A Turn-on and Reversible Fluorescence Sensor for Zinc Ion Based on 4,5-Diazafluorene Schiff Base

A new 4,5-diazafluorene-based fluorescent chemosensor has been synthesized by Schiff base condensation of 9,9-bis(3,5-dimethyl-4-aminophenyl)-4,5-diazafluorene with salicylaldehyde. The interaction of Schiff base with different metal ions has been studied over photofluorescent spectra. The results showed that Schiff base exhibited 194-fold enhancements in fluorescence at 465 nm after Zn²⁺ ions. Such fluorescent responses could be detected by naked eye under UV-lamp. The complex solution (L-Zn²⁺) exhibited reversibility with EDTA.     

Effect of β-cyclodextrin, surfactants and solvent on the reactions of the recently synthesized Schiff base and its Cu(II) complex with cyanide ion

The kinetic of the reactions of the recently synthesized Schiff base (PABST) and its complex with Cu(II) (Cu-PABST) with CN⁻ in a 30:70 (v/v) mixture of DMF:water was investigated at pH 6.0 and 10.0, respectively, using multivariate curve resolution alternative least squares (MCR-ALS) method. The effects of different parameters such as volume percent of DMF, pH and surfactants and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), on observed rate constant of the reactions were investigated. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) decreased the rate constant of PABST reaction and increased the rate constant of Cu-PABST reaction with CN⁻. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100 decreased the rate constant of both reactions. Also the stability constant for the inclusion complexes of PABST and Cu-PABST, and observed rate constants for the reactions of β-CD-PABST and β-CD-Cu-PABST) with CN⁻ were determined. β-CD decreased the rate constant of PABST reaction with CN⁻ by protecting iminium groups of the Schiff base, while β-CD increased the rate constant of the reaction of Cu-PABST with CN⁻.     

Design and Synthesis of Highly Photostable Yellow–Green Emitting 1,8-Naphthalimides as Fluorescent Sensors for Metal Cations and Protons

Two highly photostable yellow–green emitting 1,8-naphthalimides 5 and 6, containing both N-linked hindered amine moiety and a secondary or tertiary cation receptor, were synthesized for the first time. Novel compounds were configured as “fluorophore–spacer–receptor” systems based on photoinduced electron transfer. Photophysical characteristics of the dyes were investigated in DMF and water/DMF (4:1, v/v) solution. The ability of the new compounds to detect cations was evaluated by the changes in their fluorescence intensity in the presence of metal ions (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺) and protons. The presence of metal ions and protons was found to disallow a photoinduced electron transfer leading to an enhancement in the dye fluorescence intensity. Compound 5, containing secondary amine receptor, displayed a good sensor activity towards metal ions and protons. However the sensor activity of dye 6, containing a tertiary amine receptor and a shorter hydrocarbon spacer, was substantially higher. The results obtained indicate the potential of the novel compounds as highly photostable and efficient “off–on” pH switchers and fluorescent detectors for metal ions with pronounced selectivity towards Cu²⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and characterization of two new fluorescent macrocycles: A novel fluorescent chemosensor for zinc ion

Two new macrocyclic systems (L¹, L²) containing two emissive naphthalene were synthesized and characterized. The macrocycles were studied by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, COSY, HMQC, DEPT, microanalysis and mass spectroscopy. The influence of metal cations Na⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the macrocyclic systems in acetonitrile/DMF 9:1 (v/v) mixtures were investigated by means of absorption and emission spectrophotometry. The macrocycle L¹ was found to be as an effective fluorescence sensor for Zn²⁺ ions. Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions show the most effects on the fluorescence intensity of L².     

