Density functional theory study of the bis‐3‐benzo‐crown ethers and their complexes with alkali metal cations Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+

The binding interactions of bis‐3‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ethers and bis‐3‐benzo‐18‐crown‐6 ethers (neutral hosts) with a series of alkali metal cations Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ (charged guests) were investigated using quantum chemical density functional theory. Different optimized structures, binding energies and various thermodynamic parameters of free crown ethers and their metal cation complexes were obtained based on the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr functional using mixed basis set (C, H, O, Na⁺ and K⁺ using 6‐31 g, and the heavier cation Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ using effective core potentials). Natural bond orbital analysis is conducted on the optimized geometric structures. The main types of driving force host–guest interactions are investigated. The electron donating O offers a lone pair of electrons to the contacting LP* (1‐center valence antibond lone pair) orbitals of metal cations. The bis‐3‐benzocrown ethers are assumed to have sandwich‐like conformations, considering the binding energies to gauge the exact interactions with alkali cations. It is found that there are two different types of complexes: one is a tight ion pair and the other is a separated ion pair. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction studies of cysteine with Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ metal cation complexes

The coordination geometries, electronic features, metal ion affinities, entropies, and the energetics of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ metal cations with different possible conformations of cysteine complexes were studied. The complexes were optimized using density functional theory (B3LYP) and second order Moller–Plesset Perturbation (MP2) theory methods using 6‐311 + +G** basis set. The interactions of the metal cations at different nucleophilic sites of cysteine conformations were considered after a careful selection among several binding sites. All the metal cations coordinate with cysteine in a tridentate manner and also the most preferred position for the interaction. It is found that, the overall structural parameters of cysteine are not altered by metal ion substitution, but, the metal ion‐binding site has undergone a noticeable change. All the complexes were characterized by an electrostatic interaction between ligand and metal ions that appears slightly more pronounced for lithium and beryllium metal complexes. The metal ion affinity (MIA) and basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrected interaction energy were also computed for all the complexes. The effect of metal cations on the infrared (IR) stretching vibrational modes of amino N? H bond, side chain thiol group S? H bond, hydroxyl O? H bond, and Carbonyl C?O bond in cysteine molecules have also been studied. The nature of the metal ion‐ligand bond and the coordination properties were examined using natural bond order (NBO) at bond critical point (electron density and their Laplacian of electron density) through Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analyses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Density functional theory study on a fluorescent chemosensor device of aza‐crown ether

Three derivatives of alkyl anthracene covalently bonded to aza‐18‐crown‐6 at the nitrogen position, anthracene(CH₂)_n, (n = 1–3) which act as an on–off fluorogenic photoswitch have been theoretically studied using a computational strategy based on density functional theory at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) method. The fully optimized geometries have been performed with real frequencies which indicate the minima states. The binding energies, enthalpies and Gibbs free energies have been calculated for aza‐18‐crown‐6 ( L ) and their metal complexes. The natural bond orbital analysis is used to explore the interaction of host–guest molecules. The absorption spectra differences between L and their metal ligands, the excitation energies and absorption wavelength for their excited states have been studied by time‐dependent density functional theory with the basis set 6‐31 + G(d,p). These fluorescent sensors and switchers based on photoinduced electron transfer mechanism have been investigated. The PET process from aza‐crown ether to fluorophore can be suppressed or completely blocked by the entry of alkali metal cations into the aza‐crown ether‐based receptor. Such a suppression of the PET process means that fluorescence intensity is enhanced. The binding selectivity studies of the aza‐crown ether part of L indicate that the presence of the alkali metal cations Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ play an important role in determining the internal charge transfer and the fluorescence properties of the complexes. In addition, the solvent effect has been investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cation-mediated sandwich formation between benzene and pillar[5]arene: a DFT study

Cation–π interactions in alkali metal ion (Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺)–pillar[5]arene complexes and sandwiches of pillar[5]arene and benzene formed via alkali metal ions are studied in the light of density functional theory. Several possible modes of interaction between metal ions and pillar[5]arene have been studied. Results suggest that interaction is stronger in the complexes with the metal ion present inside the cavity of the pillar[5]arene as compared to that where the metal ion is outside the cavity. The calculated interaction energy further reveals that though cation–π complexes with larger number of alkali metal ions are unstable, however, corresponding sandwiches are stable, which further support the fact that pillar[5]arene–metal ion complexes can interact with other π–electron-rich species. Absorption spectra of the complexes formed undergo both blue and red shifts as compared to the pillar[5]arene.     

