Adsorption of fluoride on synthetic siderite from aqueous solution

The study has investigated the feasibility of using synthetic siderite for F⁻ removal from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were performed to test effects of adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial F⁻ concentration, temperature, solution pH, and coexisting anions on F⁻ removal. Results show that the kinetic rate of F⁻ adsorption was high in the first 2 h, and thereafter significantly decreased. The kinetic data was better fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic model than the pseudo-first order kinetic model. In comparison with Langmuir isotherm, both Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms better described the adsorption process, which indicates that the multilayer adsorption should be involved in the process of F⁻ removal. Thermodynamic study manifests that F⁻ adsorption on synthetic siderite was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The synthetic siderite had high adsorption capacity for F⁻ removal, which was up to 1.775 mg/g in the batch with an adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L and an initial F⁻ concentration of 20 mg/L at 25 °C. The adsorption was relatively independent on solution pH between 4 and 9. The presence of Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ had less impact on F⁻ adsorption, while PO₄³⁻ significantly affected F⁻ removal from aqueous solution. Results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggest that the high adsorption capacity possibly arose from both coprecipitation of ferric hydroxide with F⁻ and adsorption of F⁻ on the fresh goethite.     

Electrochemical behavior of hexafluoroniobate, heptafluorotungstate, and oxotetrafluorovanadate anions in N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide room temperature ionic liquid

Electrochemical behavior of hexafluoroniobate (Nb(V)F₆⁻), heptafluorotungstate (W(VI)F₇⁻), and oxotetrafluorovanadate (V(V)OF₄⁻) anions has been investigated in N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (BMPyrTFSA) ionic liquid at 298 K by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Cyclic voltammograms at a Pt electrode showed that Nb(V)F₆⁻ anion is reduced to Nb(IV)F₆²⁻ by a one-electron reversible reaction. Electrochemical reductions of W(VI)F₇⁻ and V(V)OF₄⁻ anions at a Pt electrode are quasi-reversible and irreversible reactions, respectively, according to cyclic voltammetry. The diffusion coefficients of Nb(V)F₆⁻, W(VI)F₇⁻ and V(V)OF₄⁻ determined by chronoamperometry are 1.34 × 10⁻⁷, 7.45 × 10⁻⁸ and 2.49 × 10⁻⁷ cm² s⁻¹, respectively. The Stokes radii of Nb(V)F₆⁻, W(VI)F₇⁻, and V(V)OF₄⁻ in BMPyrTFSA have been calculated to be 0.23, 0.38, and 0.12 nm, from the diffusion coefficients and viscosities obtained.     

Orthogonal array design for the optimization of hollow fiber protected liquid-phase microextraction of salicylates from environmental waters

A new fluorescent probe for the detection of F⁻ (TBA⁺ and Na⁺ salts) has been developed, which is based on a desilylation triggered chromogenic reaction in water. This probe exhibits excellent F⁻ ion selectivity as well as significant color changes visible to the naked eye at the concentration of 1.5 mg L⁻¹, the WHO recommended level of F⁻ ions in drinking water. This new carbohydrate modified probe can be used directly in aqueous medium without using organic co-solvents. Furthermore, the probe presents high sensitivity and selectivity for the imaging of F⁻ ions in HepG2 cells.     

Theoretical study of thiazole derivatives as chemosensors for fluoride anion

The interactions between chemosensor, 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenylthiazole (1), and different halides (F⁻, Cl⁻, and Br⁻) and NO₃⁻ anions have been theoretically investigated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level with the BSSE correction. It turned out that the unique selectivity of 1 for F⁻ is ascribed to its ability of deprotonating the hydroxy group of host sensor. The intermolecular proton transfer (IPT) causes the colorimetric and fluorescent signaling of 1 for F⁻. The deprotonated complex 1⁻·HF is formed for the deprotonation process of chemosensor. The study of substituent effects suggest that the electron-donating –CH₃ and –OCH₃ substituted derivatives are expected to be promising candidates for ratiometric fluorescent F⁻ chemosensors as well as chromogenic chemosensors, while electron-donating –N(CH₃)₂ substituted derivative can serve as chromogenic F⁻ chemosensors only. Furthermore, the electron-withdrawing (–NO₂ and –Br) substituted derivatives can serve as chromogenic F⁻/CH₃COO⁻ chemosensors.     

