituted derivatives are expected to be promising candidates for ratiometric fluorescent F⁻ chemosensors as well as chromogenic chemosensors, while electron-donating –N(CH₃)₂ substituted derivative can serve as chromogenic F⁻ chemosensors only. Furthermore, the electron-withdrawing (–NO₂ and –Br) substituted derivatives can serve as chromogenic F⁻/CH₃COO⁻ chemosensors.     

UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic detection of anions by the conformational restriction of 2,2′-binaphthalene derivatives bearing thiourea groups through a methylene spacer

Novel fluorescence receptors, 2 and 3 based on 2,2′-binaphthalene possessing thiourea moieties via a methylene spacer have been synthesized. Hydrogen bonds of NH groups of thiourea moieties with acetate anion were confirmed by ¹H NMR study in MeCN-d₃. These receptors showed characteristic UV-vis spectral changes through isosbestic points on complexation with anions inspite of lacking conjugation between the chromophore and the binding sites in polar organic solvent such as acetonitrile. The UV-vis spectral changes arise from the conformational restriction of the 2,2′-binaphthyl skeleton on the complexation. The receptors exhibit high selectivities for AcO⁻ and F⁻. The fluorescence intensity of the receptors decreases with the increasing amount of the AcO⁻, however, addition of F⁻ induces a different change in its fluorescence spectrum, in which shorter emission of the receptors decreases with the increase in F⁻ concentration, while the longer emission of the receptors increases through an isoemissive point in MeCN. The results suggest that favorable dual-wavelength ratiometric fluorescence measurement can be conducted by the receptors for F⁻.     

Macrocyclic bis(amidonaphthol)s for anion sensing: tunable selectivity by ring size in proton transfer process

The investigation on anion sensing properties for a series of macrocyclic bis(amidonaphthol)s 3a-3c reveals the significant effects of macrocyclic ring size. Among them, macrocycle 3c with the largest ring size shows F⁻ ion selectivity by causing clear red shift (24 nm) in fluorescence emission after complexation with F⁻, which results in significant color change of fluorescence from blue to green. This excellent selectivity toward F⁻ ion might be attributed to the fitness between the acidity of -OH group and the basicity of F⁻ ion. Further exploration indicates that the acidity of -OH group can be tuned by ring size to give it the capability to discriminate the subtle difference in the affinity of F⁻, CH₃COO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻ to -OH proton.     

Anion sensing by Phenazine-based urea/thiourea receptors

The novel colorimetric receptors 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N′-phenylurea and 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N′-phenylthiourea have been prepared by the reaction of 2,3-diaminophenazine with phenylisocyanate and phenylisothiocyanate, respectively, in quantitative yields. The interaction and colorimetric sensing properties of receptor = 2 and 3 with different anions were investigated by naked eye, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in DMSO. The receptors effectively and selectively recognized biologically important F⁻, CH₃COO⁻, H₂P in the presence of other anions, such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻ and HS in DMSO.     

Electrochemical determination of iodide by poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid) film electrode at moderately low pH ranges

A new potentiometric sensor for the determination of iodide based on poly(3-aminophenylboronic acid) (PAPBA) film electrode was constructed. Poly(3-Aminophenylboronic acid) films were synthesized electrochemically on platinum electrode by cyclic voltammetry. The effect of film thickness, pH, and preconditioning parameters on the electrode performance were examined. The analytical performance was evaluated and linear calibration graphs were obtained in the concentration range of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹ M iodide ion. The limit of detection was found to be 8 × 10⁻⁷ M. The response time of the sensor was 5 s and its lifetime is about one week. To check the selectivity of the PAPBA film for iodide ion, potential interferences such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, F⁻, CN⁻, IO₃⁻, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ were tested. The PAPBA electrode was also employed as a sensing platform for the determination of iodide ions in commercial table salt.     

