A phenolic Schiff base for highly selective sensing of fluoride and cyanide via different channels

Anion-binding-induced selective aggregation and self-degradation: Influence of positional isomerism on the anion selectivity and mode of binding of an imine-based receptor

Imine based positional isomers (8E)-N-(4-((E)-(perfluorophenylimino)methyl)benzylidene)-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzenamine, L and (10E)-N-(3-(E-Perfluorophenylimino)methyl)benzylidene)-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzenamine, L1 have been designed, and synthesized by functionalizing two electron deficient aromatic moieties at the para-para'/ortho-ortho' positions in the phenyl core of the L and L1 respectively. The responses of L and L1 towards various anionic species are examined. The positional isomers L and L1 differs not only by showing distinguishable color change upon addition of anions but also differentiates themselves by the way of self-assembling together upon binding with cyanide anion. The naked-eye colorimetric experiments, UV-Vis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Infra-Red spectroscopic analyses reveal that the isomer L binds fluoride anion through 2:1 stoichiometry ratio. Unlike fluoride complex, the isomer L form aggregates while binding with cyanide ion. On the other hand, isomer L1 does not show any instant color change upon additions of any anion. Interestingly, after thirty minutes, only the color of the cyanide complex is turned into dark brown. While analyzing the spectroscopic results of cyanide complex of L1, it is found that the cyanide complex begins to decompose and finally it is completely decomposed within 30 min. This unprecedented phenomenon about the colorimetric sensing of cyanide and destruction of cyanide complex with respect to time has not been reported in the literature yet. To the best of our knowledge this is the first example of study of sensing controlling the selectivity, mode of binding, self-aggregating and degradation properties of anionic complexes under the influence of positional isomeric effects. This present investigation provides simple and effective strategy to construct the sensor molecules with tunable binding properties in terms of easy to prepare as well as easy to use as a colorimetric sensor. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

A fluorescent chemosensor for selective detection of chromium (III) ions in environmentally and biologically relevant samples

A simple single step one pot multicomponent reaction was performed to synthesize N-(tert-butyl)-2-(furan-2-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-amine (TBFIPA). The synthesized TBFIPA was subjected to library of cations to study its ability for selective and sensitive detection of specific metal ions. Selective detection of chromium ions by TBFIPA were found from the significant hypsochromic shift (335 nm → 285 nm) in the UV-Visible spectra. The fluorescent TBFIPA displays complete quenching of fluorescence under UV lamp (365 nm) only in the presence of chromium without the interference of common metal ions. Binding constant (ka) obtained from Benesi-Hildebrand plot is 0.21 × 105 M-1, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of TBFIPA toward Cr3+ ions are 4.70 × 10-7 M and 1.56 × 10-7 M, respectively. The mechanism proposed during complex formation were supported by stoichiometric Job continuous variation plot, 1H NMR titration and ESI-MS spectroscopic data. All the experimental confirmation for complex formation were corroborated with theoretical DFT studies optimized using RB3LYP/6-31G(d) basis set. The selectivity and sensitivity of TBFIPA toward Cr3+ ions are found suitable to design a user-friendly silica based portable test kit. Alongside, TBFIPA was successfully utilized for imaging onion epidermal cells. Furthermore, the results obtained for biological, environmental, and industrial samples provided solid evidence to estimate chromium ions using TBFIPA in these real samples.

Turning Non-Emissive Schiff Bases Into Aggregate Emitters

Schiff bases are a crucial component in various functional materials but often exhibit non-emissive behavior which significantly limits their potential applications as luminescent materials. However, traditional approaches to convert them into aggregate emitters often require intricate molecular design, tedious synthesis, and significant time and resource consumption. Herein, we present a cocrystallization-induced emission strategy that can transform non-emissive (hetero)aryl-substituted Schiff bases into green-yellow to yellow aggregate emitters via even simple grinding of a mixture of Schiff bases and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCB) mixtures. The combined experimental and theoretical analysis revealed that the cocrystallization inhibits the C=N isomerization and promotes face-to-face π-π interaction, which restricts access to both the dark state and canonical intersection to ultimately induce emission. Furthermore, the induced emission enables the observation of solid-state molecular diffusion through fluorescence signals, advancing white light emission diodes, and notably, solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes based on cocrystal for the first time. This study not only highlights the potential of developing new C=N structural motifs for AIEgens but also could boost advancements in related structure motifs like C=C and N=N.