Influence of counter-ions on structure and vibrational states of <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-anionic forms of metalloporphyrins

The structure and vibrational states of complexes of Co- and Ni-porphine monoanions with Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺ cations are examined on the basis of density functional theory calculations. It is found that anion×cation pairs exist in a conformation with the cation situated along the axis connecting opposite carbon atoms in meso-positions. Interaction with the counter-ion assists localization of a major portion of the excess of charge on the metal and not on the macrocycle as in the case of free anions. The formation of anion–cation pairs, in spite of a decrease in the anion charge and its localization on the metal, is accompanied by larger structural rearrangements due to the asymmetric localization of the counter-ion and its influence on the π-electron density distribution. The possibility of forming sandwich-type dimers of anion–cation pairs with D_2h-symmetry is demonstrated. It is shown that such a model for anionic forms of Co- and Ni-porphine, as compared with those for free anions and anion–cation pairs, is in better accordance with data of IR and resonance Raman spectroscopy.     

Corroding the chromium cation

Two [Cr,O₂]⁺ isomers have been selectively produced and studied by FT-ICR mass spectrometry. The Cr(O₂)⁺ complex was formed by supersonically expanding a plasma produced by laser vaporization of chromium metal with the helium carrier gas, which was seeded with traces of oxygen, while the chromyl cation is formed in an expansion with N₂O. The complex is stable against thermal collisions, but in a bimolecular reaction with water it is rapidly converted to the chromyl cation, with ligand exchange being only a minor side reaction. Isotopic studies suggest a side-on geometry for Cr(O₂)⁺, in accordance with density functional (B3LYP) calculations. The present work indicates that an investigation of the selected isomers can indeed be carried out, if appropriate chemical methods for the ion generation are applied.     

Metal‐assisted regioselectivity in nucleophilic substitutions: a study by Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations

A series of complexes (Fe^II, Cu^II and Ni^II) of the N,O bidentate ligand 6,7‐dichloroquinoline‐5,8‐dione in water was investigated by using Raman spectroscopy, and the experimental peaks were assigned with the help of computed spectra by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A strong shift to lower wavenumbers was observed for the vibration of the CO group involved in chelation, depending on the type of metal ion. When each complex was used in the substitution reaction by the nucleophilic reagent piperidine, two products having the same molecular composition but showing the substituent in different regions of the molecule were obtained, and moreover their regioselective formation was in agreement with the size of the Raman shifts previously observed for the complexes. This example confirms the potential of the approach involving Raman spectroscopy combined with DFT calculations in the characterization of metal complexes as key intermediates in organic reactions, with the possibility of predicting the metal system capable to achieve the highest selectivity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydration structure of Na+ and K+ from ab initio molecular dynamics based on modern density functional theory

Molecular dynamics (Born–Oppenheimer) simulations based on density functional theory have been carried out to investigate the solvation structure of monovalent Na⁺ and K⁺ cations in water under ambient conditions. Four recently proposed van der Waals (vdW) density functionals (LMKLL, DRSLL, DRSLL-PBE, DRSLL-optB88), the semiempirical vdW method of Grimme (BLYP-D3) and conventional gradient-corrected (GGA-BLYP) density functionals are applied in order to evaluate their accuracy in describing the hydration structure of alkali metal ions. Theoretical results are compared to available experimental data. Our results indicate that addition of corrections accounting for dispersion forces significantly improves the agreement between predicted and measured coordination numbers for both Na⁺ and K⁺ cations. Analysis of radial distribution functions brings further support to the notion that the choice of the generalised gradient approximation density functional impacts crucially on the computed structural properties. DRSLL-optB88 and BLYP-D3 provide the best agreement with experiment.     

