Hollow nanoreactors for Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and O-propargyl cleavage reactions in bio-relevant aqueous media

We describe the fabrication of hollow microspheres consisting of mesoporous silica nanoshells decorated with an inner layer of palladium nanoparticles and their use as Pd-nanoreactors in aqueous media. These palladium-equipped capsules can be used to promote the uncaging of propargyl-protected phenols, as well as Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, in water and at physiologically compatible temperatures. Importantly, the depropargylation reaction can be accomplished in a bioorthogonal manner in the presence of relatively high concentrations of biomolecular components and even in the presence of mammalian cells.

Theoretical insights into excited-state intramolecular and multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds in 2-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone

The photophysical properties and photochemistry reactions of 2-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (HPQ) system in different solutions are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. Our theoretical investigation explores that an ultrafast barrier-free excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process occurs and the configuration twisting is found in the electronic excited state. In the polar protic methanol solution, the hydrogen-bonded complex composed by HPQ and two methanol molecules (HPQ-2M) could exist stably in the ground state. Upon photoexcitation the isolated HPQ is initially excited to the first excited state, while the HPQ-2M system is firstly excited to the S₃ state and undergoes internal conversion (IC) to the S₁ state. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds are strengthened in the excited state. The simulated electronic spectra agree well with the experimental results. The strengthening of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds is also confirmed by the calculated vibrational spectra. In addition, the intramolecular charge transfer happens in both HPQ and HPQ-2M systems from the frontier molecular orbital analysis.

Fluorescence sensing and intracellular imaging of Pd2+ ions by a novel coumarinyl-rhodamine Schiff base

Coumarinyl-rhodamine, HCR, served as an extremely selective sensor for Pd²⁺ ions in ethanol/H₂O (8 : 2, v/v, HEPES buffer, pH 7.2) solution and the limit of detection (LOD) was 18.8 nM (3σ method).

A colorimetric and “off–on” fluorescent Pd2+ chemosensor based on a rhodamine-ampyrone conjugate: synthesis, experimental and theoretical studies along with in vitro applications

We successfully designed and developed a rhodamine based “turn-on” chemosensor L for the detection of Pd²⁺ ions down to 1.19 × 10⁻⁵ M (11.9 μM).

A novel ratiometric AIEE/ESIPT probe for palladium species detection with ultra-sensitivity

Existing fluorescent probes for palladium (Pd) species detection have revealed their vulnerabilities, such as low sensitivity, poor anti-interference ability and long reaction time. In order to develop a faster and more accurate detection method for palladium species at extremely low concentrations, in this study, we designed a novel ratiometric AIEE/ESIPT probe (HPNI-1) based on the Tsuji–Trost reaction for Pd. According to the data obtained, the probe was able to detect Pd species with an ultra-high anti-interference ability (Pd : other metals = 1 : 1000), rapid detection time (within 2 minute) and ratiometric fluorescent signal changes with a 1.34 nM detection limit. This study not only proves that existing methods can be improved but also provides future prospects for HPNI-1 as one of the greatest probes for Pd species detection.

Existing fluorescent probes for palladium (Pd) species detection have revealed their vulnerabilities, such as low sensitivity, poor anti-interference ability and long reaction time.

A dual chemosensor for Cu2+ and Hg2+ based on a rhodamine-terminated water-soluble polymer in 100% aqueous solution

A novel water-soluble polymer bearing a rhodamine receptor (PEGSRh) was synthesized as a dual chemosensor for the recognition of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in 100% aqueous solution. PEGSRh not only exhibited a sensitive colorimetric response towards Cu2+ and Hg2+ but also showed a selective turn-on fluorescence response towards Hg2+ over other metal ions. The binding stoichiometry for the complexation of PEGSRh with Cu2+ and Hg2+ was confirmed to be 1 : 1 by Job plot analysis. The low detection limits were found to be 5.92 × 10-7 M for Cu2+ and 2.85 × 10-6 M for Hg2+. The responses of PEGSRh to Cu2+ and Hg2+ were both stable over wide pH ranges. In addition, the fluorescence intensity changes of PEGSRh solution by the inputs of Hg2+, Cu2+ and EDTA have been used to construct a combinational logic gate. Again, an INHIBIT logic gate was also obtained by employing Cu2+ and EDTA as the chemical inputs and the absorbance signal as the output. Moreover, test papers were prepared facilely using PEGSRh for practical on-site detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+.

