Novel structurally tuned DAMN receptor for “in situ” diagnosis of bicarbonate in environmental waters

A novel receptor for specific and prompt bicarbonate anion (HCO₃⁻) recognition is presented. HCO₃⁻ triggers facile ICT, which provides “in situ” recognition of water soluble carbonates. For the first time, “on-site” estimation of HCO₃⁻ in environmental waters is demonstrated.

Syntheses, crystal structures and steady state and time-resolved fluorescence properties of a PET based macrocycle and its dinuclear ZnII/CdII/HgII complexes

The present report deals with solution spectroscopic (absorption and emission) and colorimetric studies of a Robson type tetraaminodiphenol macrocyclic ligand and its ZnII2, CdII2 and HgII2 compounds.

[28]Hexaphyrin derivatives for anion recognition in organic and aqueous media

Hexaphyrin-based anion chemosensors are reported for the first time.

An AIE based tetraphenylethylene derivative for highly selective and light-up sensing of fluoride ions in aqueous solution and in living cells

MOTIPS-TPE displayed highly selectivity for F⁻ in PBS and was employed as an AIE light-up probe for F⁻ in living HeLa cells.

‘Naked-eye’ colorimetric/fluorimetric detection of F− ions by biologically active 3-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one derivatives

An improved synthetic protocol has been developed to construct highly functionalized heterologous alkyl and benzyl indolyl-coumarin derivatives using a rapid, catalyst-free and solvent-free one-pot three-component reaction of indole, aldehyde and 4-hydroxy-coumarin.

Probing and evaluating anion–π interaction in meso-dinitrophenyl functionalized calix[4]pyrrole isomers

We report the comprehensive structural and binding isotherm analyses of meso-3,5-dinitrophenyl-substituted calix[4]pyrroles with a variety of anions, displaying anion–π interactions.

Insights into the electrooptical anion sensing properties of a new organic receptor: solvent dependent chromogenic response and DFT studies

AcO⁻ ion mediated color transition properties of an organic receptor in solvents of varying polarity highlighting the influence of dipole moment in stabilizing the excited state.

Fluorine substitution effects of halide anion receptors based on the combination of a distinct hydrogen bond and anion–π noncovalent interactions: a theoretical investigation

Fluorine-substitution effects on anion–π interaction were deeply explored, and a more feasible and rational geometric criterion for halide-anion–π contact is established via three inequalities.

Potential anion sensing properties by a redox and substitution series of [Ru(bpy)3−n(Hdpa)n]2+, n = 1–3; Hdpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine: selective recognition and stoichiometric binding with cyanide and fluoride ions

Efficient anion sensors [Ru(bpy)_3−n(Hdpa)_n]²⁺, n = 1–3 have been developed for selective recognition of cyanide and fluoride ions with remarkable stoichiometric binding.

A fluorescent probe for bisulfite ions: its application to two-photon tissue imaging

Two-photon imaging of endogenous bisulphite ions of the hippocampus region of mouse brain.

Selective separation behavior of graphene flakes in interaction with halide anions in the presence of an external electric field

The adsorption of halide anions in the absence, and presence, of a perpendicularly external electric field on the C₅₄H₁₈ graphene surface has been investigated using M06-2X/6-31G(d,p) density functional theory (DFT).

A reversible fluorescent chemosensor for the rapid sensing of CN− in water: utilization of the intramolecular charge transfer blocking

A reversible fluorescent sensor combines naphthyridine groups as signaling subunits and the presence of the active hydrogen of the primary amine confers the recognition capacity toward cyanide ions in water.

Catching anions with coloured assemblies: binding of pH indicators by a giant-size polyammonium macrocycle for anion naked-eye recognition

Among inorganic anions, only triphosphate displaces bromocresol purple from its assembly with a tetra-cyclam macrocycle, allowing for its selective colorimetric detection.

Anion recognition by oligo-(thio)urea-based receptors

Recent progress in the construction of metal-coordination-assisted and covalently connected oligourea receptors and their anion coordination chemistry is presented.