Solid energy calibration standards for P K‐edge XANES: electronic structure analysis of PPh4Br

P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is a powerful method for analyzing the electronic structure of organic and inorganic phosphorus compounds. Like all XANES experiments, P K‐edge XANES requires well defined and readily accessible calibration standards for energy referencing so that spectra collected at different beamlines or under different conditions can be compared. This is especially true for ligand K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, which has well established energy calibration standards for Cl (Cs₂CuCl₄) and S (Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O), but not neighboring P. This paper presents a review of common P K‐edge XANES energy calibration standards and analysis of PPh₄Br as a potential alternative. The P K‐edge XANES region of commercially available PPh₄Br revealed a single, highly resolved pre‐edge feature with a maximum at 2146.96 eV. PPh₄Br also showed no evidence of photodecomposition when repeatedly scanned over the course of several days. In contrast, we found that PPh₃ rapidly decomposes under identical conditions. Density functional theory calculations performed on PPh₃ and PPh₄⁺ revealed large differences in the molecular orbital energies that were ascribed to differences in the phosphorus oxidation state (III versus V) and molecular charge (neutral versus +1). Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations corroborated the experimental data and allowed the spectral features to be assigned. The first pre‐edge feature in the P K‐edge XANES spectrum of PPh₄Br was assigned to P 1s → P‐C π* transitions, whereas those at higher energy were P 1s → P‐C σ*. Overall, the analysis suggests that PPh₄Br is an excellent alternative to other solid energy calibration standards commonly used in P K‐edge XANES experiments.     

Characterization of Ir(ppy)3 and [Ir(ppy)2 bpy]+ by infrared,Raman spectra and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering

The Raman and infrared spectra of fac ‐tris(2‐phenylpyridinato‐N,C2′)iridium(III), Ir(ppy)₃ and surface‐enhanced resonance Raman spectra of bis(2‐phenyl pyridinato‐) (2,2′bipyridine) iridium (III), [Ir(ppy)₂ (bpy)]⁺ cation were recorded in the wavenumber range 150–1700 cm⁻¹, and complete vibrational analyses of Ir(ppy)₃ and [Ir(ppy)₂ (bpy)]⁺ were performed. Most of the vibrational wavenumbers were calculated with density‐functional theory agree with experimental data. On the basis of the results of calculation and comparison of the spectra of both complexes and their analogue [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, we assign the vibrational wavenumbers for metal–ligand modes; metal–ligand stretching wavenumbers are 277/307 and 261/236 cm⁻¹ for Ir(ppy)₃, and 311/324, 257/270, 199/245 cm⁻¹ for [Ir(ppy)₂ bpy]⁺. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra of [Ir(ppy)₂ bpy]²⁺ were measured at two wavelengths on the red and blue edges of the low‐energy metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer band. According to the enhanced Raman intensities for the vibrational modes of both ligands ppy and bpy, the unresolved charge‐transfer band is deduced to consist of charge‐transfer transitions from the triplet metal to both ligands ppy and bpy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rhod-5N as a Fluorescent Molecular Sensor of Cadmium(II) Ion

The photophysical and complexing properties of Rhod-5N (commercially available) in MOPS buffer are reported. This fluorescent molecular sensor consists of a BAPTA chelating moiety bound to a rhodamine fluorophore. Its fluorescence quantum yield is low and a drastic enhancement of fluorescence intensity upon cation binding was observed. Special attention was paid to the complexation with Cd²⁺, a well known toxic metal ion. Possible interference with other metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺) was examined. Rhod-5N was found to be highly selective of Cd²⁺ over those interfering cations except Pb²⁺. The limit of detection is 3.1 μg l⁻¹.     

Zn2+-Schiff’s Base Complex as an “On–Off-On” Molecular Switch and a Fluorescence Probe for Cu2+ and Ag+ Ions

The present study presents a thorough theoretical analysis of the electronic structure and conformational preference of Schiff’s base ligand N,N-bis(2-hydroxybenzilidene)-2,4,6-trimethyl benzene-1,3-diamine (H₂L) and its metal complexes with Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺ ions. This study aims to investigate the behavior of H₂L and the binuclear Zn²⁺ complex (1) as fluorescent probes for the detection of metal ions (Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺) using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The six conformers of the H₂L ligand were optimized using the B3LYP/6–311?+??+?G** level of theory, while the L^?2-metal complexes were optimized by applying the B3LYP functional with the LANL2DZ/6–311?+??+?G** mixed basis set. The gas-phase and solvated Enol-cis isomer (E-cis) was found to be the most stable species. The absorption spectra of the E-cis isomer and its metal complexes were simulated using B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, M06-2X and ωB97X functionals with a 6–311?+??+?G** basis set for C, O, N and H atoms and a LANL2DZ basis set for the metal ions (Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺). The computational results of the B3LYP functional were in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Hence, it was adopted for performing the emission calculations. The results indicated that metal complex (1) can act as a fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions through the mechanism of intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) and as a molecular switch “On–Off-On” via the replacement of Cu²⁺ by Ag⁺ ions, as proved experimentally.