Novel thiophene based colorimetric and fluorescent receptor for selective recognition of fluoride ions

A colorimetric anion sensor 2,2′-(1E,1′E)-(thiophene-2,5-diylbis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)) was synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Anion binding studies were carried out using UV-visible spectrophotometric titrations and emission spectra studies, revealed that the receptor exhibits selective recognition toward F⁻over other anions. The selectivity for F⁻among the halides is attributed mainly to the hydrogen-bond interaction of the receptor with F⁻. Receptor 1 showed color change from fluorescent green to orange in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride with 1:1 stoichiometry. Receptor 1 exhibits remarkably enhanced fluorescence intensity.     

Effects of the receptors bearing phenol group and copper(II) on the anion recognition and their analytical application

Two novel artificial receptors based on diamide and bearing phenol group and copper(II) have been synthesized. Their anion-binding properties are evaluated for F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, AcO⁻, H₂PO₄⁻ and OH⁻ by UV-vis and ¹H NMR titration experiments to further elucidate the impact of phenol group and copper(II) on the chemistry of anion-recognition. Results indicate that the interacted model of fluoride anion with receptor 1 is different from other anions and the ¹H NMR signals of receptor 2 occur changes after the addition of fluoride anion. This may be related with the small radius and strong electronegative property of fluoride. The receptors should have many chemical and analytical applications and the sensing principle should be widely applicable to the sensing of other receptors.     

Colorimetric and fluorescent sensing of biologically important fluoride in physiological pH condition based on a positive homotropic allosteric system

A novel positive homotropic allosteric system 1 based on 3-methylpyrozole-5-one-4-one-2′,4′-dinitrophenylhydrazone was designed, synthesized and characterized. Colorimetric and fluorescent sensing of anions was achieved in physiological condition (pH 7.4), resulting from the positive homotropic allosterism of 1 induced by anions tested. In particular, the compound 1 exhibited a two-step response to the strong basic anions such as F⁻. In the first step, the hydrazone form of 1 interacted with anions through hydrogen bonding with an obvious color change from yellow to orange upon addition of 0.3 equiv. of anions. In the second step, with further addition of anions, the hydrazone form of 1 was shifted to the azophenol form, whose anion binding was accompanied with an orange-to-purple color change. In addition, the receptor 1 exhibited a fluorescent enhancement response to anions exploiting two possible signaling transduction mechanisms: (1) inhibition of photoinduced electronic transfer (PET) and (2) binding-induced rigidity of the host molecule.     

Analysis of thyroid hormones in raw and treated waste water

An analytical method for the quantification of thyroid hormones (3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodo-l-thyronine, 3,3′,5-triiodo-l-thyronine, 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine, 3,5-diiodothyronine, 3,3′-diiodothyronine) in different water matrices has been developed. The method, consisting of solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), was validated for tap and surface water as well as raw and treated waste water. The limits of quantifications (LOQs) were lowest in tap water, where they ranged from 1.1 to 13.3 ng L⁻¹, and highest in raw wastewater (10.5–84.9 ng L⁻¹). Of the target analytes 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodo-l-thyronine (T₄) could be quantified in the influent and effluent of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) in Finland. The study showed that despite a relatively high removal rate during treatment (66%), part of the incoming T₄ will reach the aquatic environment and, due to the high endocrine activity of this compound, further studies are needed in order to assess its environmental fate and impact on natural ecosystems.     

Simple indole-based colorimetric sensors with electron-withdrawing chromophores: Tuning selectivity in anion sensing

Three simple colorimetric anion sensors (1, 2, and 3) containing anthrone, 1,3-indanedione, and malononitrile as signaling chromophores and an indole binding site have been designed and synthesized. The introduction of electron-withdrawing groups can not only provide chromogenic signal output, but also tune the sensitivity and selectivity of indole-based anion sensors by electron push–pull features. Their anion binding and sensing properties were investigated in detail by dramatic color changes, UV–vis absorption, and ¹H NMR. As results revealed, sensor 1 showed high selectivity for F⁻ over AcO⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ with a distinct change in color due to the deprotonation of indole NH group. The excellent selectivity of 1 for F⁻ can be attributed to the fitness in the acidity of its NH-group, which is tuned to be able to distinguish the subtle difference in the affinity of F⁻, AcO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻ to NH proton.     