A highly selective probe for fluorometric sensing of cyanide in an aqueous solution and its application in quantitative determination and living cell imaging

A simple fluorescent probe (KS4) containing multiple reaction sites (phenolic -OH, imine and C = C bonds) is successfully synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass and single crystal XRD techniques. KS4 exhibits high selectivity towards CN- over a wide range of common anions in H2O:DMSO (1:1 v/v) leading to an amazing turn-on fluorescence at 505 nm via deprotonation of the phenolic -OH group. The limit of detection (1.3 µM) for CN- was much below the standard (1.9 µM) set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Stoichiometry of the interaction between KS4 and CN- was ascertained as 1:1 by the Job's plot method and the binding constant was determined to be 1.5x104 M-1. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) based theoretical insight has been appealed to understand the optical properties of KS4 before and after the addition of CN- ion. The probe shows respectable real-time applicability for qualitative detection of CN- in almond and cassava powder as well as quantification in real water samples with excellent recoveries (98.8 - 99.8%). In addition, KS4 is found to safe towards living HeLa cells and successfully applied to the detection of endogenous cyanide ions in HeLa cells.

A New Reversible Colorimetric Chemosensor Based on Julolidine Moiety for Detecting F. J Fluoresc 2021;31:1675-1682. [PMID: 34387807 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-021-02801-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

We synthesized an original reversible colorimetric chemosensor PDJ ((E)-9-((2-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)hydrazono)methyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol) for the detection of F^-. PDJ displayed a selective colorimetric detection to F^- with a variation of color from colorless to yellow. Limit of detection of PDJ for F^- was calculated as 12.1 µM. The binding mode of PDJ and F^- turned out to be a 1:1 ratio using Job plot. Sensing process of F^- by PDJ was demonstrated by ¹H NMR titration and DFT calculation studies that suggested hydrogen bond interactions followed by deprotonation. Moreover, the practicality of PDJ was demonstrated via a reversible test with TFA (trifluoroacetic acid).

Selective anions mediated fluorescence "turn-on", aggregation induced emission (AIE) and lysozyme targeting properties of pyrene-naphthalene sulphonyl conjugate

We have designed and synthesized a novel pyrene-naphthalene sulphonyl conjugate, 1-((1Z)-(4-((Z)-4-(pyrene-1-yl)methyleneamino)phenylsulfonyl)phenylimino)methyl)naphthalene-2-ol (PSN) through a facile two-step reactions. It was characterized by various spectral techniques. Fluorescence spectral studies showed that compound PSN featured fluorescence enhancement upon increasing the water content in THF. This can be attributed to the phenomena of aggregated induced emission (AIE), which is confirmed by SEM and AFM studies, due to the restriction of CHN isomerization of PSN. The anion sensing of PSN was examined with various anions. Among these anions, H₂PO₄^- and F^- ions were selectively sensing with a low detection limit of 3.52 × 10^-7 M and 7.23 × 10^-7 M, respectively, and an obvious color change from yellow to orange was observed by the naked eye. The mechanism of sensing involved the formation of hydrogen bonding interaction between O-H group of PSN and H₂PO₄^-/ F^- ions. The binding of PSN with LYZ was also examined by docking studies, which shows that H-bonding and hydrophobic interactions play crucial roles for the interaction of LYZ toward PSN.

A multi-responsive pyranone based Schiff base for the selective, sensitive and competent recognition of copper metal ions

