Dual role of arsenite in hydrolysis and post-hydrolysis fluorescence sensing of selective pH-dependent probes

In comparison to the sensing activity, the reactivity of arsenite (AsO2-) is less explored. Herein, we focused on AsO2- reactivity studies based on its pKa and compared the study with other common anions. All three pKa values of arsenite are >9.0, affording a flexible working pH range to design a probe for reactivity studies. We designed and synthesized six pH dependent benzothiazole-based Schiff bases, namely, 1-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol (1), 5-(diethylamino)-2-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)phenol (2), 9-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol (3), 5-methoxy-2-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)phenol (4), 4-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,3-diol (5), and 2-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)phenol (6), as probes for hydrolysis studies containing 5% water in acetonitrile. In spite of the presence of water in the solution, no hydrolysis was observed for all the probes in the absence of a salt. In the presence of selected sodium salts of various anions in solution, intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was observed after the deprotonation of an aromatic hydroxy group at the ortho position with respect to the imine groups within the probes. Among the studied anions, selective AsO2- induced imine hydrolysis was observed for probes 1 and 4. In the case of 5 with both o- and p-hydroxy groups, no hydrolysis was observed in the presence of AsO2-. Probe 6 with only the o-hydroxy group showed very fast hydrolysis with poor selectivity. The p-hydroxy group in 4-(((6-nitrobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)imino)methyl)phenol (7) resulted in poor AsO2- induced hydrolysis. The aldehyde, which was generated after hydrolysis of probe 1, showed selective emission at 450 nm in the presence of AsO2-. The time dependent hydrolysis reaction of probe 1 controls the emission intensity enhancement.

Synthesis of Cu (II) and Zn (II) Complexes of a Quinoline Based Flexible Amide Receptor as Fluorescent Probe for Dihydrogen Phosphate and Hydrogen Sulphate and Their Antibacterial Activity

A novel 8-hydroxy quinoline-derived amide receptor, in conjunction with its Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes, has been strategically developed to function as remarkably efficient fluorescent receptors with a distinct capability for anion sensing. The comprehensive characterization of the synthesized compounds were achieved through UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and HRMS spectroscopic techniques. Among the Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes, the latter exhibits superior selectivity for anions, specifically dihydrogen phosphate and hydrogen sulfate, as their tetrabutylammonium salts in a 9:1 acetonitrile-water (v/v) mixture. The Cu (II) complex demonstrates enhanced anion binding compared to the amide ligand, albeit with reduced selectivity. Furthermore, the affinity was evaluated using the Benesi-Hildebrand plot. The binding constants and Limit of Detection (LOD) for both complexes were precisely quantified. The Job plot illustrates a clear 1:1 binding interaction between the metal complexes and the guest anions. Significantly, both metal-complex receptors display a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is worth highlighting that the Zn (II) complexed receptor outperforms the Cu (II) complexed receptor, as evidenced by its considerably lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value against both bacterial strains.

Naphthalimide-based AIE-active receptor: HSO4-/SO42- sensing and detection of Pb2+ by receptor-anion ensemble in aqueous medium

Herein we report a naphthalimide-chromophore based blue light emitting Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) active fluorescent chemo-sensor for the selective turn-on fluorescent sensing of HSO4-/SO42- ions in the aqueous medium through in-depth spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. HSO4-/SO42-sensing in aqueous environment is quite challenging due to its high hydration energy, however Nap-1 showed a detection limit down to the micromolar range without any interference from the other tested competitive anions. The sensing mechanism has been discussed thoroughly. Nap-1 was further applied in detection of HSO4-/SO42- ions in real water as well as in fabrication of an economical paper strip model. The receptor-anion ensemble was further used for the sensing of heavy metal ions such as Pb2+ in the micromolar range. Nap-1 was used for the construction of two inputs INHIBIT type molecular logic gate.

