Toward rational control of metal stoichiometry in heterobimetallic coordination complexes: synthesis and characterization of Pb(Hsal)2(Cu(salen*))2, [Pb(NO3)(Cu(salen*))2](NO3), Pb(OAc)2(Cu(salen*)), and [Pb(OAc)(Ni(salen*))2](OAc)

The ability of the transition metal complex M(salen)* (M = Ni, Cu) to form Lewis acid-base adducts with lead(II) salts has been explored. The new complexes Pb(Hsal)(2)(Cu(salen*))(2) (1), [Pb(NO(3))(Cu(salen*))(2)](NO(3)) (2), Pb(OAc)(2)(Cu(salen*)) (3), and [Pb(OAc)(Ni(salen*)(2)](OAc) (4) (Hsal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-OH, salen* = bis(3-methoxy)salicylideneimine) have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The coordination environment of the lead in the heterobimetallic complex is sensitive both to the initial lead salt and to the transition metal salen* complex that is employed in the synthesis. As a result, we have been able to access both 2:1 and 1:1 adducts by varying either the lead salt or the transition metal in the heterobimetallic coordination complex. In all cases, the salen* complex is associated with the lead center via dative interactions of the phenolic oxygen atoms. The relationship between the coordination requirements of the lead and the chemical nature of the anion is examined. In compound 1, the Pb(2+) ion is chelated by two Cu(salen*) moieties, and both salicylate ligands remain attached to the lead center and bridge to the Cu(2+) ions. The two Cu(salen*) groups are roughly parallel and opposed to each other as required by crystallographic inversion symmetry at lead. In contrast, the two Cu(salen*) groups present in 2 and 4 attached to the lead ion show considerable overlap. Furthermore, only one nitrate ion in 2 and one acetate ion in 4 remain bonded to the lead center. Compound 3 is unique in that only one Cu(salen*) group can bind to lead. Here, both acetate ligands remain attached, although one is chelating bidentate and the other is monodentate.     

Nonperipherally Octa(butyloxy)‐Substituted Phthalocyanine Derivatives with Good Crystallinity: Effects of Metal–Ligand Coordination on the Molecular Structure,Internal Structure,and Dimensions of Self‐Assembled Nanostructures

To investigate the effects of metal–ligand coordination on the molecular structure, internal structure, dimensions, and morphology of self‐assembled nanostructures, two nonperipherally octa(alkoxyl)‐substituted phthalocyanine compounds with good crystallinity, namely, metal‐free 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25‐octa(butyloxy)phthalocyanine H₂Pc(α‐OC₄H₉)₈ ( 1 ) and its lead complex Pb[Pc(α‐OC₄H₉)₈] ( 2 ), were synthesized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the distorted molecular structure of metal‐free phthalocyanine with a saddle conformation. In the crystal of 2 , two monomeric molecules are linked by coordination of the Pb atom of one molecule with an aza‐nitrogen atom and its two neighboring oxygen atoms from the butyloxy substituents of another molecule, thereby forming a Pb‐connected pseudo‐double‐decker supramolecular structure with a domed conformation for the phthalocyanine ligand. The self‐assembling properties of 1 and 2 in the absence and presence of sodium ions were comparatively investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Intermolecular π–π interactions between metal‐free phthalocyanine molecules led to the formation of nanoribbons several micrometers in length and with an average width of approximately 100 nm, whereas the phthalocyaninato lead complex self‐assembles into nanostructures also with the ribbon morphology and micrometer length but with a different average width of approximately 150 nm depending on the π–π interactions between neighboring Pb‐connected pseudo‐double‐decker building blocks. This revealed the effect of the molecular structure (conformation) associated with metal–ligand (Pb? N_isoindole, Pb? N_aza, and Pb? O_butyloxy) coordination on the dimensions of the nanostructures. In the presence of Na⁺, additional metal–ligand (Na? N_aza and Na? O_butyloxy) coordination bonds formed between sodium atoms and aza‐nitrogen atoms and the neighboring butyloxy oxygen atoms of two metal‐free phthalocyanine molecules cooperate with the intrinsic intermolecular π–π interactions, thereby resulting in an Na‐connected pseudo‐double‐decker building block with a twisted structure for the phthalocyanine ligand, which self‐assembles into twisted nanoribbons with an average width of approximately 50 nm depending on the intertetrapyrrole π–π interaction. This is evidenced by the X‐ray diffraction analysis results for the resulting aggregates. Twisted nanoribbons with an average width of approximately 100 nm were also formed from the lead coordination compound 2 in the presence of Na⁺ with a Pb‐connected pseudo‐double‐decker as the building block due to the formation of metal–ligand (Na? N_aza and Na? O_butyloxy) coordination bonds between additionally introduced sodium ions and two phthalocyanine ligands of neighboring pseudo‐double‐decker building blocks.     

