Dipyrrolyl quinoxalines with extended chromophores are efficient fluorimetric sensors for pyrophosphate

2,3-Di(pyrrole-2-yl)quinoxaline anion sensors with extended chromophores display dramatic enhancement in fluorescence intensity (sensing output), increased affinity for inorganic anions as well as strong selectivity for pyrophosphate over phosphate anion.     

2-(2′-羟基-3′-甲氧基苯基)-5,6-二硝基苯并咪唑的阴离子识别

设计并合成了2-(2′-羟基-3′-甲氧基苯基)-5,6-二硝基苯并咪唑化合物(1),通过X射线单晶衍射研究了该化合物的固态结构.利用紫外-可见光谱技术研究了其对阴离子的识别,发现化合物1能够在DMSO中对AcO-,H2PO4-,OH-的3种离子进行有效识别,同时溶液由原来的黄色变成红色,实现裸眼检测.     

Anion recognition using preorganized thiourea functionalized [3]polynorbornane receptors

[structure: see text] A new family of [3]polynorbornane frameworks exhibiting conformationally preorganized aromatic thiourea (cleft-like) receptors have been designed and synthesized for anion recognition. These show excellent affinity for the biologically relevant dihydrogenphosphate (H(2)PO(4)(-)) and dihydrogenpyrophosphate (H(2)P(2)O(7)(2)(-)) anions (among others), which are bound in 1:1 and 2:1 (host:anion) ratio, respectively. Moreover, visually striking color changes accompany guest binding, enabling this family to act as colorimetric anion sensors.     

Carbazole-Based Colorimetric Anion Sensors

Owing to their strong carbazole chromophore and fluorophore, as well as to their powerful and convergent hydrogen bond donors, 1,8-diaminocarbazoles are amongst the most attractive and synthetically versatile building blocks for the construction of anion receptors, sensors, and transporters. Aiming to develop carbazole-based colorimetric anion sensors, herein we describe the synthesis of 1,8-diaminocarbazoles substituted with strongly electron-withdrawing substituents, i.e., 3,6-dicyano and 3,6-dinitro. Both of these precursors were subsequently converted into model diamide receptors. Anion binding studies revealed that the new receptors exhibited significantly enhanced anion affinities, but also significantly increased acidities. We also found that rear substitution of 1,8-diamidocarbazole with two nitro groups shifted its absorption spectrum into the visible region and converted the receptor into a colorimetric anion sensor. The new sensor displayed vivid color and fluorescence changes upon addition of basic anions in wet dimethyl sulfoxide, but it was poorly selective; because of its enhanced acidity, the dominant receptor-anion interaction for most anions was proton transfer and, accordingly, similar changes in color were observed for all basic anions. The highly acidic and strongly binding receptors developed in this study may be applicable in organocatalysis or in pH-switchable anion transport through lipophilic membranes.     

Ratiometric dual fluorescent receptors for anions under intramolecular charge transfer mechanism

A series of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) dual fluorescent receptors with anion binding site in the electron acceptor were designed and synthesized. These receptors exhibited dual fluorescence in acetonitrile and the charge transfer (CT) emission energy was found to correlate linearly with the Hammett constant of the substituent existing in the electron acceptor, which is the basis for anion sensing. Dual fluorescence of these receptors was found to be sensitive to the presence of anions such as fluoride and acetate and the receptors can be employed as ratiometric fluorescent sensors for anions.     

The recognition and sensing of anions through "positive allosteric effects" using simple urea-amide receptors

The design, synthesis, and X-ray crystallographic analysis of three simple diaryl-urea based anion receptors possessing an amide moiety on one of the aryl groups, and an electron withdrawing CF(3) group on the other, is described. The three receptors differ only in the position of the amide functionality relative to the hydrogen bonding urea moiety (being para, meta, and ortho for 1, 2, and 3, respectively). This simple modification was shown to have a significant effect on the anion recognition ability, the strength of the recognition process, and the stoichiometry (host/guest) for these sensors. We demonstrate, by using both UV-vis absorption and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, that these factors are caused by the ability of the amide moiety to both modulate the anion binding selectivity and the sensitivity of the urea moiety. We also demonstrate that, in the case of 1 and 2, this anion recognition at the urea moiety leads to concomitant activation (through enhanced inductive effect) in the amide functionality toward anions, which leads to the formation of an overall 1:2 (sensor/anion) binding stoichiometry for these receptors. This "activation" we describe as being an example of a "positive allosteric activation" by the urea site, caused directly by the first anion binding interaction, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously demonstrated for anion recognition and sensing.     

