Molecular design, characterization, and application of multiinformation dyes for optical chemical sensing: IV. Multiinformation dyes with extended spectral sensitivity in the near-infrared spectral range

In this paper, new “multiinformation dyes” (MIDs) with extended spectral sensitivity reporting on both changes in solvent polarity (solvatochromism) and in pH (halochromism) by changes in their visible absorption spectra, are presented. The merocyanine dyes 2,6-dibromo-4-[4-(1-dodecyl-4(1H)-pyridinylidene)-2-butenylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (KD-M301) and 2,6-dibromo-4-[4-(1-dodecyl-4(1H)-quinolinylidene)-2-butenylidene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (KD-M402) were designed, synthesized, and characterized regarding analytical applications. The spectral sensitivity for the MIDs was extended into the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range (λ_max=800 nm in CHCl₃ for KD-M402) and at the same time, the degree of solvent polarity-induced spectral shifts was strongly enhanced (Δλ_max=202 nm for KD-M402 between tetrahydrofuran (THF) and methanol), reaching similar values to the standard solvatochromic dye Dimroth-Reichardt’s betaine on which the empirical E_T(30) classification of solvent polarity is based. Compared to Dimroth-Reichardt’s betaine dye, the molar absorption coefficient ε, is increased more than 10-fold (ε of KD-M402 in THF: 7.7×10⁴ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹), allowing sensitive measurements at low concentrations of the dye. The dodecyl-substituted KD-M402 is suitable as a lipophilic pH indicator in ion-exchange type optical sensors (optodes) with optical detection in the near-infrared wavelength range.     

A fluorescent chemosensor for calcium with excellent storage stability in water

This article describes the design, synthesis and characterization of an optical sensor suitable for practical measurement of ionized calcium in serum and whole blood samples. The key to the development of this sensor is the identification of a chemically very stable, nitrogen-containing, calcium selective ionophore, coupled with a fluorophore having the correct spectral and electron accepting properties. The slope of the sensor is about 34%/mM in the typical clinically significant range of 0.32-2.2 mM. This sensor has been implemented into the disposable cartridge, used for commercially available OPTI CCA analyzer with precision better than ±0.02 mM (1 S.D.). The sensor displays excellent stability against hydrolysis and oxidation, leading to less than 0.02 mM measurement error after 9 months of wet storage at room temperature, up to 30 °C.     

A rapid responsive and highly selective probe for cyanide in the aqueous environment

A colorimetric and fluorescent cyanide probe based on 7-(trifluoroacetamino)coumarin has been prepared. This structurally simple probe displays rapid response and high selectivity for cyanide over other common anions in the aqueous solution. The sensing of cyanide was performed via the nucleophilic attack of cyanide anion to carbonyl of the probe with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry, which could be confirmed by Job’s plot, ¹H NMR, and MS studies. DFT/TDDFT calculations support that the fluorescence enhancement of the probe is mainly due to the ICT process improvement. The detection limit of the fluorescent assay for cyanide is as low as 0.3 μM in a rapid response of less than 30 s. Thus, the present probe should be applicable as a practical system for the monitoring of cyanide concentrations in aqueous samples.     

Thermodynamics of calcium chloride in highly concentrated aqueous solution and in hydrated crystals

Measured values of the pressure of H₂O over saturated solutions in equilibrium with the dihydrate, tetrahydrate or hexahydrate of CaCl₂ are converted to osmotic coefficients and compared with literature values for solutions of smaller molality. It is found that the osmotic coefficient is constant, within the uncertainty, from about 7 mol-kg^–1 to soturation at all temperatures from 25 to 100°C. From this simple approximation, the activity coefficient is calculated for high molalities and at saturation. By combination of these results with other established data, entropies and Gibbs energies of formation are calculated for the crystalline hydrates of CaCl₂.     

A simple yet highly selective colorimetric sensor for cyanide anion in an aqueous environment

The nucleophilic nature of cyanide is used to create a simple, sensitive, and highly effective sensor, 2-(trifluoroacetylamino)anthraquinone (2-TFAQ), for the easy "naked-eye" detection of very low concentrations of cyanide in an aqueous environment.     

