Highly sensitive fluorescence "turn-on" indicator for fluoride anion with remarkable selectivity in organic and aqueous media

A simple, convenient, and inexpensive method has been developed to quantitatively determine fluoride anion concentration in acetonitrile as well as in water. The method exhibited a high selectivity and a great sensitivity toward fluoride anions through "turn-on" chromogenic and fluorogenic dual modes. The fluoride driven silyl deprotection and the subsequent spectral changes of hydroxyl coumarin were the operating foundations for the observed selectivity and sensitivity. (1)H NMR spectral titration with F(-) revealed that complete deprotection of a triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) group needed exactly 1 equiv of TBAF. UV-vis and fluorescence titration studies exhibited the appearance of a new intense absorption band centered at 434 nm and green emission peak at 500 nm, accompanied by bright yellow color development to the naked eye. An easy-to-prepare test paper, obtained by dipping the paper into the solution of TIPS-protected coumarin derivative, was able to detect F(-) in aqueous media. The method has also shown highly promising results in detecting all kinds of fluoride salts, regardless of being organic or inorganic, and thus could be potentially useful in real applications.     

Anion sensing properties of new colorimetric chemosensors based on macrocyclic ligands bearing three nitrophenylurea groups

Two new colorimetric ligands (1-2) based on macrocyclic structures linked to three nitrophenylurea groups were synthesized in good yields, and their responses toward anions were studied. Anions with different shape, such as of fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxide, nitrate, perclhorate, cyanide, or dihydrogen phosphate in DMSO solution were added and only fluoride, hydroxide, cyanide, and dihydrogen phosphate enhances π delocalization and shifts the π-π^∗ transition in both ligands, leading to the generation of a pleasant orange color.The result is a balance between the acidity of the nitrophenylurea-NH donors modulated by the basic character of the anions. Stability constants for both receptors and the anions fluoride, hydroxide, cyanide, and dihydrogen phosphate were determined spectrophotometrically using the program HYSPEC. ¹H NMR titrations experiments with fluoride were carried out.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">о</Emphasis>-Nitroarylidene imines,bifunctional fluorescent chemosensors for lanthanide cations and fluoride anions

Condensation of о-nitrobenzaldehydes with anthracen-9-ylmethanamine afforded dialkoxy-substituted azomethines which exhibited a chemosensor activity with respect to lanthanide cations and fluoride, cyanide, and acetate anions. N-[(Anthracen-9-yl)methyl]-1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)methanimine is a highly effective and selective bifunctional sensor for europium(III) cation and fluoride anion.     

Effective receptors for fluoride and acetate ions: synthesis and binding study of pyrrole- and cystine-based cyclopeptido-mimetics

Two conformationally constrained pseudo-cyclopeptides (1, 2) consisting of pyrrole-, pyridine-, and cystine-moieties were designed and synthesized as neutral receptors for anionic guests. The anion recognition abilities of these two receptors were examined photometrically in acetonitrile solution. The UV-vis study revealed that the [1+1] receptor (1) formed 1:1 complexes with anions, whereas the [2+2] receptor (2) led to 1:2 mode binding with anions. Both receptors displayed good affinity and selectivity for fluoride and acetate ions.     

Triphenylamine-based simple chemosensor for selective fluorometric detection of fluoride, acetate and dihydrogenphosphate ions in different solvents

Triphenylamine-based new chemosensors 1 and 2 have been designed and synthesized for fluorometric detection of anions. The urea-amide conjugates in 1 and 2 are involved in binding of anions via hydrogen bonding. UV?Cvis and fluorescence titration experiments revealed that the sensor 1 has the selectivity for acetate (AcO^?), dihydrogenphosphate (H₂PO₄ ^?) and fluoride (F^?) over the other anions examined in the present study, in CHCl₃. In comparison, receptor 2 is non responsive for the same anions under similar conditions. In more polar solvent CH₃CN containing 0.1% DMSO, the receptor 1 shows a greater selectivity towards fluoride. The color of the solution of 1 is changed from colorless to light yellow and finally to yellowish brown only in the presence of fluoride in CH₃CN containing 10% DMSO. In pure DMSO and CH₃CN solvents, almost colorless solution of 1 is transformed into blood red and reddish brown in the presence of 30 equivalent amounts of F^?, respectively.     