pH-sensitive quantum dots

We have designed organic ligands able to adsorb on the surface of CdSe-ZnS core-shell quantum dots and switch the luminescence of the inorganic nanoparticles in response to hydroxide anions. These compounds incorporate a [1,3]oxazine ring within their molecular skeleton, which reacts with the nucleophilic hydroxide anion to generate a 4-nitrophenylazophenolate chromophore. The chromogenic transformation activates an energy transfer pathway from the quantum dot to the adsorbed chromophores. As a result, the luminescence intensity of the coated nanoparticles decreases significantly in the presence of hydroxide anions. In fact, this mechanism can be exploited to probe the pH of aqueous solutions. Indeed, an increase in pH from 7.1 to 8.5 translates into a 35% decrease in the luminescence intensity of the sensitive quantum dots. Thus, our operating principles for luminescence switching can efficiently transduce a chemical stimulation into a change in the emissive response of semiconductor nanoparticles. In principle, this protocol can be extended from hydroxide anions to other target analytes with appropriate adjustments in the molecular design of the chromogenic ligands. It follows that luminescent chemosensors, based on the unique photophysical properties of semiconductor quantum dots, can eventually evolve from our design logic and choice of materials.     

Thiourea based novel chromogenic sensor for selective detection of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic and aqueous media

Novel chromogenic thiourea based sensors 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl ether 1 and 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl methane 2 having nitrophenyl group as signaling unit have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. The both sensors show visual detection, UV-vis and NMR spectral changes in presence of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic solvent as well as in aqueous medium. The absorption spectra indicated the formation of complex between host and guest is in 1:2 stoichiometric ratios.     

Amide-based ligands for anion coordination

Anion recognition is an active area of research in supramolecular chemistry. The rapidly increasing amount of structural data now allows anion coordination chemistry to be formalized in terms of coordination numbers and geometries based on hydrogen-bonding interactions between the host (ligand) and the guest (anion). This Minireview targets just one class of anion receptors, namely, amide-based ligands. The structural data for a series of five anion shapes are compiled according to coordination number, and distinct commonalities are observed within a given anion topology. The results also indicate a number of similarities between the coordination of anions and transition-metal ions.     

Enhanced voltammetric anion sensing at halogen and hydrogen bonding ferrocenyl SAMs

Halogen bonding mediated electrochemical anion sensing has very recently been established as a potent platform for the selective and sensitive detection of anions, although the principles that govern binding and subsequent signal transduction remain poorly understood. Herein we address this challenge by providing a comprehensive study of novel redox-active halogen bonding (XB) and hydrogen bonding (HB) ferrocene-isophthalamide-(iodo)triazole receptors in solution and at self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Under diffusive conditions the sensory performance of the XB sensor was significantly superior. In molecular films the XB and HB binding motifs both display a notably enhanced, but similar, response to specific anions. Importantly, the enhanced response of these films is rationalised by a consideration of the (interfacial) dielectric microenvironment. These effects, and the resolved relationship between anion binding and signal transduction, underpin an improved fundamental understanding of anion sensing at redox-active interfaces which will benefit not just the development of more potent, real-life relevant, sensors but also new tools to study host–guest interactions at interfaces.

Surface enhancement effects in the sensing of anions at redox-active molecular films are investigated in detail and rationalised based on a consideration of the dielectric binding microenvironment.     