Towards design strategies for anion–π interactions in crystal engineering

This highlight article summarizes some of the fundamental aspects of the anion–π interaction leading to several design strategies for generating it in solids. In the main body we highlight some relevant examples that illustrate the viability of these strategies and the importance of anion–π interactions in crystal engineering.

Coumarin functionalized thiocarbonohydrazones as a new class of chromofluorescent receptors for selective detection of fluoride ion

Thiocarbonohydrazone receptors selectively recognize fluoride ionsviaH-bond interactions and subsequent deprotonation to elicit a distinct visual and fluorescence colour change.

Substituent effects on anion sensing of salicylidene Schiff base derivatives: Tuning sensitivity and selectivity

A series of colorimetric anion sensors using the salicylidene Schiff bases with different substituents, including electron donating group (tert-butyl, in sensor 2), conjugated group (naphthyl, in sensor 3) and electron withdrawing group (chlorine, in sensor 4), respectively, have been developed. The substituents can not only impact chromogenic signal output, but also tune the sensitivity and selectivity of the anion sensing by their specific electron push-pull features. In particular, both 1 (without substituent) and 2 show high selectivity for F(-) over Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), AcO(-) and H2PO4(-), but the sensitivity of 2 is poorer than 1 due to the effect of electron donating groups. Sensor 3 exhibits higher sensitivity for F(-) than 1, but it is disturbed by the weak response to AcO(-) and H2PO4(-). Sensor 4 has the highest sensitivity for F(-), but shows the significant response to AcO(-) and H2PO4(-), which also decreases the selectivity for F(-). Finally, analytical applications of 1 for the detection of F(-) in aqueous medium and toothpaste have been studied.

A fluoride-sensing receptor based on 2,2'-bis(indolyl)methane by dual-function of colorimetry and fluorescence

A compound based on 2,2'-bis(indolyl)methane containing nitro group was studied as a new anion receptor. It could recognize selectively F(-) by an increasing fluorescence signal and a visible color change from colorless to blue. The introduction of nitro group induced the spectral dual-function related to the deprotonation of N-H protons.

Tetrathiafulvalene-based azine ligands for anion and metal cation coordination

The synthesis and full characterization of two tetrathiafulvalene-appended azine ligands, namely 2-([2,2’-bi(1,3-dithiolylidene)]-4-yl)-6-((2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)pyridine (L1) and 5-([2,2’-bi(1,3-dithiolylidene)]-4-yl)-2-((2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)pyridine (L2) are described. The crystal structure of ligand L1 indicates that the ligand is completely planar with the presence of a strong intramolecular N3–H3···O1 hydrogen bonding. Titration experiments with inorganic anions showed that both ligands are suitable candidates for the sensing of fluoride anions. Ligand L2 was reacted with a Re(I) cation to yield the corresponding rhenium tricarbonyl complex 3. In the crystal structure of the newly prepared electroactive rhenium complex the TTF is neutral and the rhenium cation is hexacoordinated. The electrochemical behavior of the three compounds indicates that they are promising for the construction of crystalline radical cation salts.

Phosphate binding by a novel Zn(II) complex featuring a trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand. Effective anion recognition in water

In this work we have investigated the binding properties of a new synthetic receptor for phosphate anions that combines metal ion coordination with electrostatic and H-bonding interactions. The described receptor is obtained by assembling an iminodiacetic (IDA) fragment, as a Zn(II) binding site, with a polyamine macrocyclic portion containing two trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DAC) units and a pyrrole ring, as a cationic binding site, into an adaptive structure appropriately spanning the length of di- and tridentate phosphates. Potentiometric measurements together with (1)H and (31)P NMR investigation showed that, in a wide pH range including values of physiological interest, the Zn(II) complex of the receptor binds di- and triphosphates, such as ADP, ATP, pyrophosphate (PP) and triphosphate (TP), far better than monophosphate (MP), and that TP is poorly bound by methyliminodiacetate (MIDA) as a model for the Zn(II) binding site. Besides the excellent selectivity over other phosphates, the affinity for TP is the largest reported to date for Zn(II) complexes in water.

