An efficient colorimetric and absorption ratiometric anion sensor based on a simple azo-azomethine receptor

Synthesis of new chromogenic sensors containing thiourea and selective detection for F–, H2PO4–, and Ac– anions

Two new chromogenic sensors 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea 1 and 1-(3-hydroxypyridin-2-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea 2 bearing nitrophenyl and thiourea groups were designed and synthesized by one-step procedure and characterized through 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and MS. The anion recognition property of the receptors was studied via naked-eye detection, UV–vis, and 1H NMR. Based on the existence of amino gen and hydroxyl moieties in receptors, receptors 1 and 2 exhibit obvious selectivity by the redshift of UV–vis signals, colour changes through naked-eye detection, and binding effects for F–, H2PO4–, and Ac–. Surprisingly, the detection limits of receptor 1 for F– and Ac– were calculated to be 5.45 × 10−7 and 2.11 × 10−7 (mol/L)−1, respectively, which indicated that F– and Ac– can be identified with high sensitivity by receptor 1. Besides, simple “test strips” were developed and were used as sensors for recognition of F–, H2PO4–, or Ac– in DMSO solution. Lastly, the mechanisms of the recognition process were studied through DFT calculation and 1H NMR titration.

Design and synthesis new colorimetric receptors for naked-eye detection of biologically important fluoride and acetate anions in organic and arsenite in aqueous medium based on ICT mechanism: DFT study and test strip application

Novel three colorimetric anion receptors R1, R2 and R3 have been designed and synthesized via condensation reaction and characterized using IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Anion sensing properties were studied using colorimetric, UV-vis titration, ¹H NMR titration, and Cyclic Voltammetric Studies. Comparing the UV-visible titration data of the receptors R1 and R2, R2 showed high redshift (∆λ_max) in the mixed competitive solution (DMSO: H₂O, 9: 1; v/v) of about 155 nm, 157 nm, 169 nm for Na⁺F^-, Na⁺AcO^-, and Na⁺AsO₂^- ions with LOD of 0.23 ppm, 0.18 ppm, and 0.30 ppm, respectively. The observed spectral change of receptor R2 is due to the anion-induced deprotonation of the OH proton, which is confirmed by UV-vis titration, ¹HNMR titration, and cyclic voltammetric studies. Theoretical studies via DFT calculation were carried for R1 and R2 to optimize the structure and to explain the anion-binding mechanism. The application of designed receptor R2 was successfully demonstrated for the detection of F^- and AsO₂^- ions using a test strip. The receptors R1 and R2 proved itself to be potentially useful for real-life application by sensing F^- and AcO^- ions in real samples like toothpaste, mouthwash, vinegar and seawater in a complete aqueous medium.

Novel nitro-substituted formazan derivatives: selective ratiometric and colorimetric chemosensors for fluoride anion sensing detectable by the naked eye

This study is the first report of formazan derivatives designed as chemosensors for fluoride anion recognition.

A selective diaminomaleonitrile-based dual channel emissive probe for Al3+ and its application in living cell imaging

A selective diaminomaleonitrile-based fluorescent probe for Al³⁺(L) has been synthesized and characterized. The sensing behavior of L towards different metal ions was investigated by fluorescent spectra and competition experiment. The results showed that L exhibited a dual channel emission (λ_em 522 & 558 nm) with yellow fluorescence in the presence of Al³⁺ over other metal ions in EtOH solution. The probe L was bound to Al³⁺ in a 1:2 stoichiometric manner as supported by Job's plot analysis. The binding constant was 9.55 × 10⁸ M^-2 with the detection limit of 10.3 nM. The turn-on response was attributed to the inhibition of PET and CN isomerization after binding with Al³⁺ while the dual emissions were due to ESIPT and ICT processes. In addition, the application of L for imaging Al³⁺ in living Hela cells was achieved.

Visual detection of cyanide ion in aqueous medium by a new chromogenic azo-azomethine chemosensor

A simple and new chromogenic azo-azomethine chemosensor N'-(5-((2,4-dichloro- phenyl) diazenyl)-2-hydroxylbenzylidene) picolinohydrazide (L) has been synthesized as an effective colorimetric sensor for cyanide ion. The sensing behavior of the probe L towards CN^- over other anions was examined by naked-eye, UV-vis spectroscopy and NMR studies. L exhibited a selective sensing ability to CN^- in DMSO/H₂O(6:4, v:v) binary solution and DMSO/Tris(10 mM, pH = 7.1, 6:4, v:v) buffer solution by changing color from colorless to yellow. The detection limit was calculated to be 6.4 μM. The recognition mechanism was attributed to deprotonation process according to ¹H NMR titration method. Moreover, test strips coated with L were easily fabricated with low cost and could be used to detect CN^- in aqueous solution conveniently.