Exploring a new multi-responsive pyranone chemosensor capable of sensing copper ions specifically and selectively through colorimetric, UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence methods is of great importance. In this piece of work, a novel pyranone based Schiff base ligand 4-Hydroxy-6-methyl-3-[1-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethylimino)-ethyl]-pyran-2-one (DM) was synthesized by the condensation of dehydroacetic acid and 4-(2-aminoethyl) morpholine. The structural determination of ligand DM was executed using distinct spectral techniques i.e.,¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT-IR and HR-MS techniques. The reported Schiff base DM showed an immediate colorimetric change from pale yellow to colorless accompanied by a strong change in the UV-Vis absorption band onto the addition of Cu (II) ions. This metal ligand chelation leads a decrease in ICT process. Also the decrease in fluorescence emission intensity of Schiff base DM with Cu (II) ions addition showed its turn-off behavior towards copper ions. Further absorption/ emission titration studies, Job's plot, HR-MS and ¹H NMR titration data designated 2:1 stoichiometric ratio between DM and Cu (II) ions respectively. Density functional theory studies were also performed to authenticate the binding mechanism theoretically. The sensitivity of Schiff base DM towards Cu (II) ions was applicable at every pH conditions and at the same time DM exhibited selectivity towards Cu (II) ions with a negligible interference of other metal ions. DM showed a detection limit of 7.7 nM towards copper ions via fluorescence emission studies. The best part about DM is that it has good stability but showed an instant chemical reversibility when titrated with EDTA solution.

Facile synthesis of carbon dots from wheat straw for colorimetric and fluorescent detection of fluoride and cellular imaging

Colorimetric and fluorescent detection of F^- have attracted enormous interest owing to their simplicity, low-cost and high selectivity. However, traditional colorimetric and fluorescent sensors mainly based on the insoluble and toxic organic molecules, which is not favorable for sensing F^- in water media and living cells. In this work, we designed fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with excellent water solubility and good biocompatibility as a colorimetric and fluorescent dual-model probe for the detection of F^-. The CDs were prepared by a green, one-step hydrothermal strategy from wheat straw without any additives and surface passivation. The obtained CDs exhibited a bright blue fluorescence, special response to F^- and low cytotoxicity. More interestingly, a significant color change from light yellow to red can be observed by the naked eye upon addition of F^- ions to the CDs solution probably due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between CDs and F^-. Besides, the fluorescence of CDs also can be selectively quenched by F^- with the detection limit of about 49 μM. Additionally, the CDs are also applied to intracellular imaging and sensing of F^- in living cells. This strategy may provide a new method for the detection of F^- in water media and biological systems.

A simple pyrimidine based colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for sequential detection of copper (II) and cyanide ions and its application in real samples

In this study, a new pyrimidine-based chemosensor (PyrCS) has been developed for sequential detection of copper (II) and cyanide ions. The PyrCS has revealed high sensitivity and selectivity toward copper ion over other metal ions in aqueous media. The PyrCS as an optical probe exhibited a distinct color change and a bathochromic shift in UV spectra in the presence of copper ion in a few seconds due to the formation of stable complex (PyrCS-Cu²⁺). The results confirmed that the PyrCS has a widely linear detection range of 0.3-30 μM toward Cu²⁺. The calculated limit of detection for Cu²⁺ ions was low as 0.116 μM. Moreover, the fluorescent intensity of PyrCS at 507 nm was significantly quenched in the presence of Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions. Additionally, complex PyrCS-Cu²⁺ was successfully used to detect cyanide ions via Cu²⁺ displacement approach. The free PyrCS was recovered after adding the CN‾ ions in a few seconds due to the formation of the stable copper cyanide complex Cu(CN)_x. The calculated LOD for CN‾ ions was low as 0.320 μM. The data also clarified that the other competing anions did not create a clear color change in solutions. Since the proposed method could provide a vivid colorimetric response in the presence of detected analytes within the pH range of 3-9, we can claim that the developed chemosensor can be utilized in any physical and biological conditions.

Probing the supramolecular features via π–π interaction of a di-iminopyrene-di-benzo-18-crown-6-ether compound: experimental and theoretical study

Herein, we report the formation of a potential supramolecular arrangement mediated by inter- and intra-molecular interactions between di-iminopyrene-dibenzo-18-crown-6-ether molecules.

The curious case of salicylidene-based fluoride sensors: chemosensors or chemodosimeters or none of them

Fluoride-ion induced hydrolysis of imine (CN) bonds has not been documented in the literature, in spite of the numerous salicylidene-based fluoride sensors studied over the years.