Self-Assembly of 4,4'-Linked Dipyrromethanes from Unconventional Reactants─Propargylamines, 2-(Vinyloxy)ethyl Isothiocyanate, and Alkylating Agents under Basic Conditions

Self-assembly of 4,4'-linked dipyrromethanes from 2-(vinyloxy)ethyl isothiocyanate, tertiary propargylamines, and alkylating agents has been discovered. The plausible reaction mechanism, the major stages of which have been confirmed experimentally, includes (1) the lithiation of propargylamine (with n-BuLi); (2) the formation of lithium N-[2-(vinyloxy)ethyl]but-2-ynimidothioate (product of the addition of monolithiated propargylamine to isothiocyanate); (3) isomerization of the latter in the corresponding allenylimidothioate (under the action of the t-BuOK/t-BuOH system); (4) low-temperature (<15 °C) intramolecular cyclization of the latter into potassium N-(5-amino-2-thienyl)-N-[2-(vinyloxy)ethyl]amide; (5) the base-induced cleavage of the C-O bond of the N-[2-(vinyloxy)ethyl] group and removal of vinyloxide-anion leading to acetaldehyde; (6) interaction of acetaldehyde with two molecules of N-(5-amino-2-thienyl)-N-[2-(vinyloxy)ethyl]amide-anion resulting in dithienomethane N-anionic intermediate; (7) recyclization of the latter into dipyrromethane S-anionic intermediate. Final S-alkylation affords synthetically challenging 4,4'-dipyrromethanes in a yield of 22-51%. The whole process is carried out in a single synthetic operation in a very short time (∼10-15 min, excluding alkylation time).

Diphenylpyrrole-Strapped Calix[4]pyrrole Extractant for the Fluoride and Chloride Anions

The anion binding features of diphenylpyrrole-strapped calix[4]pyrrole 1 have been investigated by means of 1 H NMR spectroscopy and ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry), as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Receptor 1 bearing an auxiliary pyrrolic NH donor and solubilizing phenyl groups on the strap was found to bind F- , Cl- , and Br- as their tetrabutylammonium salts with high affinity in DMSO-d6 . In addition, receptor 1 was found to extract the fluoride anion (as both its tetraethylammonium (TEA+ ) and tetrabutylammonium (TBA+ ) salts), as well as the chloride anion into chloroform-d from an aqueous source phase. Cation metathesis using TBAI or the use of a dual host approach involving crown ethers enabled receptor 1 to extract simple alkali metal fluoride or chloride salts from water. Quantitative binding of NaF by receptor 1 was observed in 20 % D2 O-DMSO-d6 allowing for the direct determination of the NaF concentration in an unknown sample.

Manipulation of Hierarchical Chiral Self-assembly and Anion Recognition by Supramolecular Systems of β-Glucopyranoside, Pillar[5]arenes, and Polyoxometalates

Hierarchical chiral structures have broad applications in optical devices, asymmetric catalysis, and biological systems. The delicate balance of various interactions are key to the self-assembly of chiral structures. Herein, a ternary co-assembly consisting of cationic pillar[5]arenes (P5As), anionic β-glucopyranoside (βGlcD/βGlcL), and Anderson-type polyoxometalates (POMs) were constructed. Through adjusting the stoichiometry of βGlcD, the assemblies were effectively controlled to form hierarchical nano-leaf assemblies with twisted nanoribbons in a homochiral direction. The co-assemblies exhibit strong Cotton effects, and successfully induced the chirality of Anderson-type POMs. More interestingly, by changing the central metal in Anderson-type POMs (XMo6 O24 3- (X=Cr, Al, and Ga)), even though the three clusters have the same numbers of charge and size, the hierarchical chirality of the related assemblies varied in the morphology of the assemblies and the Cotton effect in the CD spectra. Results in theoretical calculations and ITC titration indicates that the tiny difference in long-range electrostatic interaction would result in the anion recognition of POMs, modulated by βGlcD through host-guest inclusion and hydrogen bonding in the assembly process.

Cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole: a preorganized calix[4]pyrrole analogue

A cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole (2) consisting of two carbazoles and two pyrroles has been synthesized by directly linking the carbazole 1- and 8-carbon atoms to the pyrrole α-carbon atoms. Macrocycle 2 is an extensively conjugated 16-membered macrocyclic ring that is fixed in a pseudo-1,3-alternate conformation. This provides a preorganized anion binding site consisting of two pyrrole subunits. ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis revealed that only the two diagonally opposed pyrrole NH protons, as opposed to the carbazole protons, take part in anion binding. Nevertheless, cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole 2 binds representative anions with higher affinity in CD₂Cl₂ than calix[4]pyrrole (1), a well-studied non-conjugated tetrapyrrole macrocycle that binds anions via four pyrrolic NH hydrogen bond interactions. On the basis of computational studies, the higher chloride anion affinity of receptor 2 relative to 1 is rationalized in terms of a larger binding energy and a lower host strain energy associated with anion complexation. In the presence of excess fluoride or bicarbonate anions, compound 2 loses two pyrrolic NH protons to produce a stable dianionic macrocycle [2-2H]^2- displaying a quenched fluorescence.