An ESIPT Probe for the Ratiometric Imaging of Peroxynitrite Facilitated by Binding to Aβ-Aggregates

A series of 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) ESIPT (excited-state intramolecular proton transfer) boronate-based fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of peroxynitrite (ONOO^-). The dyes are environmentally sensitive, and each probe exhibited a ratiometric response toward ONOO^- in a micellar environment. The probes were used to image different aggregation states of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the presence of ONOO^-. The 3-HF-OMe probe was found to produce a ratiometric response toward ONOO^- when bound to Aβ aggregates, resulting in a novel host-guest ensemble, which adds insight into the development of other ESIPT-based probes for the simultaneous sensing of fibrous proteins/peptides and environmental ROS/RNS.

ESIPT-Modulated Emission of Lanthanide Complexes: Different Energy-Transfer Pathways and Multiple Responses

Two series of isostructural lanthanide coordination complexes, namely, LIFM-42(Ln) (Ln=Eu, Tb, Gd, in which LIFM stands for the Lehn Institute of Functional Materials) and LIFM-43(Ln) (Ln=Er, Yb), were synthesized through the self-assembly of an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) ligand, 5-[2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]isophthalic acid (H₂ hpi2cf), with different lanthanide ions. In the coordination structures linked by the ligands and oxo-bridged Ln^III ₂ clusters (for LIFM-42(Ln) series) or isolated Ln^III ions (for LIFM-43(Ln) series), the ESIPT ligand can serve as both the host and antenna for protecting and sensitizing the photoluminescence (PL) of Ln^III ions. Meanwhile, the -OH⋅⋅⋅N active sites on the ligands are vacant, which provides availability to systematically explore the PL behavior of Ln complexes with ESIPT interference. Based on the accepting levels of different lanthanide ions, energy transfer can occur from the T₁ (K*) or T₁ (E*) (K*=excited keto form, E*=excited enol form) excited states of the ligand. Furthermore, the sensitized lanthanide luminescence in both visible and near-infrared regions, as well as the remaining K* emission of the ligand, can be modulated by the ESIPT responsiveness to different solvents, anions, and temperature.

A simple fluorescent probe for the fast sequential detection of copper and biothiols based on a benzothiazole derivative

A simple benzothiazole fluorescent chemosensor was developed for the fast sequential detection of Cu²⁺ and biothiols through modulating the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. The compound 1 exhibits highly selective and sensitive fluorescence "on-off" recognition to Cu²⁺ with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry by ESIPT hinder. The in situ generated 1-Cu²⁺ complex can serve as an "on-off" fluorescent probe for high selectivity toward biothiols via Cu²⁺ displacement approach, which exerts ESIPT recovery. It is worth pointing out that the 1-Cu²⁺ complex shows faster for cysteins (within 1min) than other biothiols such as homocysteine (25min) and glutathione (25min). Moreover, the compound 1 displays 160nm Stoke-shift for reversibly monitoring Cu²⁺ and biothiols. In addition, the probe is successfully used for fluorescent cellular imaging. This strategy via modulation the ESIPT state has been used for determination of Cu²⁺ and Cys with satisfactory results, which further demonstrates its value of practical applications.

Substitution pattern on anthrol carbaldehydes: excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) with a lack of phototautomer fluorescence