A highly Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Monitoring Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Ion: Synthesis,Characterization and Photophysical Properties

A new fluorescent sensor, 4-allylamine-N-(N-salicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide (1), anchoring a naphthalimide moiety as fluorophore and a Schiff base group as receptor, was synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of sensor 1 were conducted in organic solvents of different polarities. Our study revealed that, depending on the solvent polarity, the fluorescence quantum yields varied from 0.59 to 0.89. The fluorescent activity of the sensor was monitored and the sensor was consequently applied for the detection of Cu²⁺ with high selectivity over various metal ions by fluorescence quenching in Tris-HCl (pH = 7.2) buffer/DMF (1:1, v/v) solution. From the binding stoichiometry, it was indicated that a 1:1 complex was formed between Cu²⁺ and the sensor 1. The fluorescence intensity was linear with Cu²⁺ in the concentration range 0.5–5 μM. Moreso, the detection limit was calculated to be 0.32 μM, which is sufficiently low for good sensitivity of Cu²⁺ ion. The binding mode was due to the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and the coordination of Cu²⁺ with C = N and hydroxyl oxygen groups of the sensor 1. The sensor proved effective for Cu²⁺ monitoring in real water samples with recovery rates of 95–112.6 % obtained.     

A New Piperidine Derivatized-Schiff Base Based “Turn-on” Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>Chemo-Sensor

In this study, we report the synthesis of new Schiff base E-1-(((1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)imino)methyl)naphthalenee-2-ol (L) and evaluation of its fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ ion. Preliminary, solvent effect, metal selectivity and metal ligand ratio were analyzed through UV-Visible study. Fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ was carried to assess the fluorescent property of synthesized Schiff base. The probe exhibited a higher fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Cu²⁺ over other metal ions (Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, and Pb²⁺). The binding stoichiometry between L and Cu²⁺ has been investigated using Job’s plot and Benesi-Hildebrand equation and it was found that ligand L can form 1:1 L-Cu²⁺ complex with binding constant (K _a) of 4?×?10⁴ LM^?1.     

Design,synthesis and sensor activity of a highly photostable blue emitting 1,8-naphthalimide

This work reports on the design, synthesis and photophysical properties of a highly photostable blue emitting 1,8-naphthalimide, containing hindered amine radical scavenger moiety and a tertiary amine cation receptor. The novel compound was configured as “fluorophore-spacer-receptor” system based on photoinduced electron transfer. Photophysical characteristics of the examined compound were investigated in DMF and water/DMF (4:1, v/v) solution. The ability of the new compound to detect cations was evaluated by the changes in its fluorescence intensity in the presence of metal ions (Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺) and protons. The presence of metal ions and protons was found to disallow a photoinduced electron transfer resulting in enhancement of the 1,8-naphthalimide fluorescence intensity. Among the tested metal ions only Cu²⁺ was efficiently detected. Also, it is clearly shown that the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine fragment, incorporated in the structure of the novel 1,8-naphthalimide, considerably improves the sensor's photostability, sensitivity and selectivity.     

Thioflavin T Displays Enhanced Fluorescence Selectively Inside Anionic Micelles and Mammalian Cells

Thioflavin T (ThT) has been widely employed to detect amyloid fibrils in tissues and recently in presence of SDS micelles. However, the contribution of membranes or micelles to ThT fluorescence has never been investigated. In this paper, we show for the first time that the anionic micellar microenvironment of SDS has a profound impact on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of ThT in sharp contrast to cationic (CTAB) and neutral micelles (Triton X-100 & Tween 20). Unlike CTAB or Triton X-100 or Tween 20 micelles, formation of SDS micelles shifts the λ_max for ThT absorption from 412 nm in buffer to 428 nm inside the micelle, with a 28% increase in the peak molar absorptivity and a ∼13 fold increase in ThT fluorescence (λ_max = 489 nm). Extending these observations to cell plasma membranes, we show that ThT can quickly enter and appear selectively fluorescent inside mammalian cells like BHK21 and HT29, against a dark background owing to negligible fluorescence from free ThT in aqueous medium. The above results suggest that ThT can be a useful probe for live cell imaging and for selectively labeling micelles on the basis of the charge in the polar headgroup. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Significant effect of surfactant micelles on pH dependent fluorescent off-on-off behavior of Salicylaldehyde-2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazone

The fluorescence response to pH of 2,4 dinitrophenolhydrazone in 1:1 CH₃OH:H₂O and micellar mediums—negatively charged sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS), positively charged cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and neutral Triton X-100 (TX-100), is reported. At pH 4.0 the fluorescence of the molecule can be switched “on” by selecting CTAB as the solvent. At pH 6.0 if the medium is TX-100 the fluorescence is “off”, but remains “on” for the other three solvents. At pH 8.0, fluorescence is “on” in the solvents except CTAB. SDS and TX-100 switch the fluorescence “on” at pH 13.0 but for the other two solvents the fluorescence is “off”.     