Evaluation of the metal binding properties of a histidine-rich fusogenic peptide by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICRMS) was used to investigate metal ion interactions of the 18 amino acid peptide fragment B18 (LGLLLRHLRHHSNLLANI), derived from the membrane-associated protein bindin. The peptide sequence B18 represents the minimal membrane-binding motif of bindin and resembles a putative fusion peptide. The histidine-rich peptide has been shown to self-associate into distinct supramolecular structures, depending on the presence of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+). We examined the binding of B18 to the metal ions Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+) and La(3+). For Cu(2+), we compared the metal binding affinities of the wild-type B18 peptide with those of its mutants in which one, two or three histidine residues have been replaced by serines. Upon titration of B18 with Cu(2+) ions, we found sequential binding of two Cu(2+) ions with dissociation constants of approximately 34 and approximately 725 micro M. Mutants of B18, in which one histidine residue is replaced by serine, still exhibit sequential binding of two copper ions with affinities for the first Cu(2+) ion comparable to that of wild-type B18 peptide, but with a greatly reduced affinity for the second Cu(2+) ion in mutants H112S and H113S. For mutants in which two histidines are replaced by serines, the affinity for the first Cu(2+) ion is reduced approximately 3-10 times in comparison with B18. The mutant in which all three histidine residues are replaced by serines exhibits an approximately 14-fold lower binding for the first Cu(2+) ion compared with B18. For the other metal ions under investigation (Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+) and La(3+)), a modest affinity to B18 was detected binding to the peptide in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Our results show a high affinity of the wild-type fusogenic peptide B18 for Cu(2+) ions whereas the Zn(2+) affinity was found to be comparable to that of other di- and trivalent metal ions.     

Linear and cyclic tetrathiafulvalene-naphthalenediimide donor-acceptor molecules: metal ions-promoted electron transfer

Three linear and one cyclic tetrathiafulvalene-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide (TTF-NDI) compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were synthesized and studied in the presence of metal ions. Both absorption and electron spin resonance spectroscopic studies clearly indicate that electron transfer occurs from TTF to the NDI unit in the presence of metal ions (Pb(2+) and Sc(3+)) for linear compounds 1 and 2. The mechanism based on the metal ion coordination is proposed for the electron transfer within 1 and 2 after the addition of metal ions. Compound 3 exhibits intramolecular charge-transfer absorption because of the cyclophane framework. Interestingly, intramolecular electron transfer also takes place for 3 after the addition of either Sc(3+) or Pb(2+).     

Metal-ligand-coordinated vesicles and vesicle-assisted preparation of calcium oxalate

A Ca(2+) -ligand-coordinated vesicle phase was prepared from a mixture of tetradecyldimethylamine oxide (C14DMAO) and calcium tetradecylamidomethyl sulfate [(CH3(CH2)13NHCOCH2OSO3)2Ca] in aqueous solution. At the appropriate mixing ratios, Ca(2+) -ligand coordination results in the formation of molecular bilayers because Ca(2+) can firmly bind to the head groups of C14DMAO and (CH3(CH2)13NHCOCH2OSO3)2Ca by complexation which reduces the area of head group. In this system, no counterions in aqueous solution exist because of the Ca(2+) -ligand coordination, and the bilayer membranes are not shielded by salts, i.e., a salt-free but charged molecular bilayer. The structures of the birefringent solutions of (CH3(CH2)13NHCOCH2OSO3)2Ca and C14DMAO mixtures were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and rheological measurements, demonstrating that the birefringent sample solutions consist of vesicles. The Ca(2+) -ligand complex vesicle phase was used as a microreactor to prepare calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) crystals. Dimethyl oxalate, as a precursor, can hydrolyze to oxalic acid and methanol. Oxalic acid should precipitate Ca(2+) ions binding to the head groups of C14DMAO and (CH3(CH2)13NHCOCH2OSO3)2Ca to produce CaC2O4 crystals (Ca(2+) + H2C2O4 --> CaC2O4 (downward arrow) + 2H+). The obtained particles were CaC2O4 monohydrate, which were dominated by (020) faces. CaC2O4 precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. After removal of CaC2O4 precipitates, a new cationic and anionic (catanionic) vesicle phase was constructed through electrostatic interaction between cationic C14DMAOH+ (C14DMAO + H+ --> C14DMAOH+) and anionic CH3(CH12)13 NHCOCH2OSO3-.     