Photophysical properties and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reactivity for anthrol carbaldehydes 1-5 have been investigated computationally and experimentally by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence and laser flash photolysis (LFP). 1,2-Disubstituted anthrol carbaldehydes 1 and 2 are not ESIPT reactive, contrary to naphthol analogues. The main deactivation channels from S₁ for 1 and 2 are fluorescence (Φ_F = 0.1-0.2) and intersystem crossing (ISC) to almost isoenergetic T₂ states. The triplet states from 1 and 2 were detected by LFP (in N₂-purged CH₃CN, τ = 15 ± 2 μs for 1, and τ = 5.5 ± 0.1 μs for 2). In contrast, 2,3-disubstituted anthrols 3-5 undergo efficient barrierless ultrafast ESIPT. However, the typical dual emission from locally excited states and ESIPT tautomers were not observed since ESIPT proceeds via a conical intersection with S₀ delivering the keto-tautomer in the hot ground state. Therefore, anthrols 3-5 are about ten times less fluorescent compared to 1 and 2, and the emission for 3-5 originates from less-populated conformers that cannot undergo ESIPT. Keto-tautomers for 3-5 were detected in CH₃CN by LFP (λ_max = 370 nm, τ = 30-40 ns). The difference in ESIPT reactivity for 1-3 was fully disclosed by calculations at ADC(2)/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory, and particularly, by calculation of charge redistribution upon excitation to S₁. Only 2,3-disubstituted anthrols exhibit polarization in S₁ that increases the electron density on the carbonyl and decreases this density on the phenolic OH, setting the stage for ultrafast ESIPT.

Excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) based fluorescence sensors and imaging agents

We review recent advances in the design and application of excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) based fluorescent probes. These sensors and imaging agents (probes) are important in biology, physiology, pharmacology, and environmental science.

Use of rhodamine-allyl Schiff base in chemodosimetric processes for total palladium estimation and application in live cell imaging

An allyl-rhodamine Schiff base shows excellent palladium sensitivity (LOD, 95 nM) irrespective of Pd(0,ii,iv) and practical applicability is judged in living cells of RAW 264.7 (macrophage) cells.

Anomalous thermally-activated NIR emission of ESIPT modulated Nd-complexes for optical fiber sensing devices

Highly sensitized NIR emission was modulated using an ESIPT ligand in a Nd-complex, to achieve abnormal NIR enhancement with temperature increasing from 77 to 300 K for the first time.

A water-soluble near-infrared fluorescent probe for specific Pd2+ detection

Palladium (Pd) is widely used in chemistry, biology, environmental science etc., and Pd²⁺ is the most plenitudinous oxidation state of the Pd that can exist under physiological conditions or in living cells, which could have adverse effects on both our health and environment. Thus, it is of great significance to monitor the changes of Pd²⁺. Hence, a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe M-PD has been developed for selective detection of Pd²⁺ based on naphthofluorescein in this work. The result demonstrated that M-PD exhibited favorable properties for sensing Pd²⁺ such as excellent water solubility, high selectivity and sensitivity. And the limit of detection was estimated as 10.8 nM, much lower than the threshold in drugs (5-10 ppm) specified by European Directorate for the Quality Control of Medicines. More importantly, detection and recovery experiments of Pd²⁺ in aspirin aqoeous solution and soil are satisfactory. In addition, M-PD has also been successfully used for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of Pd²⁺ in living cells, indicating that the probe has better feasibility and application potential in the determination of Pd²⁺.

A quantum-chemical insight into the tunable fluorescence color and distinct photoisomerization mechanisms between a novel ESIPT fluorophore and its protonated form

Enol-keto proton tautomerization and cis-trans isomerization reactions of a novel excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorophore of BTImP and its protonated form (BTImP⁺) were explored using density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory (DFT/TD-DFT) computational methods with a B3LYP hybrid functional and the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. In addition, the absorption and fluorescence spectra were calculated at the TD-B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. Our results reveal that both BTImP and BTImP⁺ can undergo an ultrafast ESIPT reaction, giving rise to the single fluorescence emission with different fluorescence colors, which are nicely consistent with the experimental findings. Calculations also show that following the ultrafast ESIPT, BTImP and BTImP⁺ can experience the distinctly different cis-trans isomerization processes. The intersystem crossing between the first excited singlet S₁ state and triplet T₁ state is found to play an important role in the photoisomerization process of BTImP⁺. In addition, the energy barrier of the trans-keto→cis-keto isomerization in the ground state of BTImP⁺ is calculated to be 10.49kcalmol^-1, which implies that there may exist a long-lived trans-keto species in the ground state for BTImP⁺.

