A Chiroptical Probe for Sensing Metal Ions in Water

Synergistic Effect of Chiral Nanofibers Amplifying the Orbit Angular Momentum To Enhance Optomagnetic Coupling

Manipulating magnetic bits by photon in spintronics, opto-magnetic coupling, is lagging far behind what we could expect. To investigate the issue, one should face the problem to find photon dependence of spin dynamics and spin manipulation. In this work, through introducing chiral orbit in organic crystals, circularly polarized photon can manipulate spin via the channel of photon-orbit-spin interactions. Under the stimulus of the magnetic field, strong spin polarization will feed back to the change in polarized state of light. Moreover, twisting several chiral nanofibers into a thick one, a more pronounced opto-magnetic coupling is clearly observed due to the chirality generated larger chiral orbit. Meanwhile, spin dynamics (or spin response times) inside the aggregated thick chiral fiber can be further tuned by circularly polarized light. Hopefully, this study can deepen the understanding of organic chiral spin-photonics and enhance the application of organic functional crystals in the future.

Chiral assembly of organic luminogens with aggregation-induced emission

Chirality is important to chemistry, biology and optoelectronic materials. The study on chirality has lasted for more than 170 years since its discovery. Recently, chiral materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) have attracted increasing interest because of their fascinating photophysical properties. In this review, we discussed the recent development of chiral materials with AIE properties, including their molecular structures, self-assembly and functions. Generally, the most effective strategy to design a chiral AIE luminogen (AIEgen) is to attach a chiral scaffold to an AIE-active fluorophore through covalent bonds. Moreover, some propeller-like or shell-like AIEgens without chiral units exhibit latent chirality upon mirror image symmetry breaking. The chirality of achiral AIEgens can also be induced by some optically active molecules through non-covalent interactions. The introduction of an AIE unit into chiral materials can enhance the efficiency of their circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in the solid state and the dissymmetric factors of their helical architectures formed through self-assembly. Thus, highly efficient circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CPOLEDs) with AIE characteristics are developed and show great potential in 3D displays. Chiral AIEgens are also widely utilized as "turn on" sensors for rapid enantioselective determination of chiral reagents. It is anticipated that the present review can entice readers to realize the importance of chirality and attract much more chemists to contribute their efforts to chirality and AIE study.

Chiroptical sensing of perrhenate in aqueous media by a chiral organic cage

A chiral cage is proposed as an effective chiroptical sensor for perrhenate (surrogate for 99TcO4-) in water, fruit juice and artificial urine medium. The key mechanism for the chiroptical sensing...

Helical Nanofibers Formed by Palladium-Mediated Assembly of Organic Homochiral Macrocycles Containing Binaphthyl and Pyridyl Units

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of homochiral macrocycles, in which molecular rigidity, combined with the presence of multiple functional groups, allow for the assembly of helical nanostructures. 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (Binol) units are used as robust chirality inducers, and pyridyl units embedded within the molecular frameworks allow the assembly, upon coordination with Pd(II) metal ions, of the macrocyclic building blocks. CD and NMR spectroscopies show the formation of ordered 1D assembly in solution. AFM studies indicate that the molecular systems are capable of forming nanoscale structures. The effective transfer of chiral information results in helical nanofibers, with lengths ranging from a few hundreds of nanometers to some micrometers. AFM line profiles reveal a helical longitudinal period of about 50 nm and a transverse width of 25 to 45 nm after deconvolution.

Directional Approach to Enantiomerically Enriched Functionalized [7]Oxa-helicenoids and Groove-Based Selective Cyanide Sensing

Several regioselective functionalized mono- and disubstituted [7]oxa-helicenoids have been synthesized in the enantiomerically enriched (90-99% ee) form. These functionalized helicenoids exhibited pronounced spectral and chiroptical properties suitable for sensing applications. In particular, corresponding helicenoid's mono and dialdehydes have been effectively used as chemodosimeters for selective detection of cyanide anions over other anions, while simple aromatic aldehydes do not function as cyanide sensors. The groove available in the helical host plays a crucial role in the sensing. The enantiomerically enriched nature of the sensors allows the use of electronic circular dichroism as an uncommon detection tool for cyanide anions, along with conventional fluorescence and NMR methods.

Binaphthyl-Based Macrocycles as Optical Sensors for Aromatic Diphenols

The synthesis of several rigid, homochiral organic macrocycles possessing, respectively, average molecular D₂ and D₃ symmetries, is described. They have been obtained from aromatic dicarboxylic acids, in combination with an axially-chiral, suitable dibenzylic alcohol, derived from 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol (BINOL) using one-pot esterification reactions in good isolated yields. NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies detect the structural and shape variability in the scaffolds, reflected both in terms of the changes in chemical shifts and the shape of selected proton resonances, and in terms of the variation of the CD signature related to the dihedral angle defined by the binaphthyl units embedded in the rigid cyclic skeleton. The D₂ cyclic adducts are able to form stable complexes with aromatic diphenols, with binding strengths that are dependent on small variations in the spacing units, and therefore on the shapes of the internal cavities of the cyclic structures.