Computational prediction of trends in the selectivity of macrocyclic receptors for anions

We seek a theoretical method which is capable of predicting trends in the binding affinity of macrocyclic receptors for various anions in aqueous solution. Success has been achieved in this endeavor by employing semiempirical methodology to compute the energetics of certain exchange reactions whereby anions are exchanged between a macrocyclic receptor and a cluster of water molecules. The method is computationally tractable with workstation-class computing hardware and is applicable to a wide range of guest/host systems. Computations for several anion/receptor systems are reported.     

Synthesis, structure, anion binding, and sensing by calix[4]pyrrole isomers

The synthesis, structure, and anion binding properties of chromogenic octamethylcalix[4]pyrroles (OMCPs) and their N-confused octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole isomers (NC-OMCPs) containing an inverted pyrrole ring connected via alpha'- and beta-positions are described. X-ray diffraction analyses proved the structures of two synthesized isomeric pairs of OMCPs and NC-OMCPs. The addition of anions to solutions of chromogenic OMCPs and NC-OMCPs resulted in different colors suggesting different anion-binding behaviors. The chromogenic NC-OMCPs showed significantly stronger anion-induced color changes compared to the corresponding chromogenic OMCP, and the absorption spectroscopy titrations indicated that chromogenic OMCPs and NC-OMCPs also possess different anion binding selectivity. Detailed NMR studies revealed that this rather unusual feature stems from a different anion-binding mode in OMCPs and NC-OMCPs, one where the beta-pyrrole C-H of the inverted pyrrole moiety participates in the hydrogen-bonded anion-NC-OMCP complex. Preliminary colorimetric microassays using synthesized chromogenic calixpyrroles embedded in partially hydrophilic polyurethane matrices allow for observation of analyte-specific changes in color when the anions are administered in the form of their aqueous solutions and in the presence of weakly competing anions.     

Chloride‐Selective Electrodes Based on “Two‐Wall” Aryl‐Extended Calix[4]Pyrroles: Combining Hydrogen Bonds and Anion–π Interactions to Achieve Optimum Performance

The performance of chloride‐selective electrodes based on “two‐wall” aryl‐extended calix[4]pyrroles and multiwall carbon nanotubes is presented. The calix[4]pyrrole receptors bear two phenyl groups at opposite meso‐positions. When the meso‐phenyl groups are decorated with strong electron‐withdrawing substituents, attractive anion–π interactions may exist between the receptor’s aromatic walls and the sandwiched anion. These anion–π interactions are shown to significantly affect the selectivity of the electrodes. Calix[4]pyrrole, bearing a p‐nitro withdrawing group on each of the meso‐phenyl rings, afforded sensors that display anti‐Hofmeister behavior against the lipophilic salicylate and nitrate anions. Based on the experimental data, a series of principles that help in predicting the suitability of synthetic receptors for use as anion‐specific ionophores is discussed. Finally, the sensors deliver excellent results in the direct detection of chloride in bodily fluids.     

A naked-eye detection of fluoride with urea/thiourea receptors which have both a benzophenone group and a nitrophenyl group as a signalling group

Two new colorimetric anion sensors have been synthesised where both a benzophenone group and a nitrophenyl group were used as signalling units and urea/thiourea moieties as binding sites. The receptors, effectively and selectively, recognised fluoride and carboxylate anions from other anions such as chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, hydrogen sulphate and nitrate in DMSO.     

Urea and thiourea based anion receptors in solution and on polymer supports

Herein we report the development of a new series of surface bound anion sensors exploiting the urea or thiourea motif capable of binding anions through hydrogen bonding interactions. The use of high resolution magic angle spinning ¹H NMR allows the direct comparison of the anion binding properties of these receptors in solution versus those tethered to polymer resins. Some intramolecular hydrogen bonding and solvent effects were observed at the solution:surface interface however in general the anion binding properties of the polymer bound urea and thiourea receptors were maintained.     