A 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine-imprinted polymer gel surface plasmon resonance sensor based on template-responsive shrinkage

Molecularly imprinted polymer gel film on the gold substrate of a chip was prepared with minute amount of cross-linker for the fabrication of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor sensitive to 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine. The molecularly imprinted gel film was anchored on a gold chip by a surface-bound photo-radical initiator. The sensing of 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine is based on responsive shrinkage of the imprinted polymer gel film that is triggered by target binding. This change can improve the responsiveness of the imprinted SPR sensor to 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine. The molecularly imprinted polymer gel film was characterized with contact angle measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammogram, swelling measurements and atomic force microscopy. The changes of SPR spectroscopy wavenumber shifts revealed that the imprinted gel sensing film can ‘memorize’ the binding of 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine compared to non-imprinted one. The imprinted gel-SPR sensor showed a linear response in the range of 9.0 × 10⁻¹² to 5.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ (R² = 0.9998) for the detection of 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine, and it also exhibited high selectivity to 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine compared to its structurally related analogues. We calculated the detection limits to be 0.471 ng L⁻¹ for tap water and 0.772 ng kg⁻¹ for soil based on a signal to noise ratio of 3. The method showed good recoveries and precision for the samples spiked with 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine. This suggest that the imprinted gel-SPR sensing method can be used as a promising alternative for the detection of 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine.     

2, 2′-Dihydroxyazobenzene-based fluorescent system for the colorimetric ‘turn-on’ sensing of cyanide

2, 2′-Dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB) demonstrated high sensitivity and low selectivity toward three anions: CN⁻, CO₃²⁻, and HCO₃⁻. In the presence of Cu(II), complex DHAB-Cu(II) could give rise to enhanced fluorescence intensity by about 45-fold at 590 nm and visible red-to-reddish orange color change upon the addition of cyanide by utilizing an indirect method, while no changes were observed in the presence of other anions, including F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, CH₃COO⁻, NO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻ and HCO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻, making the DHAB-Cu(II) complex a selective and sensitive cyanide chemosensor.     

Electrochemical behavior of hexafluoroniobate, heptafluorotungstate, and oxotetrafluorovanadate anions in N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide room temperature ionic liquid

Electrochemical behavior of hexafluoroniobate (Nb(V)F₆⁻), heptafluorotungstate (W(VI)F₇⁻), and oxotetrafluorovanadate (V(V)OF₄⁻) anions has been investigated in N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (BMPyrTFSA) ionic liquid at 298 K by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Cyclic voltammograms at a Pt electrode showed that Nb(V)F₆⁻ anion is reduced to Nb(IV)F₆²⁻ by a one-electron reversible reaction. Electrochemical reductions of W(VI)F₇⁻ and V(V)OF₄⁻ anions at a Pt electrode are quasi-reversible and irreversible reactions, respectively, according to cyclic voltammetry. The diffusion coefficients of Nb(V)F₆⁻, W(VI)F₇⁻ and V(V)OF₄⁻ determined by chronoamperometry are 1.34 × 10⁻⁷, 7.45 × 10⁻⁸ and 2.49 × 10⁻⁷ cm² s⁻¹, respectively. The Stokes radii of Nb(V)F₆⁻, W(VI)F₇⁻, and V(V)OF₄⁻ in BMPyrTFSA have been calculated to be 0.23, 0.38, and 0.12 nm, from the diffusion coefficients and viscosities obtained.     