Fluorescent ratiometry of tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene pyrenylamides upon cation complexation

[structure: see text] C-1,2-alternate tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene pyreneamides were synthesized. Pb(2+) coordination gave a quenched monomer and excimer fluorescence emission, while upon Ca(2+) ion binding, the receptor provides an enhanced excimer and declined monomer emission with ratiometric response. The excimer emission spectra changes are rationalized by frontier molecular orbitals that the effective Py-Py interaction induces emission intensity increases upon Ca(2+) ion complexation, whereas there is no such interaction observed upon Pb(2+) binding.     

Incorporation of triazole into a quinoline-rhodamine conjugate imparts iron(iii) selective complexation permitting detection at nanomolar levels

Two new rhodamine based probes 1 and 2 for the detection of Fe(3+) were synthesized and their selectivity towards Fe(3+) ions in the presence of other competitive metal ions tested. The probe 1 formed a coloured complex with Fe(3+) as well as Cu(2+) ions and revealed the lack of adequate number of coordination sites for selective complexation with Fe(3+). Incorporation of a triazole unit to the chelating moiety of 1 resulted in the probe 2, that displayed Fe(3+) selective complex formation even in the presence of other competitive metal ions like Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+). The observed limit of detection of Fe(3+) ions (5 × 10(-8) M) confirmed the very high sensitivity of 2. The excellent stability of 2 in physiological pH conditions, non-interference of amino acids, blood serum and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the detection process, and the remarkable selectivity for Fe(3+) ions permitted the use of 2 in the imaging of live fibroblast cells treated with Fe(3+) ions.     

Hydration properties of magnesium and calcium ions from constrained first principles molecular dynamics

We studied the solvation structures of the divalent metal cations Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) in ambient water by applying a Car-Parrinello-based constrained molecular dynamics method. By employing the metal-water oxygen coordination number as a reaction coordinate, we could identify distinct aqua complexes characterized by structural variations of the first coordination shell. In particular, our estimated free-energy profile clearly shows that the global minimum for Mg(2+) is represented by a rather stable sixfold coordination in the octahedral arrangement, in agreement with experiments. Conversely, for Ca(2+) the free-energy curve shows several shallow local minima, suggesting that the hydration structure of Ca(2+) is highly variable. Implications for water exchange reactions are also discussed.     

Aqueous divalent metal-nitrate interactions: hydration versus ion pairing

Nitrate aqueous solutions, Mg(NO(3))(2), Ca(NO(3))(2), Sr(NO(3))(2), and Pb(NO(3))(2), are investigated using Raman spectroscopy and free energy profiles from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Analysis of the in-plane deformation, symmetric stretch, and asymmetric stretch vibrational modes of the nitrate ions reveal perturbation caused by the metal cations and hydrating water molecules. Results show that Pb(2+) has a strong tendency to form contact ion pairs with nitrate relative to Sr(2+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+), and contact ion pair formation decreases with decreasing cation size and increasing cation charge density: Pb(2+) > Sr(2+) > Ca(2+) > Mg(2+). In the case of Mg(2+), the Mg(2+)-OH(2) intermolecular modes indicate strong hydration by water molecules and no contact ion pairing with nitrate. Free energy profiles provide evidence for the experimentally observed trend and clarification between solvent-separated, solvent-shared, and contact ion pairs, particularly for Mg(2+) relative to other cations.     

Hetero-oligophenylene-based AIEE material as a multiple probe for biomolecules and metal ions to construct logic circuits: application in bioelectronics and chemionics

New hetero-oligophenylene derivative (2) was synthesized which exhibits aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in H(2)O/THF (80:20). The aggregates serve as a biological probe for three different proteins, that is bovine serum albumin (BSA), cytochrome?c, and lysozyme, and DNA in contrasting modes. Further, among 29 metal ions tested, the contrasting fluorescence behavior of aggregates of 2 is observed with only Pb(2+) and Pd(2+) ions. Multiple output logic circuits based upon the fluorescence behavior between BSA and cytochrome?c and between Pb(2+) and Pd(2+) ions are constructed.     

