Azo 8-hydroxyquinoline benzoate as selective chromogenic chemosensor for Hg2+ and Cu2+

Flourescence sensors for heavy metal detection: major contaminants in soil and water bodies

Due to the increasing consumption of heavy metals, there is a rising need for specific and useful methods that are employed for the detection of heavy metals. Fluorescence sensing is a highly selective, rapid and biosensing technique that is employed in the determination of some heavy metals in any sample of soil or water, any other living person, the food being consumed or any other substance which are being used daily. These fluorescent methods are a type of analytical technique and they are mainly based on detection. Many types of metal conjugated molecules have been used of the detection of these heavy metals with various mechanisms. We have taken into account some specific sensor molecules as they were more suitable and easily accessible. These techniques that were employed in the detection of various heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury have been discussed in the following review article.

Anion Complexation by an Azocalix[4]arene Derivative and the Scope of Its Fluoride Complex Salt to Capture CO2 from the Air

A newly synthesized upper rim azocalix[4]arene, namely 5,11,17,23-tetra[(4-ethylacetoxyphenyl) (azo)]calix[4]arene, CA-AZ has been fully characterized, and its chromogenic and selective properties for anions are reported. Among univalent anions, the receptor is selective for the fluoride anion, and its mode of interaction in solution is discussed. The kinetics of the complexation process were found to be very fast as reflected in the immediate colour change observed with a naked eye resulting from the receptor-anion interaction. An emphasis is made about the relevance in selecting a solvent in which the formulation of the process is representative of the events taking place in the solution. The composition of the fluoride complex investigated using UV/VIS spectrophotometry, conductance measurements and titration calorimetry was 1:1, and the thermodynamics of complexation of anions and CA-AZ in DMSO were determined. The fluoride complex salt was isolated, and a detailed investigation was carried out to assess its ability to remove CO2 from the air. The recycling of the complex was easily achieved. Final conclusions are given.

An ICT-based fluorescence enhancement probe for detection of Sn2+ in cancer cells

Development of a novel fluorescence enhancement probe for detection of Sn²⁺ in organisms, with high selectivity and sensitivity, is of great interest but remains a great challenge. Herein, an ICT-based fluorescence probe TPPB was rationally developed to act as an ‘enhancement’ luminescent and “naked-eye” indicator for Sn²⁺ detection. Importantly, spectroscopic studies indicated that TPPB was a fluorescence enhancement sensor for Sn²⁺ with rapid response, low detection limit (0.116 μM) and excellent binding constant (1.6 × 10⁴ M⁻¹). The mechanism of TPPB response to Sn²⁺ was further proved by ¹H NMR titration, and enhancement calculations. Furthermore, TPPB is applied as a fluorescence probe for imaging in Hela cells, indicated that it can be potentially applied for Sn²⁺ sensing in biological fields.

Development of a novel fluorescence enhancement probe for detection of Sn²⁺ in organisms, with high selectivity and sensitivity, is of great interest but remains a great challenge.

A novel benzothiadiazole-based and NIR-emissive fluorescent sensor for detection of Hg2+ and its application in living cell and zebrafish imaging

The probe TBBA exhibited excellent analytical properties with a remarkably large Stokes shift (195 nm), rapid response, high selectivity and sensitivity, good binding constant (2.37 × 10⁴ M⁻¹) and low LOD (13.10 nM).

Selective azo dye-based colorimetric chemosensor for F-, CH3COO- and PO43

Developing anionic receptors is a huge challenge, especially those using hydrogen bonds to interact with the analytes. Azobenzene-derivative selective chemosensor has been evaluated for anion recognition properties. 2‑(4‑Hydroxiazobenzene)benzoic acid (HABA) has two hydrogens groups available for interaction; one is the phenol group and the other is the carboxylic acid group, enabling interaction with cations and anions. Subsequently titrations of chromophore 2‑(4‑hydroxiazobenzene) benzoic acid were performed with cations and anions; however, only the interactions with fluoride, acetate, and phosphate were significant. These data demonstrated the sensitivity of the ligand HABA by these anions, characterized by the displacement of the absorbance bands at 372nm to 491nm in acetonitrile. The association constants found to fluoride, acetate, and phosphate were 1.56×10⁴±0.28, 1.25×10⁴±0.60, and 1.90×10⁴±0.67mol^-1dm³ respectively. ¹H NMR titrations data confirmed association constants values in agreement with those of UV-Vis, besides showing evidence of the analyte interaction by the hydrogen-bonding of the carboxylic acid group. Overall, UV-Vis limit of detection data for fluoride (1.05×10^-7moldm^-3), acetate (3.77×10^-8moldm^-3) and phosphate (3.00×10^-8moldm^-3), support that HABA can detect low concentration of these anions.

Phosphatidylserine-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles combined with enzyme-encapsulated liposomes for the visual detection of Cu2+

We reported on novel phosphatidylserine-functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs and enzyme-encapsulated liposomes for the visual detection of Cu²⁺ by employing phosphatidylserine for Cu²⁺ recognition and the enzymatic catalysis/oxidation of TMB as a signal generator.