Ultrafast water sensing and thermal imaging by a metal-organic framework with switchable luminescence

A convenient, fast and selective water analysis method is highly desirable in industrial and detection processes. Here a robust microporous Zn-MOF (metal-organic framework, Zn(hpi2cf)(DMF)(H2O)) is assembled from a dual-emissive H2hpi2cf (5-(2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid) ligand that exhibits characteristic excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). This Zn-MOF contains amphipathic micropores (<3 Å) and undergoes extremely facile single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation driven by reversible removal/uptake of coordinating water molecules simply stimulated by dry gas blowing or gentle heating at 70 °C, manifesting an excellent example of dynamic reversible coordination behaviour. The interconversion between the hydrated and dehydrated phases can turn the ligand ESIPT process on or off, resulting in sensitive two-colour photoluminescence switching over cycles. Therefore, this Zn-MOF represents an excellent PL water-sensing material, showing a fast (on the order of seconds) and highly selective response to water on a molecular level. Furthermore, paper or in situ grown ZnO-based sensing films have been fabricated and applied in humidity sensing (RH<1%), detection of traces of water (<0.05% v/v) in various organic solvents, thermal imaging and as a thermometer.

The new competitive mechanism of hydrogen bonding interactions and transition process for the hydroxyphenyl imidazo [1, 2-a] pyridine in mixed liquid solution

The new competitive mechanism of intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bond can be proposed with an improved mixed model. Upon the photoinduced process, the twisting intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) structure of the hydroxyphenyl imidazo [1, 2-a] pyridine (HPIP) can be obtained. TICT character prompts the fluorescent inactivation via non-radiative decay process. For exploring the photochemical and photophysical properties, the electronic spectra and the infrared (IR) vibrational spectra of titled compounds have been detailedly investigated. In addition, the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) analysis visually reveals that the unbalanced electron population can give rise to the torsion of molecular structure. To further give an attractive insight into the non-radiative decay process, the potential energy curves have been depicted on the ground state (S₀), the first excited state (S₁) and the triple excited state (T₁). Minimum energy crossing point (MECP) has been found in the S₁ and T₁ state. On the MECP, the intersystem crossing (ISC) might be dominant channel. The density functional theory (DFT) and the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods have been throughout employed in the S₀ state, T₁ state and S₁ state, respectively. The theoretical results are consistent with experiment in mixed and PCM model.

Selective fluorescent turn-off sensing of Pd2+ ion: applications as paper strips, polystyrene films, and in cell imaging

Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide based scaffolds with appended naphthyl groups act as fluorescent probes for the selective detection of Pd²⁺ ions in aqueous medium and have applications as paper-strip sensors, as polystyrene films, and in cell imaging.

Effects of different proton donor and acceptor groups on excited-state intramolecular proton transfers of amino-type and hydroxy-type hydrogen-bonding molecules: theoretical insights

The effect of proton donors (NH and OH) on ESIPT was investigated using DFT and TD-DFT.

A fluorescence ‘turn-on’ chemodosimeter for the specific detection of Pd2+by a rhodamine appended Schiff base and its application in live cell imaging

Allylether-Rhodamine selectively invites Pd²⁺from mixture of other cations and Pd(0) in H₂O-MeCN medium and exhibits maroon emission due to C(allyl)-O bond cleavage and opening of spirolactam ring. The LOD is 50 nM at pH 7. Imaging Pd²⁺species in living cells under physiological conditions is achieved.

A theoretical investigation of the two-photon absorption and fluorescent properties of coumarin-based derivatives for Pd2+ detection

Two-photon fluorescent probes that can detect Pd²⁺ according to the “turn-on” fluorescence signal are reported.

A two-photon ratiometric ESIPT probe for fast detection and bioimaging of palladium species

A two-photon ratiometric ESIPT probe for fast detection of palladium species, which can be used for bioimaging has been designed.

Fluorescence detection of endogenous bisulfite in liver cancer cells using an effective ESIPT enhanced FRET platform

Probe L-HF1, which featured large (pseudo) Stokes shifts and high FRET efficiency, was designed on a new ESIPT enhanced FRET platform for the detection of HSO₃⁻/SO₃²⁻.