A Coumarin-Based Fluorescent Chemosensor for Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in Aqueous Ethanol Media

A coumarin-based fluorescent chemosensor 1 for Zn²⁺ was designed and synthesized. Compound 1 exhibits lower background fluorescence due to intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer. However, upon mixing with Zn²⁺ in 30% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, a “turn-on” fluorescence emission is observed. The fluorescence emission increases linearly with Zn²⁺ concentration in the range 0.5–10 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.29 μmol L⁻¹. No remarkable emission enhancement was, however, observed for other metal ions. The proposed chemosensor was applied to the determination of Zn²⁺ in water samples with satisfactory results.     

Effect of surfactants on the spectrofluorimetric properties of zearalenone

The chemiluminescent properties of the estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone in the presence of aqueous micellar media were investigated using steady state fluorescence techniques. Micelles of surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and non-ionic Triton X-100 enhanced the fluorescence intensity of zearalenone in aqueous solutions. The binding constants have been determined and indicate zearalenone has the highest affinity for Triton X-100, followed by CTAB, and then by SDS. The encapsulation of zearalenone by the micelles studied is spontaneous and exothermic. The selective microenvironments provided by organized micellar systems offer an attractive medium to modulate fluorescence detection of zearalenone.     

A Novel Benzimidazole-Based Chemosensor for Fluorometric Determination of Zinc Ions

A simple and novel Schiff base chemosensor (BMHM) based on benzimidazole was synthesized. In ethanol–water (1:1, v/v) medium on varying concentrations of Zn²⁺ chemosensor exhibited a strong and quick turn on fluorescence response. The Zn²⁺ recognition was based on the Chelation–enhanced fluorescence effect. The binding constant and limit of detection for BMHM-Zn²⁺ complexation were estimated to be 7.99?×?104 M^?1 and 0.148 µM, respectively. The extreme fluorescent enhancement caused by Zn²⁺ binding in chemosensor BMHM occurred at a pH range of 6–7. The practical use of chemosensor BMHM was tested by determination of Zn²⁺ in real water samples and comparing the results with the data obtained using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

     

Synthesis and Evaluation of a Schiff-Based Fluorescent Chemosensors for the Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in Aqueous Media with Fluorescence Off-On Responses

Copper being an essential nutrient; also pose a risk for human health in excessive amount. A simple and convenient method for the detection of trace amount of copper was employed using an optical probe R1 based on Schiff base. The probe was synthesized by Schiff base condensation of benzyl amine and 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde and characterized by single X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR and FTIR. By screening its fluorescence response in a mixture of DMSO and H₂O (20:80, v/v) R1 displayed a pronounced enhancement in fluorescence only upon treatment with copper. Other examined metal ions such as alkali, alkaline and transition had no influence. Within a wide pH range 5–12 R1 could selectively detect copper by interrupting ICT mechanism that results in CHEF. From Job’s plot analysis a 2:1 binding stoichiometry was revealed. The fluorescence response was linear in the range 1–10?×?10^?9 M with detection limit 30?×?10^?9 M. Association constant was determined as 1?×?10¹¹ M^?2 by Benesi-Hilderbrand plot. As a fast responsive probe it possesses good reproducibility and was employed for detection of copper in different water samples.     

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.

