Recognition of anions by polyammonium macrocyclic and cryptand receptors: Influence of the dimensionality on the binding behavior

Anion Recognition by Benzoxaborole

The binding types (H-bonding or coordinate) and stability constants for complexes of 11 mono- and di-anions with benzoxaborole (1) were determined by ¹H and ¹¹B NMR titrations in DMSO or MeCN. Compared to phenylboronic acid (PBA), 1 is a stronger Lewis acid and a poorer H-bond donor with only one B-OH group, which is expected therefore to recognize anions mostly through the coordinate bonding. This is the case however only with F^-, HPO₄^2-, and PhPO₃^2- anions, which are coordinately bonded to 1, and partially with SO₄^2-, which forms only the H-bonded complex with PBA, but both H-bonded and coordinate complexes with 1. The majority of tested anions (AcO^-, PhPO₃H^-, (PhO)₂PO₂^-, Cl^-, and Br^-) form H-bonded complexes with both 1 and PBA, whereas H₂PO₄^- changes the binding mode from coordinate for PBA to H-bonded for 1. The preferable binding type for each anion is confirmed by calculations of DFT-optimized structures of the anion complexes of 1. The preferable binding type can be rationalized considering the effects of the steric hindrance, more significant for the coordinate bonding, and of increased anion basicity, which is favorable for both binding types, but enhances the strength of coordinate bonding more significantly than the strength of H-bonding.

When Molecules Meet in Water-Recent Contributions of Supramolecular Chemistry to the Understanding of Molecular Recognition Processes in Water

Molecular recognition processes in water differ from those in organic solvents in that they are mediated to a much greater extent by solvent effects. The hydrophobic effect, for example, causes molecules that only weakly interact in organic solvents to stay together in water. Such water‐mediated interactions can be very efficient as demonstrated by many of the synthetic receptors discussed in this review, some of which have substrate affinities matching or even surpassing those of natural binders. However, in spite of considerable success in designing such receptors, not all factors determining their binding properties in water are fully understood. Existing concepts still provide plausible explanations why the reorganization of water molecules often causes receptor‐substrate interactions in water to be strongly exothermic rather than entropically favored as predicted by the classical view of the hydrophobic effect.

An asymmetric cryptand for the site-specific coordination of 3d metals in multiple oxidation states

Bis-tren (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) azacryptands were previously studied profoundly for the coordination of two +II metals and subsequent binding of substrates within their cavity. Likewise, cryptates including metals in different oxidations states were reported with the rather unstable hexa-imine analogues but also revealed only little stability. In this work, we report the synthesis of an asymmetric hexa-amine cryptand analogue by selectively exchanging three of the secondary amines of one binding site with sulphur atoms. We show that the presence of two distinct binding sites allows for the selective formation of stable dinuclear complexes of metals with different oxidation numbers and present the formation of distinct Cu^ICo^II, Cu^INi^II and Cu^ICuI^II cryptates.

Enhancement of Alkali Metal Ion Recognition by Metalation of a Tris(saloph) Cryptand Having Benzene Rings at the Bridgeheads

A cryptand derivative, H₆L, which has three H₂saloph arms connected by two benzene ring bridgeheads, was synthesized and converted into the trinuclear metallocryptand, LNi₃. The nonmetalated host, H₆L, was found to bind to alkali metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺; logK_a = 3.37-6.67) in its well-defined cavity in DMSO/chloroform (1:9). The binding affinity was enhanced by 1-2 orders of magnitude upon the conversion into the metallocryptand, LNi₃, which can be explained by the more polarized phenoxo groups in the [Ni(saloph)] arms. The guest binding affinity of Na⁺ < K⁺ < Rb⁺ ≈ Cs⁺ was clearly demonstrated by the ¹H NMR competition experiments. The DFT calculations suggested that the Rb⁺ ion most suitably fit into the benzene-benzene spacing with a cation-π interaction and that only the largest Cs⁺ ion can almost equally interact with all six phenoxo oxygen donor atoms. The metallocryptand, LNi₃, also showed a strong binding affinity to Ag⁺ by taking advantage of cation-π interactions, which was confirmed by spectroscopic titrations and crystallographic analysis as well as DFT calculations. Thus, the well-defined three-dimensional cavity of LNi₃ was found to be suitable for strong binding with alkali metal ions as well as Ag⁺.