Chiral Recognition of L- and D- Amino Acid by Porphyrin Supramolecular Aggregates

We report of the interactions between four amino acids lysine (Lys), arginine (Arg), histidine (His), and phenylalanine (Phe) with the J-aggregates of the protonated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin H₄TPPS. Several aspects of these self-assembled systems have been analyzed: (i) the chiral transfer process; (ii) the hierarchical effects leading to the aggregates formation; and, (iii) the influence of the amino acid concentrations on both transferring and storing chiral information. We have demonstrated that the efficient control on the J-aggregates chirality is obtained when all amino acids are tested and that the chirality transfer process is under hierarchical control. Finally, the chiral porphyrin aggregates obtained exhibit strong chiral inertia.

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Paper Sensor for Simultaneous Detection of 11 Benzimidazoles by One Monoclonal Antibody

A colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay based on a generic monoclonal antibody is developed for the simultaneous detection of benzimidazoles and metabolite residues in milk samples. The monoclonal antibody is prepared using 2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid as the hapten, and it can recognize 11 types of benzimidazoles simultaneously. The immunochromatographic strip is assembled and labeled using gold nanoparticles. This strip can detect 11 benzimidazoles including albendazole, albendazole s-oxide, albendazole sulfone, fenbendazole, fenbendazole sulfone, flubendazole, mebendazole, parbendazole, oxfendazole, oxibendazole, and carbendazim within 15 min in milk samples. Results are obtained visually with the naked eye, and the cutoff values and the visual limit of detection values for these benzimidazoles are 25, 6.25, 12.5, 12.5, 50, 25, 50, 50, 50, 6.25, and 25 ng mL^-1 , and 6.25, 3.125, 3.125, 1.56, 12.5, 6.25, 12.5, 12.5, 6.25, 0.78, and 12.5 ng mL^-1 , respectively. Results are also obtained using a hand-held strip scan reader, with calculated limit of detection values for these benzimidazoles of 0.83, 0.77, 1.83, 0.98, 7.67, 3.50, 3.96, 5.71, 0.92, 0.59, and 1.69 ng mL^-1 , respectively. In short, the developed paper sensor is a useful tool for rapid and simple screening of residues of benzimidazoles in milk samples.

Regulation of the Electroanalytical Performance of Ultrathin Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets toward Lead Ions by Non-Metal Doping

Three non-metallic elements, sulfur, fluorine, and iodine, were used to dope the ultrathin two-dimensional TiO₂ nanosheets, which would regulate their electroanalytical properties toward heavy metal ions. Among these doped materials, fluorine-doped TiO₂ nanosheets shows the highest electrochemical sensitivity and a superior detection limit toward Pb(II) when the doping concentration is 10%. When compared with the bare TiO₂ nanosheets, the sensitivity increased by 102%, and the detection limit decreased by 36.4%. Through combining further electrochemical experiments and density-functional theory calculations, the enhanced electrochemical performance stemming from element doping was then investigated in detail. The theoretical calculation demonstrated that fluorine doping could greatly increase the adsorption energy of Pb(II) on the TiO₂ nanosheets and enhance their loading capacity. Both cyclic voltammetric and electrical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated the enhanced electron transfer rate on the electrode modified by fluorine-doped TiO₂ nanosheets. Further measurement on the desorption performance showed the better stripping response of Pb(II) on the electrode with TiO₂ nanosheets after fluorine doping, which suggests that fluorine doping is beneficial for Pb(II) diffuse onto the electrode surface for the reduction and stripping reaction. Therefore, the element doping of two-dimensional TiO₂ nanosheets provides a facile method to extend the electronic materials toward detection of heavy metal ions in the environment.

Chiral Nanotubes

Organic nanotubes, as assembled nanospaces, in which to carry out host-guest chemistry, reversible binding of smaller species for transport, sensing, storage or chemical transformation purposes, are currently attracting substantial interest, both as biological ion channel mimics, or for addressing tailored material properties. Nature's materials and machinery are universally asymmetric, and, for chemical entities, controlled asymmetry comes from chirality. Together with carbon nanotubes, conformationally stable molecular building blocks and macrocycles have been used for the realization of organic nanotubes, by means of their assembly in the third dimension. In both cases, chiral properties have started to be fully exploited to date. In this paper, we review recent exciting developments in the synthesis and assembly of chiral nanotubes, and of their functional properties. This review will include examples of either molecule-based or macrocycle-based systems, and will try and rationalize the supramolecular interactions at play for the three-dimensional (3D) assembly of the nanoscale architectures.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen and Thrombin Based on Gold-Upconversion Nanoparticle Assembled Pyramids