1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体的合成及识别性能

设计合成了2个1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体2-(2-羟基苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(1)和2-(2-羟基-5-溴苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(2), 受体2的结构由X射线单晶衍射分析确证. 通过紫外-可见光谱滴定及 ¹H NMR滴定研究了这2个受体对F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^- 6种阴离子的识别传感作用及作用机理. 结果表明, 受体对AcO^-, F^-和H₂PO₄^-有较强的传感作用, 溶液颜色由淡黄色变为黄色; 对Cl^-的作用较弱; 而对Br^-和I^-则无明显作用. 通过机理研究发现, 受体与F^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^-形成1: 1的氢键超分子, 当阴离子的量超过受体的1倍以后, 咪唑氮上的氢转移到阴离子; 受体与Cl^-以氢键形成超分子复合物, 而与Br^-和I^-作用很弱.     

Calix[4]arenes containing thiourea and amide moieties: neutral receptors towards alpha,omega-dicarboxylate anions

Two-armed neutral anion receptors (4,5), were prepared and examined for their anion-binding ability using UV-vis, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectra in DMSO. The results of non-linear curve fitting indicate that 4 or 5 form 1 : 1 stoichiometric complexes with dicarboxylate anions by multiple hydrogen bonding interactions and the sensitivity for recognition of dicarboxylate depends on the chain length of these dicarboxylate anions. Receptors 4 and 5 have no binding ability with acetate, dihydrogen phosphate and the halogen (Cl-, Br-, I-) anions. This demonstrates that receptors 4 or 5 could be used as chemical sensors for some special dicarboxylate anions.     

Photophysical studies of anion-induced colorimetric response and amplified fluorescence quenching in dipyrrolylquinoxaline-containing conjugated polymers

The dipyrrolylquinoxaline (DPQ)-containing monomer and polymers were synthesized and employed as chromogenic and fluorescent chemosensors for inorganic anions. We have found that in the presence of fluoride or pyrophosphate, the receptors do not form hydrogen bonds between the pyrrole protons and anions. The colorimetric responses and fluorescence quenching in these chemosensors are indeed the result of deprotonation of the N-H proton. The anion selectivity is primarily determined by the relative basicity of anions. The sensitivity of DPQ-based chemosensor was found to display a 34-fold enhancement by incorporation into the conjugated polymer. The anion-induced deprotonation generates low-energy, non-fluorescent trapping sites and is responsible for the signal amplification where the quenching of the excited state occurs from the deprotonated DPQ site in the network by rapid exciton migration along the polymeric backbone.     

Study on the Anion Recognition Properties of Synthesized Receptors （Ⅲ）： Convenient Synthesis and Anion Recognition Property of Bisthiosemicarbazone Derivative

A new series of bisthiosemicarbazone derivative receptors(1,2 and 3)have been synthesized by simple steps ingood yields.Their anion recognition properties were studied by UV-Vis and ~1H NMR spectroscopy.The resultshowed that the receptors 1,2 and 3 all had a better selectivity to F~-,CH_3COO~- and H_2PO_4~-,but no evidentbinding with Cl~-,Br~-,I~-,NO_3~- and HSO_4~-.Upon addition of the three anions to the receptors in DMSO,thesolution acquired a color change from colorless to dark yellow that can be observed by the naked-eyes,thus the re-ceptors can act as fluoride ion sensors even in the presence of other halide ions.The data showed that it was regularthat the three receptors had different binding ability with the three anions.For the same anion,the association con-stants followed the trend:receptor 1>3>2.The UV-Vis data indicates that a 1:1 stoichiometry complex isformed through hydrogen bonding interactions between compound 1,2 or 3 and anions.     

Pyrrolic and polypyrrolic anion binding agents

This review traces the emergence of pyrrole-based receptors for anion recognition. It outlines how serendipitous findings that the diprotonated form of sapphyrin, a pentapyrrolic expanded porphyrin, formed a centrally-bound complex with fluoride anion made over a decade ago spawned studies of this and other expanded porphyrins as receptors, carriers, and sensors of anions. Further evolutions of the field, including in particular the finding that neutral, non-aromatic oligopyrrole macrocycles, such as the calixpyrroles and calixphyrins, can act as cheap, and easy-to-prepare anion receptors will also be highlighted, as will recent work with acyclic systems, including dipyrrolylquinoxalines (DPQs) and simple derivatives of pyrrole itself.