A fluorescent receptor for halide recognition: clues for the design of anion chemosensors

The chemosensing properties of the polyaza-macrocycle 1-(6,7)-acridine-3,6,9,12-tetraaza-tridecaphane have been investigated by means of emission fluorescence spectroscopy, considering halide ions as substrates. As in the case of the free ligand, the fluorescence emission of the complexes is due to the acridinium species which are formed after photoinduced proton transfer reaction. The complexation constants have been obtained for the bi- and tri-protonated ligands in deoxygenated aqueous solutions. Two different emission behaviours have been observed varying the anion. Fluoride and chloride give rise to fluorescence enhancement whereas bromide and iodide strongly quench the emission. The macrocycle shows an unusual higher selectivity towards the chloride anion rather than fluoride. The fluorescence emission has been modelled considering a modified Stern-Volmer equation, taking into account the quenching effects of the largest anions, which can be considered negligible for fluoride and chloride anions. Ab initio calculations allow us to interpret the fluorescence emission of the complexes in terms of activation energy related to the proton transfer reaction responsible for the emission process.

Cooperatively enhanced ion pair binding with a hybrid receptor

A simple 18-crown-6-based bis-urea receptor R(1) was synthesized in three steps from a commercial starting material. The receptor's behavior toward anions, cations, and ion pairs was studied in solution with (1)H NMR, in solid state with single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and in gas phase with mass spectrometry. In 4:1 CDCl3/dimethyl sulfoxide solution the receptor's binding preference of halide anions is I(-) < Br(-) < Cl(-) following the trend of the hydrogen-bonding acceptor ability of the anions. The receptor shows a remarkable positive cooperativity toward halide anions Cl(-), Br(-), and I(-) when complexed with Na(+), K(+), or Rb(+). The solid-state binding modes of R(1) with alkali and ammonium halides or oxyanions were confirmed by the X-ray structures of R(1) with KF, KCl, KBr, KI, RbCl, NH4Cl, NH4Br, KAcO, K2CO3, and K2SO4. They clearly present two different binding modes, either as separated or contact ion pairs depending on the nature and size of the bound cation and anion. Complexation capability of R(1) in the gas phase was studied with competition experiments with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry showing preference of KCl complexation over NaCl, KBr, or KI supporting the results obtained in solution.

Sulfate recognition by a hexaaza cryptand receptor

A hexamine macrobicycle with pyrrolyl spacers was evaluated as an anion receptor in its protonated forms. The protonation constants of the receptor, as well as its association constants with Cl(-), NO3(-), AcO(-), ClO4(-), H2PO4(-), and SO4(2-) were determined by potentiometry at 298.2 ± 0.1 K in H2O-MeOH (50 : 50 v/v) and at an ionic strength of 0.10 ± 0.01 M in KTsO. These studies revealed that the Hnpyrr(n+) receptor has a very high effective association constant value for the SO4(2-) at pH 4.0 (log Keff = 6.42), and it is selective for the uptake of this anion in the presence of the other studied anionic substrates. In particular, the receptor showed very high SO4(2-)/NO3(-) selectivity. Using the indicator-displacement approach the receptor is able to signal the presence of sulfate by a change of color. Single crystal X-ray diffraction determination of [(H6pyrr)(SO4)(H2O)3](SO4)2·9.3H2O revealed the presence of one sulfate anion inside the receptor cavity and showed that the encapsulation of the anion is favored by an array of nine hydrogen bonding interactions, including N-HO, C-HO and water-mediated ones.