Self-assembled nanostructures have been used for the detection of numerous cancer biomarkers. In this study, a gold-upconversion-nanoparticle (Au-UCNP) pyramid based on aptamers is fabricated to simultaneously detect thrombin and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and fluorescence, respectively. The higher the concentration of thrombin, the lower the intensity of SERS. PSA connected with the PSA aptamer leads to an increase in fluorescence intensity. The limit of detection of thrombin and PSA reaches 57 × 10^-18 and 0.032 × 10^-18 m, respectively. In addition, the pyramid also exhibits great target specificity. The results of human serum target detection demonstrate that the Au-UCNP pyramid is an excellent choice for the quantitative determination of cancer biomarkers, and is feasible for the early diagnosis of cancer.

SERS- and luminescence-active Au-Au-UCNP trimers for attomolar detection of two cancer biomarkers

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and mucoprotein1 (mucin-1) are two important disease biomarkers. Self-assembled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and upconversion nanoparticle (Au-Au-UCNP) trimers based on aptamers were developed for the ultrasensitive detection of AFP and mucin-1. The Au-Au-UCNP trimers produced ideal optical signals, with prominent Raman enhancement and fluorescence quenching effects. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) intensity decreased in the presence of mucin-1 and the luminescence intensity increased in the presence of AFP. A limit of detection (LOD) of 4.1 aM and a wide linear range of 0.01-10 fM for the detection of mucin-1 were obtained with this SERS-encoded sensing system. Using the luminescence-encoded sensing system, a LOD of 0.059 aM and a wide linear range of 1-100 aM for the detection of AFP were obtained. These LODs are the lowest values reported so far. This approach has the advantage of detecting two disease biomarkers simultaneously.

Steric and Stereochemical Modulation in Pyridyl- and Quinolyl-Containing Ligands

Nitrogen-containing pyridine and quinoline are outstanding platforms on which excellent ionophores and sensors for metal ions can be built. Steric and stereochemical effects can be used to modulate the affinity and selectivity of such ligands toward different metal ions on the coordination chemistry front. On the signal transduction front, such effects can also be used to modulate optical responses of these ligands in metal sensing systems. In this review, steric modulation of achiral ligands and stereochemical modulation in chiral ligands, especially ionophores and sensors for zinc, copper, silver, and mercury, are examined using published structural and spectral data. Although it might be more challenging to construct chiral ligands than achiral ones, isotropic and anisotropic absorption signals from a single chiroptical fluorescent sensor provide not only detection but also differentiation of multiple analytes with high selectivity.

Novel N-Doped Carbon Dots/β-Cyclodextrin Nanocomposites for Enantioselective Recognition of Tryptophan Enantiomers

Based on N-doped carbon dots/β-cyclodextrin nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrodes (N-CDs/β-CD/GCE), an effective electrochemical sensor for enantioselective recognition of tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers was developed by differential pulse voltammograms (DPVs). Fluorescent N-CDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and characterized by spectroscopic approaches. The N-CDs/β-CD nanocomposites were efficiently electrodeposited on the surface of GCE through C-N bond formation between N-CDs and electrode. The obtained N-CDs/β-CD/GCE was characterized by multispectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Such N-CDs/β-CD/GCE generated a significantly lower Ip and more negative Ep in the presence of l-Trp in DPVs, which was used for the enantioselective recognition of Trp enantiomers. The N-CDs/β-CD nanocomposites showed different binding constants for tryptophan enantiomers, and they further selectively bonded with l-Trp to form inclusion complexes. This N-CDs/β-CD/GCE combined advantages of N-CDs with strong C-N binding ability and β-CD with specific recognition of Trp enantiomers to fabricate a novel sensing platform for enantioselective recognition of Trp enantiomers. This strategy provided the possibility of using a nanostructured sensor to discriminate the chiral molecules in bio-electroanalytical applications.

A chiroptical molecular sensor for ferrocene

A chiral molecular sensor is used to recognize ferrocene, with the chiroptical readout used selectively in the presence of competing analytes.

Chiral nanostructuring of multivalent macrocycles in solution and on surfaces

We describe the design and synthesis of a novel functionality-rich, homochiral macrocycle, possessing the overall molecular D2 symmetry, in which multivalency is introduced into the covalent framework by means of four suitably positioned pyridine moieties. The macrocycle synthesis is carried out with functionalized, enantiopure 1,1'-binaphthyl synthons as the source of chirality by means of a room temperature esterification reaction as the cyclization procedure. Upon addition of Pd(2+), coordination of the pyridine moieties occurs both intra and intermolecularly, to afford chiral ordered mono and dimeric macrocycles or multimeric aggregates depending on the solvents and conditions used. The metal binding event takes place in combination with a significant macrocyclic conformational rearrangement detected by circular dichroism spectroscopy. When in combination with a third component (C60), the macrocycle-Pd(2+) hybrid undergoes surface-confined nanostructuring into chiral nanofibres.