Insight into the excited-state double proton transfer mechanisms of doxorubicin in acetonitrile solvent

Doxorubicin (DXR) is theoretically investigated with an aim to explore the excited-state intramolecular double proton transfer (ESIDPT) mechanism regarding stepwise versus synchronous double proton transfer.

Excited-State Intramolecular Proton-Transfer Properties of Three Tris(N-Salicylideneaniline)-Based Chromophores with Extended Conjugation

The synthesis and photophysical properties of three tris(N-salicylideneaniline) (TSA) compounds containing 1,3,5-triarylbenzene, -tristyrylbenzene, and -tris(arylethynyl)benzene core units are reported. The TSA compounds underwent efficient excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in solution and in solid state due to the preformed C=N⋅⋅⋅H-O hydrogen-bonded motifs of the structures. Steady-state fluorescence emission spectra of the TSA molecules revealed dual bands only in DMSO, and large Stokes shifts in other polar aprotic and protic solvents. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic measurements in THF revealed lifetime values in the range of 14-16 ps for the excited-state keto-tautomer. The TSA compounds are also responsive to metal ions (Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ) in DMSO, exhibit enhanced aggregate-induced emission (AIE) properties in DMSO/water mixtures, and are highly luminescent in the solid state.

Palladium-Triggered Chemical Rescue of Intracellular Proteins via Genetically Encoded Allene-Caged Tyrosine

Chemical de-caging has emerged as an attractive strategy for gain-of-function study of proteins via small-molecule reagents. The previously reported chemical de-caging reactions have been largely centered on liberating the side chain of lysine on a given protein. Herein, we developed an allene-based caging moiety and the corresponding palladium de-caging reagents for chemical rescue of tyrosine (Tyr) activity on intracellular proteins. This bioorthogonal de-caging pair has been successfully applied to unmask enzymatic Tyr sites (e.g., Y671 on Taq polymerase and Y728 on Anthrax lethal factor) as well as the post-translational Tyr modification site (Y416 on Src kinase) in vitro and in living cells. Our strategy provides a general platform for chemical rescue of Tyr-dependent protein activity inside cells.

A new class of N-H excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules bearing localized zwitterionic tautomers

A series of new amino (NH)-type intramolecular hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) compounds have been strategically designed and synthesized. These molecules comprise a 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)aniline moiety, in which one of the amino hydrogens was replaced with substituents of different electronic properties. This, together with the versatile capability for modifying the parent moiety, makes feasible comprehensive spectroscopy and dynamics studies of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) as a function of N-H acidity. Different from other (NH)-type ESIPT systems where the ESIPT rate and exergonicity increase with an increase in the N-H acidity and hence the H-bonding strength, the results reveal an irregular relationship among ESIPT dynamics, thermodynamics and H-bond strength. This discrepancy may be rationalized by the localized zwitterionic nature of 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)aniline in the proton-transfer tautomer form, which is different from the π-delocalized tautomer form in other (NH)-type ESIPT systems.

A novel ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for imaging of Pd(2+) ions in living cells and tissues

Ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probes can not only eliminate interferences from environmental factors but also achieve deep-tissue imaging with improved spatial localization. To quantitatively track Pd(2+) in biosystems, herein, we reported a ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe, termed as Np-Pd, which based on a D-π-A-structure two-photon fluorophore of the naphthalimide derivative and deprotection of aryl propargyl ethers by palladium species. The probe Np-Pd displayed a more than 25-fold enhancement towards palladium species with high sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, the probe Np-Pd was further used for fluorescence imaging of Pd(2+) ions in living cells and tissues under two-photon excitation (820nm), which showed large tissue-imaging depth (19.6-184.6μm), and a high resolution for ratiometric imaging.

An ESIPT-based fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of hydrazine in aqueous solution

A fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of hydrazine based on an ESIPT mechanism and a substitution-cyclization-elimination cascade was developed. After the addition of hydrazine, an approximately 50-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity at 465 nm was observed and the subsequent decrease at 375 nm was observed in 10 min with a detection limit of 0.147 μM. We also detected hydrazine in HeLa cells successfully.