Diaminomaleonitrile-based azo receptors: Synthesis, DFT studies and their antibacterial activities

Highly Selective and Scalable Molecular Fluoride Sensor for Naked-Eye Detection

Fluoride is widely present in nature, and human exposure to it is generally regarded as inevitable. High levels of fluoride intake induce acute and chronic illnesses. To reduce potential harm to the general public, it is essential to create selective fluoride detectors capable of providing a colorimetric response for naked-eye detection without the need for sophisticated equipment. Here, we report a one-pot synthesis of four different diaminomaleonitrile-derived Schiff base sensors. The terephthalaldehyde adduct provided a strong color change visible to the naked eye at a F- concentration level as low as 2 ppm. From the evaluation against other anions, such as CN-, I-, Br-, Cl-, NO3-, PO43-, OAc-, and HSO4-, the molecular sensor displayed a visible color change exclusively upon exposure to fluoride, underscoring exceptional selectivity. As a key intermediate for understanding the mechanism, HF2- was confirmed by 19F nuclear magnetic resonance. Theoretical calculations suggested a deprotonation-triggered bathochromic shift brought about by the unique electronic structure of the sensor. Furthermore, the simple synthetic protocol from economically accessible materials allowed for the preparation of the compound on a large scale, rendering it a highly practical visual fluoride sensor.

Diaminomaleonitrile derivatives as new potential antichagasic compounds: a study of structure-activity relationships

Background: Schiff bases are synthetically accessible compounds that have been used in medicinal chemistry. Methods & results: In this work, 27 Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile were synthesized in high yields (80-98%). Molecular docking studies suggested that the Schiff bases interact with the catalytic site of cruzain. The most active cruzain inhibitor, analog 13 (IC₅₀ = 263 nM), was predicted to form an additional hydrophobic contact with Met68 in the binding site of the enzyme. A strong correlation between the IC₅₀ values and ChemScore binding energies was observed (R = 0.99). Kernel-based 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship models for the whole dataset yielded sound correlation coefficients (R² = 0.844; Q² = 0.719). Conclusion: These novel and potent cruzain inhibitors are worthwhile starting points in further Chagas disease drug discovery programs.

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.

Spectroscopic studies of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in o-hydroxy Schiff bases, derived from diaminomaleonitrile, and their deprotonation reaction products

The structural study of five Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) and 2-hydroxy carbonyl compounds was performed using ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR methods in solution and in the solid state as well. ATR-FTIR and X-Ray spectroscopies were used for confirmation of the results obtained by NMR method. The imine obtained from DAMN and benzaldehyde was synthesized as a model compound which lacks intramolecular hydrogen bond. Deprotonation of all synthesized compounds was done by treating with tetramethylguanidine (TMG). NMR data revealed that salicylidene Schiff bases in DMSO solution exist as OH forms without intramolecular hydrogen bonds and independent on the substituents in aromatic ring. In the case of 2-hydroxy naphthyl derivative, the OH proton is engaged into weak intramolecular hydrogen bond. Two of imines (salDAMN and 5-BrsalDAMN) exist in DMSO solution as equilibrium mixtures of two isomers (A and B). The structures of equilibrium mixture in the solid state have been studied by NMR, ATR-FTIR and X-Ray methods. The deprotonation of three studied compounds (salDAMN, 5-BrsalDAMN, and 5-CH₃salDAMN) proceeded in two different ways: deprotonation of oxygen atom (X form) or of nitrogen atom of free primary amine group of DAMN moiety (Y form). For 5-NO₂salDAMN and naphDAMN only one form (X) was observed.