Coupling a novel spiro-rhodamine B lactam derivative to Fe3O4 nanoparticles for visual detection of free copper ions with high sensitivity and specificity

A novel spiro-rhodamine B lactam derivative, which can be coupled to Fe₃O₄ NPs and act as a Cu²⁺-selective visual sensor is reported. It can be used to directly detect as little as 50 nM of Cu²⁺ in river or tap water by only naked-eye observation.

Highly sensitive colorimetric detection of HgII and CuII in aqueous solutions: from amino acids toward solid platforms

A chemosensor (NBD-H) based on an amino acid with 7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole was used for selective detection of Hg^II and Cu^II among 15 metal ions in aqueous solutions by a colorimetric change and fluorescence change.

A novel phosphatidylserine-functionalized AuNP for the visual detection of free copper ions with high sensitivity and specificity

In this paper, we have reported on novel phosphatidylserine-functionalized AuNPs (gold nanoparticles) for the visual detection of Cu²⁺ by employing phosphatidylserine for Cu²⁺ recognition and AuNPs for signal generation. The phosphatidylserine (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine, DOPS) was covalently assembled on the AuNP surface to obtain DOPS-functionalized AuNPs. It was demonstrated that DOPS-functionalized AuNPs could specifically bind Cu²⁺ and lead to the aggregation of AuNPs, which gave rise to a colour change from wine-red to blue and a new absorption band around 650 nm. This provides a sensing platform for the simple, rapid and field portable colorimetric detection of Cu²⁺. By using the sensing platform, a selective and sensitive visual biosensor for the detection of Cu²⁺ was developed. The proposed biosensor has outstanding analytical advantages such as good stability, relatively high sensitivity, low cost and short analysis time. It can be used to detect concentrations of Cu²⁺ as low as 30 μM in river water by observation with the naked eye and of 1.55 μM Cu²⁺ in river water by UV-visible spectrophotometry, within 10 min and with a recovery of 98-103% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) < 4% (n = 6). The proposed biosensor is promising for on-site detection of trace Cu²⁺ in clinical diagnosis or environmental monitoring.

Theoretical investigations of the structures and electronic spectra of 8-hydroxylquinoline derivatives

The spectroscopic properties of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives are theoretically investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods. The target molecules are divided into two groups: group (I): (E)-2-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)quinolin-8-ol (A), together with corresponding potential reaction products of A with acetic acid, i.e., (E)-2-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)quinolin-8-yl acetate (AR1), and (E)-2-(2-(3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)-8-hydroxyquinolinium (AR2); group (II): (E)-2-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)quinolin-8-ol (B), as well as potential reaction products of B with acetic acid, i.e., (E)-2-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)quinolin-8-yl acetate (BR1), and (E)-2-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)vinyl)-8-hydroxyquinolinium (BR2). The geometries are optimized by B3LYP and M06 methods. The results indicate that product molecules tend to be effectively planar compared with reactants. Subsequently, UV absorption spectra are simulated through TD-DFT method with PCM model to further confirm the reasonable products of two reactions. AR2 and BR2 are identified as the target molecules through the experimental spectra for the real products. It is worth noting that the maximum absorption wavelengths of compounds AR2 and BR2 present prominent red shift compared the initial reactants A and B, respectively, which should be ascribed to the enhancive planarity of products that mentioned above and the decreased HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Geometric structures and optical properties for corresponding compounds are discussed in detail.

Synthesis, characterization and density functional theory investigations of the electronic, photophysical and charge transfer properties of donor-bridge-acceptor triaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine dyes

We have synthesized multifunctional dyes 3-(4-methyl-phenylazo)-6-(4-nitro-phenylazo)-2,5,7-triaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (4a) and 3-(4-methyl-phenylazo)-6-(4-acetyl-phenylazo)-2,5,7-triaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (4b), then characterized by IR, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR techniques. The ground state geometries have been computed by using density functional theory at B3LYP/6-31G(*) level of theory. The absorption spectra have been calculated by using time dependent density functional theory with and without solvent. The highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) are delocalized and localized on throughout the backbone, respectively. Solvent also play important role towards elevating the dipole moment. Significant red shift in absorption wavelengths have been observed in methanol compared to without solvent. We discussed the electron injection, electronic coupling constant and light harvesting efficiency.