     

Synthesis of Novel Fluorescent Cyclohexenone Derivatives and their Partitioning Study in Ionic Micellar Media

An approach is demonstrated toward the synthesis of four novel cyclohexenone derivatives (CDs) via a convenient route of Michael addition of ethyl acetoacetate. The molecular structures of CDs were confirmed by means of FT-IR, ¹H NMR, EIMS, UV and also by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. CDs are strongly fluorescent compounds and their fluorescent spectra exhibits intense violet fluorescence. To model the binding to biological membranes the behavior of CDs in micellar solutions of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) has also been examined. The characteristics of partition and binding interactions of CDs with CTAB and SDS were investigated by UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Higher values of all mentioned interactions in case of CTAB, compared to SDS, indicate that there are greater interactions between the CDs and CTAB than with SDS.     

A Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Aluminum Ions Based on Schiff Base

An efficient “off–on” type fluorescent chemosensor, (E)-N′-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (H ₂ L), based on Schiff base for the determination of Al³⁺ has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Upon treated with Al³⁺, the fluorescence of H ₂ L was enhanced 45-fold due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect based on the formation of a 1:1 complex between the chemosensor and Al³⁺. Other metal ions, such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ga³⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Fe³⁺, In³⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺ had little effect on the fluorescence. The results demonstrate that the chemosensor H ₂ L has stronger affinity with Al³⁺ than other metal ions. The detection limit of H ₂ L for sensing Al³⁺ is 3.60 × 10^?6 M in EtOH–H₂O (3:7, v/v) solution. And the recognizing behavior has been investigated both experimentally and computationally.     

Structurally Simple Ferrocene Derivatives for Selective Cadmium Sensing

Three new ferrocene based Schiff bases 4-{[(E)-ferrocenylmethylidene] amino}benzenethiol (1b), 3-{[(E)-ferrocenylmethylidene]amino} benzenethiol (1c), 2-{[(E)-ferrocenylmethylidene]amino} benzenethiol (1d) have been synthesized to study their sensor property to various metal ions. It has been observed that 1b is highly fluorescent and its fluorescence changes in presence of metal ions. It was further observed that compound 1b is highly selective towards Cd²⁺ ion in solution.     

N-benzoate-N′ salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine: A new fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ ion by “off-on” mode

Imbalance of zinc ion (Zn²⁺) in human body causes diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and therefore Zn²⁺ estimation in biological fluids has diagnostic values. Fluorescence “off-on” sensors have advantages of high sensitivity and in situ application over other sensors. A new fluorescent “off-on” Zn²⁺ sensor, N-benzoate-N′ salicylaldehyde ethynelediamine (L), has been synthesisied. In 1:1(v/v) CH₃OH:PBS (PBS?=?phosphate buffer solution), L shows ca. 20 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity on interaction with Zn²⁺, due to snapping of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process, which is selective over metal ions - Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺. These metal ions either individually or all together does not interfere the sensing ability of L towards Zn²⁺. A 1:1 interaction between L and Zn²⁺ ion with binding constant 10^4.25 has been established from spectroscopic data.     

A New Fluorescent Chemosensor Detecting Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and K<Superscript>+</Superscript> in DMF Buffered Solution

A new fluorescent chemosensor 2-(2-thiophene)imidazo [4,5,f]-1,10-phenanthroline (L) was prepared and characterized. By adding univalent or divalent metal ions such as Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions into the solution of L in DMF under buffered conditions with the working pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.0, we found that L could be used to detect K⁺ ratiometricly and it could also be applied to sense Co²⁺ with the phenomenon of fluorescence quenching of L. While the response behavior of L was not discernibly affected by other examined metal ions.     

Crystal structure of Ni(II) complex and fluorescence properties of Zn(II) complex with the Schiff base derived from diethenetriamine and PMBP

The Schiff base, H₂L, was derived from 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP) and diethenetriamine. The crystal structure of [NiL(C₂H₅OH)]·H₂O obtained from ethanol solution was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination geometry of Ni(II) ion is a distorted octahedron with three oxygen atoms and three nitrogen atoms. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light, strong fluorescence of solid Zn(II) complex was observed. In addition, the fluorescence enhancement was obtained in the presence of Zn²⁺ in THF solution of the ligand, indicating that H₂L may be a potential fluorescent sensor for Zn²⁺.