Anion Receptor with Two Imidazolium Rings on the Glycoluril

We have synthesized an anion receptor with two imidazolium groups on the glycoluril. This receptor showed high affinity for Y-shaped anions such as acetate and benzoate. Although the association constants of these anions for the receptor 4 are too large to be estimated from ¹H NMR titration, the receptor 4 has at least 560-fold selectivity for acetate or benzoate over iodide and 360-fold selectivity over nitrate.     

Novel bile acid-based cyclic bisimidazolium receptors for anion recognition

[structure: see text] Novel deoxycholic acid-based cyclic receptors, 3 and 4, containing two imidazolium groups and m-xylene and p-xylene as spacers have been synthesized. These receptors bind anions through hydrogen bonds utilizing two imidazolium (C-H)(+) and inwardly directed methylene hydrogens of both acetyl groups. Receptor 3 shows a moderate selectivity for fluoride ion whereas receptor 4 shows high affinity and selectivity for chloride ion in CDCl(3).     

Design of steroid-based imidazolium receptors for fluoride ion recognition

New deoxycholic acid-based cyclic receptors bearing imidazolium and benzimidazolium moieties bridged with o-xylelene and 1,8-dimethylenenaphthalene groups have been synthesized. Anion binding studies using ¹H NMR revealed that receptors having naphthalenic group as spacer exhibit very high selectivity for fluoride ion over other anions while receptors with o-xylelene group show a preference for the chloride ion.     

Highly selective ratiometric estimation of fluoride ion based on a BINOL imidazolium cyclophane with dual-channel

A novel imidazolium cyclophane S-1, which displays a high selectivity for the recognition toward fluoride ion, has been constructed by using BINOL as scaffold. The fluoride ion induced remarkable red shift both in absorption and emission spectra, which might allow S-1 to be employed as a ratiometric receptor with dual-channel. The chiral recognitions of S-1 with chiral carboxylates were also examined.     

Cooperative ion pair receptor based on tolan as a Li+/HSO4− selective extractor and fluorescent indicator

A new tolan derivative was synthesized as a selective ion pair receptor for LiHSO₄. The observed ion pair selectivity was accomplished by introducing aza-12-crown-4, which is size-selective for Li⁺. The ion pair receptor can function as an extractor and fluorescent indicator for LiHSO₄.     

Indirect ultraviolet detection of alkaline earth metal ions using an imidazolium ionic liquid as an ultraviolet absorption reagent in ion chromatography

A convenient and versatile method was developed for the separation and detection of alkaline earth metal ions by ion chromatography with indirect UV detection. The chromatographic separation of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Sr²⁺ was performed on a carboxylic acid base cation exchange column using imidazolium ionic liquid/acid as the mobile phase, in which the imidazolium ionic liquid acted as an UV‐absorption reagent. The effects of imidazolium ionic liquids, detection wavelength, acids in the mobile phase, and column temperature on the retention of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Sr²⁺ were investigated. The main factors influencing the separation and detection were the background UV absorption reagent and the concentration of hydrogen ion in ion chromatography with indirect UV detection. The successful separation and detection of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Sr²⁺ within 14 min were achieved using the selected chromatographic conditions, and the detection limits (S /N = 3) were 0.06, 0.12, and 0.23 mg/L, respectively. A new separation and detection method of alkaline earth metal ions by ion chromatography with indirect UV detection was developed, and the application range of ionic liquids was expanded.     

Tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocyclic receptors for anion binding

New (tetrakis)imidazolium macrocyclic receptor systems of variable cavity size have been synthesised by stepwise alkylation reactions of bis(imidazolium) precursor compounds. Proton NMR titration studies reveal the macrocycles to strongly bind halide and benzoate anions, with two receptor systems displaying notable selectivity for fluoride in competitive acetonitrile-water (9:1) solvent media.     

Enhancement of Ion Pairing of Sr(II) and Ba(II) Salts by a Tritopic Ion-Pair Receptor in Solution

Tritopic ion-pair receptors can bind bivalent salts in solution; yet, these salts have a tendency to form ion-pairs even in the absence of receptors. The extent to which such receptors can enhance ion pairing has however remained elusive. Here, we study ion pairing of M²⁺ (Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺) and X⁻ (I⁻, ClO₄⁻) in acetonitrile with and without a dichlorooxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine-related receptor containing a pentaethylene-glycol moiety. We find marked ion association already in receptor-free solutions. When present, most of the MX⁺ ion-pairs are bound to the receptor and the overall degree of ion association is enhanced due to coordinative, hydrogen-bonding, and anion-π interactions. The receptor shows higher selectivity for iodides but also stabilizes perchlorates, despite the latter are often considered as weakly coordinating anions. Our results show that ion-pair binding is strongly correlated to ion pairing in these solutions, thereby highlighting the importance of taking ion association in organic solvents into account.     

