Sulfonamido-Pincer Complexes of Cu(II) and the Electrocatalysis of O2 Reduction

Heteroleptic copper complexes of an asymmetrical pincer ligand containing a central anionic sulfonamide donor (pyridine-2-yl-sulfonyl)(quinolin-8-yl)-amide (psq), which contains a central anionic sulfonamido donor have been prepared. Meridional κ3-N,N″,N‴ binding with the co-ligands acetate, chloride, or acetonitrile (MeCN), trans to the central sulfonamido N-donor, is revealed by the X-ray crystal structures of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)], [CuCl(psq)]2, and [Cu(psq)(MeCN)](PF6). Either overall distorted square pyramidal or octahedral geometries of the copper atom are satisfied by coordinated water in the case of the acetate complex or interactions with periphery sulfonamido oxygen atoms on adjacent molecules in the dimeric chloride and 1D polymeric acetonitrile complexes. The cyclic voltammogram (CV) of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)] shows a quasi-reversible CuII/CuI reduction at -0.930 V (vs Fc+/Fc0, MeCN), and an irreversible CuII/CuI reduction for [Cu(psq)(MeCN)](PF6) is seen at -0.838 V. This signal is split into two quasi-reversible redox processes on the addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). This suggests that TFE pushes a solution equilibrium toward a dimeric acetate complex analogous to [CuCl(psq)]2, which shows two quasi-reversible waves at -0.666 V and -0.904 V vs Fc+/Fc0 consistent with its dimeric solid-state structure. A comparison of the CVs of [Cu(OAc)(psq)(H2O)] under either a N2 or an O2 atmosphere revealed that this complex catalyzes turnover electro-reduction of O2 to H2O2 and H2O. The rate of reaction increases on addition of a weak organic acid, and a coulombic efficiency of 48% for H2O2 was determined by iodometric titration. We propose that a CuI complex formed on electroreduction binds O2 to yield an intermediate superoxide complex. On electron and proton transfer to this species, a bifurcated route back to the O2-activating CuI complex is feasible with either release of H2O2 or O-O cleavage resulting in the liberation of H2O. The CuI complex is regenerated by subsequent reduction and protonation to close the cycle.

Development of highly selective fluorescent ferrocenyl-iminopyridine chemosensor for biologically relevant Fe3

Design, synthesis, characterization, and ion detection studies of two ferrocene-appended Schiff bases namely N-(2-[ferrocenylamino]ethyl)-5-nitropyridin-2-amine (1) and ferrocenylamino-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (2) been reported. Both the chemosensors have been thoroughly characterized using Fourier transfer infrared, 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance, high resolution mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet/visible (UV/visible) and fluorescence spectral techniques. Probes 1 and 2 were designed with the aim of appending the ferrocenyl group with pyridine ring having an amine substitution (for 1) and imidazole ring with an amide substitution (for 2). Interaction of these probes with a series of cations and anions was examined through UV/vis and fluorescence spectral techniques. Probe 2 exhibited an insignificant response towards anions and loss of selectivity for cations, whereas 1 displayed highly selective detection towards biologically important Fe3+ in 2:1 (probe:cation) stoichiometry. Notably, none of the cations and anions could interfere the selectivity of Fe3+ ensured by 1 in aqueous medium. The limit of detection for Fe3+ detection using 1 was determined to be 0.2 ppm. The results strongly suggest that 1 could find promising future application as a chemosensor for Fe3+ in biological systems for quantification and qualitative analysis.

A new diformyl phenol based chemosensor selectively detects Zn2+ and Co2+ in the nanomolar range in 100% aqueous medium and HCT live cells

A new diformyl phenol based chemosensor that can sense Zn2+ and Co2+ in the nanomolar range in 100% aqueous solution and in HCT cells was explored.

Characterization of copper(II) specific pyridine containing ligands: Potential metallophores for Alzheimer's disease therapy

Two amide group containing pyridine derivatives, N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)picolinamide (PMPA) and N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)acetamide (DPMGA), have been investigated as potential metallo-phores in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. Their complex formation with Cu(II) and Zn(II) were characterized in details. Unexpectedly not only the Cu(II) but also the Zn(II) was able to induce deprotonation of the amide-NH, however, it occurred only at higher pH or at higher metal ion concentrations than the biological conditions. At μM concentration level mono complexes (MLH_-1) dominate with both ligands. Direct fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing measurements prove that both ligands are able to remove Cu(II) from its amyloid-β complexes (CuAβ). Correlation was also established between the conditional stability constant of the Cu(II) complexes with different ligands and their ability of inhibition of ROS production by CuAβ.

A novel sensitive and selective chemosensor for fluorescent detection of Zn2+ in cosmetics creams based on a covalent post functionalized Al-MOF

A material was fabricated based on the Schiff base reaction to achieve covalent attachment of NH₂-MIL-53(Al) and 3-formylsalicylic acid for fluorimetric detection of Zn²⁺ ions based on inhibition and destruction of CN isomerization and ESIPT.

A Heterocyclic-based Bifunctional Sensor for Detecting Cobalt and Zinc Ion

A new bifunctional chemosensor HBP ((E)-2-(2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl) quinoline) based on heterocyclic compounds was designed and studied. The HBP showed successful detecting ability toward cobalt ion with a UV-visible red-shift and a color change of colorless to pink. Moreover, toward zinc ion, the HBP showed an obvious fluorescence turn-on response. The binding ratio of the HBP to cobalt and zinc was a 2 to 1 for both ions. The detection limits were found to be 10 nM for Co2+ and 18 nM for Zn2+. Based on UV-vis and fluorescent spectral variations, Job plots, ESI-MS, FT-IR and calculations, the binding mechanisms of the HBP toward cobalt and zinc ions were proposed.