Calix[4]pyrrole-Based Molecular Capsule: Dihydrogen Phosphate-Promoted 1:2 Fluoride Anion Complexation

A molecular capsule (1) consisting of two calix[4]pyrroles connected via ethylene diamide linkers has been prepared as an anion receptor. ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies carried out in CD₂Cl₂ revealed that receptor 1 recognizes a variety of anions with different binding modes and stoichiometries. For instance, receptor 1 binds fluoride and acetate with 1:2 receptor/anion stoichiometry and other test anions with 1:1 stoichiometry in solution when their respective tetrabutylammonium (TBA⁺) salts were used. In contrast, with tetraethylammnium (TEA⁺) salts, receptor 1 forms 1:2 complexes with chloride and bromide in addition to fluoride, overcoming expected Columbic repulsions between the anions co-bound in close proximity. Receptor 1 is also able to bind oxoanions, such as oxalate (C₂O₄^2-), dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), sulfate (SO₄^2-), and hydrogen pyrophosphate (HP₂O₇^3-), in the form of 1:1 complexes as the result of presumed cooperation between the two calix[4]pyrrole subunits. The selectivity of receptor 1 for fluoride versus dihydrogen phosphate varies depending on their relative concentrations. For instance, in the presence of less than 1.0 equiv of an equimolar mixture of fluoride and dihydrogen phosphate, receptor 1 shows high selectivity for dihydrogen phosphate. In contrast, in the presence of ≥2.0 anion equiv, receptor 1 binds fluoride preferentially, forming a 1:2 complex. Moreover, when treated with F^-, the preformed 1:1 H₂PO₄^- complex of receptor 1 is converted to the corresponding 1:2 receptor/fluoride complex with the release of the prebound dihydrogen phosphate anion. As inferred from gas-phase computations, this seemingly counterintuitive behavior is rationalized in terms of the precomplexed dihydrogen phosphate serving to reduce the reorganization energy required to bind two fluoride anions. The presence of a water molecule in addition to the bound fluoride anions may also favor the formation of the 1:2 F^- complex. The present study provides a new approach for fine-tuning the binding selectivity of polytopic anion receptors.

Anion and Temperature Responsive Molecular Switches Based on Trimetallic Complexes of Ru(II) and Os(II) That Demonstrate Advanced Boolean and Fuzzy Logic Functions

Anion- and temperature-induced alteration of the photoredox behaviors of our recently reported trimetallic complexes was carried out to fabricate potential molecular switches. The triads [(phen)₂Ru(d-HIm-t)M(t-HIm-d)Ru(phen)₂]⁶⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, d-HIm-t = heterotopic bipyridine-terpyridne type bridging ligand, and M = Ru^II and Os^II) possess two acidic imidazole NH protons that upon interaction with anions give rise to considerable changes in their photophysical and electrochemical behaviors. Red-shifts of the absorption and emission maximum and a decrease in the M³⁺/M²⁺ potential occur when the triads are treated with basic anions. In fact, the triads can function as triple-channel sensors for F^-, AcO^-, CN^-, OH^-, and H₂PO₄^- in acetonitrile and as selective probes for CN^- and SCN^- in water. The equilibrium constants for the receptor-anion interaction are on the order of 10⁶ M^-1, while the limit of detection was on the order of 10^-9 M. Temperature plays a key role in the luminescence properties of the triads by adjusting the energy barrier between the emitting triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer and non-emitting triplet metal-centered levels. A decrease in temperature leads to increases in the emission intensity and lifetime of the triads displaying the "on state", whereas an increase in temperature leads to a decrease in their emission characteristics and thus indicates the "off state" and that the process is fully reversible. In essence, the triads could function as potential switches on the basis of the reversible change in their spectral and redox behaviors under the influence of anion, acid, and temperature. The most important outcome of this study is mimicking several advanced Boolean and fuzzy logic functions by utilizing the spectral response of the triads upon the action of said external stimuli.