Preparation of coordination polymers with 8-hydroxyquinoline azo benzensulfonic acid as a planar multidentate ligand and the study of their photochemical and photo-stability properties

The combination of ditopic ligand 4-(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-azo)-benzensulfonic acid (H2QBS) with metal ions (M = Na(+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Cd(2+)) leads to five different coordination polymers (CPs): [Na2(QBS)(H2O)2]n (1 , 3D framework), {[Pb(QBS)(DMSO)]·2((i)PrOH)}n (2·2(i)PrOH, 2D layer), {[Zn(QBS)(DMSO)]·2DMSO}n (3·2DMSO, 1D chain), [Mn(QBS)((i)PrOH)(DMSO)]n (4, 1D ladder), and [Cd2(QBS)2(DMSO)2(H2O)4]n (5, 1D chain). All compounds were characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis and TG analysis, and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. As expected, H2QBS acted as a multimode ligand and the azo bond in the trans-form existed in all compounds. Their photo-stability was also studied using irradiation from different light sources (450 nm, 365 nm and 254 nm). Under blue light (450 nm) and lower energy UV light (365 nm), the colors of all compounds were well preserved and the absorption spectra show slight changes. However, when irradiated using higher energy UV light (254 nm), the coordination interaction between the metal ions and the ligand was disassociated and the color faded.

Fluorescent probe mimicking multiple logic gates and a molecular keypad lock upon interaction with Hg2+ and bovine serum albumin

The output fluorescence exhibited by an intramolecular charge transfer fluorescent probe 1 providing different chemical inputs mimicked multiple logic gates. A molecular keypad lock security device authorizing password entries (logic memory) and capable of solving crossword puzzles has been constructed by computing the output emission of 1 upon chemical inputs of BSA and Hg(2+). Based on logic operations the devised fluorescent keypad lock could be unlocked upon entering a correct sequence of password, 'BHU'.

Colorimetric probing of in both solution and thin film

A reagent for colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in both solution and PMMA thin film has been investigated. It is found that 7-hydroxy-spiro-(2H-1-benzopyran-2,2'-indoline) shows highly selective colorimetric probing for Hg2+ in both solution and PMMA thin film. Addition of Hg2+ to the solution of reagent or dipping the reagent thin film into the solution of Hg2+ produces a distinct color change from colorless to red. Control experiments show that the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ is not affected by other competitive metal ions.

The photo- and electrophysical properties of curcumin in aqueous solution

An investigation of the photo- and electrophysical properties of curcumin (1,7-bis[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl]-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) revealed well-defined color changes upon the addition of Hg(2+) or OH(-). Curcumin exhibited high selectivity for Hg(2+) ions, as compared with Cu(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Zn(2+), Na(+) and Ni(2+) ions in DMSO/H(2)O (5:1, v/v) which was attributed to the formation of a 4:1 Hg(2+)-curcumin coordination complex. Spectral responses at lambda(max)=434nm revealed that curcumin can function as a NOR logic gate with OH(-) and Hg(2+) as input variables. The electrochromic properties of curcumin were studied using an ITO/curcumin-Bu(4)NClO(4)/ITO cell. The electrochromic cell colored red at 3V, but changed to yellow in open-circuit condition.

Solvatochromic, acid-base features and time effect of some azo dyes derived from 1,3-benzothiazol-2-ylacetonitrile: experimental and semiempirical investigations

The solvatochromism and other spectroscopic properties of seven azo dyes were studied, with a particular respect to the role of the solvent basicity, and interpreted with the aid of experimental findings and semiempirical data. The electronic absorption spectra of the dyes examined in different solvents combined with theoretical calculations showed that most of the investigated compounds coexist in the hydrazone and/or azo-enamine-common anion equilibrium or in the solely anionic form depending upon the nature of the solvent employed. These interesting features open up possibilities for the use of these compounds in analytical chemistry as acid-base indicators. Furthermore, both of intermolecular and intramolecular charge transfer equilibria have been reflected by experimental absorption spectra of compounds 4 and 5. The enthalpies of formation predicted at PM6 (COSMO) and PM6/CI (COSMO) for the ground (S(0)) and excited (S(1)) states, respectively have been successfully used for the explanation of the observed bathchromic shift in non-polar solvents. The effect of time on the longer wavelength visible band of compound 7 has been thoroughly investigated.

A ratiometric chemosensor for fluorescent determination of Hg(2+) based on a new porphyrin-quinoline dyad

Quinolin-8-ol p-[10',15',20'-triphenyl-5'-porphyrinyl]benzoate (1) was synthesized for the first time and developed as a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for recognition of Hg(2+) ions in aqueous ethanol with high selectivity. The 1-Hg(2+) complexation quenches the fluorescence of porphyrin at 646nm and induces a new fluorescent enhancement at 603nm. The fluorescent response of 1 towards Hg(2+) seems to be caused by the binding of Hg(2+) ion with the quinoline moiety, which was confirmed by the absorption spectra and (1)H NMR spectrum. The fluorescence response fits a Hill coefficient of 1 (1.0308), indicating the formation of a 1:1 stoichiometry for the 1-Hg(2+) complex. The analytical performance characteristics of the chemosensor were investigated. The sensor shows a linear response toward Hg(2+) in the concentration range of 3x10(-7) to 2x10(-5)M with a limit of detection of 2.2x10(-8)M. Chemosensor 1 shows excellent selectivity to Hg(2+) over transition metal cations except Cu(2+), which quenches the fluorescence of 1 to some extent when it exists at equal molar concentration. Moreover, the chemosensor are pH-independent in 5.0-9.0 and show excellent selectivity for Hg(2+) over transition metal cations.