Macrocyclic bis(amidonaphthol)s for anion sensing: tunable selectivity by ring size in proton transfer process

The investigation on anion sensing properties for a series of macrocyclic bis(amidonaphthol)s 3a-3c reveals the significant effects of macrocyclic ring size. Among them, macrocycle 3c with the largest ring size shows F⁻ ion selectivity by causing clear red shift (24 nm) in fluorescence emission after complexation with F⁻, which results in significant color change of fluorescence from blue to green. This excellent selectivity toward F⁻ ion might be attributed to the fitness between the acidity of -OH group and the basicity of F⁻ ion. Further exploration indicates that the acidity of -OH group can be tuned by ring size to give it the capability to discriminate the subtle difference in the affinity of F⁻, CH₃COO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻ to -OH proton.     

Specific F binding to phenyl ring of aromatic polymers

Most of the hydrogels deswell more remarkably in F⁻ containing solutions than in other monovalent anion containing solutions. However, significant deswelling followed by abnormal reswelling of polymer gel in KF solutions with increasing F⁻ concentration was observed in a series of polymer gels consisted of phenyl rings, for instance, poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) and poly(4-vinyl phenol) (P4VPh) gel. Driving force of this phenomenon was studied to reveal the specific interactions involved in the aqueous systems of aromatic polymers. Elemental analysis and XPS results suggest that F⁻ is embedded to the gel by the physical adsorption of KF, as well as the interactions between phenyl ring and F⁻. Further theoretical calculations revealed that the interaction may be (phenyl)CH?F⁻(H₂O)_n interaction, which is stronger than (phenyl)CH?(H₂O)_n hydrogen bond. This kind of interaction decreases with the increasing water number and it is invalid when the surrounding water number is more than 5 for the phenol-F⁻(H₂O)_n system. Therefore, we conclude that F⁻ could bind to phenyl ring via such (phenyl)CH?F⁻(H₂O)_n interaction in solutions with low hydrophilicity. The strong polarization effect of F⁻ and (phenyl)CH?F⁻(H₂O)_n interaction are two important driving forces for the reswelling of gels.     

Colorimetric response of spiropyran derivative for anions in aqueous or organic media

We previously found that a simple spiropyran derivative (1:1′,3′,3′-trimethyl-6-nitro-spiro-[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2′-indoline]) behaves as a selective and sensitive cyanide anion (CN⁻) receptor in aqueous media under UV irradiation¹³. The receptor, when irradiated by UV light in a water/MeCN mixture, creates a CN⁻-selective absorption band via a nucleophilic addition of CN⁻ to 1 (formation of the 1-CN⁻ species) and allows quantitative determination of very low levels of CN⁻. In the present work, effects of pH and water content on the response of 1 to anions were studied to clarify the detailed properties of 1. In aqueous media, 1 reacts selectively with CN⁻regardless of pH and water content, but the reaction is suppressed by a decrease in pH and an increase in water content due to the protonation of CN⁻. In contrast, in pure MeCN, addition of F⁻ also creates a new absorption band, as does CN⁻. This is promoted via a nucleophilic interaction between 1 and F⁻ in a 1:2 stoichiometry (formation of the 1-2F⁻ species). The 1-CN⁻ and 1-2F⁻ species have different photochemical properties; the 1-CN⁻ species is stable upon UV irradiation, while the UV irradiation of the 1-2F⁻ species leads to a decomposition of the spiropyran platform.     

Fabrication of an electrochemical sensor based on spiropyran for sensitive and selective detection of fluoride ion

In the past decades, numerous electrochemical sensors based on exogenous electroactive substance have been reported. Due to non-specific interaction between the redox mediator and the target, the instability caused by false signal may not be avoided. To address this issue, in this paper, a new electrochemical sensor based on spiropyran skeleton, namely SPOSi, was designed for specific electrochemical response to fluoride ions (F⁻). The breakage of Si–O induced by F⁻ based on the specific nucleophilic substitution reaction between F⁻ and silica would directly produce a hydroquinone structure for electrochemical signal generation. To improve the sensitivity, SPOSi probe was assembled on the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through the π–π conjugating interaction. This electrode was successfully applied to monitor F⁻ with a detection limit of 8.3 × 10⁻⁸ M. Compared with the conventional F⁻ ion selected electrode (ISE) which utilized noncovalent interaction, this method displays higher stability and a comparable sensitivity in the urine samples.     

