Mathematical algorithms and computer programs for the determination of equilibrium constants from potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements

Tuning aminopolycarboxylate chelators for efficient complexation of trivalent actinides

The complexation of trivalent lanthanides and minor actinides (Am3+, Cm3+, and Cf3+) by the acyclic aminopolycarboxylate chelators 6,6'-((ethane-1,2-diylbis-((carboxymethyl)azanediyl))bis-(methylene))dipicolinic acid (H4octapa) and 6,6'-((((4-(1-(2-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis-(methylene))bis-((carboxymethyl)azanediyl))bis-(methylene)) dipicolinic acid (H4pypa-peg) were studied using potentiometry, spectroscopy, competitive complexation liquid-liquid extraction, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Two studied reagents are strong multidentate chelators, well-suited for applications seeking radiometal coordination for in-vivo delivery and f-element isolation. The previously reported H4octapa forms a compact coordination packet, while H4pypa-peg is less sterically constrained due to the presence of central pyridine ring. The solubility of H4octapa is limited in a non-complexing high ionic strength perchlorate media. However, the introduction of a polyethylene glycol group in H4pypa-peg increased the solubility without influencing its ability to complex the lanthanides and minor actinides in solution.

Synergistic use of siderophores and weak organic ligands during zinc transport in the rhizosphere controlled by pH and ion strength gradients

Citrate (Cit) and Deferoxamine B (DFOB) are two important organic ligands coexisting in soils with distinct different affinities for metal ions. It has been theorized that siderophores and weak organic ligands play a synergistic role during the transport of micronutrients in the rhizosphere, but the geochemical controls of this process remain unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that gradients in pH and ion strength regulate and enable the cooperation. To this end, first we use potentiometric titrations to identify the dominant Zn(II)–Cit and Zn(II)–DFOB complexes and to determine their ionic strength dependent stability constants between 0 and 1 mol dm⁻³. We parametrise the Extended Debye-Hückel (EDH) equation and determine accurate intrinsic association constants (logβ⁰) for the formation of the complexes present. The speciation model developed confirms the presence of [Zn(Cit)]⁻, [Zn(HCit)], [Zn₂(Cit)₂(OH)₂]⁴⁻, and [Zn(Cit)₂]⁴⁻, with [Zn(Cit)]⁻ and [Zn₂(Cit)₂(OH)₂]⁴⁻ the dominant species in the pH range relevant to rhizosphere. We propose the existence of a new [Zn(Cit)(OH)₃]⁴⁻ complex above pH 10. We also verify the existence of two hexadentate Zn(II)–DFOB species, i.e., [Zn(DFOB)]⁻ and [Zn(HDFOB)], and of one tetradentate species [Zn(H₂DFOB)]⁺. Second, we identify the pH and ionic strength dependent ligand exchange points (LEP) of Zn with citrate and DFOB and the stability windows for Zn(II)–Cit and Zn(II)–DFOB complexes in NaCl and rice soil solutions. We find that the LEPs fall within the pH and ionic strength gradients expected in rhizospheres and that the stability windows for Zn(II)–citrate and Zn(II)–DFOB, i.e., low and high affinity ligands, can be distinctly set off. This suggests that pH and ion strength gradients allow for Zn(II) complexes with citrate and DFOB to dominate in different parts of the rhizosphere and this explains why mixtures of low and high affinity ligands increase leaching of micronutrients in soils. Speciation models of soil solutions using newly determined association constants demonstrate that the presence of dissolved organic matter and inorganic ligands (i.e., bicarbonate, phosphate, sulphate, or chlorides) do neither affect the position of the LEP nor the width of the stability windows significantly. In conclusion, we demonstrate that cooperative and synergistic ligand interaction between low and high affinity ligands is a valid mechanism for controlling zinc transport in the rhizosphere and possibly in other environmental reservoirs such as in the phycosphere. Multiple production of weak and strong ligands is therefore a valid strategy of plants and other soil organisms to improve access to micronutrients.

Fully Chelating N3O2-Pentadentate Planar Ligands Designed for the Strongest and Selective Capture of Uranium from Seawater

Based on the unique fivefold equatorial coordination of UO₂²⁺, water-compatible pentadentate planar ligands, H₂saldian and its derivatives, were designed for the strong and selective capture of UO₂²⁺ in seawater. In the simulated seawater condition (0.5 M NaCl + 2.3 mM HCO₃^-/CO₃^2-, pH 8), saldian^2- shows the strongest complexation with UO₂²⁺ to form UO₂(saldian) (log β₁₁ = 28.05 ± 0.07), which is more than 10 order of magnitude greater than amidoxime-based or -inspired ligand systems most commonly employed for U capture from seawater. Good selectivity for UO₂²⁺ from other metal ions coexisting in seawater was also demonstrated.

