Complexation of bis‐crown stilbene with alkali and alkaline‐earth metal cations. Ultrafast excited state dynamics of the stilbene‐viologen analogue charge transfer complex

The complex formation of bis(18‐crown‐6)stilbene ( 1 ) and its supramolecular donor‐acceptor complex with N,N′‐bis(ammonioethyl) 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene derivative ( 2 ) with alkali and alkaline‐earth metal perchlorates has been studied using absorption, steady‐state fluorescence, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The formation of 1 ?Mⁿ⁺ and 1 ?(Mⁿ⁺)₂ complexes in acetonitrile was demonstrated. The weak long‐wavelength charge‐transfer absorption band of 1 · 2 completely vanishes upon complexation with metal cations because of disruption of the pseudocyclic structure. The spectroscopic and luminescence parameters, stability constants, and 2‐stage dissociation constants were calculated. The initial stage of a recoordination process was found in the excited complexes 1 ?M⁺ and 1 ?(M⁺)₂ (M = Li, Na). The pronounced fluorescence quenching of 1 · 2 is explained by very fast back electron transfer (τ_et = 0.397 ps). The structure of complex 1 · 2 was studied by X‐ray diffraction; stacked ( 1 · 2 )_m polymer in which the components were connected by hydrogen bonding and stacking was found in the crystal. These compounds can be considered as novel optical molecular sensors for alkali and alkaline‐earth metal cations.     

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.     

Theoretical design on a new double functional device of 2,2′‐bipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐pyrenyl methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5

Theoretical design on a new molecular switch and fluorescent chemosensor double functional device of aza‐crown ether (2,2′‐dipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐anthraceneyl(pyrenyl)methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5) was explored. The interactions between ligands and a series of alkaline earth metal cations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were investigated. The fully optimized geometry structures of the free ligands ( L _1, L ₂) and their metal cation complexes ( L ₁/M²⁺, L ₂/M²⁺) were calculated with the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) method. The natural bond orbital analysis, which is based on optimized geometric structures, was used to explore the interaction of L ₁/M²⁺, L ₂/M²⁺ molecules. The absorption spectra of L _1, L ₂, L ₁/M²⁺, and L ₂/M²⁺, and their excited states were studied by time‐dependent density functional theory. A new type molecular device L ₂(2,2′‐dipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐pyrenyl methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5) is designed, which not only has the selectivity for Sr²⁺, and construct allosteric switch, but also has fluorescent sensor performance.     

New dithiacrown–ether butadienyl dyes: synthesis,structure, and complex formation with heavy metal cations

Benzothiazole type butadienyl dyes containing a dithia‐15‐crown‐5 ( 2a ) or dithia‐18‐crown‐6 ether ( 2b ) moieties were synthesized. The structures of dyes 2a , b and their complexes with Ag⁺ and Pb²⁺ were studied by an X‐ray crystallography. It was found that the conformations of dithiacrown–ether moieties of dyes 2a , b are unfavorable for complex formation and change significantly upon binding of Ag⁺ or Pb²⁺. The complexation of 2a , b with Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ in water–acetonitrile mixtures with different contents of water (P_W = 0–75%, v/v) was studied by ¹H NMR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and polarography. In anhydrous acetonitrile, the stability constants of 1:1 complexes change in the sequence Cd²⁺ < Pb²⁺ ≤ Ag⁺ << Hg²⁺ in the case of 2a and in the sequence Cd²⁺ < Ag⁺ < Pb²⁺ << Hg²⁺ in the case of 2b . As P_W increases, the thermodynamic stability of Ag⁺ complexes increases. The opposite effect is observed for the complexes with Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺. When P_W ～ 50%, the stability constants of complexes with Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ become too small to be measured. The selectivity of ligands 2a , b toward Hg²⁺ versus Ag⁺ is very high at any P_W values (selectivity coefficients > 10⁴). The complexation of 2a , b with Hg²⁺ at P_W ≤ 50% is accompanied by a substantial hypsochromic effect. This allows dithiacrown‐containing butadienyl dyes to be used as selective optical molecular sensors for heavy metal ions, in particular, in aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

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, thermal and optical properties of metal(II) complexes with a novel ligand derived from pyrazolone-5

Three novel metal(II) complexes, CoL₂, NiL₂ and CuL₂ (L = (Z)-4-(2-(1,3-dimethyl-5-oxo-1H-pyrazol-4(5H)-ylidene)hydrazinyl)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one were synthesized. Their structures were postulated based on elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, ESI-MS, FT-IR spectra and UV-vis spectra. The effect of different central metal(II) ions on absorption bands of the metal(II) complexes in CHCl₃ solutions was researched. The result indicates that the bathochromic shift is CuL₂ > NiL₂ > CoL₂. The absorption properties of thin films and thermal stability of these complexes are also discussed. In addition, the optical constants (complex refractive index N=n+ik) and thickness of the complex thin films on polished single-crystal silicon substrates were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Results indicate that the metal(II) complexes would be a promising recording medium candidate for blu-ray recordable optical storage system due to good absorption at 405 nm, high thermal stability and sharp thermal decomposition, and a high n values of 1.35–1.45 and a low k values of 0.33–0.39.     