Synthesis and anion recognition properties of 8,8′-dithioureido-2,2′-binaphthalene

A novel artificial receptor based on 2,2′-binaphthalene skeleton bearing two thiourea groups was prepared via nickel(II)-catalyzed homocoupling of the corresponding bromide. The receptor showed high binding ability for F⁻ and AcO⁻ in acetonitrile.     

A ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-dione, for anions in aqueous-organic media

A new fluorescent chemosensor, 1,10-phenanthroline-4,7-dione (1), which is capable of the ratiometric sensing of anions in aqueous MeCN, was developed. Chemosensor 1 recognized an anion via two NH groups in the molecule, and showed a much higher affinity for F⁻ than that of 4-quinolone, which binds to an anion at one NH group of the molecule. Upon binding to F⁻, the intensity of the emission band ascribed to the complex of 1-F⁻ was drastically enhanced, while the emission intensity of unbound 1 gradually decreased. The changes in these two emission bands enabled the successful ratiometric sensing.     

Syntheses of C-substituted icosahedral dicarbaboranes bearing the 8-dioxane-cobalt bisdicarbollide moiety

The treatment of 1,2-, 1,7- and 1,12-carbaborane lithiated isomers with [3,3′-Co-8-(CH₂CH₂O)₂-(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)-(1′,2′-C₂B₉H₁₁)] (1) at molar ratios 1:1 or 1:2 at room temperature in THF leads generally to the formation of a series of orange double-cluster mono and dianions. These were characterized by NMR and MS methods as [1′′-X-1′′,2′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁]⁻, [2]⁻; [1′′-X-1′′,7′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁]⁻, [3]⁻ and [1′′-X-1′′,12′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₁], [4]⁻ for the monoanions, whereas [1′′,2′′-X₂-1′′,2′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻, [2]²⁻; [1′′,7′′-X₂-1′′,7′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻, [3]²⁻; and [1′′,12′′-X₂-1′′,12′′-closo-C₂B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻, [4]²⁻ for the dianions (where X = 3,3′-Co-8-(CH₂CH₂O)₂-(1,2-C₂B₉H₁₀)-1′,2′-(C₂B₉H₁₁)). Moreover, these borane-cage subunits can be easily modified via attaching variable substituents onto cage carbon and boron vertices, which makes these compounds structurally flexible potential candidates for BNCT of cancer and HIV-PR inhibition.     

Pluri-dimensional hydrogen-bonded networks of novel thiophene-introduced oligo(imidazole)s and physical properties of their charge-transfer complexes with TCNQ

Novel π-extended oligo(imidazole)s composed of imidazole and thiophene ring systems, bis(imidazolyl)thiophenes 1-4, were synthesized as new building blocks for electron-donor molecules having diverse hydrogen-bonding directionalities in order to explore hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer complexes and supramolecular assemblies. The cyclic voltammetry of these compounds showed increase of electron-donating ability compared with those of 2,2′- and 4,4′-biimidazoles. In the crystal structure, 1, 2 and 3 exhibited multi-dimensional hydrogen-bonded networks via solvent molecules including the π-π interaction. Charge-transfer complexes of 1, 2 and 4 with TCNQ were characterized as partial charge-transfer complexes with segregated stacks. The compressed pellets of the TCNQ complex of 2 showed a high electrical conductivity (σ_rt=5.2×10⁻² S cm⁻¹) at room temperature with semiconducting behavior (activation energy, E_a=71 meV).     

New non-covalent charge-transfer complex of calix[4]pyrrole-chloranil: as a potential colorimetric anion sensor

Non-covalent calix[4]pyrrole-chloranil complex, a new class of supramolecular assembly, is reported. The formation of the complex is mainly attributed to the charge-transfer interactions between calix[4]pyrrole with electron-rich pyrrole rings and the electron-deficient chloranil subunit. As potential colorimetric anion sensors, the charge-transfer aggregation may be used for effective and selective detection of F⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ by means of dramatic visual color changes.