Electric conductivity of heterovalent substitution solid solutions of the (1–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>)PbF<Subscript>2</Subscript>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>YF<Subscript>3</Subscript>–SnF<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

Heterovalent substitution solid solutions of tetragonal modification isostructural with β-PbSnF₄ and having fluoride anions localized in three structurally nonequivalent positions are formed in the (1–x)PbF₂–xYF₃–SnF₂ system in the concentration range 0 < x ≤ 0.17. The conductivity of the synthesized samples is provided by the interstitial fluoride anions and is independent of the concentration of the heterovalent substituent at temperatures below 300 K. The contribution of the surface conductivity of the crystallites of the synthesized samples to the total bulk conductivity was not found. The temperature dependences of electric conductivity of each of the synthesized samples show an inflection at 435–475 K, which is due to the increased mobility of fluoride anions at elevated temperatures. The transport numbers of the fluoride anions are close to unity over the whole range of concentrations of the synthesized samples and are almost independent of the YF₃ concentration. The electronic conductivity of the samples was two orders of magnitude lower than the ionic conductivity.     

Theoretical insights into the fluoride anion response mechanism of a fluorescence chemosensor 4‐((tert‐butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)isophthalaldehyde

It is well known that ions play important roles in our life sciences, and the detection of ions has attracted more and more attention. In this work, we focus on the sensing response mechanism of a novel fluoride chemosensor, 4‐((tert‐butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)isophthalaldehyde (BIPA). Based on density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we clarify that fluoride anions could trigger the cleavage reaction of the Si‐O bond of BIPA in the ground state. And, the potential energy curve of desilylation process reveals the rapid response to fluoride anions. Comparing the binding energies between fluoride anions and other anions, we confirm that only the fluoride anions could be detected using the BIPA chemosensor in ethanol solvent. Considering the photo‐excitation process, we find the strong intramolecular charge transfer process for the S₀ → S₁ transition could explain the red shift of the absorption spectra of the BIPA system. This work not only clarifies the specific fluoride‐sensing mechanism, but also plays a role in facilitating designing and synthesizing of novel fluorescent sensors in future.     

Simple urea/thiourea sensors for the biologically important ions

Two anion receptors 1 and 2 with a nitrophenyl group as a signaling group and urea/thiourea as a binding group were synthesized and their anion binding abilities were examined. The receptor 1 formed the hydrogen-bonded complex with various anions except fluoride. However, the receptor 2 immediately formed deprotonated receptor with various anions. Therefore, they operated based on a hydrogen bonding and an acid?Cbase equilibrium. In addition, the receptor 1 proved to be an efficient and selective naked-eye detector for the fluoride ion.     

A novel chemosensor based on Fe(III)-complexation for selective recognition and rapid detection of fluoride anions in aqueous media

A novel fluorogenic receptor 1 was prepared by the reaction of thiosemicarbazide with 1-naphthaldehyde. Based on in situ-formed 1-Fe(III) complexes having the specific binding affinity for F⁻ anions, this sensory system allows rapid recognition and quantitative detection of fluoride in neutral aqueous media in an ‘off-on’ fashion. The fluoride measurement method not only exhibits a low detection limit but also has strong anti-interference ability to common coexisting ions, as evidenced by competitive experiments.     

A colorimetric sensor for the recognition of biologically important anions

A colorimetric anion sensor 1 based on 3-phthaloyl-N-4-nitrophenylhydrozone was synthesized and characterized. The binding ability evaluated by UV?Cvis experiment reveals that 1 can selectively recognize fluoride. Further insights into the nature of interactions between sensor 1 and anions were investigated by H NMR titrations experiments. In addition, the color changes induced by fluoride can provide a way of detection by ??naked-eye??.     

铽配合物Tb(PMIP)3(PhCA)的合成及阴离子识别研究

本文设计合成了稀土铽配合物Tb(PMW)3(PhCA)作为阴离子试剂,利用荧光光谱考察了其与F-、Cl-、Br-、I-、ClO4-、NO3-、AcO-和H2PO-4等阴离子的作用.研究结果表明:不同阴离子的加入能够调控,Tb(PMIP)3(PhCA)的发光行为,当一定量的氟离子(醋酸根离子、磷酸二氢根离子)加入到Tb(PMIP)3(PhCA)的乙腈溶液中后,荧光发射增强;过量的氟离子(醋酸根离子、磷酸二氢根离子)加入后则使其荧光淬灭.而在乙腈和水混合溶液中,Tb(PMIP)3(PhCA)则能选择性识别氟离子和磷酸二氢根离子.     

