Modulation of the metal recognition properties of a new type of azaferrocenophane-based chemosensors: co-ordination chemistry towards Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+

The structure-redox chemistry relationship of a new type of azaferrocenophane-based chemosensors, 3 and 4, in the presence of protons and several kinds of metal ions, has been studied. Electrochemical studies, carried out in CH2Cl2, in the presence of increasing amounts of Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ showed that the wave corresponding to the Fc/Fc+ couple of the uncomplexed ligands is gradually replaced by a new reversible wave at more positive potentials corresponding to the Fc/Fc+ couple of the complexed ligands. The maximum shift of the ferrocene oxidation wave was found for 4b in the presence of Mg2+, whereas for 3f a selective sensing response for Mg2+ in the presence of hydrated Ca2+ cations was observed, with a concomitant highly visual output response consisting of a deep purple colour.     

Multimodal Use of New Coumarin‐Based Fluorescent Chemosensors: Towards Highly Selective Optical Sensors for Hg2+ Probing

Despite several types of fluorescent sensing molecules have been proposed and examined to signal Hg²⁺ ion binding, the development of fluorescence‐based devices for in‐field Hg²⁺ detection and screening in environmental and industrial samples is still a challenging task. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of three new coumarin‐based fluorescent chemosensors featuring mixed thia/aza macrocyclic framework as receptors units, that is, ligands L1 – L3 . These probes revealed an OFF–ON selective response to the presence of Hg²⁺ ions in MeCN/H₂O 4:1 (v/v), which allowed imaging of this metal ion in Cos‐7 cells in vitro. Once included in silica core–polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell nanoparticles or supported on polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐based polymeric membranes, ligands L1 – L3 can also selectively sense Hg²⁺ ions in pure water. In particular we have developed an optical sensing array tacking advantage of the fluorescent properties of ligand L3 and based on the computer screen photo assisted technique (CSPT). In the device ligand L3 is dispersed into PVC membranes and it quantitatively responds to Hg²⁺ ions in natural water samples.     

Silica-based optical chemosensors for detection and removal of metal ions

Because some metal ions are highly toxic even at trace level, a constant demand of developing methods for monitoring and removing these metal ions is extremely urgent. Silica-based optical chemosensors are supposed as good alternatives to classical instrumental methods for detecting and adsorbing metal ions, due to their effect and lower price. Silica nanoparticles, silica gel and mesoporous silica are used as supporting platforms to fabricate optical chemosensors. They have certain properties containing high porosity and expectant adsorption capacity. Chromogenic-type and fluorogenic-type optical probes, such as azobenzene, naphthalimide and rhodamine, are grafted to the surface of silica-based materials by sol–gel reaction, the limit of detection, response time and selective properties of optical sensors are improved sequentially. In this paper, the articles of silica-based optical chemosensors are retrospected since 2008, describing silica-based optical sensors used for sensing metal ions. The sensing mechanism, optical phenomenon, detection limit, adsorption capacity and application are also reviewed.     

Rhodamine-based chemosensing monolayers on glass as a facile fluorescent “turn-on” sensing film for selective detection of Pb

Rhodamine-based chemosensors 1 and 2 were synthesized and self-assembled onto glass surfaces for the selective fluorescent sensing of Pb²⁺. The immobilized chemosensors showed fluorescent responses that were turned-on with Pb²⁺ in CH₃CN, selectively over various metal ions. The Pb²⁺-selective fluorescent switch of the immobilized chemosensors was also reversible, allowing for repeated use for Pb²⁺ detection.     