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.     

Comparison of the stability of thymine tautomers and the interaction of its tautomers with Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in gas and solvent phases

The present study compared the interactions among Na ⁺, K ⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, thymine and its tautomers in the gas and solvent phase, an interaction dependent upon the electronic construction of the tautomers. Three types of cation interaction with thymine and its tautomers were observed. In the first one, the metal cations interacted with a lone pair of nitrogen or oxygen of the tautomers. In the second type, there was an interaction among the cations, nitrogen and oxygen at the same time; the last one was that of cations with the electron density of thymine π-system, where the cations were perpendicular to the ring of thymine. The interaction of metals cation with tautomers was studied in the gas and solvent phases; a comparison was then made between interactions in two phases. The interaction energy for all complexes indicated the stability of complexes, an energy which was higher in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ compared with Na⁺ and K⁺. Concerning K⁺ and Na⁺, the stability of all complexes of tautomers was greater than that of thymine complexes; however, the stability of certain Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ complexes was lower than the complexes of thymine.     

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.     

Interaction of cations with 2′‐deoxythymidine nucleoside and analysis of the nature and strength of cation bonds

Binding of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu⁺ metal ions with 2′‐deoxythymidine (dT) nucleoside was studied using a density functional theory method and a 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. This work demonstrated that the interaction of dT with these cations is tri‐coordinated η (O2, O4′, O5′). Among the four types of cations, Zn²⁺ cation exhibited the most tendency to interact with the dT. Cations via their interaction with dT can affect the N‐glycosidic bond length, the values of pseudorotation of the sugar ring, the orientation of the base unit with respect to the sugar ring, and the acidity of the O5′H, O3′H, and N3H groups in the dT nucleoside. Natural bond orbital analysis was performed to calculate the charge transfer and natural population analysis of the complexes. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules was also applied to determine the nature of interactions. It was shown that in dT–Mg²⁺ and dT–Ca²⁺ complexes, the bonds are electrostatic (closed‐shell) interactions, although they are partially covalent and partially electrostatic interactions in dT–Zn²⁺ and dT–Cu⁺ complexes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DFT study of electronic structure and optical properties of some Ru- and Rh-based complexes for dye-sensitized solar cells

The paper reports Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD DFT) calculations providing the structure, electronic properties and spectra of [Ru(II)(bpy)_{3? n} (dcbpy) _n ]²⁺ and [Rh(III)(bpy)_{3? n} (dcbpy) _n ]³⁺ complexes, where bpy?=?2,2′-bipyridyl, dcbpy?=?4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridyl, and n?=?0,?1,?2,?3, studied as possible pigments for dye-sensitized solar cells. The role of the metallic ion and of the COOH groups on the optical properties of these complexes are compared and contrasted and their relevance as dyes for hybrid organic–inorganic photovoltaic cells is discussed. It was found that the optical spectra are strongly influenced by the metallic ion, with visible absorption bands for the Ru(II) complexes and only ultraviolet bands for the Rh(III) complexes. Upon excitation, the extra positive charge of the Rh³⁺ centre tends to draw electrons towards the metal ion, facilitating some charge transfer from the ligand to the metal, whereas in the case of the Ru²⁺ ion the electron transfer is clearly from the metal to the ligand. The carboxyl groups play an important role in strengthening the absorption bands in solution in the visible region. Of the complexes studied, the most suited as pigments for dye-sensitized solar cells are the [Ru(II)(bpy)_{3? n} (dcbpy) _n ]²⁺ complexes with n?=?1 and 2. This is based on the following arguments: (i) their intense absorption band in the visible region, (ii) the presence of the anchoring groups allowing the bonding to the TiO₂ substrate and the charge transfer, and (iii) the good energy level alignment with the conduction band edge of the semiconducting substrate and the redox level of the electrolyte.     

Interaction between guest AgI and host zeolite FAU studied by optical spectra and EXAFS

AgI molecules were dilutely adsorbed into nano-cages of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cs⁺ type FAU zeolites in order to understand the interaction between host zeolite and guest AgI. This interaction was investigated using optical absorption spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The optical spectra strongly depend on the type of the alkali cations. Compared with the lowest absorption band of AgI molecules in gas phase, the spectra of AgI molecules adsorbed in the zeolite cages shifts to higher energy in the order of Cs⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺. On the contrary, Ag-I bond lengths of adsorbed AgI molecules obtained from EXAFS were independent of the type of the alkali-cations. The bond length was very close to gas phase AgI molecules. Therefore, the interaction between AgI molecules and the zeolite, whose magnitude is Na⁺ > K⁺ > Cs⁺, is important in the photo-excited electronic state.     