Enantioselective Recognition of Chiral Carboxylic Acids by a β-Amino Acid and 1,10-Phenanthroline Based Chiral Fluorescent Sensor

A novel chiral 1,10-phenanthroline-based fluorescent sensor was designed and synthesized from optical active β-amino acids. It used 1,10-phenanthroline moiety as a fluorescent signaling site and binding site, with optically active β-amino acids as a chiral barrier site. Notably, the optically active β-amino acids were obtained by a Lewis base catalyzed hydrosilylation of β-enamino esters according to our former work. The chiral sensor has been used to conduct the enantioselective recognition of chiral mono and dicarboxylic acids derivatives. Using this fluorescent sensor, a moderate “turn-off” fluorescence-diminishment response towards enantiomer of tartaric acids, and proline was observed. It found that l-enantiomers quench the chiral fluorescence sensor more efficiently than d-enantiomers due to the absolute configuration of the β-amino acid.

Synthesis of Binaphthyl-Based Push-Pull Chromophores with Supramolecularly Polarizable Acceptor Ends

We report on the design and synthesis of new enantiopure binaphthyl derivatives in which electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents are placed in direct conjugation, to create push-pull dyes potentially active for NLO applications. The dyes, unprecedentedly, extend theirπ-bridge from the 3,3′ positions of the binaphthyl units and incorporate as acceptors 1,3-dicarbonyl and tetrafluorobenzene units, useful for further supramolecular polarization of the chiral dyes.

Synthesis, chiroptical and SHG properties of polarizable push–pull dyes built on π-extended binaphthyls

Novel binaphthyl push–pull dyes extend their π-bridge and incorporate as acceptors pyridine units, useful for further supramolecular polarization.

Nanostructuring with chirality: binaphthyl-based synthons for the production of functional oriented nanomaterials

Chirality is a powerful tool for the generation of order, directionality, and, as such, of function, in assembled nanoscale chemical devices. Axially chiral binaphthyls have been widely used in organic synthesis; the stability of the enantiomers enables their use as robust chirality inducers and catalysts in asymmetric reactions, and they are nowadays industrially applied in a variety of organic transformations. Applications of these compounds in the field of nanosciences are more recent, and not yet fully explored. The integration of such a robust class of chiral compounds, capable of efficient transfer of stereochemical information, into functional aggregates and nanoarchitectures is of great current interest. We will discuss preeminent examples of applications of these synthons in several fields of nanoscience, such as reticular chemistry, non-linear optical materials and imaging, and liquid crystals.

Homochiral BINOL-based macrocycles with π-electron-rich, electron-withdrawing or extended spacing units as receptors for C60

The “one-pot” synthesis of several homochiral macrocycles has been achieved by using π-electron-rich, electron-deficient or extended aromatic dicarboxylic acids in combination with an axially-chiral dibenzylic alcohol, derived from enantiomerically-pure BINOL. Two series of cyclic adducts with average molecular D₂ and D₃ molecular symmetries, respectively, have been isolated in pure forms. Their yields and selectivities deviate substantially from statistical distributions. NMR and CD spectroscopic methods are efficient and functional in order to highlight the variability of shapes of the covalent macrocyclic frameworks. The larger D₃ cyclic adducts exhibit recognition properties towards C₆₀ in toluene solutions (up to log K_a = 3.2) with variable stoichiometries and variable intensities of the charge-tranfer band upon complexation.

An Efficient Synthesis of Phenols via Oxidative Hydroxylation of Arylboronic Acids Using (NH4)2S2O8

A mild and efficient method for theipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to the corresponding phenols was developed using (NH4)2S2O8as an oxidizing agent. The reactions were performed under metal-, ligand-, and base-free conditions.

Crystal structure analyses facilitate understanding of synthesis protocols in the preparation of 6,6′-dibromo-substituted BINOL compounds

A combination of crystallographic and spectroscopic techniques has been used in order to address thorough purification protocols for a series of atropisomeric 1,1′-binaphthalene-2,2′-diol (BINOL) derivatives to be used as building blocks for chiral nanoscale constructs.

The click reaction as an efficient tool for the construction of macrocyclic structures

The Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC, known as the click reaction) is an established tool used for the construction of complex molecular architectures. Given its efficiency it has been widely applied for bioconjugation, polymer and dendrimer synthesis. More recently, this reaction has been utilized for the efficient formation of rigid or shape-persistent, preorganized macrocyclic species. This strategy also allows the installment of useful functionalities, in the form of polar and function-rich 1,2,3-triazole moieties, directly embedded in the macrocyclic structures. This review analyzes the state of the art in this context, and provides some elements of perspective for future applications.