Anion recognition by anthracene appended ortho-aminomethylphenylboronic acid: a new PET-based sensing mechanism

Carboxylate, phosphate and sulphate anions form hydrogen bonded complexes with the B(OH)2 group of the receptor 1 producing a turn-off fluorescence response, while the malonate monoanion induces the opposite turn-on effect.

Monitoring inorganic pyrophosphatase activity with the fluorescent dizinc(ii) complex of a macrocycle bearing one dansylamidoethyl antenna

The dizinc(ii) complexes of L were used for the recognition of anions by fluorescence spectroscopy (L is a heteroditopic hexaazamacrocycle with two diethylenetriamine coordination heads with 2-methylpyridyl and dansylamido ethyl arms, and m-xylyl spacers). The protonation of L and stability constants of its zinc(ii) complexes were determined in aqueous solution, at 298.2 ± 0.1 K and I = 0.10 ± 0.01 M in KNO₃. At a 2 : 1 Zn²⁺/L ratio, the dinuclear complexes clearly dominate. The ligand alone does not display fluorescence changes upon increasing the pH value, but in the presence of Zn²⁺ the emission reaches a maximum at pH ≅ 7.5, at which 95% of the ligand is in the dinuclear complex form. The emission appears concomitantly with the [Zn₂H_-1L]³⁺ species formation, which supports that the latter complex corresponds to the metal-promoted deprotonation of dansylamide NH. The [Zn₂H_-1L]³⁺ complexes were used for the recognition of phosphate and polyphosphate anions in aqueous solution buffered at pH 7.5 with 2 mM PIPPS, at 298.2 K. The binding of anions causes a decrease of the emission. The association constant determination revealed that HPPi^3- is the strongest bound anion (log K_app = 5.57), followed by HATP^3- (two times weaker), and the remaining anions show lower binding constants, with HPO₄^2- having the weakest uptake by the receptor. The observed selectivity of the [Zn₂H_-1L]³⁺ receptor for PPi in relation to HPO₄^2-, and the fact that the formation of the [Zn₂H_-1L]³⁺ complex is not disturbed by the presence of Mg²⁺, allowed monitoring of the PPi hydrolysis by using inorganic pyrophosphatase in real-time.

Anion Binding of a Cyclopeptide-Derived Molecular Cage in Aqueous Solvent Mixtures

A molecular cage consisting of two cyclic hexapeptides with an alternating sequence of (2S,4S)-4-aminoproline and 6-aminopicolinic acid subunits, covalently linked via three diglycolic acid subunits, interacts with a variety of inorganic anions in acetonitrile/water. In the respective complexes, the anion resides in a cavity between the two cyclopeptide rings where it interacts with six converging NH groups. The cage binds sulfate anions in acetonitrile/water, 2 : 1 (v/v) with a log K_a of 6.7, ca. 2.5 orders of magnitude stronger than an analogous bis(cyclopeptide) with only one linker whose sulfate affinity log K_a amounts to 4.3. The preorganization induced by the three linking units is thus beneficial for sulfate binding. In addition, these linkers cause the dissociation of the sulfate complex to have a substantial Gibbs free energy of activation ΔG^≠ of 68.9 kJ mol^-1 and they also seem to affect anion selectivity as illustrated by the different effects some anions produce on the ¹ H NMR spectra of the triply and singly-linked bis(cyclopeptides). Such anion binding cages represent promising scaffolds to mimic natural anion receptors such as the sulfate-binding protein.

Towards Building Blocks for Supramolecular Architectures Based on Azacryptates

In this work, we report the synthesis of a new bis(tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) azacryptand L with triphenyl spacers. The binding properties of its dicopper complex for aromatic dicarboxylate anions (as TBA salts) were investigated, with the aim to obtain potential building blocks for supramolecular structures like rotaxanes and pseudo-rotaxanes. As expected, UV-Vis and emission studies of [Cu₂L]⁴⁺ in water/acetonitrile mixture (pH = 7) showed a high affinity for biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate (dfc²⁻), with a binding constant of 5.46 log units, due to the best match of the anion bite with the Cu(II)-Cu(II) distance in the cage’s cavity. Compared to other similar bistren cages, the difference of the affinity of [Cu₂L]⁴⁺ for the tested anions was not so pronounced: conformational changes of L seem to promote a good interaction with both long (e.g., dfc²⁻) and short anions (e.g., terephthalate). The good affinity of [Cu₂L]⁴⁺ for these dicarboxylates, together with hydrophobic interactions within the cage’s cavity, may promote the self-assembly of a stable 1:1 complex in water mixture. These results represent a good starting point for the application of these molecular systems as building units for the design of new supramolecular architectures based on non-covalent interactions, which could be of interest in all fields related to supramolecular devices.