Thermal degradation studies of alkyl-imidazolium salts and their application in nanocomposites

Increasing the thermal stability of organically-modified layered silicates is one of the key points in the successful technical application of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites on the industrial scale. To circumvent the detrimental effect of the lower thermal stability of alkyl ammonium-treated montmorillonite, a series of alkyl-imidazolium molten salts were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetry (TGA) and thermal desorption mass spectroscopy (TDMS). The effect of counter ion, alkyl chain length and structural isomerism on the thermal stability of the imidazolium salts was investigated. Alkyl-imidazolium-treated montmorillonite clays were prepared by ion exchange of the imidazolium salts with Na-montmorillonite. These organically-modified clays were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TDMS and thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR), and compared to the conventional quaternary alkyl ammonium montmorillonite. Results indicate that the counter ion has an effect on the thermal stability of the imidazolium salts, and that imidazolium salts with PF₆⁻, N(SO₂CF₃)₂⁻ and BF₄⁻ anions are thermally more stable than the halide salts. A relationship was observed between the chain length of the alkyl group and the thermo-oxidative stability; as the chain length increased from propyl, butyl, decyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl to eicosyl, the stability decreased. The results also show that the imidazolium-treated montmorillonite has greater thermal stability compared to the imidazolium halide. Analysis of the decomposition products by FTIR provides an insight about the decomposition products which are water, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.     

Chloride binding by a polyimidazolium macrocycle detected via fluorescence,NMR, and X-ray crystallography

Herein, we describe a macrocyclic polyimidazolium receptor that is preorganized for the binding of anionic guests, and particularly chloride. Additionally, diphenylimidazolium units were incorporated into this structure to enhance photophysical properties that were exploited for signal transduction of binding. In subsequent fluorescence binding studies, this receptor was found to bind a range of halides as well as phosphate with high affinity (K_a=1.8×10⁴, and 1.5×10⁴ for phosphate and chloride, respectively) in a competitive solvent mixture (1:1 water/acetonitrile). Results under these conditions were fitted to 1:1 binding curves, and indicated modest selectivity of the host for phosphate and chloride over other halides. Binding studies were also performed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, during which the imidazolium C–H signal was observed to shift downfield upon titration with anions. These experiments were run in less polar solvent (1:9 water/acetonitrile), and could not be fitted to a 1:1 binding curve, suggesting higher order aggregates in this environment. Binding was further probed in the solid state by obtaining an X-ray crystal structure of receptor–iodide complex. In the resulting structure, two iodides were found to bind through interactions with two polyimidazolium hydrogens each. These results show that the described macrocycle is effective for anion-binding in competitive solvent, with modest selectivity for chloride over other halides, and that the nature of the binding interactions varies depending upon the solvent environment.     

Benzimidazole-based chromogenic chemosensor for the recognition of oxalic acid via counter ion displacement assay in semi-aqueous medium

An azo dye-coupled benzimidazole-based receptor 1 was synthesized and investigated as a receptor for metal ions in semi-aqueous medium. The receptor recognizes Cu²⁺ with high selectivity over other metal ions. The resultant complex 1·Cu²⁺ was found to selectively bind oxalic acid via counter ion displacement.     

A simple naphthalene-based colorimetric sensor selective for acetate

A new naphthalene based receptor (L) has been designed and synthesized which shows a remarkable color change from colorless to pink on selective binding with acetate. The anion recognition property of the receptor via hydrogen bonding interactions is monitored by UV-vis, fluorescence, and ¹H NMR titrations. It is observed that in each case, the receptor shows a specific selectivity toward the acetate ion over other interfering anions. Thus, a significant bathochromic shift in UV-vis spectrum with a sharp pink color in ‘naked-eye’ makes the receptor suitable for the detection of the acetate ion.     