Analyte Interactions with Oxoporphyrinogen Derivatives: Computational Aspects

Abstract:

The binding of anions by highly-coloured chromophore compounds is of interest from the point-of-view of the development of optical sensors for analyte species. In this review, we have summarised our work on the interactions between oxoporphyrinogen type host compounds and different analyte species using computational methods. The origin of our interest in sensing using oxoporphyrinogens stems from an initial finding involving anion-host interactions involving a conjugated oxoporphyrinogen molecule. This review starts from that point, introducing some additional exemplary anion binding data, which is then elaborated to include descriptions of our synthesis work towards multitopic and ion pair interactions. In all the projects, we have consulted computational data on host structure and host-guest complexes in order to obtain information about the interactions occurring during complexation. Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations have been extensively used for these purposes. Oxoporphyrinogens are highly colored synthetically flexible compounds whose interactions with anions, ion pairs, and other species have been modelled using computational methods.

Macrocyclic versus open-chain carbazole receptors for carboxylate binding

Anion recognition properties of six synthetic acyclic and macrocyclic carbazole-based receptors have been studied by 1H-NMR as well as with COSMO-RS calculations towards acetate, benzoate, lactate, sorbate and formate. The...

Regioselective synthetic approach for key precursors of 6-aryl benzo[c]phenanthridin-10-ol derivatives: A useful compound for selective chromogenic recognition of fluoride

A regioselective synthetic strategy for 6-aryl-8,9-dihydro-benzo[c]phenanthridine-10(7H)-ones (4) is accomplished using a one-pot four-component reaction by fine-tuning of reaction temperature. DMSO is excellently used as a reactant-cum-solvent to introduce carbonyl functionality...

Selective Detection of Picric Acid and Pyrosulfate Ion by Nickel Complexes Offering a Hydrogen-Bonding-Based Cavity

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of three mononuclear nickel complexes supported with amide-based pincer ligands. All three complexes presented an H-bonding-based cavity due to the migration of amidic protons to the appended heterocyclic rings that formed H-bonds with the metal-ligated solvent molecule(s). These complexes functioned as the nanomolar chemosensors for the detection of picric acid and pyrosulfate ion as inferred by the detailed absorption and emission spectral studies while further supported with FTIR, NMR, and mass spectra of the isolated products. We also illustrate a few practical detection methods for the sensing of picric acid in the solution state as the naked-eye colorimetric methods and in the solid state by employing polystyrene films.

Spectroscopic and Colorimetric Studies for Anions with a New Urea-Based Molecular Cleft

A new simple urea-based dipodal molecular cleft (L) has been synthesized and studied for its binding affinity for a variety of anions by 1H-NMR, UV-Vis and colorimetric techniques in DMSO-d6 and DMSO, respectively. The results from titration studies suggest that the receptor forms a 1:2 complex with each of the anions used via hydrogen bonding interactions and exhibits strong selectivity for fluoride among halides, showing the binding affinity in the order of fluoride > chloride > bromide > iodide; meanwhile, it displays moderate selectivity for acetate among oxoanions, showing the binding affinity in the order of acetate > dihydrogen phosphate > bicarbonate > hydrogen sulfate > nitrate. Colorimetric studies of L for anions in DMSO reveal that the receptor is capable of detecting fluoride, acetate, bicarbonate and dihydrogen phosphate, displaying a visible color change in the presence of the respective anions.

Tetraphenylethylene-Substituted Bis(thienyl)imidazole (DTITPE), An Efficient Molecular Sensor for the Detection and Quantification of Fluoride Ions

Fluoride ion plays a pivotal role in a range of biological and chemical applications however excessive exposure can cause severe kidney and gastric problems. A simple and selective molecular sensor, 4,5-di(thien-2-yl)-2-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)-phenyl)-1H-imidazole, DTITPE, has been synthesized for the detection of fluoride ions, with detection limits of 1.37 × 10−7 M and 2.67 × 10−13 M, determined by UV-vis. and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The variation in the optical properties of the molecular sensor in the presence of fluoride ions was explained by an intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) process between the bis(thienyl) and tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties upon the formation of a N-H---F− hydrogen bond of the imidazole proton. The sensing mechanism exhibited by DTITPE for fluoride ions was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Test strips coated with the molecular sensor can detect fluoride ions in THF, undergoing a color change from white to yellow, which can be observed with the naked eye, showcasing their potential real-world application.