Sensing Zn2+ in Aqueous Solution with a Fluorescent Scorpiand Macrocyclic Ligand Decorated with an Anthracene Bearing Tail

Synthesis of the new scorpiand ligand L composed of a [9]aneN3 macrocyclic ring bearing a CH2CH2NHCH2-anthracene tail is reported. L forms both cation (Zn2+) and anion (phosphate, benzoate) complexes. In addition, the zinc complexes of L bind these anions. The equilibrium constants for ligand protonation and complex formation were determined in 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution at 298.1 ± 0.1 K by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations. pH Controlled coordination/detachment of the ligand tail to Zn2+ switch on and off the fluorescence emission from the anthracene fluorophore. Accordingly, L is able to sense Zn2+ in the pH range 6-10 down to nM concentrations of the metal ion. L can efficiently sense Zn2+ even in the presence of large excess of coordinating anions, such as cyanide, sulphide, phosphate and benzoate, despite their ability to bind the metal ion.

From reactive carbenes to chiral polyether macrocycles in two steps - synthesis and applications made easy?

Chiral polyether macrocycles are versatile molecules. For their preparation, original two-step procedures were recently developed and present the advantages of high concentration conditions and simple starting reagents (stable diazo reagents, small cyclic ethers, aliphatic or aromatic amines). Enantiopure materials are readily afforded by CSP-HPLC on a semi-preparative scale. Flexibility and adaptability in the macrocyclic design are provided by a large selection of amines to choose from while the ring size and chemical nature are controlled by the choice of 5 to 7-membered cyclic ether precursors. Such macrocycles have already been used as asymmetric catalysts, mono and ditopic receptors, fluorescent sensors and probes, and chiroptical reversible switches.

A Cl- Hinge for Cyclen Macrocycles: Ionic Interactions and Tweezer-Like Complexes

The supramolecular networks derived from the complexation of polyazamacrocycles with halide anions constitute fundamental building blocks of a broad range of modern materials. This study provides insights into the conformational framework that supports the binding of protonated cyclen macrocyles (1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane) by chloride anions through NHδ+···Cl- interactions. The isolated complex comprised of two cyclen hosts linked by one Cl- anion is characterized by means of infrared action spectroscopy and ion mobility mass spectrometry, in combination with quantum chemical computations. The Cl- anion is found to act as a hinge that bridges the protonatedNH 2 + moieties of the two macrocycles leading to a molecular tweezer configuration. Different types of conformations emerge, depending on whether the trimer adopts an open arrangement, with significant freedom for internal rotation of the cyclen moieties, or it locks in a folded conformation with intermolecular H-bonds between the two cyclen backbones. The ion mobility collision cross section supports that folded configurations of the complex are dominant under isolated conditions in the gas phase. The IRMPD spectroscopy experiments suggest that two qualitatively different families of folded conformations coexist at room temperature, featuring either peripheral or inner positions of the anion with respect to the macrocycle cavities, These findings should have implications in the growth of extended networks in the nanoscale and in sensing applications.

Water and oxoanion encapsulation chemistry in a 1H-pyrazole azacryptand

Cryptand containing pyrazole spacers displays a very rich host–guest chemistry towards oxoanions.

Chiral Cryptates Derived from a Hexaazamacrocycle

The reactions of hexaazamacrocycle 1 with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine or 2,6-bis[(tosyloxy)methyl)]pyridine in the presence of appropriate carbonates result in the formation of derivatives of cryptand 6: enantiopure azacryptates of sodium and potassium. Crystal structures of these compounds indicate interaction of a metal ion with four pyridine nitrogen atoms and four tertiary amine atoms. The competition reactions monitored by NMR spectroscopy indicate preferential binding of Na⁺ over K⁺ as well as higher affinity of 6 for Na⁺ in comparison with the [2.2.1] cryptand.

Carbohydrate binding through first- and second-sphere coordination within aromatic oligoamide metallofoldamers

Aromatic oligoamide capsules that fold upon metal binding recognize carbohydrate guests in solution as evidenced by CD and NMR titrations. Crystallographic data reveal that, besides their structural role, metal ions also contribute to guest recognition through either first- or second-sphere coordination.