A novel fluorescent sensor based on 4-(diethylamino)-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl imine functionalized naphthalimide for highly selective and sensitive detection of CN– and Fe3+

In this work, a novel sensor molecule HB1, based on a 4-(diethylamino)-2-(hydroxy)-phenyl imine functionalized naphthalimide derivative, was successfully designed and synthesized. Interestingly, the HB1 showed fluorescence identification ability for CN– in DMSO/H2O (8:2, v/v) solution. After addition of CN– into the HB1 solution, the fluorescence intensity of HB1 solution could be enhanced obviously. The anti-disturbance experiments demonstrated that other anions could not interfere in the detection of CN–. On the other hand, HB1 was capable of dual-channel (absorption and fluorescence) detection of Fe3+ in DMSO solution. With the addition of various metal ions into the HB1 solution, only Fe3+ induced the fluorescence emission of HB1 solution quenching and the colour change, and other metal ions could not interfere in the detection of Fe3+. The limits of detection (LODs) of HB1 for CN– and Fe3+ were 6.30 × 10−8 and 3.95 × 10−8 mol/L, respectively. Importantly, the real sample experiment was carried out by detecting CN– in bitter almonds. Additionally, ion test strips based on HB1 were fabricated, which could act as convenient and efficient test kits for detecting CN– and Fe3+.

Fluorescence light-up detection of cyanide in water based on cyclization reaction followed by ESIPT and AIEE

Schiff base 1 (2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2-hydroxyphenyl-imino)-methyl)phenol) containing two hydroxyl groups could undergo an oxidative cyclization reaction and then generate hydroxyphenylbenzoxazole (HBO) 2 when CN^- was present as a catalyst. The multistep cyclization reaction was proved by spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectra. C[double bond, length as m-dash]N isomerization is the predominant decay process of the excited states, so sensor 1 is weakly emissive in solution at ambient temperature. When 1 reacts with CN^-, the emission is remarkably enhanced, where 1 is converted to 2. The cyclization product HBO 2 displays bright green luminescence in micellar due to the ESIPT (excited-state intramolecular proton transfer) as well as AIEE (aggregation-induced emission enhancement) effect. The detection limit is 5.92 × 10^-7 M, lower than the WHO guideline of CN^- in drinking water (1.9 μM). The selective and competitive experiments reveal that sensor 1 shows high sensing selectivity and sensitivity for CN^- over other anions. Test papers containing absorbed 1 were prepared and applied for practical application of cyanide detection.

Substituted 2-Aminobenzothiazoles Salicylidenes Synthesis and Characterization as Cyanide Sensors in Aqueous Medium

(E)-2-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-4-nitrophenol 1 and (E)-2-(((6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)-4-nitrophenol 2 were synthesized efficiently under microwave conditions. The structures were confirmed using IR, ¹H NMR, and 13C NMR. UV-vis. Fluorescence investigations demonstrated that 1 and 2 are sensitive and selective sensors for detection of cyanide over all other anions SCN−, AcO−, N₃−, H₂PO₄−, H₂AsO₄−, F−, Cl−, Br−, and I− in aqueous media. Cyanide induces colorimetric change from pale yellow to dark yellow and from transparent to pale yellow for 1 and 2, respectively. It enhances the absorption at wavelengths 385 nm and 425 nm of 1 and 385 nm and 435 nm of 2. Acidic anions H₂PO₄− and H₂AsO₄− displayed significant interference with the interaction of cyanide and sensors 1 and 2. Sensor 1 has lower detection limit (LDL) 1 × 10−6 M, while 2 has LDL 1.35 × 10−6 M.

A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for CN- based on a novel bis(salamo)-type tetraoxime ligand

The optical properties of a novel chemosensor for cyanide anions based on a symmetric bis(salamo)-type ligand (H₃L) were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in MeOH/H₂O (1:1 v/v) solution. Sensor H₃L can selectively sense CN^- based on prominent color changes among other anions. The chemosensor exhibits an apparent fluorescence enhancement at 482nm to CN^- which because cyanide ions interact with CN bonds. Combining the corrected Benesi-Hildebrand formula, the binding constant of the formed host-guest complex was calculated as 2.42×10⁵M^-1. Meanwhile, the detection limit of the sensor toward CN^- was 8.91×10^-7M. It is worth noting that the designed sensor can be used for rapid detection of cyanide anions in basic pH range, and has great practical value.

Excited state proton transfer (ESIPT) based molecular probe to sense F− and CN− anions through a fluorescence “turn-on” response

Dual anion sensing through an efficient thiazole based phenolic Schiff base containing molecular probe by means of fluorescence “turn-on” response.