Reactions of strong bases with vinyl fluoride formation and characterization of 1-fluorovinyl anion and the fluoride-acetylene hydrogen-bonded complex

Vinyl fluoride reacts with strong bases to afford I-fluorovinyl anion (1a) and a fluoride-acetylene cluster (1b). The former ion can be prepared independently, and cleanly, by the fluorodesilylation of 1-(trimethylsilyl) fluoroethylene. Reactions of 1a are reported, and its proton affinity is assigned (387 ± 3 kcal mol^?1). Vinyl fluoride is 22 kcal mol^?1 more acidic than ethylene. This unusually large substituent effect is reproduced by ab initio calculations, and can be accounted for by geometric changes which minimize the electron-electron repulsion in 1a. Computations on 2-fluorovinyl anions (1c and 1d) have also been carried out, and both ions are only slightly less stable than 1a. The cis isomer (1c) has a larger barrier for fluoride elimination and is a reasonable target for preparation.     

Quantitative measure for the "nakedness" of fluoride ion sources

A quantitative measure for the donor strength or "nakedness" of fluoride ion donors is presented. It is based on the free energy change associated with the transfer of a fluoride ion from the donor to a given acceptor molecule. Born-Haber cycle calculations were used to calculate both the free energy and the enthalpy change for this process. The enthalpy change is given by the sum of the fluoride ion affinity of the acceptor (as defined in strict thermodynamic convention) and the lattice energy difference (DeltaU(POT)) between the fluoride ion donor and the salt formed with the acceptor. Because, for a given acceptor, the fluoride affinity has a constant value, the relative enthalpy (and also the corresponding free energy) changes are governed exclusively by the lattice energy differences. In this study, BF(3), PF(5), AsF(5), and SbF(5) were used as the acceptors, and the following seven fluoride ion donors were evaluated: CsF, N(CH(3))(4)F (TMAF), N-methylurotropinium fluoride (MUF), hexamethylguanidinium fluoride (HMGF), hexamethylpiperidinium fluoride (HMPF), N,N,N-trimethyl-1-adamantylammonium fluoride (TMAAF), and hexakis(dimethylamino)phosphazenium fluoride (HDMAPF). Smooth relationships between the enthalpy changes and the molar volumes of the donor cations were found which asymptotically approach constant values for infinitely large cations. Whereas CsF is a relatively poor F(-) donor [(U(POT)(CsF) - U(POT)(CsSbF(6))) = 213 kJ mol(-)(1)], when compared to N(CH(3))(4)F [(U(POT)(TMAF) - U(POT)(TMASbF(6))) = 69 kJ mol(-)(1)], a 4 times larger cation (phosphazenium salt) and an infinitely large cation are required to decrease DeltaU(POT) to 17 and 0 kJ mol(-)(1), respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that very little is gained by increasing the cation size past a certain level and that secondary factors, such as chemical and physical properties, become overriding considerations.     

Selective fluorescent sensing of chloride

The urea functionalised phenanthroline sensor 1, which was characterised by several methods, including X-ray crystallography, gives rise to large changes in the fluorescence emission spectra upon interaction with several anions such as acetate, phosphate, fluoride and chloride in CH₃CN. However, only in the presence of Cl⁻ was the emission enhanced, as for the other ions photoinduced electron transfer (PET) quenching was observed. Fitting these fluorescence changes, using non-linear regression analysis, showed that these anions bind to 1 in 1:1 (anion:sensor) stoichiometry, with the exception of Cl⁻, which was shown to give rise to 1:1 as well as 1:2 binding, as a result of coordination of the chloride to two equivalents of 1.     

Hexabromide salt of a tiny octaazacryptand as a receptor for encapsulation of lower homolog halides: structural evidence on halide selectivity inside the tiny cage

Tiny azacryptand 1,4,7,10,13,16,21,24-octaazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (L) upon reaction with 48% hydrobromic acid (containing <0.05% chloride contamination) forms hexabromide salt (1). Single crystal X-ray crystallographic investigation of the hexaprotonated bromide (1) shows no guest encapsulation inside the tiny cage. This bromide salt 1 with an empty proton cage has been utilized as the receptor for encapsulation of chloride (2) and fluoride (3). Crystallographic results of mixed chloride/bromide (2) and fluoride/bromide (3) complexes of L are examined, which show monotopic recognition of chloride in the case of 2 and fluoride in the case of 3 inside the proton cage with five bromide and three water molecules outside the cavity. Single crystals obtained from an experiment on mixed anionic system (chloride and fluoride), 1 shows selective encapsulation of fluoride, which supports the formation of complex 3 and crystals obtained upon treatment of 2 with tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride also yields complex 3. In a separate reaction between L and 49% hydrobromic acid containing higher chloride contamination (<0.2%) forms chloride/bromide salt (2). ¹H NMR studies of 1 with sodium chloride and fluoride support the encapsulation of the respective anions inside the proton cage.     