Halide and hydroxide anion binding in water

The formation of halide and hydroxide anion complexes with two ligands L1 (3,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) and L2 (3,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylethyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) was studied in aqueous solution, by means of potentiometric and ITC procedures. In the solid state, HF₂^-, Cl^- and Br^- complexes of H₂L2²⁺ were analysed by single crystal XRD measurements. Further information on the latter was obtained with the use of density functional theory (DFT) calculations in combination with the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The presence of two halide or bifluoride HF₂^- (F-H-F^-) anions forming anion-π interactions, respectively above and below the ligand tetrazine ring, is the leitmotiv of the [(H₂L2)X₂] (X = HF₂, Cl, Br, I) complexes in the solid state, while hydrogen bonding between the anions and protonated morpholine ligand groups contributes to strengthen the anion-ligand interaction, in particular in the case of Cl^- and Br^-. In contrast to the solid state, only the anion : ligand complexes of 1 : 1 stoichiometry were found in solution. The stability of these complexes displays the peculiar trend I^- > F^- > Br^- > Cl^- which was rationalized in terms of electrostatic, hydrogen bond, anion-π interactions and solvent effects. DFT calculations performed on [(H₂L2)X]⁺ (X = F, Cl, Br, I) in PCM water suggested that the ligand assumes a U-shaped conformation to form one anion-π and two salt bridge interactions with the included anions and furnished structural information to interpret the solvation effects affecting complex formation. The formation of hydroxide anion complexes with neutral (not protonated) L1 and L2 molecules represents an unprecedented case in water. The stability of the [L(OH)]^- (L = L1, L2) complexes is comparable to or higher than the stability of halide complexes with protonated ligand molecules, their formation being promoted by largely favourable enthalpic contributions that prevail over unfavourable entropic changes.

Network Formation via Anion Coordination: Crystal Structures Based on the Interplay of Non-Covalent Interactions

We describe the synthesis and the structural characterization of new H₂L(CF₃CO₂)₂ (1) and H₂L(Ph₂PO₄)₂ (2) compounds containing the diprotonated form (H₂L²⁺) of the tetrazine-based molecule 3,6-di(pyridin-4-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of single crystals of these compounds showed that H₂L²⁺ displays similar binding properties toward both anions when salt bridge interactions are taken into account. Nevertheless, the different shapes, sizes and functionalities of trifluoroacetate and diphenyl phosphate anions define quite different organization patterns leading to the peculiar crystal lattices of 1 and 2. These three-dimensional (3D) architectures are self-assembled by a variety of non-covalent forces, among which prominent roles are played by fluorine–π (in 1) and anion–π (in 2) interactions.

Iodide and triiodide anion complexes involving anion-π interactions with a tetrazine-based receptor

Protonated forms of the tetrazine ligand L2 (3,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylethyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) interact with iodide in aqueous solution forming relatively stable complexes (ΔG° = -11.6(4) kJ mol^-1 for HL2⁺ + I^- = (HL2)I and ΔG° = -13.4(2) kJ mol^-1 for H₂L2²⁺ + I^- = [(H₂L2)I]⁺). When solutions of [(H₂L2)I]⁺ are left in contact with air, crystals of the oxidation product (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O are formed. Unfortunately, the low solubility of I₃^- complexes prevents the determination of their stability constants. The crystal structures of H₂L2I₂·H₂O (1), H₂L2(I₃)₂·2H₂O (2) and (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O (3) were determined by means of X-ray diffraction analyses. In all crystal structures, it was found that the interaction between I^- and I₃^- with H₂L2²⁺ is dominated by anion interactions with the π electron density of the receptor. Only in the case of 1, the iodide anions involved in close anion-π interactions with the ligand tetrazine ring form an additional H-bond with the protonated morpholine nitrogen of an adjacent ligand molecule. Conversely, in crystals of 2 and 3 there are alternate segregated planes which contain only protonated ligands hydrogen-bonded to cocrystallized water molecules or I₃^- and I^- forming infinite two-dimensional networks established through short interhalogen contacts, making these crystalline products good candidates to behave as solid conductors. In the solid complexes, the triiodide anion displays both end-on and side-on interaction modes with the tetrazine ring, in agreement with density functional theory calculations indicating a preference for the alignment of the I₃^- molecular axis with the molecular axis of the ligand. Further information about geometries and structures of triiodide anions in 2 and 3 was acquired by the analysis of their Raman spectra.