     

Spectral Properties, Cation Selectivity, and Dynamic Efficiency of Fluorescent Alkali Ion Indicators in Aqueous Solution Around Neutral pH

The spectral properties of two fluorescent alkali ion indicators, the commercially available cryptand CD222 and a new bipyridyl-type cryptand, F[bpy.bpy.2], bearing the trifluorocoumarino residue are investigated in aqueous solution as a function of pH as well as around neutral pH in the presence of alkali and alkaline earth cations. From the values of the acidity constants it is concluded that bridgehead nitrogen deprotonation occurs at a much lower pH for CD222 (pK _a below 5.5) than for F[bpy.bpy.2]. Spectrofluorometric titrations with salts of NH⁺ ₄, TI⁺, and alkali as well as alkaline earth cations indicate that both indicators are K⁺ selective. F[bpy.bpy.2] shows the higher K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity and larger fluorescence intensity changes but the slower dynamic response. Under suitable conditions, alkali ion binding by CD222 can occur in less than 1 ms.     

Time-resolved response of fluorescent alkali ion indicators and detection of short-lived intermediates upon binding to molecular cavities

Stopped-flow kinetic studies have been performed to determine the kinetic parameters of K⁺ binding to the fluorescent cryptand F222 and of Na⁺binding to F221 at pH 8.O. The results clearly indicate that a comparatively stable intermediate is formed before the rate-limiting binding step occurs with a rate constant around 30 s^–1 under the chosen experimental conditions. The conversion of the intermediate to the final cation complex is assigned to the final penetration of the already bound, but still partially solvated cation into the ligand's cavity. The main fluorescence intensity change found upon cation binding is attributed to the second reaction step, and not to the fast, initial binding reaction. The comparatively slow overall binding reaction is interpreted on the bases of a special solvate substitution mechanism which, in principle, can also account for the 1500 times slower binding of Ca 2⁺ to F221. With regard to time-resolved analytical Na⁺ and K⁺ determinations, the response times under the chosen conditions are around 20 ms. Differentiation between Na⁺ and Ca²⁺, for example, is possible with F221 on the basis of completely different response times.     

Alkali metal ion-poly (ethylene oxide) complexes. II. Effect of cation on conductivity

Complexes of alkali metal salts with various polymers have for some time been recognized as fast ionic conductors. Polymer electrolyte fast ion conductors are currently under consideration for use in high energy density electrochemical cells. In order to aid in our understanding of the mechanism of ionic conductivity we have examined systematically complexes of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with the alkali metal salt series of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ with both tetraflouroborate (BF₄^-) and trifluoromethanesulfonate (CF₃SO₄^-) anions. The ratio of monomer to salt was 10:1 in all cases. Complex impedance measurements were made on all samples in the temperature range 40°–125°C. With CF₃SO₄^- as the anion a definite trend was apparent with the smallest cation Li⁺ being the worst conductor and Cs⁺, the largest cation, being the best. When BF₄^- salts are used, the Na⁺ complex is found to be the best conductor and Rb⁺ the worst. This study, in connection with our earlier studies, has shown that synergy between cation and anion in the polymer matrix is an important consideration in determining the ionic conductivity.     

Effect of Pendant Group Length Upon Metal Ion Complexation in Acetonitrile by Di-Ionized Calix[4]Arenes Bearing Two Dansyl Fluorophores

A series of three di-ionizable calix[4]arenes with two pendant dansyl (1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl) groups linked to the lower rims was synthesized. Structures of the three ligands were identical except for the length of the spacers which connected the two dansyl groups to the calix[4]arene scaffold. Following conversion of the ligands into their di-ionized di(tetramethylammonium) salts, absorption and emission spectrophotometry were utilized to probe the influence of metal cation (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺) complexation in acetonitrile. Upon complexation with these metal cations, emission spectra underwent marked red shifts and quenching of the dansyl group fluorescence for the di-ionized ligand with the shortest spacer. A similar effect was noted for the di-ionized ligand with an intermediate spacer for all of the metal ions, except Ba²⁺. For the di-ionized ligand with the longest spacer, the metal cations showed different effects on the emission spectrum. Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ caused enhancement of emission intensity with a red shift. Other metal cations produce quenching with red shifts in the emission spectra. Transition metal cations interacted strongly with all three di-ionized ligands. In particular, Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺ caused greater than 99% quenching of the dansyl fluorescence in the di-ionized ligands.     