A novel highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Hg（Ⅱ） in fully aqueous media

A novel fluorescent Hg~(2 ) chemosensor based on dithia-dioxa-monoaza crown ether was synthesized in four steps from inexpensive starting materials.This new sensor exhibited very strong fluorescence response to Hg~(2 ) (F_(Hg~(2 ))/F_(free)>130) and it was highly selective to Hg~(2 ) over the other metal ions by more than 45-fold.     

Chemically selective membrane optode for Cr(VI) determination in aqueous samples

A methodology for simultaneous preconcentration and determination of Cr(VI) from aqueous samples was developed using a membrane optode formed by physical inclusion of a Cr(VI) selective chromophore 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) into a plasticized cellulose triacetate matrix. The inclusion of an anion exchanger (Aliquat-336) was found to be effective for immobilization of both DPC and Cr(VI)-DPC complex in the optode matrix itself. The proportionality in intensity of the magenta color on the optodes loaded with varying amounts of Cr(VI) suggests its potential applications for screening of Cr(VI) in aqueous samples by visual colorimetry. On loading high amounts of Cr(VI) in the membrane optode, its color changes from magenta to yellow, which indicates the possibility of using it as a threshold detector for Cr(VI). The membrane optode was optimized in terms of obtaining maximum preconcentration efficiency for Cr(VI) and subsequent stable optical response proportional to the amount of Cr(VI) in the membrane optode sample. The membrane optodes were tested for Cr(VI) determination in tap water and seawater samples. Using this optode, Cr(VI) even at levels of 13.6 ppb could be quantitatively detected. The optodes developed in the present work were found to be stable, cost effective, easy to prepare and efficient for direct preconcentration and determination of Cr(VI) in a variety of aqueous samples using spectrophotometry. However, this membrane optode is for one time use only as the reaction of Cr(VI) with DPC is irreversible.     

Thiourea-treated graphene aerogel as a highly selective gas sensor for sensing of trace level of ammonia

As a result of this study, a new and simple method was proposed for the fabrication of an ultra sensitive, robust and reversible ammonia gas sensor. The sensing mechanism was based upon the change in electrical resistance of a graphene aerogel as a result of sensor exposing to ammonia. Three-dimensional graphene hydrogel was first synthesized via hydrothermal method in the absence or presence of various amounts of thiourea. The obtained material was heated to obtain aerogel and then it was used as ammonia gas sensor. The materials obtained were characterized using different techniques such as Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thiourea-treated graphene aerogel was more porous (389 m² g⁻¹) and thermally unstable and exhibited higher sensitivity, shorter response time and better selectivity toward ammonia gas, compared to the aerogel produced in the absence of thiourea. Thiourea amount, involved in the hydrogel synthesis step, was found to be highly effective factor in the sensing properties of finally obtained aerogel. The sensor response time to ammonia was short (100 s) and completely reversible (recovery time of about 500 s) in ambient temperature. The sensor response to ammonia was linear between 0.02 and 85 ppm and its detection limit was found to be 10 ppb (3S/N).     

Utilization of a spiropyran derivative in a polymeric film optode for selective fluorescent sensing of zinc ion

Spiropyrans are the most studied families of func- tional materials due to their reversible structural con- version in response to external optical, chemical, and thermal stimulation[1]. Irradiation with ultraviolet light causes formation of an extended π-conjugation open form (merocyanine form) by heterolytic cleavage of the C (spiro)-O bond, which generates an intense ab- sorption in the visible region. Under the irradiating of visible light, the opened form will come back to the closed spi…     

A highly selective turn-on colorimetric and luminescence sensor based on a triphenylamine-appended ruthenium(Ⅱ) dye for detecting mercury ion