Turn on Fluorescence Sensing of Zn2+ Based on Fused Isoindole-Imidazole Scaffold

Optical chemosensors caused a revolution in the field of sensing due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and fast detection features. Imidazole derivatives have offered promising features in the literature as they bear suitable donor/acceptor groups for the selective analytes in the skeleton. In this work, an isoindole-imidazole containing a Schiff base chemosensor (1-{3-[(2-Diethylamino-ethylimino)-methyl]-2-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl}-2H-imidazo[5,1-a]isoindole-3,5-dione) was designed and synthesized. The complete sensing phenomena have been investigated by means of UV-Vis, fluorescence, lifetime measurement, FT-IR, NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The optical properties of the synthesized ligand were investigated in 3:7 HEPES buffer:DMSO medium and found to be highly selective and sensitive toward Zn²⁺ ion through a fluorescence turn-on response with detection limit of 0.073 μm. Furthermore, this response is effective in gel form also. The competition studies reveal that the response of the probe for Zn²⁺ ion is unaffected by other relevant metal ions. The stoichiometric binding study was performed utilizing Job’s method which indicated a 1:1 sensor–Zn²⁺ ensemble. Computational calculations were performed to pinpoint the mechanism of sensing.     

A ‘turn-on’ fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of cobalt and nickel ions in aqueous media

Two newly designed turn-on fluorescein-based chemosensors are highly sensitive and selective for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ in both absorption and emission modes, normally difficult to achieve with these paramagnetic ions. Binding to both ions is reversible, as indicated by the bleaching of the color when the metal is extracted with EDTA. Given the difficulty of designing enhanced fluorescent sensors for paramagnetic Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions, the fluorescein compounds may inspire the further development of more sophisticated sensing constructs for the detection of these ions.     

Rhodamine-based chemosensing monolayers on glass as a facile fluorescent "turn-on" sensing film for selective detection of Pb2+

Rhodamine-based chemosensors 1 and 2 were synthesized and self-assembled onto glass surfaces for the selective fluorescent sensing of Pb(2+). The immobilized chemosensors showed fluorescent responses that were turned-on with Pb(2+) in CH(3)CN, selectively over various metal ions. The Pb(2+)-selective fluorescent switch of the immobilized chemosensors was also reversible, allowing for repeated use for Pb(2+) detection.     

Synthesis, coordination properties, and analytical applications of mixed donor macrocycles containing the 1,10-phenanthroline sub-unit

The coordination properties towards different metal ions of a new class of mixed N/S-, and N/S/O-donor macrocycles containing the 1,10-phenanthroline sub-unit in the cyclic framework are reviewed. The conformational constraints imposed by the heteroaromatic fragment onto the aliphatic portion of the ring determine the coordination mode of these ligands which can stabilise low-valent Ni⁺, Pd⁺, Pt⁺, and Rh⁺ metal complexes. Structural and thermodynamic aspects of the coordination chemistry of these ligands are considered together with possible applications as building blocks in the synthesis of multi-centred systems, and as template in the construction of extended polyiodide networks. However, solution studies demonstrate the inability of these ligands to work as selective and specific fluorescent chemosensors for heavy transition and post-transition metal ions and the formation constants evaluated for the formation of 1:1 complexes with Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ag⁺ in acetonitrile are of the same order of magnitude. Nevertheless, some of these macrocyles are extremely effective to recognise Cu²⁺ or Ag⁺ over the other metal ions in transport processes, and have been successfully used as neutral ionophore in the construction of PVC-based ionselective electrodes and supported liquid membranes for analytical detection and separation, respectively, of these metal ions.     

Fluorescent and colourimetric 1, 8-naphthalimide-appended chemosensors for the tracking of metal ions: selected examples from the year 2010 to 2017