Effects of coordinating heteroatoms on molecular structure, thermodynamic stability and redox behavior of uranyl(vi) complexes with pentadentate Schiff-base ligands

Uranyl(vi) complexes with pentadentate N₃O₂-, N₂O₃- and N₂O₂S₁-donating Schiff base ligands, tBu,MeO–saldien–X²⁻ (X = NH, O and S), were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by ¹H NMR, IR, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) showed that the U–X bond strength follows U–O ≈ U–NH > U–S. Conditional stability constants (β_X) of UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) in ethanol were investigated to understand the effect of X on thermodynamic stability. The log β_X decrease in the order of UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–NH) (log β_NH = 10) > UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–O) (log β_O = 7.24) > UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–S) (log β_S = 5.2). This trend cannot be explained only by Pearson's Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (HSAB) principle, but rather follows the order of basicity of X. Theoretical calculations of UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) suggested that the ionic character of U–X bonds decreases in the order of U–NH > U–O > U–S, while the covalency increases in the order U–O < U–NH < U–S. Redox potentials of all UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) in DMSO were similar to each other regardless of the difference in X. Spectroelectrochemical measurements and DFT calculations revealed that the center U⁶⁺ of each UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) undergoes one-electron reduction to afford the corresponding uranyl(v) complex. Consequently, the difference in X of UO₂(tBu,MeO–saldien–X) affects the coordination of tBu,MeO–saldien–X²⁻ with UO₂²⁺. However, the HSAB principle is not always prominent, but the Lewis basicity and balance between ionic and covalent characters of the U–X interactions are more relevant to determine the bond strengths.

The U–X bond strength and thermodynamic stability of uranyl(vi) complexes with pentadentate N₂O₂X₁-donating ligands (X = NH, O, S) are affected by the difference in X. In contrast, the X atom does not largely affect the redox behavior of the complexes.

Unravelling binding effects in cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with diamondoid ammonium salt guests

A hydrophobic tornado – complexation of diamondoid ammonium salts with cyclodextrins in water.

Development of Polyamine-Substituted Triphenylamine Ligands with High Affinity and Selectivity for G-Quadruplex DNA

Currently, significant efforts are devoted to designing small molecules able to bind selectively to guanine quadruplexes (G4s). These noncanonical DNA structures are implicated in various important biological processes and have been identified as potential targets for drug development. Previously, a series of triphenylamine (TPA)-based compounds, including macrocyclic polyamines, that displayed high affinity towards G4 DNA were reported. Following this initial work, herein a series of second-generation compounds, in which the central TPA has been functionalised with flexible and adaptive linear polyamines, are presented with the aim of maximising the selectivity towards G4 DNA. The acid-base properties of the new derivatives have been studied by means of potentiometric titrations, UV/Vis and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The interaction with G4s and duplex DNA has been explored by using FRET melting assays, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Compared with previous TPA derivatives with macrocyclic substituents, the new ligands reported herein retain the G4 affinity, but display two orders of magnitude higher selectivity for G4 versus duplex DNA; this is most likely due to the ability of the linear substituents to embrace the G4 structure.

Exploring the catalytic activity of Lewis-acidic uranyl complexes in the nucleophilic acyl substitution of acid anhydrides

Uranyl(vi) ion is a strongly hard Lewis-acid and plays a catalytic role in the nucleophilic acyl substitution of acid anhydrides.

"Why not stoichiometry" versus "stoichiometry--why not?" Part I: General context

The elementary concepts involved with stoichiometry are considered from different viewpoints. Some examples of approximate calculations made according to the stoichiometric scheme are indicated, and correct resolution of the problems involved is presented. The principles of balancing chemical equations, based on their apparent similarities with algebraic equations, are criticized. The review concerns some peculiarities inherent in chemical reaction notation and its use (and abuse) in stoichiometric calculations that provide inconsistent results for various reasons. This "conventional" approach to stoichiometry is put in context with the generalized approach to electrolytic systems (GATES) established by Michałowski. The article contains a number of proposals that could potentially be taken into account and included in the next edition of the Orange Book. Notation of ions used in this article is not, deliberately, in accordance with actual IUPAC requirements in this respect. This article is intended to be provocative with the hope that some critical debate around the important topics treated should be generated and creatively expanded in the scientific community.