A systematic series of fluorescence chemosensors with multiple binding sites for Hg(ii) based on pyrenyl-functionalized cyclotriphosphazenes and their application in live cell imaging

A systematic series of fluorescence chemosensors based on cyclotriphosphazene derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their sensing behaviors toward metal ions.

A new azine derivative colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel probe for cyanide detection

A novel azine derivative colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel probe salicylaldehyde hydrazine-3,5-dibromosalicylaldehyde (1) has been designed, synthesized and characterized. The probe 1 is confirmed to have especial selectivity and good sensitivity on detecting CN^- via UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectrum in aqueous solution (H₂O/DMSO, 1:4, v/v). This colorimetric and fluorescent dual-channel probe response to CN^- owed to the deprotonation process and established the mechanism by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Further researches showed that the detection limit of the probe 1 to CN^- anions is 8.01×10^-9M, significantly lower than the maximum level 1.9×10^-6M in potable water from WHO guidelines.

Single sensor for multiple analytes in different optical channel: Applying for multi-ion response modulation

A Schiff-base, (2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((2-hydroxyphenyl-imino)-methyl)phenol) (L), has been improved to function as a simultaneous multi-ion probe in different optical channel. The probe changes from colorless to orangish upon being deprotonated by F^-, while the presence of Al³⁺ significantly enhances the fluorescence of the probe due to the inhibition of CN isomerization, cation-induced inhibition of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), and chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). Dual-channel "off-on" switching behavior resulted from the sequential input of F^- and Al³⁺, reflecting the balance of independent reactions of Al³⁺ and F^- with L and with one another. This sensing phenomenon realizes transformation between multiple states and beautifully mimics a "Write-Read-Erase-Read" logic circuit with two feedback loops.

A Single Crystal with Multiple Functions of Optical Waveguide, Aggregation-Induced Emission, and Mechanochromism

A novel single crystal, PyB, is produced in a high yield by the simple method of connecting a pyrene unit and a rhodamine B moiety together. PyB shows multiple functions of aggregation-induced emission, low-loss optical waveguiding, and tricolored mechanochromism. The crucial point for fabricating such a multifunctional single crystal is selecting the C═N group as a spacer, which simplifies the synthetic procedure, confines the molecular conformation to develop single crystals, and allows one to dynamically observe the color variation in situ and quantitatively analyze the effect of applied pressures. Such a simple approach may be extended to other fluorophores, thus providing a new opportunity for the real world application of mechanochromic materials for mechanical sensors, optical encoding, and optoelectronic devices, etc.

Design and synthesis of a new organic receptor and evaluation of colorimetric anion sensing ability in organo-aqueous medium

A new organic receptor has been designed and synthesized by the combination of aromatic dialdehyde with nitro-substituted aminophenol resulting in a Schiff base compound. The receptor exhibited a colorimetric response for F(-) and AcO(-) ion with a distinct color change from pale yellow to red and pink respectively in dry DMSO solvent and yellow to pale greenish yellow in DMSO:H2O (9:1, v/v). UV-Vis titration studies displayed a significant shift in absorption maxima in comparison with the free receptor. The shift could be attributed to the hydrogen bonding interactions between the active anions and the hydroxyl functionality aided by the electron withdrawing nitro substituent on the receptor. (1)H NMR titration and density functionality studies have been performed to understand the nature of interaction of receptor and anions. The lower detection limit of 1.12ppm was obtained in organic media for F(-) ion confirming the real time application of the receptor.

A new multifunctional Schiff-based chemosensor for mask-free fluorimetric and colorimetric sensing of F⁻ and CN⁻

A Schiff-based chemosensor DSS was designed for selective and simultaneous detection and/or determination of F(-) and CN(-) by distinguishable changes in both solution color and spectroscopic responses within same sample due to the strong emission enhancement at distinct emission bands without any mask. In addition, the sensing mechanism was evaluated by NMR titration and DFT calculations.

Chromogenic and fluorogenic multianalyte detection with a tuned receptor: refining selectivity for toxic anions and nerve agents

In the present study, a chemical probe was finely tuned for the highly selective and sensitive chromogenic and fluorogenic detection of toxic anions and a nerve agent.