The amide oxygen donor. Metal ion coordinating properties of the ligand nitrilotriacetamide. A thermodynamic and crystallographic study

The metal ion coordinating properties of ntam (nitrilotriacetamide) are reported. The protonation constant (pK) for ntam is 2.6 in 0.1 M NaClO(4) at 25 degrees C. Formation constants (log K(1)) in 0.1 M NaClO(4) at 25 degrees C, determined by (1)H NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy are: Ca(II), 1.28; Mg(II), 0.4; La(III), 2.30; Pb(II), 3.69; Cd(II), 3.78; Ni(II), 2.38; Cu(II), 3.16. The measured log K(1) values for the ntam complexes are discussed in terms of the low basicity of the N-donor, as evidenced by the pK, and the effect of metal ion size on complex stability. The amide O-donors of ntam lead to the stabilization of complexes of large metal ions (Pb(II), Cd(II), La(III), Ca(II)) relative to log K1 for the NH3 complexes, while for small metal ions (Ni(II), Cu(II)) the amide O-donors lead to destabilization. This is discussed in terms of the role of chelate ring size in controlling metal ion size-based selectivity. The structures of [Pb(ntam)(NO3)2]2 (1) and [Ca2(ntam)3(H2O)2](ClO4)4.3H2O (2) are reported. For 1: triclinic, space group P1, a = 7.4411(16), b = 9.0455(19), c = 11.625(3) A, alpha = 69.976(4), beta = 79.591(4), gamma = 67.045(3) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.0275. For 2: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 10.485(2), b = 11.414(2), c = 38.059(8) A, beta = 92.05(3) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0634. Structure 1 is dimeric with two Pb atoms linked by bridging O-donors from the two ntam ligands. The coordination sphere consists of one N-donor and 3 O-donors from the ntam ligand, two O-donors from nitrates, and one bridging O-donor. The variation in bond length suggests a stereochemically active lone pair of electrons on the Pb. Structure 2 consists of two Ca(II) ions held together by 3 bridging O-donors from ntam groups. One Ca is 9-coordinate with two ntam ligands present, plus one bridging O-donor from the other Ca(II) ntam complex. The other Ca is 8-coordinate, with a single coordinated ntam, plus two coordinated H2O molecules, and two bridging O-donors from the other half of the complex. The role of M-O=C bond angles in controlling selectivity for metal ions on the basis of their size is discussed.     

Interactions of metal ions with monoaza crown ethers A15C5 and A18C6 carrying dansyl fluorophore as pendant in acetonitrile solution

The influence of metal cations Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Cs(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+) and Al(3+) on the spectroscopic properties of the dansyl (1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl) group covalently linked to monoaza crown ethers 1-aza-15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane) (A15C5) and 1-aza-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclooctadecane) (A18C6) was investigated by means of absorption and emission spectrophotometry. Interaction of the alkali metal ions with both fluoroionophores is weak, while alkaline earth metal ions interact strongly causing 50 and 85% quenching of dansyl fluorescence of N-(5-dimethylamine-1-naphthalenesulfonylo)-1,4,7,10,-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane (A15C5-Dns) and N-(5-dimethylamine-1-naphthalenesulfonylo)-1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclooctadecane (A18C6-Dns), respectively. The Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Al(3+) cations interact very strongly with dansyl chromophore, causing a major change in absorption spectrum of the chromophore and forming non-fluorescent complexes. The Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+) cations interact moderately with both fluoroionophores causing quenching of dansyl fluorescence by several percent only.     

Development and applications of fluorescent indicators for Mg2+ and Zn2+

In a study of the spectroscopic behavior of two Schiff base derivatives, salicylaldehyde salicylhydrazone (1) and salicylaldehyde benzoylhydrazone (2), Schiff base 1 has high selectivity for Zn(2+) ion not only in abiotic systems but also in living cells. The ion selectivity of 1 for Zn(2+) can be switched for Mg(2+) by swapping the solvent from ethanol-water to DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide)-water mixtures. Imine 2 is a good fluorescent probe for Zn(2+) in ethanol-water media. Many other ions tested, such as Li(+), Na(+), Al(3+), K(+), Ca(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Ag(+), Cd(2+), Sn(2+), Ba(2+), Hg(2+), and Pb(2+), failed to induce any spectral change in various solvents. The selectivity mechanism of 1 and 2 for metal ions is based on a combinational effect of proton transfer (ESPT), C═N isomerization, and chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). The coordination modes of the complexes were investigated.     