Solid nanoarchitecture – Cu(ii) solution: dynamics of the chemical communication

The response of a porphyrin nanoarchitecture, covalently supported on quartz, was investigated upon the external chemical Cu(ii) stimulus. The overall structure behaves as a ternary optical system.

Coordinative interaction of microcrystalline chitosan with oxovanadium (IV) ions in aqueous solution

BACKGROUND

Chitosan, a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible polysaccharide has attained great interest in pharmaceutical applications, as versatile drug delivery agent. Chitosan has been already shown to serve as vehicle for sustained drug release by chitosan-vanadium(IV) complex from a chitosan gel matrix. Therefore, chitosan gel proved to retain vanadium and preserve its insulin-mimetic efficacy. Nevertheless, there is a lack of reports concerning complexing equilibria in aqueous solution, in particular when using the more advantageous microcrystalline form of chitosan (MCCh). Microcrystalline chitosan shows a number of valuable features as compared with unmodified chitosan.

RESULTS

Experimental studies on complexing interaction between a special form of biomaterial - microcrystalline chitosan as ligand, L = MCCh, of two exemplary degrees of deacetylation DD (lower 79.8%; higher 97.7%) with M = oxovanadium (IV) ions have been carried out potentiometrically at four ligand-to-metal concentration ratios (2:1, 5:1, 8:1, 10:1). Among the five hydrolysis equilibria of VO(2+) reported up to now in the literature, under the conditions of the present work i.e. aqueous solutions of ionic strength I = 0.1 (KNO3) and temperature 25.0 ± 0.1°C, the predominating one was (VO)2(OH)2  (2+) formation: log β 20-2 = -7.01(2). Analysis of potentiometric results permitted to note that degree of deacetylation does not essentially influence the coordination mode of the complexes formed. In the case of both the two DD values, as well as for all the ligand-to-metal ratios, formation of hydroxyl deprotonated MLH-1 and ML2H-2 moieties has been confirmed potentiometrically (log β 11-1 = -0.68(2) for DD = 79.8% and -0.68(2) for DD = 97.7%, log β 12-2 = -7.64(6) for DD = 79.8% and -5.38(7) for DD = 97.7%).

CONCLUSION

Microcrystalline chitosan coordinates the vanadyl ions by the hydroxyl groups. Interaction of MCCh with VO(2+) ions in aqueous solution occurs within pH 5-7. Amounts of alkali excessive towards -NH2 are needed to deprotonate the OH groups. Deprotonation occurring at the chitosan hydroxyl groups permits a "pendant" or "bridge" model of coordination with VO(IV). Lack of complexation via deprotonation of amine groups, typical for simple cations and the molybdenum anion, has been indicated also by FTIR spectroscopy and EPR. Graphical AbstractCoordination modes of VO(IV) with microcrystalline chitosan (MCCh): (a)- pendant model, (b)- bridge model.

A new ditopic ratiometric receptor for detecting zinc and fluoride ions in living cells

The synthesis, characterization and ion binding properties of a new ditopic ratiometric receptor (1), based on 2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenol and crown ether moieties, have been described. The ditopic ratiometric receptor has been studied in sensing both F(-) and Zn(2+) ions, exhibiting different fluorescent colour changes from cyan green to blue/black observable by the naked eye under UV-light. The addition of Zn(2+) to the solution of 1 induced the formation of a 2 : 2 ligand-metal complex 1-Zn(2+), which displays a remarkable blue shift of the emission maxima of 1 from 455 nm to 400 nm due to the inhibition of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism. The sensing processes were monitored by fluorescence/absorption titrations, and further confirmed by Job's plot and (1)H NMR titrations. The crystal structure of 1-Zn(2+) reveals that 1 binds Zn(2+) in four-coordinated modes. Furthermore, 1 is cell permeable and may be applied to detect trace Zn(2+) and F(-) during the development of a living organism.