An abiotic receptor and its Cu(II) complex as selective 'turn-off' chemosensor for bisulfate ion

The ligand 2,6-bis[(N-phenyl)amido]-4-methylphenol (receptor 1) and its copper(II) complex (receptor 2) having amide moiety have been designed and synthesized for selective sensing of anions. The anion recognition behavior of the receptor 1 and its copper complex (receptor 2) has been studied in acetonitrile. Quenching of fluorescence was observed for both receptors in presence of HSO4(-) anion whereas other physiologically and environmentally important anions such as F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), CN(-), OAc(-), HCO₃(-), H₂PO₄(-), NO₃(-), NO₂(-) and SO₄(2-) show fluorescence enhancement behavior. The sensing protocol has been studied both spectrophotometrically as well as spectrofluorometrically. Fluorescence quenching is suggested to proceed via both dynamic and static processes.

Anion binding and transport properties of cyclic 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridines

A series of cyclic 2,6-bis-(1,2,3-triazolyl)-pyridine anion receptors with thiourea functionalities were synthesized by click reaction of 2,6-diazidopyridine with protected propargylamine followed by condensation of a bisthiocyanate derivative with a series of diamines. Their chloride binding affinities as well as their transport properties in POPC bilayers were examined. These receptors were found to function as anion carriers, which can mediate both Cl(-)/NO3(-) antiport and H(+)/Cl(-) symport, and the transport activity of these hosts were dominated by their lipophilicity.

UV-visible and (1)H-(15)N NMR spectroscopic studies of colorimetric thiosemicarbazide anion sensors

Four model thiosemicarbazide anion chemosensors containing three N-H bonds, substituted with phenyl and/or 4-nitrophenyl units, were synthesised and studied for their anion binding abilities with hydroxide, fluoride, acetate, dihydrogen phosphate and chloride. The anion binding properties were studied in DMSO and 9 : 1 DMSO-H2O by UV-visible absorption and (1)H/(13)C/(15)N NMR spectroscopic techniques and corroborated with DFT studies. Significant changes were observed in the UV-visible absorption spectra with all anions, except for chloride, accompanied by dramatic colour changes visible to the naked eye. These changes were determined to be due to the deprotonation of the central N-H proton and not due to hydrogen bonding based on (1)H/(15)N NMR titration studies with acetate in DMSO-d6-0.5% water. Direct evidence for deprotonation was confirmed by the disappearance of the central thiourea proton and the formation of acetic acid. DFT and charge distribution calculations suggest that for all four compounds the central N-H proton is the most acidic. Hence, the anion chemosensors operate by a deprotonation mechanism of the central N-H proton rather than by hydrogen bonding as is often reported.

A tetraphenylethene-based zinc complex as a sensitive DNA probe by coordination interaction

We developed a new DNA probe by utilizing the coordination interaction of Zn(2+) with DNA and the consequent emission. Because the coordination interactions do not depend on the length of the DNA, the new probe exhibited much higher sensitivity for the detection of short ssDNA than the corresponding probe based on electrostatic interactions.

Reconciling experiment and theory in the use of aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole receptors for the experimental quantification of chloride-π interactions in solution

In this manuscript we consider from a theoretical point of view the recently reported experimental quantification of anion–π interactions (the attractive force between electron deficient aromatic rings and anions) in solution using aryl extended calix[4]pyrrole receptors as model systems. Experimentally, two series of calix[4]pyrrole receptors functionalized, respectively, with two and four aryl rings at the meso positions, were used to assess the strength of chloride–π interactions in acetonitrile solution. As a result of these studies the contribution of each individual chloride–π interaction was quantified to be very small (<1 kcal/mol). This result is in contrast with the values derived from most theoretical calculations. Herein we report a theoretical study using high-level density functional theory (DFT) calculations that provides a plausible explanation for the observed disagreement between theory and experiment. The study reveals the existence of molecular interactions between solvent molecules and the aromatic walls of the receptors that strongly modulate the chloride–π interaction. In addition, the obtained theoretical results also suggest that the chloride-calix[4]pyrrole complex used as reference to dissect experimentally the contribution of the chloride–π interactions to the total binding energy for both the two and four-wall aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole model systems is probably not ideal.