新型三脚架苯甲醛苯腙醋酸根选择性比色化学传感器

本文合成了一个新的基于三脚架苯甲醛苯腙的能够选择地检测醋酸根离子的比色化学传感器1。用紫外可见吸收光谱证实了受体1在二甲基亚砜溶液中对醋酸根离子高选择的键合能力超越了其它阴离子。和其他所研究的阴离子相比,其在二甲基亚砜中紫外可见吸收光谱对具有高选择性醋酸根离子的存在显示了应答,当存在（2´10^-5mol·dm^-3）醋酸根离子时其溶液的颜色也由黄色变化到蓝色。当用其他不同的客体阴离子（F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, H₂PO₄ ^–和 OH^-）处理受体1时,仅出现了很小的紫外可见吸收光谱变化。受体1对醋酸根的结合常数 K_ass为1.69´ 10⁴。     

Synthesis of a new colorimetric receptor based on calix[4]pyrrole binding oxime for selective recognition of fluoride ions

A colorimetric anion sensor α-meso-heptaethylcalix[4]pyrrole-meso-3-aminophenyl-p-nitrobenzaldoxime was synthesised and characterised by various spectroscopic techniques. Anion-binding studies were carried out using UV–vis, and ¹H NMR titrations, revealing that the receptor exhibits selective recognition towards F^?  over other anions. The selectivity for F^?  among the halides is attributed mainly to the hydrogen bond interaction of the receptor with F^? . Receptor showed colour change from colourless to yellow in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride with 1:2 stoichiometry. Cyclic voltammetry studies, carried out in CH₃CN, provided evidence of an anion-dependent electrochemical response with F^?  ion. This response was particularly dramatic in the case of receptor after the addition of ～1 equiv. of F^?  ion.     

Imidazolium‐based polymerized ionic liquid crystals containing fluorinated cholesteryl mesogens

A series of polymerized ionic liquid crystals (PILCs) bearing fluorinated cholesteryl mesogens were synthesized in this work, which include polymerized imidazolium bromides (PIBs) and polymerized imidazolium hexafluorophosphates (PIHs). The PIBs were synthesized using alkyl bromine‐containing polysiloxanes and 1‐butyl‐1H‐imidazole, and the PIHs were synthesized by anion metathesis reaction using the corresponding PIBs and KPF₆. The chemical structures, liquid crystalline (LC) properties, and electrorheological (ER) effect of these PILCs were characterized by use of various experimental techniques. All the PILCs showed smectic A mesophase on heating and cooling cycles. The smectic layer structure of these PILCs are originated from the rigid fluorinated cholesteryl mesogens and the flexible moieties in the LC phase, but the ion pairs (imidazolium cations–PF₆^?, Im⁺–PF₆^?; or imidazolium cations–Br^?, Im⁺–Br^?) can disperse in the polysiloxane matrix and expand the d‐spacing in the smectic layers. The PIHs show lower T_g and T_i than the corresponding precursor PIBs, which is due to the larger ion volume of Im⁺–PF₆^? for PIHs than that of Im⁺–Br^? for PIBs. A series of 40 V% ER fluids were prepared by mixing the PILCs with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the ER behaviors were studied. All the PILC/PDMS fluids showed ER effect, and the PIH/PDMS fluids show a little greater ER effect than the PIB/PDMS fluids. The PILC droplets in the ER fluids become deformed owing to both the orientation of fluorinated cholesteryl mesogens and the suppression of ionic migration when a DC electric field was applied, resulting in the occurrence of ER effect. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Periodic imidazolium‐bridged hybrid monolith for high‐efficiency capillary liquid chromatography with enhanced selectivity

A novel periodic imidazolium‐bridged hybrid monolithic column was developed. With diene imidazolium ionic liquid 1‐allyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium bromide as both cross‐linker and organic functionalized reagent, a new periodic imidazolium‐bridged hybrid monolithic column was facilely prepared in capillary with homogeneously distributed cationic imidazolium by a one‐step free‐radical polymerization with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane methacryl substituted. The successful preparation of the new column was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and surface area analysis. Most interestingly, the bonded amount of 1‐allyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium bromide of the new column is three times higher than that of the conventional imidazolium‐embedded hybrid monolithic column and the specific surface area of the column reached 478 m²/g. The new column exhibited high stability, excellent separation efficiency, and enhanced separation selectivity. The column efficiency reached 151 000 plates/m for alkylbenzenes. Furthermore, the new column was successfully used for separation of highly polar nucleosides and nucleic acid bases with pure water as mobile phase and even bovine serum albumin tryptic digest. All these results demonstrate the periodic imidazolium‐bridged hybrid monolithic column is a good separation media and can be used for chromatographic separation of small molecules and complex biological samples with high efficiency.     