Thiourea linked peracetylated glucopyranosyl–anthraquinone conjugate as reversible ON–OFF receptor for fluoride in acetonitrile

A new thiourea linked peracetylated glucopyranosyl–anthraquinone conjugate (L) has been synthesized and characterized. The binding properties of L have been studied with nineteen different anions. The L exhibited selective chromogenic as well as fluorescent chemosensor property toward F⁻ by a ∼13-fold increase in the emission intensity upon binding with F⁻. The minimal detection limit for F⁻ is 185 ± 5 ppb in acetonitrile. Interaction of F⁻ led to a bathochromic shift of 80 nm in the absorption band. An INHIBIT logic gate has been proposed using the output obtained from the fluorescence studies. The structure of the species formed upon the interaction of F⁻ with L has been established by DFT computations.     

A BODIPY-indole conjugate as a colorimetric and fluorometric probe for selective fluoride anion detection

A BODIPY-indole conjugate, 1, behaves as a colorimetric and fluorometric probe for selective and sensitive detection of F⁻. Compound 1 interacts with F⁻ in a 1:1 stoichiometry via a hydrogen bonding interaction between the indolic NH proton and F⁻, leading to clear color change from blue to green and quenching of orange fluorescence.     

Role of positional isomers on receptor-anion binding and evidence for resonance energy transfer

New urea-based sensors show a strong affinity for F⁻, CH₃COO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻ with an appreciable color change in the presence of excess F⁻. The position of the nitro group in the urea derivative influences the relative affinity toward anionic analytes. Spectral and ab initio studies showed the difference in the deprotonation sites for the ortho- and meta/para-isomers in these cases. Photophysical studies confirmed the resonance energy transfer in the case of the ortho-isomer. The ortho-isomer can act as a dual emission probe for F⁻.     

Halide anions driven self-assembly of haloperfluoroarenes: Formation of one-dimensional non-covalent copolymers

The supramolecular organization in six solid assemblies involving iodo- and bromoperfluoroarene derivatives is described. Single crystal X-ray analyses show that the formation of the supramolecular architectures is controlled by I⁻?Br–Ar_F, I⁻?I–Ar_F, Br⁻?I–Ar_F, and Cl⁻?I–Ar_F halogen bondings thus proving the X⁻?X′–Ar_F supramolecular synthon, where X can be the same as or different from X′, is particularly robust. In five of the described architectures halide anions form two halogen bondings and form infinite chains wherein dihaloperfluoroarenes, which function as bidentate electron acceptors, and halide anions, which function as bidentate electron donors, alternate. This behaviour shows halide anions have a fair tendency to work as bidentate halogen bonding acceptors.     

Anion recognition through hydrogen bonding by adamantane-dipyrromethane receptors

Adamantane-dipyrromethane (AdD) receptors [di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyladamantane (1), 2,2-di(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (2), 1,3-bis[di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyl]adamantane (3), 2,2,6,6-tetra(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (4)] form complexes with F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, AcO⁻, NO₃⁻, HSO₄⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻. The association constants of the complexes were determined by ¹H NMR titrations, whereas the geometries of complexes 1·F⁻ (2:1), 2·F⁻ (2:1), 2·Cl⁻ (2:1), 2·AcO⁻ (2:1), and 4·F⁻ (1:1) were determined by X-ray structural analysis. The most stable complexes are of 2:1 stoichiometry with F⁻ and AcO⁻. The stability constants are in accordance with the anion basicity and the ability of AdD receptors to place the hydrogen bonding donor groups in a tetrahedral fashion around anions. The binding energies of the complexes between receptors 1-4 and F⁻ anion are calculated using quantum chemical methods. The calculated results show that the solvent polarity is important for the complexation of fluoride ion with AdD receptors 1-4.     

UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopic detection of anions by the conformational restriction of 2,2′-binaphthalene derivatives bearing thiourea groups through a methylene spacer

Novel fluorescence receptors, 2 and 3 based on 2,2′-binaphthalene possessing thiourea moieties via a methylene spacer have been synthesized. Hydrogen bonds of NH groups of thiourea moieties with acetate anion were confirmed by ¹H NMR study in MeCN-d₃. These receptors showed characteristic UV-vis spectral changes through isosbestic points on complexation with anions inspite of lacking conjugation between the chromophore and the binding sites in polar organic solvent such as acetonitrile. The UV-vis spectral changes arise from the conformational restriction of the 2,2′-binaphthyl skeleton on the complexation. The receptors exhibit high selectivities for AcO⁻ and F⁻. The fluorescence intensity of the receptors decreases with the increasing amount of the AcO⁻, however, addition of F⁻ induces a different change in its fluorescence spectrum, in which shorter emission of the receptors decreases with the increase in F⁻ concentration, while the longer emission of the receptors increases through an isoemissive point in MeCN. The results suggest that favorable dual-wavelength ratiometric fluorescence measurement can be conducted by the receptors for F⁻.     