Utilizing an Amino Acid Scaffold to Construct Heteroditopic Receptors Capable of Interacting with Salts under Interfacial Conditions

A 4-nitro-L-phenylalanine scaffold was used to construct effective ion pair receptors capable of binding anions in an enhanced manner with the assistance of alkali metal cations. A benzocrown ether was linked to a receptor platform via the amide function so as to support the squaramide function in anion binding and to allow all three NHs to act simultaneously. The binding properties of the receptors were determined using UV-vis, ¹H NMR, 2D NMR, and DOSY spectroscopy in MeCN and in the solid state by X-ray measurements. Ion pair receptor 2 was found to interact with the most strongly with salts, and the removal of its key structural elements was shown to hinder the receptor action. The amide proton was recognized to switch from having involvement in an intramolecular hydrogen bond to interacting with anions upon complexation. Apart from carboxylates, which promote deprotonation, and other monovalent salts creating 1:1 complexes with the receptor, more complex equilibria were established upon the complexation of 2 with sulfates. Receptor 2 was shown to be capable of the extraction of ion pairs from the aqueous to organic phase and of the cation-enhanced transport chloride and sulfate anions across a bulk chloroform membrane. These features may open the door for its use in regulating ion concertation under interfacial conditions and acting as a potential drug to treat channelopathies.

Luminescent 2D Pillared-Bilayer Metal-Organic Coordination Networks for Selective Sensing of ReO4- in Water

For the preference in nuclear energy, one of the high-level liquid waste materials in the form of pertechnetate anion (TcO₄^-) has become an environmental hazard due to its mobility into groundwater and soil. For its sequestration, numerous efforts have been reported in recent years. However, its selective sensing, even using its nonradioactive surrogate oxidizing perrhenate ion (ReO₄^-), in aqueous media is very limited. To develop novel materials for such a purpose, we have designed an amino acid-functionalized bent dicarboxylic acid, 4-(((4-((carboxymethyl)carbamoyl)phenyl)amino)methyl)benzoic acid (H₂hipamifba), for the strategic room-temperature synthesis of two isostructural and highly luminescent two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic coordination networks (MOCNs), {[Cu(hipamifba)(4,4'-azbpy)]·2CH₃OH·2H₂O}_n (1) and {[Zn(hipamifba)(4,4'-azbpy)]·2CH₃OH·2H₂O}_n (2), where 4,4'-azobipyridine (4,4'-azbpy) as a pillar linker imparts luminescent properties in the architectures. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis demonstrates that 1 and 2 have pillared-bilayer 2D networks with the sq1/Shubnikov tetragonal plane net topology. These multiresponsive luminescent materials were gainfully employed for the selective sensing of ReO₄^- in water with a detection limit of 3.4 and 5.4 ppm for 1 and 2, respectively. It is noteworthy to point out that these are the first neutral sensors for such study as the only other two sensors reported in the literature are cationic in nature. Their suitability (selectivity, stability, and recyclability) as excellent water-stable sensors was established through the competitive analyte test and a comparison of pristine and spent samples by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, the mechanism of selective detection is explained by the time-resolved studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

K2S2O8 mediated synthesis of 5-aryldipyrromethanes and meso-substituted A4-tetraarylporphyrins

The synthesis of dipyrromethanes from pyrrole and arylglyoxylic acids in the presence of K2S2O8at 90 [Formula: see text]C is reported affording dipyrromethanes in very good yields. Unlike an excess pyrrole traditionally used in dipyrromethane synthesis, the current method uses a stoichiometric amount of pyrrole avoiding any use of Brønsted or Lewis acid. A gram scale synthesis of 5-phenyldipyrromethane is also achieved demonstrating potential scale up of dipyrromethanes using this method feasible. Subsequently, dipyrromethanes were converted to A4-tetraarylporphyrins also in the presence of K2S2O8at 90[Formula: see text]C. A direct synthesis of A4-tetraphenylporphyrin from excess pyrrole and phenylglyoxylic acid in the presence of K2S2O8 at 90[Formula: see text]C is also reported.