The global sensing science in the past couple of years has seen brilliant successes in the designs and syntheses of diverse fluorescent and colourimetric chemosensors of ultra-high selectivities and sensitivities for the tracking of metal ions in environmental and biological systems. Amongst the most widely employed fluorophores for the development of fluorescent and colourimetric chemosensors is the 1, 8-naphthalimide fluorophore, which is distinctive due to its possession of outstanding photophysical properties unequalled by other fluorophores. Many reported literatures are replete with employment of 1, 8-naphthalimide as a unique fluorophore for the construction of chemosensors for the monitoring of metal ions (such as Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Pd²⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Au³⁺, and Bi²⁺, and/or a combination of any of them) with remarkable results documented from various labs. This review summarises recent advances in the development of representative fluorescent and colourimetric 1, 8-naphthalimide-based chemosensors reported within the past 7 years. It is believed that gaining insights into the various highlighted examples would help to refine our knowledge of the field and pave the way for further advancement in the constructions of fluorescent and colourimetric 1, 8-naphthalimide-based chemosensors of improved sensing parameters and practical application values.     

Highly Sensitive and Fast‐Responsive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Palladium: Reversible Sensing and Visible Recovery

The well‐known rhodamine spiro‐lactam framework offers an ideal model for the development of fluorescence‐enhanced chemosensors through simple and convenient syntheses. Herein, we report a new tridentate PNO receptor, which was introduced into a rhodamine spiro‐lactam system to develop Pd²⁺‐chemosensor RPd4 , that displayed significantly improved sensing properties for palladium. Compound RPd4 shows a very fast response time (about 5 s), high sensitivity (5 nM ), and excellent specificity for Pd²⁺ ions over other PGE ions (Pt²⁺, Rh³⁺, and Ru³⁺). In addition, RPd4 displays quite different responses to different valence states of the Pd ions, that is, very fast response towards Pd²⁺ ions but slow response towards Pd⁰, which may provide us with a convenient method for the selective discrimination of Pd species in different valence states. According to proof‐of‐concept experiments, RPd4 has potential applications in Pd²⁺‐analysis in drug compounds, water, soil, and leaf samples. Owing to its good reversibility, RPd4 can also be used as a sensor material for the selective detection and visual recovery of trace Pd²⁺ ions in environmental samples.     

Acridino-Diaza-20-Crown-6 Ethers: New Macrocyclic Hosts for Optochemical Metal Ion Sensing

Acridino-diaza-20-crown-6 ether derivatives as new turn-on type fluorescent chemosensors with an excellent functionality and photophysical properties have been designed and synthesized for metal ion-selective optochemical sensing applications. Spectroscopic studies revealed that in an acetonitrile-based semi-aqueous medium, the sensor molecules exhibited a remarkable fluorescence enhancement with high sensitivity only toward Zn²⁺, Al³⁺ and Bi³⁺, among 23 different metal ions. Studies on complexation showed a great coordinating ability of logK > 4.7 with a 1:1 complex stoichiometry in each case. The detection limits were found to be from 59 nM to micromoles. The new ionophores enabled an optical response without being affected either by the pH in the range of 5.5–7.5, or the presence of various anions or competing metal ions. Varying the N-substituents of the new host-backbone provides diverse opportunities in both immobilization and practical applications without influencing the molecular recognition abilities.     

Synthesis of Novel Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Rhodamine Conjugates and Their Ability for Sensing Cu2+ and Li+

The search for accurate and sensitive methods to detect chemical substances, namely cations and anions, is urgent and widely sought due to the enormous impact that some of these chemical species have on human health and on the environment. Here, we present a new platform for the efficient sensing of Cu²⁺ and Li⁺ cations. For this purpose, two novel photoactive diketopyrrolopyrrole-rhodamine conjugates were synthesized through the condensation of a diketopyrrolopyrrole dicarbaldehyde with rhodamine B hydrazide. The resulting chemosensors 1 and 2, bearing one or two rhodamine hydrazide moieties, respectively, were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and their photophysical and ion-responsive behaviours were investigated via absorption and fluorescence measurements. Chemosensors 1 and 2 displayed a rapid colorimetric response upon the addition of Cu²⁺, with a remarkable increase in the absorbance and fluorescence intensities. The addition of other metal ions caused no significant effects. Moreover, the resulting chemosensor-Cu²⁺ complexes revealed to be good probes for the sensing of Li⁺ with reversibility and low detection limits. The recognition ability of the new chemosensors was investigated by absorption and fluorescence titrations and competitive studies.     