Ca2+- and ba2+-ligand coordinated unilamellar, multilamellar, and oligovesicular vesicles

Ca(2+)- and Ba(2+)-coordinated vesicle phases were prepared in mixed aqueous solutions of tetradecyldimethylamine oxide (C(14)DMAO) and calcium oleate (Ca(OA)(2)) or barium oleate (Ba(OA)(2)). At the right mixing ratios, metal-ligand coordination between Ca(OA)(2) or Ba(OA)(2) and C(14)DMAO results in the formation of molecular bilayers due to the reduction in area per head group. Ca(2+) and Ba(2+) tightly associate to the head groups of surfactants and in this system the bilayer membranes are not shielded by excess salts. The structures of the birefringent samples of the Ca(OA)(2)/C(14)DMAO/H(2)O and Ba(OA)(2)/C(14)DMAO/H(2)O systems were determined by freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheological measurements to consist of unilamellar, multilamellar, and oligovesicular vesicles. The coordination between C(14)DMAO and Ba(OA)(2) or Ca(OA)(2) plays an important role in the formation of the vesicles, which was easily confirmed by studying the phase behavior of the KOA/C(14)DMAO/H(2)O system in which only the L(1) phase forms, due to the absence of coordination between KOA and C(14)DMAO. A mechanism is proposed that accounts for the formation of these new metal-ligand coordinated vesicles.     

Rational design of aminoanthraquinones for colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous solution

A family of water-soluble colorimetric chemosensors incorporating an anthraquinone signalling subunit functionalized with a polyamine chain that bears hydrophilic diethoxyphosphoryl moieties was prepared with the aim of assaying metal cations. The outstanding UV-Vis absorption properties of the 1-aminoanthraquinone chromophore allowed the efficient visual detection and quantification of copper(II) ions by chelators L(1)-L(3) in buffered aqueous solution. Moreover, the visible response of L(2) is not interfered by addition of large excesses of 13 common metal ions, whereas chemosensor L(3) produces also a color change in the presence of equimolar amounts of lead(II). Considering the 134 nm gap between both absorption maxima, simultaneous colorimetric quantification of lead and copper can be envisaged. Detailed potentiometric and spectrophotometric analysis of Cu(2+) complexation by L(2) and L(3), as well as Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) by L(3) was undertaken in order to gain a deeper insight into the pH-dependent speciation and understanding the color changing process. Furthermore, the inner coordination sphere of the [PbL(3)](2+) complex was probed by NMR spectroscopy.     

Accelerated color change of gold nanoparticles assembled by DNAzymes for simple and fast colorimetric Pb2+ detection

The combination of high metal selectivity of DNAzymes with the strong distance-dependent optical properties of metallic nanoparticles has presented considerable opportunities for designing colorimetric sensors for metal ions. We previously communicated a design for a colorimetric lead sensor based on the assembly of gold nanoparticles by a Pb(2+)-dependent DNAzyme. However, heating to 50 degrees C followed by a cooling process of approximately 2 h was required to observe the color change. Herein we report a new improved design that allows fast (<10 min) detection of Pb(2+) at ambient temperature. This improvement of sensor performance is a result of detailed studies of the DNAzyme and nanoparticles, which identified "tail-to-tail" nanoparticle alignment, and large (42 nm diameter) nanoparticle size as the major determining factors in allowing fast color changes. The optimal conditions for other factors such as temperature (35 degrees C) and concentrations of the DNAzyme (2 microM), its substrate (3 nM), and NaCl (300 mM) have also been determined. These results demonstrate that fundamental understanding of the DNAzyme biochemistry and nanoparticle science can lead to dramatically improved colorimetric sensors.     

Divalent cation-induced cluster formation by polyphosphoinositides in model membranes

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIs) and in particular phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2), control many cellular events and bind with variable levels of specificity to hundreds of intracellular proteins in vitro. The much more restricted targeting of proteins to PPIs in cell membranes is thought to result in part from the formation of spatially distinct PIP2 pools, but the mechanisms that cause formation and maintenance of PIP2 clusters are still under debate. The hypothesis that PIP2 forms submicrometer-sized clusters in the membrane by electrostatic interactions with intracellular divalent cations is tested here using lipid monolayer and bilayer model membranes. Competitive binding between Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) to PIP2 is quantified by surface pressure measurements and analyzed by a Langmuir competitive adsorption model. The physical chemical differences among three PIP2 isomers are also investigated. Addition of Ca(2+) but not Mg(2+), Zn(2+), or polyamines to PIP2-containing monolayers induces surface pressure drops coincident with the formation of PIP2 clusters visualized by fluorescence, atomic force, and electron microscopy. Studies of bilayer membranes using steady-state probe-partitioning fluorescence resonance energy transfer (SP-FRET) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) also reveal divalent metal ion (Me(2+))-induced cluster formation or diffusion retardation, which follows the trend: Ca(2+) ? Mg(2+) > Zn(2+), and polyamines have minimal effects. These results suggest that divalent metal ions have substantial effects on PIP2 lateral organization at physiological concentrations, and local fluxes in their cytoplasmic levels can contribute to regulating protein-PIP2 interactions.     

