C-F activation of perfluorophenazine at nickel: selectivity and mechanistic investigations

The reactivity of [Ni(cod)2] towards perfluorophenazine in the presence of phosphines is reported. When PiPr3 and PCy3 are used, an initial κ-(N) coordination of the nickel centre to the nitrogen atom of the perfluorophenazine ring occurs, forming the dark blue complexes [Ni{κ-(N)-C12N2F8}(PiPr3)2] (1) and [Ni{κ-(N)-C12N2F8}(PCy3)2] (2). Complex 1 was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes rearranged by regioselective C-F activation of the perfluorophenazine ring in the 2-position to yield complexes trans-[NiF(2-C12N2F7)(PiPr3)2] (5) and trans-[NiF(2-C12N2F7)(PCy3)2] (6). The structure of 6 was also determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Kinetic measurements for the decrease of 1 at different temperatures reveal a first order reaction with ΔH‡ = 19 ± 7 kcal mol-1. Initially, small amounts of an intermediate, assigned as [Ni(η2-1,2-C12N2F8)(PiPr3)2] (3), were observed, which exhibits a 1,2-η2 coordination of the perfluorophenazine. DFT calculations on the same transformation were also computed, which suggest that both a phosphine-assisted mechanism and an oxidative addition can be operating reaction pathways. The 1,2-η2 complex [Ni(η2-1,2-C12N2F8)(PEt3)2] (4) was obtained when PEt3 was used as ligand, and an unstable dark red complex trans-[NiF(2-C12N2F7)(PEt3)2] (7) formed rapidly by C-F activation. The reactivity of the perfluorophenazine was compared with those of perfluorodibenzo-p-dioxin. In this case, no prior coordination was observed and the C-F activation took place in a less selective manner forming trans-[NiF(1-C12O2F7)(PiPr3)2] (8) and trans-[NiF(2-C12O2F7)(PiPr3)2] (9), outlining the role of the nitrogen for the selectivity of the process. Treatment of two equivalents of [Ni(cod)2] and four equivalents of PiPr3 with perfluorophenazine afforded a double C-F activation to give [{trans-(PiPr3)2NiF}2(2,7-C12N2F6)] (10).

Phenazine-based colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of cyanides based on supramolecular self-assembly in aqueous solution

Taking advantages of both the well-known phenazine structure and the mechanism of the supramolecular self-assembly and deprotonation process, the fluorescent and colorimetric sensor (ZL) was designed and synthesized, behaving as a circulation utilization (above 10 times) receptor for selective detection of cyanide anion (CN^-) in aqueous media. Upon the addition of CN^-, the sensor displayed obvious color changes from yellow to jacinth by naked eyes and the fluorescence immediately quenched (<10s). With respect to other common anions, the sensor possessed high selectivity and sensitivity (0.05μM) for cyanide anions. In addition, the test strips of ZL were fabricated, which could serve as practical colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for "in-the-field" measurements.

Mercaptooxazole–phenazine based blue fluorescent sensor for the ultra-sensitive detection of mercury(ii) ions in aqueous solution

Herein, a fluorescent sensor based on the mechanism of the deprotonation process was designed and synthesized, which could detect Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution with remarkable fluorescence color changed (from yellow to light blue).

Survey, fluorescence spectra, and solubility of liquid cyanine dyes

Four liquid cyanine dyes were produced. The fluorescence of these liquid derivatives in neat form at −196 °C was significantly more intense than that at 25 °C.

Strategy to enhance solid-state fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission enhancement effect in pyrimidine boron complexes

The synthesis and the solution/solid-state fluorescence properties of pyrimidine-based monoboron complexes differing in terms of the substituents [either two fluorine atoms (BF2 complex) or two phenyl groups (BPh2 complex)] on the boron atom are reported herein. Unrestricted C-Ar intramolecular rotation in the non-, trifluoromethyl-, and cyano-substituted derivatives resulted in negligible fluorescence in solution. On the other hand, methoxy- and dimethylamino-substituted analogues caused the restriction of the C-Ar intramolecular rotation and consequently resulted in relatively strong fluorescence in solution. The non-, trifluoromethyl-, and cyano-substituted derivatives showed a pronounced aggregation-induced emission enhancement effect. Dimethylamino-substituted derivatives exhibited solvatochromism in the fluorescence spectra. Substitution with BPh2 effectively enhanced the fluorescence quantum yield compared to the corresponding BF2 complexes in the solid-state.