Unveiling the Uncommon Fluorescent Recognition Mechanism towards Pertechnetate Using a Cationic Metal-Organic Framework Bearing N-Heterocyclic AIE Molecules

As one of most problematic radionuclides, technetium-99, mainly in the form of anionic pertechnetate (TcO₄ ^- ), exhibits high environmental mobility, long half-life, and radioactive hazard. Due to low charge density and high hydrophobicity for this tetrahedral anion, it is extremely difficult to recognize it in water. Seeking efficient and selective recognition method for TcO₄ ^- is still a big challenge. Herein, a new water-stable cationic metal-organic framework (ZJU-X8) was reported, bearing tetraphenylethylene pyrimidine-based aggregation-induced emission (AIE) ligands and attainable silver sites for TcO₄ ^- detection. ZJU-X8 underwent an obvious spectroscopic change from brilliant blue to flavovirens and exhibited splendid selectivity towards TcO₄ ^- . This uncommon fluorescent recognition mechanism was well elucidated by batch sorption experiments and DFT calculations. It was found that only TcO₄ ^- could enter into the body of ZJU-X8 through anion exchange whereas other competing anions were excluded outside. Subsequently, after interaction between TcO₄ ^- and silver ions, the electron polarizations from pyrimidine rings to Ag⁺ cations significantly lowered the energy level of the π* orbital and thus reduced the π-π* energy gap, resulting in a red-shift in the fluorescent spectra.

Calix[6]arene-based Brønsted acids for molecular recognition and catalysis

We report the synthesis of a versatile trifluoromethylsulfonamide calix[6]arene derivative with Brønsted acid features which can influence both molecular recognition and catalytic application. Indeed, in low polarity media, the trifluoromethyl-containing supramolecular wheel is able to respond to the complexation with charged species as a function of its selective ion-pair recognition. In parallel, the enhanced acidity is the key to promote Michael additions of indoles to nitroalkenes under pseudo-physiological reaction conditions (H2O, 37 °C).

Anion Binding Studies of Urea and Thiourea Functionalized Molecular Clefts

Two rationally designed 4-nitrophenyl-based molecular clefts functionalized with thiourea (L₁) and urea (L₂) have been synthesized and studied for a variety of anions by UV-Vis and colorimetric techniques in DMSO. Results from the binding studies suggest that both L₁ and L₂ bind halides showing the order: fluoride > chloride > bromide > iodide; and oxoanions showing the order: dihydrogen phosphate > hydrogen sulfate > nitrate > perchlorate. Each receptor has been shown to form a 1:1 complex with an anion via hydrogen bonding interactions, displaying distinct color change for fluoride and dihydrogen phosphate in solution. As compared to the urea-based receptor L₂, the thiourea-based receptor L₁ exhibits stronger affinity for anions due the presence of more acidic thiourea functional groups.

Cobalt (II) complex as a fluorescent sensing platform for the selective and sensitive detection of triketone HPPD inhibitors

4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenase (HPPD) is a Fe(II)/Co(II)-dependent enzyme which has become one of the most effective herbicide targets. HPPD inhibitors have been developed as efficient herbicides for resistant weed control. Developing a method for efficient and rapid HPPD inhibitors detection is still challenging. N-n-butyl-4-methylhydrazinecarbothioamide-1,8-naphthalimide (NMN) was synthesized and used to detect Co²⁺ efficiently with the limit of detection (LOD) of 7.82 nM with a turn-on fluorescence. Herein a novel fluorescent complex, NMN‒Co²⁺ was employed to determine HPPD inhibitors which performed a turn-off effect in the sensing process based on the competitive coordination between the probe and HPPD with Co²⁺. The LODs for three commercial triketone HPPD inhibitors (mesotrione, tembotrione and NTBC) were 6.60 nM, 7.37 nM and 10.22 nM with good sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, the present probe has potentials to quantitatively detect mesotrione and tembotrione in real samples.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots for sensitive detection of ferric ions and monohydrogen phosphate by the naked eye and imaging in living cells

Nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs) have been prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal method by using formamide and o-phenylenediamine as the carbon precursors. The as-fabricated N-CDs display excellent water dispersibility, good biocompatibility and anti-photobleaching properties. A strong emission band with an emission maximum (λ ^fl _max) of 556 nm is observed under 450 nm excitation, and a large Stokes shift of 106 nm is presented. However, the fluorescence is quenched by the addition of Fe³⁺; a good linearity is shown in the range of 0-65 μM with a detection limit as low as 0.85 μM. Fortunately, the quenched fluorescence could be recovered rapidly by the addition of monohydrogen phosphate (HPO₄ ^2-) due to the formation of the stable [N-CDs-Fe³⁺-HPO₄ ^2-] complex, and a good linearity is exhibited in the range of 0-60 μM with a low detection limit of 0.80 μM for HPO₄ ^2-. A novel "on-off-on" fluorescence response is seen with an obvious color change from yellow-crimson-yellow by the naked eye. In addition, the confocal microscopy images suggest that the as-synthesized N-CDs could serve as a sensitive nanosensor for Fe³⁺ and HPO₄ ^2- detection, implying the diverse potential application of N-CDs in the biomedical field.

Name reactions: strategies in the design of chemodosimeters for analyte detection

The design and synthesis of suitable chemodosimeters for the detection of toxic analytes has become challenging for new researchers nowadays in the molecular recognition field.

An overview of CO32−/HCO3− binding by aerial CO2 fixation within the self-assemblies of hydrogen-bond donor scaffolds

A comprehensive account of the F⁻/OH⁻-induced atmospheric CO₂ fixation as carbonate/bicarbonate anion(s) within the self-assemblies of artificial receptors are demonstrated in the highlight.

Iodide ion receptors: shape-persistent macrocycles of syn/anti configurations

A local induced fit mechanism following a conformational selection in the recognition of iodide anions is reported.

Protonation of cyclen-based chelating agents containing fluorescent moieties

The fluorescence emission properties of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-based receptors with appended heteroaromatic fluorophores are tuned by photoinduced electron and proton transfer processes.

Single-molecule magnets under dc field with an anion effect: self-assembly of pure dysprosium(iii) metallacycles

The anion-adaptive self-assembly described here not only offers a facile approach to produce large single-molecule magnets but also provides an understanding of how structural factors affect the magnetic properties.

Terpyridine-Functionalized Calixarenes: Synthesis, Characterization and Anion Sensing Applications

Lanthanide complexes have been developed and are reported herein. These complexes were derived from a terpyridine-functionalized calix[4]arene ligand, chelated with Tb3+ and Eu3+. Synthesis of these complexes was achieved in two steps from a calix[4]arene derivative: (1) amide coupling of a calix[4]arene bearing carboxylic acid functionalities and (2) metallation with a lanthanide triflate salt. The ligand and its complexes were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as MS. The photophysical properties of these complexes were studied; high molar absorptivity values, modest quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes on the ms timescale were obtained. Anion binding results in a change in the photophysical properties of the complexes. The anion sensing ability of the Tb(III) complex was evaluated via visual detection, UV-vis and fluorescence studies. The sensor was found to be responsive towards a variety of anions, and large binding constants were obtained for the coordination of anions to the sensor.

Potentiometric Carboxylate Sensors Based on Carbazole-Derived Acyclic and Macrocyclic Ionophores

Solid-contact ion-selective electrodes with carbazole-derived ionophores were prepared. They were characterized as acetate sensors, but can be used to determine a number of carboxylates. The potentiometric response characteristics (slope, detection limit, selectivity, and pH sensitivity) of sensors prepared with different membrane compositions (ionophore, ionophore concentration, anion exchanger concentration, and plasticizer) were evaluated. The results show that for the macrocyclic ionophores, a larger cavity provided better selectivity. The sensors exhibited modest selectivity for acetate but good selectivity for benzoate. The carbazole-derived ionophores effectively decreased the interference from lipophilic anions, such as bromide, nitrate, iodide, and thiocyanate. The selectivity, detection limit, and linear range were improved by choosing a suitable plasticizer and by reducing the ionophore and anion exchanger concentrations. The influence of the electrode body’s material upon the composition of the plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane, and thus also upon the sensor characteristics, was also studied. The choice of materials for the electrode body significantly affected the characteristics of the sensors.