[1,1-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) complexes with fluorinated benzenethiolate ligands: examination of the electronic effects in the solid state, solution and in the Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction with the catalytic system [Pd(dppf)(SRF)2]

A series of palladium thiolate complexes of the type [Pd(dppf)(SR_F)₂] have been synthesized in good yields by metathetical reactions of [Pd(dppf)Cl₂] with [Pb(SR_F)₂], (SR_F=⁻SC₆F₅, ⁻SC₆F₄-4-H, ⁻SC₆H₄-2-CF₃, ⁻SC₆H₄-4-F, ⁻SC₆H₄-3-F) and their crystal structures determined. The effect of the different thiolates in the structural properties of the complexes both in the solid state and in solution have been analyzed. Heck coupling reactions were carried out using the complexes [Pd(dppf)(SR_F)₂], SR_F=⁻SC₆F₅ (1), ⁻SC₆F₄-4-H (2), ⁻SC₆H₄-2-CF₃ (3), ⁻SC₆H₄-4-F (4), ⁻SC₆H₄-3-F (5) as catalysts in order to examine both the effect of the thiolates and the P-Pd-P bite angles in the reaction of bromobenzene and styrene. The results obtained indicate that electron-withdrawing substituents may favor higher yields in the Pd catalyzed Heck reaction using [Pd(dppf)(SR_F)₂] as catalysts.     

New fluoro- and chromogenic chemosensors for the dual-channel detection of Hg and F

Two novel thioxanthone-based compounds 1a and 1b which possess thiosemicarbazone as binding site were developed for the dual-channel detection of Hg²⁺ and F⁻. Upon treatment with Hg²⁺ and F⁻ separately, the probes’ fluorescence is effectively quenched, meanwhile 1a and 1b show evident naked-eye color variations after addition of F⁻: colorless to yellow. They both exhibit specific sensitivity and selectivity for Hg²⁺ or F⁻ over other examined ions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution.     

The effect of F-doping and temperature on the structural and textural evolution of mesoporous TiO2 powders

Mesoporous F⁻-doped TiO₂ powders were prepared by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in a mixed NH₄F-H₂O solution. Effects of F⁻ ion content and calcination temperatures on the phase composition and porosity of mesoporous titania were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET surface areas. The results showed the BET surface area (S_BET) of the pure and doped powders dried at 100°C ranged from 260 to 310 m²/g as determined by nitrogen adsorption. With increasing calcination temperatures, the S_BET values of the calcined titania powders decreased due to the increase in crystalline size. The pore size distribution was bimodal with fine intra-particle pore and larger inter-particle pore as determined by nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The peak pore diameter of intra-particle pore increases with increasing F⁻ ion content. At 700°C, all the titania powders exhibit monomodal pore size distributions due to the complete collapse of the intra-particle pores. The crystallization of anatase was obviously enhanced due to F⁻-doping at 400°C and 500°C. Moreover, with increasing F⁻ ion concent, F⁻ ions not only suppressed the formation of brookite phase at low temperature, but also prevented phase transition of anatase to rutile at high temperature.     

A fluoride selective dipyrromethane-TCNQ colorimetric sensor based on charge-transfer

A colorimetric sensor based on dipyrromethane(donor)-7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane (acceptor) charge-transfer compound depicts excellent selectivity for naked-eye as well as spectrophotometric determination of F⁻ even in co-existence with other halide ions (Cl⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻). The sensing mechanism is ascribed to the interrupted charge-transfer between donor-acceptor in the presence of F⁻. The sensing on solid support mimics the solution sensing process supported by the reflectance values. Thus this compound has potential for practical applications.     

Novel highly selective anion chemosensors based on 2,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole

2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole 1 and 2,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole 2 were used as anion fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors with high selectivity for H₂PO₄⁻ and F⁻ over Cl⁻, while 2 can even distinguish H₂PO₄⁻ from F⁻.     

Terphenyl based fluorescent chemosensor for Cu and F ions employing excited state intramolecular proton transfer

A new terphenyl based bifunctional fluorescent chemosensor 3a has been synthesized, which demonstrates selective optical recognition of Cu²⁺ and F⁻ ions in two contrasting modes. The compound shows highly selective ‘On-Off’ switchable behavior toward Cu²⁺ ions and ‘On-Off-On’ behavior toward F⁻ ions among various cations and anions tested. The detection limits of chemosensor for Cu²⁺ and F⁻ ions are found to be 100 nM and 10 nM, respectively.