Novel indole based dual responsive "turn-on" chemosensor for fluoride ion detection

An efficient new dual channel chemosensor 2,3-bis((E)-(1H-indole-3-yl)methyleneamino)maleonitrile (DN) which exhibits selective sensing of F(-) ions in DMSO, was synthesized by a facile one step condensation reaction of indole-3-carboxaldehyde with diaminomaleonitrile. The probe DN was characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H, (13)C-NMR, ESI-MS and IR spectral techniques. Upon addition of F(-), DN induces remarkable changes in both absorption and fluorescence spectra on the basis of charge transfer mechanism. The receptor DN serves for highly selective, sensitive detection of F(-) without the interference of other relevant anions. The Job's plot analysis indicates the binding stoichiometry to be 1:1 (host/guest).

Synthesis and anion binding studies of tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors: Proton transfer-induced selectivity for hydrogen sulfate over sulfate

Tris(3-aminopropyl)amine-based tripodal urea and thiourea receptors, tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)urea (L1) and tris([(4-cyanophenyl)amino]propyl)thiourea (L2), have been synthesized and their anion binding properties have been investigated for halides and oxoanions. As investigated by 1H NMR titrations, each receptor binds an anion with a 1:1 stoichiometry via hydrogen-bonding interactions (NH⋯anion), showing the binding trend in the order of F- > H2PO4- > HCO3- > HSO4- > CH3COO- > SO42- > Cl- > Br- > I in DMSO-d6 . The interactions of the receptors were further studied by 2D NOESY, showing the loss of NOESY contacts of two NH resonances for the complexes of F-, H2PO4-, HCO3-, HSO4- or CH3COO- due to the strong NH⋯anion interactions. The observed higher binding affinity for HSO4- than SO42- is attributed to the proton transfer from HSO4- to the central nitrogen of L1 or L2 which was also supported by the DFT calculations, leading to the secondary acid-base interactions. The thiourea receptor L2 has a general trend to show a higher affinity for an anion as compared to the urea receptor L1 for the corresponding anion in DMSO-d6 . In addition, the compound L2 has been exploited for its extraction properties for fluoride in water using a liquid-liquid extraction technique, and the results indicate that the receptor effectively extracts fluoride from water showing ca. 99% efficiency (based on L2).

Chemo- and stereoselective synthesis of fluorinated enamides from ynamides in HF/pyridine: second-generation approach to potent ureas bioisosteres

(E)- and (Z)-α-fluoroenamides could be easily prepared with high levels of chemo- and regioselectivities by hydrofluorination of readily available ynamides with HF/pyridine. The scope and limitations of this new process for the hydrofluorination of ynamides, as well as the stability of the resulting α-fluoroenamides, have been extensively studied. Theoretical calculations at the MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory showed that the resulting fluoroenamides exhibit geometrical and electronic properties that partially mirror those of ureas, therefore demonstrating that the hydrofluorination of ynamides provides a general, straightforward, and user-friendly approach to bioisosteres of ureas, potent building blocks for biological studies and medicinal chemistry.

Applications of halogen bonding in solution

Halogen bonding is the noncovalent interaction where the halogen atom acts as an electrophile towards Lewis bases. Known for more than 200 years, only recently it has attracted interest in the context of solution-phase applications, especially during the last decade which was marked by the introduction of multitopic systems. In addition, the small yet rich collection of halogen-bond donor moieties that appeared in this period is shown to be versatile enough as to be applied in virtually any solvent system. This review covers the applications of halogen bonding in solution during the past ten years in a semi-comprehensive way. Emphasis is made on molecular recognition, catalytic applications and anion binding and transport. Medicinal applications are addressed as well with key examples. Focussing on the major differences observed for halogen bonding, as compared to the ubiquitous hydrogen bonding, it aims to contribute to the design of future solution-phase applications.

Hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) derivatives: from synthesis to molecular design, self-organization and device applications

The creativity and inventiveness of chemists working with the 1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) building block is highlighted in this review.