Optical properties of Sm-doped CaF2 bismuth borate glasses

Sm³⁺-doped calcium fluoride bismuth borate glasses were prepared and characterized optically and the oscillator strengths and Judd–Ofelt parameters for the glass containing 1.5 mol% of Sm₂O₃ were calculated. Density and optical absorption, transmission and the emission spectra were measured. The values of Judd–Ofelt parameters suggested an increase in the degree of asymmetry the local ligand field at Sm³⁺ sites. The optical band gap energy, band tailing parameter and Urbach's energy were calculated for all glass samples. It was found that with increasing the concentration of Sm₂O₃ content the values of the optical band gap energy decrease whereas Urbach's energy increases. Absorption and excitation spectra indicate that commercial UV and blue laser diodes, blue and bluish-green LEDs and Ar⁺ optical laser are powerful excitation sources for Sm³⁺ visible fluorescence in the glass.     

Spectral studies on Cu ions in sodium–lead borophosphate glasses

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and optical absorption spectra of Cu²⁺ ions in sodium–lead borophosphate glasses doped with different concentrations of Cu²⁺ ions have been studied. EPR spectra of all the glass samples exhibit resonance signals characteristic of Cu²⁺ ions. The values of spin-Hamiltonian parameters indicate that the Cu²⁺ ions in sodium–lead borophosphate glasses are present in octahedral sites with tetragonal distortion. The optical absorption spectra of all the glass samples show a single broad band, which has been assigned to the ²B_1g→²B_2g transition of Cu²⁺ ions. The optical band gap energy (E_opt) and Urbach energy (ΔE) are calculated from their ultraviolet absorption edges. The emission bands observed in the ultraviolet and blue region are attributed to 3d⁹4s→3d¹⁰ triplet transition in Cu⁺ ion. The FT-IR spectra show that the glass system contains BO₃, BO₄ and PO₄ structural units.     

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.     

A 19F NMR Study on the Interaction of the Hexafluoroanions of Group IV Elements with Cations in Solutions

In view of previous studies of tetrafluoroborate solutions¹, it appeared interesting to continue further investigations on the interactions of fluorocomplexes with different cations, in general, and of the MF₆ ^2- fluoro complexes, in particular. In this communication, the high resolution ¹⁹F NMR data are given for the aqueous and water-acetone solutions of silicon, germanium, tin and titanium hexafluorocomplexes, containing paramagnetic (Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺) and diamagnetic (Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, NH₄ ⁺) cations.     

A new concept of photogeneration of cations: Evidence for photoejection of Ca2+ and Li+ from complexes with a crown-ether-linked merocyanine by picosecond spectroscopy

Time-resolved transient absorption and gain spectra of DCM-crown and its complexes with Li⁺ and Ca²⁺ in acetonitrile are measured in the wavelength range 370–670 nm after subpicosecond excitation at 425 nm. The results give evidence for the fast formation of free DCM-crown from both excited complexes, with a faster rate for the Li⁺ complex. A two-step mechanism is found for the initial decay (within 30 ps) of the free DCM-crown.     

Optical absorption spectrum of X-irradiated CaF2:Cr and SrF2:Cr

The optical absorption spectra of X-irradiated CaF₂:Cr and SrF₂:Cr are studied. X-irradiation induces the formation of a prominent band in the u.v. region (centered at 277 nm in CaF₂ and 285 nm in SrF₂) as well as a weak absorption in the visible region. Combined EPR and optical absorption measurements together with some optical bleaching experiments suggest that the u.v. absorption bands are related with either Cr⁺ or Cr³⁺ ions. Several arguments are presented in order to tentatively associate these bands with an interconfigurational transition of Cr⁺ in a cubal environment.     

Lithium solvation and diffusion in the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquid

The Raman spectra of (1 − x)(BMITFSI), xLiTFSI ionic liquids, where 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation (BMI⁺) and bis(trifluoromethane‐sulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI⁻) are analyzed for LiTFSI mole fractions x < 0.4. As expected from previous studies on similar TFSI‐based systems, most lithium ions are shown to be coordinated within [Li(TFSI)₂]⁻ anionic clusters. The variation of the self‐diffusion coefficients of the ¹H, ¹⁹F, and ⁷Li nuclei, measured by pulsed‐gradient spin‐echo NMR (PGSE‐NMR) as a function of x, can be rationalized in terms of the weighted contribution of BMI⁺ cations, TFSI⁻ ‘free’ anions, and [Li(TFSI)₂]⁻ anionic clusters. This implies a negative transference number for lithium. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.