A Lewis basicity scale in dichloromethane for amines and common nonprotogenic solvents using a zinc(II) Schiff-base complex as reference Lewis acid

A consistent, reliable scale of Lewis basicity in dichloromethane for 26 bases, involving amines and nonprotogenic solvents, is presented. A Lewis acidic Zn(II) Schiff-base complex, involving formation of stable 1:1 adducts is used as reference acid. Evaluation of binding constants is achieved from spectrophotometric titrations, by the least-squares nonlinear regression of multiwavelength spectrophotometric data. This Lewis basicity scale represents a unique set of data reflecting the actual Lewis basicity with respect this "real world" Lewis acidic species. The comparison of present Lewis basicity scale with data reported in the literature indicates that while for the involved solvents their relative basicity is scarcely affected by the reference Lewis acid, in contrast for sterically encumbered amines the Lewis basicity seems to be dependent from the reference species. Thus, Lewis basicity is governed by the steric hindrance at the donor atom and involves very different relative basicities than those predicted considering typical reference Lewis acids. This is expected to have a major involvement in the organic synthesis and catalysis, given the sterically encumbered nature of commonly involved Lewis acidic organometallic complexes.

Solution and fluorescence properties of symmetric dipicolylamine-containing dichlorofluorescein-based Zn2+ sensors

The mechanism by which dipicolylamine (DPA) chelate-appended fluorophores respond to zinc was investigated by the synthesis and study of five new analogues of the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-based Zn(2+) sensor Zinpyr-1 (ZP1). With the use of absorption and emission spectroscopy in combination with potentiometric titrations, a detailed molecular picture has emerged of the Zn(2+) and H(+) binding properties of the ZP1 family of sensors. The two separate N(3)O donor atom sets on ZP1 converge to form binding pockets in which all four heteroatoms participate in coordination to either Zn(2+) or protons. The position of the pyridyl group nitrogen atom, 2-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl, has a large impact on the fluorescence response of the dyes to protons despite relatively small changes in pK(a) values. The fluorescence quenching effects of such multifunctional electron-donating units are often taken as a whole. Despite the structural complexity of ZP1, however, we provide evidence that the pyridyl arms of the DPA appendages participate in the quenching process, in addition to the contribution from the tertiary nitrogen amine atom. Potentiometric titrations reveal ZP1 dissociation constants (K(d)) for Zn(2+) of 0.04 pM and 1.2 nM for binding to the first and second binding pockets of the ligand, respectively, the second of which correlates with the value observed by fluorescence titration. This result demonstrates that both binding pockets of this symmetric, ditopic sensor need to be occupied in order for full fluorescence turn-on to be achieved. These results have significant implications for the design and implementation of fluorescent sensors for studies of mobile zinc ions in biology.

Model-based analysis for kinetic complexation study of Pizda and Cu(II)

In the present work, the multivariate kinetic complexation of a new synthesized ligand, 1-(2''-hydroxyl cyclohexyl)-3'-[aminopropyl]-4-[3'-aminopropyl]piperazine (Pizda) and Cu(2+) in 50% ethanol-water solution is investigated using the UV-vis stopped-flow technique and state-of-the-art multi-wavelength numerical analysis. Model-based least squares fitting analysis or hard modeling is a specific part of chemometrics which is based on mathematical relationships for describing the measurements. Some recent developments include the incorporation of the effects of non-ideal experimental conditions into the fitting algorithm so it can substantially simplify experimental procedures. In this study no buffers are required because pH changes are taken into computations. Some 21 multi-wavelength kinetic measurements, taken at various initial concentrations of [H(+)] were analyzed globally, i.e. simultaneously applying an all inclusive reaction mechanism and a common set of species spectra. Using numerical analysis, the pH of the experimental solutions was allowed to vary as a consequence of the proceeding reactions. This enabled the complete kinetic analysis of the formation and dissociation of Cu(Pizda)(n+). Here protonation equilibria have been directly incorporated into the rate law, so thus variable pH values have been allowed during each measurement. Using the independently estimated stability constants (from spectrophotometric and potentiometric measurements) for the Cu(Pizda)(n+) complexes, a total of six rate constants and one protonation constant could be elucidated. The results of the analysis include the concentration distribution and spectra of all chemical species involved in the reaction. A low standard deviation and residual profiles obtained validate the results.