Thiazole-tethered biaryls as fluorescent chemosensors for the selective detection of Fe3+ ions

3-Amino-5-(thiazol-2-yl)-[1,1′-biaryl]-2,4-dicarbonitriles have been synthesized employing a facile one-pot pseudo four-component domino strategy. All these thiazole-tethered biaryls exhibited blue fluorescence under UV lamp. Based on the high relative quantum yield, three compounds namely, 4a , 4d , and 4i , were chosen to explore the metal interference studies. Against several metal ions, these three thiazole-tethered biphenyl probes were found to be effective fluorescent chemosensors for the selective and sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ ions with a lower detection limit of 0.18, 0.12, and 0.16 μM, respectively.     

Pattern‐Based Detection of Toxic Metals in Surface Water with DNA Polyfluorophores

Heavy metal contamination of water can be toxic to humans and wildlife; thus the development of methods to detect this contamination is of high importance. Here we describe the design and application of DNA‐based fluorescent chemosensors on microbeads to differentiate eight toxic metal ions in water. We developed and synthesized four fluorescent 2′‐deoxyribosides of metal‐binding ligands. A tetramer‐length oligodeoxy‐fluoroside (ODF) library of 6561 members was constructed and screened for sequences responsive to metal ions, of which seven sequences were selected. Statistical analysis of the response patterns showed successful differentiation of the analytes at concentrations as low as 100 nM . Sensors were able to classify water samples from 13 varied sites and quantify metal contamination in unknown specimens. The results demonstrate the practical potential of bead‐based ODF chemosensors to analyze heavy metal contamination in water samples by a simple and inexpensive optical method.     

Optical supermicrosensor responses for simple recognition and sensitive removal of Cu (II) Ion target

The field of optical chemosensor technology demands a simple yet general design for fast, sensitive, selective, inexpensive, and specific recognition of a broad range of toxic metal ions. The suitable accommodation of chromogenic receptors onto ordered porous carriers have led to selective and sensitive chemosensors of target species. In this study, we offer real evidence on the potential use of two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) ordered supermicroporous monoliths as selective shape and size carriers for immobilizing the chromogenic probe. Among all the chemosensors, 3D supermicropore has exhibited easy accessibility of target ions, such as ion transports and high affinity responses of receptor-metal analyte binding events. This leads to an optical color signal that is easily generated and transduced even at trace levels of Cu(II) target ions. The supermicrosensors have shown the ability to create Cu(II) ion-sensing responses up to nanomolar concentrations (∼10⁻⁹ mol/dm³) with rapid response time (in the order of seconds). Supermicrosensors have the ability to create easily modified sensing systems with multiple regeneration/reuse cycles of sensing systems of Cu(II) analytes. The simple treatment using ClO₄⁻ anion as a stripping agent has removed effectively the Cu(II) ions and formed a “metal-free” probe surface. The supermicrosensors have exhibited the specificity behavior permitting Cu(II) ion-selective determination in real-life samples, such as in wastewater, despite the presence of active component species. Extensive analytical results indicate that the use of the supermicrosensor as Cu(II) ion strips for field screening can be a time- and cost-alternative tool to current effective laboratory assays.     

Synthesis of diazadibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 ligands with appended chromophoric and fluorophoric groups as potential metal ion chemosensors

Six new diazadibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 ligands substituted with two each of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (7), 8‐amino‐quinoline (attached through its C‐2 or C‐7 position) ( 12 and 13 ), 8‐methoxyquinoline ( 18 ), 5‐chloro‐8‐methoxyquinoline ( 19 ), and dansylamidoethyl ( 21 ) side arms were synthesized as potential metal ion chemosensors and potential reagents for the selective extraction of certain metal ions from aqueous solutions. Ligands 7, 12, 13, 18 , and 19 were synthesized by reductive amination of diazadibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 ( 5 ) and the appropriate quinolinecarboxaldehydes. Bis(dansylamidoethyl)‐substituted ligand 21 was synthesized by treating diazacrown ether 5 with N‐dansylaziridine ( 20 ).     