Dipyrrolylmethane-based macrobicyclic azacryptand: synthesis, X-ray structures, conformational and anion binding properties

A new class of macrobicyclic azacryptand containing dipyrrolylmethane subunits with nitrogen bridgeheads was synthesized by the Mannich reaction of the dipyrrolylmethane in the presence of aqueous ammonia. The azacryptand exhibits a staggered conformation in the solid state, but is in a dynamic equilibrium with the eclipsed conformation in solution studied by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR methods. The azacryptand has a specific size suitable only for fluoride ion; large anions such as NO(3)(-) bind in the clefts of the macrobicycle as shown by the X-ray structures of its fluoride ion inclusion and the nitrate anion complexes. The anion binding studies showed that it has high selectivity and affinity for fluoride ion in acetone over other anions studied, which was supported by (1)H and (19)F NMR methods. The azacryptand has fast fluoride ion-mediated proton-deuterium exchanges with acetone-d(6) studied by the (19)F NMR method.     

The synthesis and recognition properties of colorimetric fluoride receptors bearing sulfonamide

Two artificial receptors, 1,2-bis-p-substituted phenyl-sulfonamido-4,5-bis-nitrobenzene, have been designed and synthesized. The interactions of these receptors with halide anions are determined by UV-vis and ¹H NMR titration experiments. Results indicate that two receptors have strong sensitivity and selectivity for fluoride among halide anions. In addition, the visible color changes upon the addition of fluoride anion can make the receptors as convenient detection tools for fluoride anion.     

The investigation of proton transfer and fluorescence‐sensing mechanisms of [2‐(2‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐5‐yl]‐phenyl‐methanone

Given the tremendous potential of fluorescence sensors in recent years, in this present work, we theoretically explore a novel fluorescence chemosensor [2‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐5‐yl]‐phenyl‐methanone (HBPM) about its excited state behaviors and probe‐response mechanism. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, we explore the S₀‐state and S₁‐state hydrogen bond dynamical behaviors and confirm that the strengthening intramolecular hydrogen bond in the S₁ state may promote the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. In view of the photoexcitation process, we find that the charge redistribution around the hydroxyl moiety plays important roles in providing driving force for ESIPT. And the constructed potential energy curves further verify that the ESIPT process of HBPM should be ultrafast. That is the reason why the normal HBPM fluorescence cannot be detected in previous experiment. Furthermore, with the addition of fluoride anions, the exothermal deprotonation process occurs spontaneously along with the intermolecular hydrogen bond O–H?F. It reveals the uniqueness of detecting fluoride anions using HBPM molecules. As a whole, the fluoride anions inhibit the initial ESIPT process of HBPM, which results in different fluorescence behaviors. This work presents the clear ESIPT process and fluoride anion‐sensing mechanism of a novel HBPM chemosensor.     

Synthesis and characterization of indolocarbazole-quinoxalines with flat rigid structure for sensing fluoride and acetate anions

A new series of indolocarbazole-quinoxalines (ICQ, receptors 6 and 7) are prepared and characterized for effective fluoride and acetate anion sensing. The new indole-based system has a highly flat rigid structure with a large pi system, and exhibits high binding affinity and sensitivity for acetate and fluoride anions. Receptors 6 and 7 give abundant and unique spectral features in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Both fluoride and acetate anions cause a bathochromic shift of the absorption peaks of receptor 7 in DMSO, whereas only fluoride anion results in a remarkable shift of the absorption peak of receptor 6 in DMSO. Receptors 6 and 7 can also operate as efficient colorimetric sensors for naked-eye detection of fluoride and acetate anions, and their combined use also offers a simple way for distinguishing these two anions by the naked-eye. The analysis of a Job's plot for the binding of receptor 7 and F(-), single crystal structures of 7.TBACl and 7.TBACH(3)COO confirm 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Notably, the ICQ system offers novel and excellent receptors for acetate anion both in solution and in crystalline solid through the formation of two hydrogen bonds.