A dual colorimetric and luminescent sensor based on a heteroleptic ruthenium dye[Ru(Hipdpa)(Hdcbpy)(NCS)_2]~-·0.5H~+ 0.5[N(C_4H_9)_4]~+ Ru(Hipdpa) {where Hdcbpy = monodeprotonted-4,4'-dicarboxy-2.2'-bipyridineand Hipdpa = 4-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][l,10]phenanthroIin-2-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniIine} for selective detection of Hg~(2+) is presented.The results of spectrophotometric titrations revealed an evident luminescence intensity enhancement(I/I_0 =11) and a considerable blue shift in visible absorption and luminescence maxima with the addition of Hg~(2+).The sensitive response of the optical sensor on Hg~(2+) was attributed to the binding of the electron-deficient Hg~(2+) to the electron-rich sulfur atom of the thiocyanate(NCS) ligand in the Ru(Hipdpa).which led to an increase in the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO).Accordingly,the blue shift in the absorption spectrum of Ru(Hipdpa) due to the binding of Hg~(2+) was obtained.Ru(Hipdpa) was found to have decreased Hg~(2+) detection limit and improved linear region as compared to di(tetrabutylammonium) ris-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2'-bipyridine-4-carboxylic acid-4'-carboxylate)ruthenium(Ⅱ) N719.Moreover,a dramatic color change from pink to yellow was observed,which allowed simple monitoring of Hg~(2+) by either naked eyes or a simple colorimetric reader.Therefore,the proposed sensor can provide potential applications for Hg~(2+) detection.     

One-pot electrochemical synthesis of functionalized fluorescent carbon dots and their selective sensing for mercury ion

We propose a simple, economical, and one-pot method to synthesize water-soluble functionalized fluorescent carbon dots (C-Dots) through electrochemical carbonization of sodium citrate and urea. The as-prepared C-Dots have good photostability and exhibit a high quantum yield of 11.9%. The sizes of the C-Dots are mainly distributed in the range of 1.0–3.5 nm with an average size of 2.4 nm. It has been further used as a novel label-free sensing probe for selective detection of Hg²⁺ ions with detection limit as low as 3.3 nM. The detection linear range is 0.01–10 μM. The as-prepared C-Dots are also successfully applied for the determination of Hg²⁺ in real water samples.     

A novel benzothiazole based azocalix[4]arene as a highly selective chromogenic chemosensor for Hg ion: A rapid test application in aqueous environment

A novel calix[4]arene derivative containing benzothiazole azo groups at the upper rim was synthesized as chromogenic chemosensor, and its binding and sensing properties with heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ag⁺) were investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy and voltammetric techniques. The results of spectroscopic and voltammetric experiments showed that the chromogenic chemosensor has high selectivity towards Hg²⁺ ion over the other heavy metal ions. Moreover, it was shown that the interaction between Hg²⁺ and the chromogenic chemosensor occurs by means of the benzothiazole azo groups at the upper rim by using differential pulse voltammetry. The stoichiometric ratio and the association constant were determined as 1:1 and (6.1 ± 0.3) × 10⁵ L mol⁻¹ for the complex between Hg²⁺ and the ionophore. Furthermore, we prepared a rapid test kit for early detection of Hg²⁺ in aqueous environment in the concentration range of 1 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10⁻² M.     

A highly selective fluorescent probe for nanomolar detection of ferric ions in the living cells and aqueous media

A dipodal fluorescent probe 3, with imine and hydroxyl moieties as binding sites, has been synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray techniques, and DFT. The synthesized probe 3 (φ = 0.0028) showed highly sensitive and highly specific fluorescent ‘turn-on’ effect (λ_em = 453 nm) for the 1:1 binding with Fe³⁺ ions to form probe 3.Fe³⁺ complex (φ = 0.203) in semi-aqueous medium (acetonitrile:water (50:50; v/v)) and live cells. The 1:1 binding stoichiometry of probe 3 and Fe³⁺ ions was proposed by DFT calculations and confirmed by the NMR spectroscopy, crystal structures of probe 3 and 3.Fe³⁺ complex, and mass spectrum of probe 3.Fe³⁺ complex. The stability of probe 3.Fe³⁺ complex in a wide pH range (pH 2–12) and reversibility for binding with Fe³⁺ ions in the presence of EDTA indicates that it can be an effective chemosensor for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions in various samples, including living cells. Importantly, with the LOD of 21.5 nM for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions, probe 3 did not show any interference from potentially competing ions even at a 1:3 ratio, indicates its biocompatibility. The nanomolar limit of detection (21.5 nM), cell permeability, and low cytotoxicity allows the probe 3 to be an excellent tool for the live-cell imaging and detection of ferric ions in live cells.     