Cation, Anion and Ion-Pair Complexes with a G-3 Poly(ethylene imine) Dendrimer in Aqueous Solution

The G-3 poly(ethylene imine) ligand L2 shows a multifaceted coordination ability, being able to bind metal cations, anions and ion-pairs. The equilibrium constants for the formation of metal (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺), anion (SO₄^2-) and ion-pair (Cu²⁺/SO₄^2-) complexes were determined in 0.1 M Me₄NCl aqueous solution at 298.1 ± 0.1 K by means of potentiometric titrations. Thanks to its dendrimeric nature, L2 can form highly nucleated metal complexes, such as Cu₅L2¹⁰⁺ and Zn₄L2⁸⁺, in successive and well-defined complexation steps. Protonated forms of L2 give rise to relatively weak anion complexes with SO₄^2-, but the addition of Cu²⁺ significantly enhances the binding ability of the ligand toward this anion below pH 9. In more alkaline solutions, an opposite trend is observed. The coordination properties of L2 are discussed with the support of modelling calculations. According to results, L2 is a promising molecule for the preparation of solid supported materials for the recovery of cations and anions from aqueous media and/or for applications in heterogeneous catalysis.

Contact Ion Pairs on a Protonated Azamacrocycle: the Role of the Anion Basicity

A potassium-containing hexaazamacrocyclic dication, [M•H•K](2+), is able to add in the gas phase mono- and dicarboxylate anions as well as inorganic anions by forming the corresponding monocharged adducts, the structure of which markedly depends on the basicity of the anion. With anions, such as acetate or fluoride, the neutral hexaazamacrocycle M acts as an acceptor of monosolvated K(+) ion. With less basic anions, such as trifluoroacetate or chloride, the protonated hexaazamacrocycle [M•H](+) performs the unusual functions of an acceptor of contact K(+)/anion pairs. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Inhibition of the STAT3 Protein by a Dinuclear Macrocyclic Complex

A new diethylenetriamine-derived macrocycle bearing 2-methylpyridyl arms and containing m-xylyl spacers, L, was prepared, and its dinuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes were used as receptors for the recognition in aqueous solution of a phosphorylated peptide derived from a sequence of the STAT3 protein. A detailed study of the acid-base behavior of L and of its complexation properties as well as of the association of the phosphorylated peptide to the receptor was carried out by potentiometry in aqueous solution at 298.2 K and I = 0.10 M in KNO3. The data revealed that the receptor forms stable associations with several protonated forms of the substrate, with constant values ranging from 3.32 to 4.25 log units. The affinity of the receptor for the phosphorylated substrate studied is higher at a pH value where the receptor is mainly in the [Cu2L](4+) form and the pY residue of the substrate is in the dianionic form (pH 6.55). These results, also supported by (31)P NMR studies, showed that the phosphopeptide is bound through the phosphoryl group in a bridging mode. Additionally, the receptor inhibited binding between active (phosphorylated) STAT3 and its target DNA sequence in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 63 ± 3.4 μM) in human nuclear extracts in vitro. Treatment of whole cells with the inhibitor revealed that it is bioactive in living cells and has oncostatic properties that could be interesting for the fight against cancer and other pathologies involving the STAT3 protein.

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.

Development of an AIE based fluorescent probe for the detection of nitrate anions in aqueous solution over a wide pH range

A new type of AIE-based turn-on fluorescent probe 1 was reported to highly selective detection of NO₃⁻ anion in aqueous solution and living cells by virtue of ionic interaction.

Bistren cryptands and cryptates: versatile receptors for anion inclusion and recognition in water

Bistren cryptands can be easily synthesised through the Schiff base condensation of two molecules of tren and three molecules of a dialdehyde, followed by hydrogenation of the six C=N double bonds to give octamine cages, whose ellipsoidal cavity can be varied at will, by choosing the appropriate dialdehyde, in order to include substrates of varying sizes and shapes. Bistrens can operate as effective anion receptors in two ways: (i) in their protonated form, providing six secondary ammonium groups capable of establishing hydrogen bonding interactions with the anion; (ii) as dicopper(II) cryptates, in which the two coordinatively unsaturated metal centres can be bridged by an ambidentate anion. Representative examples of the two approaches, as well as the design of an anion molecular dispenser, in which a dicopper(II) bistren cryptate acts as a bottle will be illustrated.

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.

Interaction of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate with biogenic and synthetic polyamines

myo-Inositol hexakisphosphate (phytate) forms very stable adducts with biogenic and synthetic polyamines in aqueous solution.