Understanding guest and pressure‐induced porosity through structural transition in flexible interpenetrated MOF by Raman spectroscopy

Interpenetrating metal organic frameworks are interesting functional materials exhibiting exceptional framework properties. Uptake or exclusion of guest molecules can induce sliding in the framework making it porous or non‐porous. To understand this dynamic nature and how framework interaction changes during sliding, metal organic framework (MOF) 508 {Zn(BDC)( 4,4′‐Bipy)_0.5 · DMF(H₂O)_0.5} was selected for study. We have investigated structural transformation in MOF‐508 under variable conditions of temperature, pressure and gas loading using Raman spectroscopy and substantiated it with IR studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Conformational changes in the organic linkers leading to the sliding of the framework result in changes in Raman spectra. These changes in the organic linkers are measured as a function of high pressure and low temperature, suggesting that the dynamism in MOF‐508 framework is driven by ligand conformation change and inter‐linker interactions. The presence of Raman signatures of adsorbed CO₂ and its librational mode at 149 cm⁻¹ suggests cooperative adsorption of CO₂ in the MOF‐508 framework, which is also confirmed from DFT calculations that give a binding energy of 34 kJ/mol. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complexation and DFT studies of lower rim hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene derivatives bearing pyridyl groups with transition and heavy metal cations. Cone versus partial cone conformation

The binding of representative alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal cations by 2‐pyridylmethoxy derivatives (1b, in cone and partial cone conformations) of p‐tert‐butylhexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene was studied. Binding was assessed by extraction studies of the metal picrates from water into dichloromethane and by stability constant measurements in acetonitrile and methanol, using spectrophotometric and potentiometric techniques. Microcalorimetric studies of some selected complexes in acetonitrile were performed, as well as proton NMR titrations. Computational methods (density functional theory calculations) were also employed to complement the NMR data. The results are compared with those obtained with the dihomooxacalix[4]arene 2b and the calix[4]arene 3b derivative analogues. Partial cone‐1b is the best extractant for transition and heavy metal cations. Both conformers of 1b exhibit very high stability constants for soft and intermediate cations Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺, with cone‐1b the strongest binder (ML, log β ≥ 7) and partial cone‐1b the most selective. Both derivatives show a slight preference for Na⁺. Besides the formation of ML complexes, ML₂ and M₂L species were also observed. The former complexes were, in general, formed with the transition and heavy metal cations, whereas the latter were obtained with Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ and partial cone‐1b. In most cases, these species were corroborated by the proton NMR and density functional theory studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cation-sensitive fluorescence of anionic polymers bearing naphtho-18-crown-6 units

Changes in the fluorescence intensity of anionic polymers bearing naphtho-18-crown-6 moieties on addition of cations were studied in water at 30 °C. On addition of alkali metal cations, the fluorescence intensity of the polymers decreased sharply for Tl⁺ less for Cs⁺ and little for Li⁺, K⁺ and Rb⁺. On addition of alkaline earth metal cations, Ba²⁺ caused the strongest decrease of the fluorescence intensity of the polymers. The decrease of the fluorescence intensity of the polymers was suggested to be caused by the external heavy-atom effect of the cations bound to the cavity of the crowned naphthalene moiety. The content of the crowned naphthalene units in the polymers affected the cation-dependent fluorescence change. The fluorescence change of the polymers based on the cation complexation competition was also studied.     

Combination of LFP‐TRIR spectroscopy and DFT computation as a tool to determine the intermediate during the photooxidation of triarylphosphine

Laser flash photolysis‐time‐resolved infrared spectroscopy (LFP‐TRIR) was performed on an acetonitrile or dichloromethane solution of triarylphosphines, Ar₃P, in air. A transient spectrum consisting of several absorption bands appeared in the region of 1050–1300 cm^?1 on the TRIR on a microsecond timescale, which disappeared on a millisecond timescale. To identify the observed transient intermediate, the IR spectra of possible intermediates of the photoreaction were simulated by theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The IR spectrum simulated for the phosphine peroxidic radical cation, Ar₃P⁺OO^?, well predicted the observed IR spectrum, showing that Ar₃P⁺OO^? is formed as a transient intermediate upon the LFP of Ar₃P in air. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.