Electrochemical and spectral properties of novel dinickel(II) and dicopper(II) complexes with N,N-linked bis(pentaazacyclotetradecane)

Fluorogenic Detection of Sulfite in Water by Using Copper(II) Azacyclam Complexes

Copper(II) azacyclam complexes (azacyclam = 1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane) containing naphthyl or dansyl subunits can be prepared by template synthesis involving proper sulfonamide derivatives as locking fragments. The macrocyclic complexes are very poorly emissive due to the fluorescence-quenching behavior displayed by Cu²⁺ ions. However, the fluorescence can be recovered as a result of the decomposition of the complexes, which induces the release of free light-emitting subunits to the solution. This reaction takes place very slowly in neutral water but its rate is increased by the presence of sulfite. Therefore, [Cu(azacyclam)]²⁺ derivatives have been investigated as simple chemical probes for the fluorogenic detection of sulfite both on laboratory and real samples. Preliminary tests performed on samples of white wine provided sulfite concentration values that are in agreement with those obtained by a standard analytical method.

Electrochemical Anion Sensing: Supramolecular Approaches

Anions play a vital role in a broad range of environmental, technological, and physiological processes, making their detection/quantification valuable. Electroanalytical sensors offer much to the selective, sensitive, cheap, portable, and real-time analysis of anion presence where suitable combinations of selective (noncovalent) recognition and transduction can be integrated. Spurred on by significant developments in anion supramolecular chemistry, electrochemical anion sensing has received considerable attention in the past two decades. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of all electroanalytical techniques that have been used for this purpose, including voltammetric, impedimetric, capacititive, and potentiometric methods. We will confine our discussion to sensors that are based on synthetic anion receptors with a specific focus on reversible, noncovalent interactions, in particular, hydrogen- and halogen-bonding. Apart from their sensory properties, we will also discuss how electrochemical techniques can be used to study anion recognition processes (e.g., binding constant determination) and will furthermore provide a detailed outlook over future efforts and promising new avenues in this field.

Three-ring, branched cyclam derivatives and their interaction with nickel(ii), copper(ii), zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii)

The interaction of two symmetrically branched tris-cyclam derivatives based on 1,3,5-trimethylenebenzene and phloroglucinol cores with nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) is reported. All four metal ions yield solid complexes in which the metal : ligand ratio is 3 : 1. For both ligand types, spectrophotometric titrations confirm the formation of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of similar 3 : 1 stoichiometry in dimethyl sulfoxide. Visible spectral, electrochemical, magnetic moment, ESR and NMR studies have been performed to probe the nature of the respective complexes. Where appropriate, the results from the above metal-ion studies are compared with those from parallel investigations in which the corresponding (substituted) mono-cyclam analogues were employed as the ligands. A structural determination employing a poorly diffracting crystal of the trinuclear nickel(II) complex of the tris-cyclam ligand incorporating a 1,3,5-trimethylenebenzene core was successfully carried out with the aid of a synchrotron radiation source. A nickel ion occupies each cyclam ring in a square-planar coordination arrangement, with each cyclam ring adopting the stable trans-III configuration.

Electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH at the self-assembled monolayer of nickel(II) macrocycle on gold electrode

Electroactive self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of macrocyclic Ni(II) complex (1) were fabricated on gold electrode and its electrochemistry has been studied in different supporting electrolytes. Substantial stabilization of tervalent nickel and a significant negative shift of formal potential of the Ni(3+/2+) couple have been observed when the supporting electrolyte is changed from nitrate to phosphate. Coordination of supporting electrolyte anion with the Ni(III) complex shifts the formal potential and thus tervalent nickel is stabilized. SAM of 1 electrode shows an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of NADH in aqueous NaNO3 solution, whereas it scarcely catalyzes the oxidation of NADH in aqueous phosphate buffer solution. The electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH in Na2SO4 solution is less efficient than that in NaNO3 solution. The anion-dependent electrocatalysis has been discussed on the basis of the difference in the coordinating ability of the anions with the tervalent nickel centers. Steady-state current has been measured for the oxidation of NADH and it was proportional to the concentration of NADH.