识别过渡金属离子的1,8-萘二甲酰亚胺多胺衍生物荧光传感器的研究

A series of fluorescent chemosensors 1-3 were synthesized to detect transition metal ions. At the room temperature, fluorescence intensities of these chemosensors in acetonitrile without transition metal ions were found to be very weak, due to the process of the e±cient intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (PET). However, after addition of the transition metal ions, the chemosensor 1-3 exhibits obvious fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, the intensity of the fluorescence emission of chemosensors increases significantly in the presence of Zn2+ and Cd2+. The fluorescent chemosensors with different polyamine as receptors show diverse a±nity abilities to the transition metal ions and signal the receptor-metal ion interaction by the intensity change of fluorescence emission.     

Highly selective chromogenic and redox or fluorescent sensors of Hg2+ in aqueous environment based on 1,4-disubstituted azines

Two new chemosensors that exhibit high affinity and high selectivity for Hg2+ in aqueous environment which operate through two different channels, optic/redox and optic/fluorescent, are reported. The optical change in sensing can be used even for a "naked-eye" detection of Hg2+ ions, whereas the fluorescent response can be modulated by varying the solvent polarity.     

Electroactive thiazole derivatives capped with ferrocenyl units showing charge-transfer transition and selective ion-sensing properties: a combined experimental and theoretical study

The synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties, and X-ray characterization of two thiazole derivatives capped by ferrocenyl groups (5 and 7) and their model compounds with one ferrocenyl, either at 2 or 5 position of the mono- or bis-thiazolyl rings (3, 9, 11, and 14), are presented. Bisferrocenyl thiazole 5 forms the mixed-valence species 5*+ by partial oxidation which, interestingly, shows an intramolecular electron-transfer phenomenon. Moreover, the reported heteroaromatic compounds show selective ion-sensing properties. Thus, ferrocenylthiazoles linked across the 5 position of the heteroaromatic ring are selective chemosensors for Hg2+ and Pb2+ metal ions; 5-ferrocenylthiazole 3 operates through two channels, optical and redox, for Hg2+ and only optical for Pb2+, whereas 1,1'-bis(thiazolyl)ferrocene 14 is only an optical sensor for both metal ions. Moreover, complex 3 behaves as an electrochemically induced switchable chemosensor because of the low metal-ion affinity of the oxidized 3*+ species. On the other hand, ferrocenylthiazole 9, in which the heterocyclic ring and the ferrocene group are linked across the 2 position, is a selective redox sensor for Hg2+ metal ions, and it responds optically, as does bis(thiazolyl)ferrocene 11, to a narrow range of cations (Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+). Finally, bis(ferrocenyl)thiazole 5 is a dual optical and redox sensor for Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+, whereas bis(ferrocenyl) compound 7, bearing a bis(thiazole) unit as a bridge, is only a chromogenic sensor for Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+. The experimental data and conclusions about both the electronic and ion-sensing properties are supported by DFT calculations which show, in addition, an unprecedented intramolecular electron-transfer reorganization after the first one-electron oxidation of compound 5.     

Anthracene derivatives bearing sulfur atoms or selenium atoms as fluorescent chemosensors for Cu and Hg: different selectivity induced from ligand immobilization onto anthracene

Two new selenium containing anthracene derivatives and two new sulfur containing anthracene derivatives were synthesized as fluorescent chemosensors for Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺. Compound 1 displayed a highly selective chelation enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ) effect only with Cu²⁺, on the other hand, compounds 3 and 4 displayed highly selective chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effects only with Hg²⁺ among the metal ions examined.