A highly selective fluorescent probe for the detection of palladium(II) ion in cells and aqueous media

We report on a fluorescent probe for the optical (and even bare eye) detection of palladium(II) ion which causes the probe to undergo a strong increase in absorbance and fluorescence. The probe is easily synthesized from rhodamine B hydrazide and 9-anthraldehyde and displays high selectivity over other metal ions. Fluorescence intensity and absorbance are linearly proportional to the concentration of Pd(II) in the 0–7 μM and 0–1 μM concentration range, respectively, with detection limits of 0.21 μM and 0.03 μM. The probe can detect Pd(II) with virtually no interferences by other metal ions and anions. It was applied to intracellular imaging of Pd(II) in living cells and to its determination in a palladium-containing catalyst and in spiked water samples.

An imidazole functionalized copper(II)-organic framework for highly selective sensing of picric acid and metal ions in water

An imidazole functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF), [Cu(HL)(H₂O)]·(H₂O)·(DMA) ( HBU-166 , H₃L = 4,4′,4″-(1H-imidazole-2,4,5-triyl)tribenzoic acid, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. HBU-166 was observed as a two-dimensional MOF and showed good stability in water, an acidic solution (pH = 4), and an alkaline solution (pH = 9). HBU-166 exhibited ligand-based luminescence with a blue shift, which could be attributed to the coordination effect. Moreover, HBU-166 could be applied to detect nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and metal ions in water with preferable selectivity and sensitivity. In particular, HBU-166 could be used as a promising luminescent sensor for picric acid (PA) with enhancement of emission intensity. The mechanism for PA detection likely involved electron transfer and weak interaction between ligand and electron-deficient of NACs at the beginning to increase the emission intensity. Additionally, HBU-166 exhibited excellent selectivity in the sensing of 4-nitrophenol and Fe³⁺ through fluorescence quenching.     

Highly sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric determination of metoclopramide hydrochloride in pharmaceutical tablets and serum samples using Eu ion doped in sol-gel matrix

A simple, sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of Metoclopramide hydrochloride (MCP) is developed. The MCP can remarkably enhances the luminescence intensity of the Eu³⁺ ion doped in sol-gel matrix at λ_ex = 380 nm in DMSO at pH 8.7. The intensity of the emission band of Eu³⁺ ion doped in sol-gel matrix increases due to energy transfer from MCP to Eu³⁺ in the excited state. The enhancement of the emission band of Eu³⁺ ion doped in sol-gel matrix at 617 nm was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of MCP with a dynamic range of 5 × 10⁻⁹ − 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ and detection limit of 2.2 × 10⁻¹¹ mol L⁻¹.     

A highly selective fluorescent sensor for Ca2+ and Sr2+ based on diarylethene with a furan-carbohydrazide unit

A fluorescent sensor based on diarylethene has been designed and synthesized. The sensor not only exhibited excellent photochromic properties, but also has distinguishing ability for Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ from other metal ions. Upon addition of Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺, its emission intensity enhanced 27-fold and 24-fold respectively, accompanied by the emission peak shifted from 439 nm to 484 nm for Ca²⁺, and to 479 nm for Sr²⁺. The 1:1 stoichiometry between the sensor and the two ions was confirmed by Job's plot and HRMS. The LOD for Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ was determined to be 9.4 × 10^?8 mol L^?1 and 7.2 × 10^?8 mol L^?1, respectively. Furthermore, the sensor was applied in the detection of Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ in practical samples successfully.     

A new sensing material for optical oxygen measurement,with the indicator embedded in an aqueous phase

A new type of oxygen-sensitive material is obtained by preparing an aqueous emulsion of a solution of an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent dye in a rigid polymer. The fluorescence of this emulsion is related to the oxygen partial pressure, but a Stern-Volmer plot is not linear over the whole pressure range. Aside from high sensitivity and specificity for oxygen, this new type of sensing material has favorable analytical wavelengths allowing the use of low-cost opto-electronic equipment. Since the indicator is embedded in an aqueous environment, the sensor should be capable of monitoring various kinds of reactions occurring in the aqueous phase, for instance enzymatic reactions which are accompanied by production or consumption of oxygen.