A Fluorescent Molecular Switch Driven by the Input Sequence of Metal Cations: An Azamacrocyclic Ligand Containing Bipolar Anthracene Fragments

An azamacrocyclic ligand (L) containing two anthracene (AN) fragments connected through two triethylenetetramine bridges has been synthesized, in which each of the bridges can coordinate with one metal cation. The effects of pH and metal cations (Zn2+ and Cd2+) on the emission properties of L were studied in water. Without metal cations, L does not show any emission at basic pH values. The addition of Zn2+ leads to the production of excimer emission, which is due to a static excimer formed by direct excitation of the intramolecular ground-state dimer of the bipolar AN fragments that approach each other by Zn2+ binding. In contrast, Cd2+ addition does not result in excimer emission because the Cd2+-AN pi complex, formed by donation of a pi electron of the AN fragments to the adjacent Cd2+, suppresses pi-stacking interactions of the AN fragments. The most notable feature is the appearance of excimer emission controlled by the input sequence of metal cations: Zn2+-->Cd2+ sequential addition (each one equivalent) allows excimer emission, whereas the reverse sequence (Cd2+-->Zn2+) does not. In the Zn2+-->Cd2+ sequence, Cd2+ coordination is structurally restricted by the first Zn2+ coordination with the other polyamine bridge, leading to the formation of a weak Cd2+-AN pi complex. In contrast, for the reverse sequence, the first Cd2+ coordination forms a stable Cd2+-AN pi complex, which is not weakened by sequential Zn2+ coordination, resulting in no excimer emission.

Effects of Metal Cation Coordination on Fluorescence Properties of a Diethylenetriamine Bearing Two End Pyrene Fragments

Fluorescence properties of a diethylenetriamine bearing two end pyrene fragments (L) have been studied in water, where effects of adding metal cations (Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Ag+) on the emission properties of L have been studied. Without metal cations, L shows dual-mode fluorescence consisting of monomer and excimer emissions. The monomer emission intensity (I(M)) is strong at acidic pH but decreases with a pH increase because of an electron transfer (ET) from the unprotonated nitrogen atoms to the excited pyrene fragment. The excimer emission is due to the static excimer formed via a direct photoexcitation of the intramolecular ground-state dimer (GSD) of the end pyrene fragments. The excimer emission intensity (I(E)) is weak at acidic pH but increases with a pH increase because of the GSD stability increase associated with the deprotonation of the polyamine chain. Addition of metal cations leads to I(M) decrease, where chelation-driven I(M) enhancement does not occur even with diamagnetic Zn2+ and Cd2+ at any pH. This is because a pyrene-metal cation pi-complex, formed via a donation of pi-electron of the pyrene fragment to the adjacent metal center, suppresses the monomer photoexcitation. I(E) also decreases upon addition of metal cations because the pyrene-metal cation pi-complex weakens pi-stacking interaction of the end pyrene fragments, leading to GSD stability decrease. The emission properties of L-Zn2+ complexes were studied by means of time-resolved fluorescence decay measurements, and the effects of adding a less-polar organic solvent were also studied to clarify the detailed emission properties.

Oxaaza cyclophanes in the recognition of nucleotides. The role of oxygen and electron-rich aromatic rings

Dioxapolyaza cyclophanes derived from resorcinol and different polyamine chains have been studied in aqueous solution as abiotic receptors for nucleotides. The presence of the additional ethyleneoxy subunits is reflected in a higher basicity and in a significant increase in the log K values for the interaction with nucleotides relative to that of related polyazacyclophanes.

Solvent-Driven Multiply Configurable On/Off Fluorescent Indicator of the pH Window: A Diethylenetriamine Bearing Two End Pyrene Fragments

Fluorescence behaviors of a simple-structured molecule (L), a diethylenetriamine bearing two end pyrene fragments, have been investigated in water. Effects of adding a less-polar organic solvent (acetonitrile: MeCN) on the emission behaviors have been studied by means of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. L dissolved in water shows dual-mode fluorescence consisting of monomer and excimer emissions. The monomer emission shows an "on-off" intensity profile against the pH window (pH 2-12), whereas the excimer emission shows an "off-on" profile. Upon MeCN addition, the monomer emission maintains the "on-off" profile. In contrast, the "off-on" profile of the excimer emission is drastically changed: L shows two more types of profiles, "off-on-off-on" and "off-on-off", along with the MeCN concentration increase, thus behaving as a multiply configurable fluorescent indicator of the pH window. The MeCN-driven excimer emission switching of L is triggered by (i) the decrease in stability of the intramolecular ground-state dimer (GSD) formed between the end pyrene fragments, which suppresses the direct photoexcitation of GSD (suppression of the "static" excimer formation), leading to a decrease in the excimer emission intensity at basic pH; and (ii) the decrease in polarity of solution, which allows formation of a "dynamic" excimer via a monomer-to-excimer transition, resulting in an enhancement of the excimer emission intensity at acidic-neutral pH.