Gold nanorods-based FRET assay for sensitive detection of Pb2+ using 8-17DNAzyme

In this paper, we have reported a sensitive assay for fluorescence "turn-on" detection of Pb(2+) in aqueous solutions based on FRET between gold nanorods (GNRs) and the FAM-labeled substrate strand of 8-17DNAzyme. The fluorescence of the FAM-labeled substrate strand is quenched when 8-17DNAzyme is adsorbed on GNRs surface through electrostatic interaction. In the presence of lead ions, the fluorescence is restored due to the decrease of FRET efficiency caused by the specific cleavage of the FAM-labeled substrate strand by the enzyme, which weakens the electrostatic interaction between the GNRs and short FAM-labeled DNA fragment. The interference of eleven common metal ions has been tested, indicating that Pb(2+) can be selectively detected. This method exhibits a high sensitivity for Pb(2+) with a detection limit of 61.8 pM and a linear range from 0.1 nM to 100 nM. It is a simple, sensitive, and selective method for Pb(2+) detection. Moreover, this sensing system obtained satisfying results for Pb(2+) detection in tap water samples.     

Homoleptic tetranuclear complexes of divalent tin and lead tetraolates

Homoleptic tetranuclear complexes of divalent tin and lead tetraolates, M(4)(hfpt)(2) [M = Sn (1) and Pb (2); hfpt(4-) is an anion of 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,2,4,4-tetraol], have been obtained in high yield from the corresponding (trimethylsilyl)amides. The solid-state structures of 1 and 2 contain discrete molecules in which a butterfly tetrahedron of metal atoms is sandwiched between two tetraolate ligands acting in tetradentate mode. The lone-pair Sn(2+) and Pb(2+) cations exhibit pyramidal coordination of four ligand oxygen atoms. A multinuclear NMR study unambiguously confirmed that metal tetraolates retain their polynuclear structure in solution of even coordinating solvents. An interesting example of the strong through-space coupling between (19)F of the tetraolate trifluoromethyl groups and (117/119)Sn or (207)Pb nuclei was found. Both compounds were shown to have clean, low-temperature decomposition that results in crystalline oxides SnO(2) and PbO, respectively, for 1 and 2. This work demonstrates the remarkable coordination properties of the tetraolate ligand that can be utilized for the preparation of a wide variety of poly- and heterometallic complexes. Decomposition studies revealed a great potential of metal tetraolate complexes as prospective molecular precursors for the soft chemistry approach to oxide materials.     

Single, binary and multi-component adsorption of some anions and heavy metals on environmentally friendly Carpobrotus edulis plant

A low-cost adsorbent and environmentally friendly adsorbent from Carpobrotus edulis plant was used for the removal of NO(3)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) ions from single, binary and multi-component systems. The efficiency of the adsorbent was studied using batch adsorption technique under different experimental conditions by varying parameters such as pH, initial concentration and contact time. In single component systems, the dried C. edulis has the highest affinity for Pb(2+), followed by NO(3)(-), Cd(2+) and H(2)PO(4)(-), with adsorption capacities of 175mg/g, 125mg/g, 28mg/g and 26mg/g, respectively. These results showed that the adsorption of NO(3)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) ions from single and binary component systems can be successfully described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Freundlich adsorption model, showed the best fit to the single and binary experimental adsorption data. These results also indicated that the adsorption yield of Pb(2+) ion was reduced by the presence of Cd(2+) ion in binary metal mixture. The competitive adsorption of NO(3)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) ions on dried C. edulis plant shows that NO(3)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) anions are able to adsorb on different free binding sites and Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) cations are able to adsorb on the same active sites of C. edulis particles. The dried C. edulis was found to be efficient in removing nitrate, phosphate, cadmium and lead from aqueous solution as compared to other adsorbents already used for the removal of these ions.