Isothermal titration calorimetry study of a bistable supramolecular system: reversible complexation of cryptand[2.2.2] with potassium ions

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is used to investigate the thermodynamics of the complexation of potassium ions by 1,10-diaza-4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (cryptand[2.2.2]) in aqueous solution. By changing the pH of the solution it was possible to trigger the reversible complexation/decomplexation of the cryptand in consecutive in situ experiments and to assess for the first time the use of ITC to monitor the thermodynamics of a bistable system.

Mixing the spacers in azacryptands: effects on halide recognition

Replacement of just one spacer in dicopper cryptates drastically alters the cavity's shape, thus affecting halide recognition.

Highly specific and reversible fluoride sensor based on an organic semiconductor

A novel sulfonamide-conjugated benzo-[2,1-b:3,4-b']bithiophene semiconductor has been designed and synthetized in order to develop a probe for specific detection of anions both in the homogeneous (solution) and heterogeneous phase. Its photophysical and electrochemical data were reported in this study. On the basis of the optical and NMR titrations analysis, the chelator was found to be highly selective for fluoride compared to others anions (Ka = 1.6 × 10(4) M(-1) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)). In addition, from an intricate sample, the novel chelator shows exceptional specificity toward fluoride and reveals a complete reversibility after addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Sensing films were obtained by electrochemical polymerization of the probe on an electrode surface, which clearly show effective detection of fluoride.

A new bis-tetraamine ligand with a chromophoric 4-(9-anthracenyl)-2,6-dimethylpyridinyl linker for glyphosate and ATP sensing

The synthesis of a new linear bis-tetraamine ligand L1, based on two 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane units grafted at the 2 and 6 positions of a pyridinyl linker substituted by an anthracenyl fluorophore in the para position, is described and anion complexation studies of L1 with anionic substrates are reported. The protonation pattern and the study of the binding properties of L1 in an aqueous medium with two anionic substrates, the nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the herbicide glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, PMG), were investigated by means of potentiometry, NMR spectroscopy and absorption and emission spectroscopic techniques. To decipher the impact of the chromophoric linker on the complexation process and to highlight its optical properties, a comparison is established with its previously reported analog L2 devoid of the anthracenyl group. The results unambiguously show that the protonation and complexation properties are preserved despite the presence of the bulky linker, allowing for the use of L1 as a fluorescent sensor for ATP and PMG.

BC(50): a generalized, unifying affinity descriptor

Assessing binding affinities is an unavoidable step that we come across any time interactions between binding species are investigated. A quantitative evaluation of binding affinities relies on the determination of binding constants but, whilst the binding constant fully defines the affinity of a reagent for a ligand when only one complex species is formed, the same is not true when the interacting partners form more than one complex of different stoichiometry, because all complexes contribute to the overall binding affinity. Unfortunately, this situation is the rule rather than the exception in chemical systems, but a generally accepted solution for this issue has not yet been settled. In this Personal Account, we describe the evolution, from the initial idea to a fully developed stage, of a binding descriptor that has been developed with the aim of filling this gap, thereby providing scientists in all fields of chemistry with a unifying tool for the assessment of binding affinities based on the knowledge of the binding constants in systems that involve any number of complex species.

Glyphosate and ATP binding by mononuclear Zn(II) complexes with non-symmetric ditopic polyamine ligands

Binding of Zn(II) by the ditopic ligands L1py, L2py and L1para, composed of a cyclam unit linked to the linear polyamines 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane (L1py and L2para) and 1,4,7-triazaheptane (L2py) via a 2,6-dimethylpyridinyl (L1py and L2py) or a 1,4-dimethylbenzyl spacer (L2para), has been analyzed by means of potentiometric and (1)H and (13)C NMR measurements. All ligands form stable mononuclear Zn(II) complexes in a wide pH range, featuring the metal ion bound to the macrocyclic unit. The open-chain polyamine unit can easily bind several protons in aqueous solution affording protonated metal complexes at neutral and acidic pH values. These complexes behave as bifunctional receptors for the anionic substrates N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate or PMG) and ATP. Potentiometric, (1)H and (31)P NMR measurements show that the Zn(II) complex with L1py is the better receptor for both substrates, thanks to the simultaneous presence of a pyridine linker functionalized at its 2,6 positions and of a flexible linear tetraamine chain. In fact, these structural features allow a stronger interaction of PMG and ATP with both the protonated tetraamine moiety and the Zn(II)-cyclam core.