Ferrocene-based imidazolium receptors for anions

Cyclic and acyclic ferrocene derivatives bearing two imidazolium rings have been synthesized and characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectra, and X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical measurements revealed that all the receptors displayed a significant anodic shift response for F⁻. In addition, for receptors 1, 2, and 4, addition of HSO₄⁻ induced quite different electrochemical behavior with dramatic cathodic peak current increase on CV. ¹H NMR titrations demonstrated that receptors 1, 2, and 4 showed selectivity for AcO⁻ while receptor 3 exhibited high affinity toward Cl⁻ among the anions investigated.     

Specific interactions including imidazolium andN-methylimidazolium lons. I. Interactions with the picrate anion

The conductances of solutions of methylimidazolium and imidazolium picrate (MeImHPic and ImHPic) in nitrobenzene-benzene mixtures (27.2–. These triple ions are highly stabilized by the hydrogen bond between the second NH group of the ion pair and the second picrate ion. Values of the formation constants for the ion pair ImHPic and for the triple ion PicImHPic^– have been calculated and are discussed.     

Polymerised ionic liquid crystals bearing imidazolium and bipyridinium groups

Novel kinds of polymerised ionic liquid crystals (PILCs) bearing imidazolium and bipyridinium groups were synthesised and characterised in this work. Some bromo-polyesters were synthesised in an esterification chain reaction using 2,3-dibromosuccinyl dichloride, isophthaloyl chloride and 4,4′-biphenol. The polyester imidazolium bromides (PIBs) and polyester dipyridinium bromides (PDBs) were obtained by a quaternisation reaction between the bromo-polyesters, N-methylimidazole and 4-4′-bipyridine, respectively. The polyester imidazolium tetrafluoroborates (PITs) and polyester dipyridinium tetrafluoroborates (PDTs) were synthesised using the corresponding PIBs and PDBs in an anion-exchange reaction. The chemical structures, liquid crystalline properties and molecular weights of these polymers were characterised by multiple experimental techniques. All the PILCs including PIBs, PDBs, PITs and PDTs display smectic A phase on heating and cooling cycles. The liquid-crystalline properties of bromo-polyesters are influenced by the length of flexible spacer and composition of polyester backbones, while those of PILCs are determined by the ionic groups as additional important influent factors. In comparison with those of the mother bromo-polyesters, the d-spacing of PILCs reduced slightly due to Im⁺–Br^?, Dp⁺–Br^?, Im⁺–BF₄^? and Dp⁺–BF₄^? ion pairs in the polymer systems. Monocationic imidazolium salts display weaker interionic and intermolecular interaction, higher mobility and lower viscosity than dicationic dipyridinium salts.     

Rational Design of Fluorescent Bioimaging Probes by Controlling the Aggregation Behavior of Squaraines: A Special Effect of Ionic Liquid Pendants

We herein present an effective strategy to create water‐soluble fluorescent bioimaging dyes by introducing the imidazolium‐based ionic liquid (IL) pendants into a fluorescent skeleton. A new type of water‐soluble imidazolium‐anchored squaraine dye was synthesized accordingly. The relationship between the aggregate of squaraines and their fluorescent cell imaging application was elucidated in detail. Firstly, the aggregation behavior of squaraines in water solutions could be suppressed by varying the alkyl chain attached to the imidazolium unit. Secondly, the capability of cellular uptake and staining of dyes was also dramatically enhanced upon increasing the length of the paraffinic chain. These squaraine dyes displayed an excellent photostability that could permit real‐time fluorescence bioimaging experiments to be monitored over a long time period with constant sample irradiation. Additionally, we designed for the first time an Fe^II‐ion probe on the basis of an attack of the hydroxyl radical to the four‐membered ring of squaraine. The results demonstrated that the imidazolium‐anchored squaraines could perform “naked‐eye” detection of the Fe²⁺ ion over a wide range of other interfering metals in aqueous media. More surprisingly, this process showed a fluorescence “turn‐off” and “‐on” response through the regeneration of squaraines in cells.