A bisphenol based fluorescence chemosensor for the selective detection of Zn2+ and PPi ions and its bioluminescence imaging

A bisphenol based fluorescence "turn-on" chemosensor 4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)bis(2-((E)-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)hydrazineyldene)methyl)phenol) (BHMP) has been synthesized and its sensing behavior was tested towards various ionic species. The chemo-sensing behavior of BHMP has been established through absorption, fluorescence, NMR, and mass spectroscopic techniques. The probe BHMP selectively detects zinc ions over other metal ions and the resulting BHMP + Zn²⁺ ensemble serves as a secondary probe for the detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) anion specifically over other anions. The spectroscopic studies reveal the fluorescence enhancement of BHMP in association with Zn²⁺ ions was quenched in the presence of pyrophosphate (PPi) anions. A probable mechanism of this selective sensing behavior was described on the basis of "OFF-ON-OFF" strategy for detection of both cations and anions. Moreover, the biological applicability of the chemosensor BHMP was examined via cell imaging studies.

Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of Zn2+ ion and its bio-imaging applications based on macrocyclic "tet a" derivative

We report on the synthesis and characterization of trans N, N'-di-substituted macrocyclic "tet a" probe (L) for metal ion sensing. Both the colorimetric and fluorescent titration studies are performed with different metal ions. The results have suggested that the probe L is very selective and sensitive towards Zn²⁺ ions with significant changes in color. The pendant armed macrocyclic "tet a" probe has exhibited 1.28× 10⁵ M^-1 binding constant and virtuous selectivity for Zn²⁺ ion than other common metal ions. The detection limit of the probe towards Zn²⁺ ion is 0.027 nM. The selective sensing of Zn²⁺ ion is efficiently reversible with EDTA, which is demonstrated for five cycles without losing sensitivity. The time-resolved single-photon counting (TCSPC) studies have determined the average lifetime value for the probe L and L+ Zn²⁺ ion of 1.29 and 2.96 ns, respectively. The theoretical DFT studies have well supported the experimental outcomes. The practical application of the probe in visualizing intracellular Zn²⁺ ion distribution in live Artemia salina has proved the low cytotoxicity and cell membrane permeability of probe, which makes it capable of sensing Zn²⁺ ion in HeLa cells. Thus, the probe L can act as a selective recognition of Zn²⁺ ion in living cell applications.

Oxidation-Induced Differentially Selective Turn-On Fluorescence via Photoinduced Electron Transfer Based on a Ferrocene-Appended Coumarin-Quinoline Platform: Application in Cascaded Molecular Logic

Differentially selective molecular sensors that exhibit differential response toward multiple analytes are cost-effective and in high demand for various practical applications. A novel, highly differentially selective electrochemical and fluorescent chemosensor, 5, based on a ferrocene-appended coumarin-quinoline platform has been designed and synthesized. Our designed probe is very specific toward Fe³⁺ via a reversible redox process, whereas it detects Cu²⁺ via irreversible oxidation. Interestingly, it exhibits differential affinity toward the Cu⁺ ion via complexation. High-resolution mass spectrometry, ¹H NMR titration, and IR spectral studies revealed the formation of a bidentate Cu⁺ complex involving an O atom of the amide group attached to the quinoline ring and a N atom of imine unit, and this observation was further supported by quantum-chemical calculations. The metal binding responses were further investigated by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. Upon the addition of Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, the fluorescence emission of probe 5 shows a "turn-on" signal due to inhibition of the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from a donor ferrocene unit to an excited-state fluorophore. The addition of sodium l-ascorbate (LAS) as a reducing agent causes fluorescence "turn off" for the Fe³⁺ ion because of reemergence of the PET process but not for the Cu²⁺ ion because it oxidizes the ferrocene unit to a ferrocenium ion with its concomitant reduction to Cu⁺, which further complexes with 5. Thermodynamic calculations using the Weller equation along with density functional theory calculations validate the feasibility of the PET process. A unique combination of Fe³⁺, LAS, and Cu²⁺ ions has been used to produce a molecular system demonstrating combinational "AND-OR" logic operation.

The development of two fluorescent chemosensors for the selective detection of Zn2+ and Al3+ ions in a quinoline platform by tuning the substituents in the receptor part: elucidation of the structures of the metal-bound chemosensors and biological studies

Two aminoquinoline-based chemosensors (HL1 and HL2) are reported for selective detection of Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ ions.

A fluorescent "ON-OFF-ON" switch for the selective and sequential detection of Hg2+ and I- with applications in imaging using human AGS gastric cancer cells

A new fluorescent "on-off-on" probe (BIPQ) is designed and developed which selectively binds with Hg²⁺; its emission intensity is quenched almost 40-fold at 455 nm without interference from other metal cations. On gradual addition of I^- to the solution of BIPQ-Hg²⁺, the emission reverts to its original intensity. The limits of detection of BIPQ for Hg²⁺ and I^- are found to be on the order of 3.12 × 10^-9 and 5.48 × 10^-8 M, respectively, which shows clearly that BIPQ can sense Hg²⁺ at a very minute level. DFT and TDDFT studies are conducted with the probe to establish similarity between theoretical and experimental outcomes. Finally, to demonstrate its practical benefit in biological fields, live cell imaging experiments with BIPQ are carried out to detect Hg²⁺ in human AGS gastric cancer cell lines.

Dual recognition of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions by a novel probe based on diarylethene and its application

We synthesized a new fluorescent probe 1O by attaching a diarylethene molecule to a functional group. The probe can be used to detect Al3+ and Zn2+ at the same time with high selectivity, and its detection limit is very low. When Al3+ was added, the fluorescence intensity was increased 310 folds, and was accompanied by a fluorescent color change from black to grass-green. Similarly, after the addition of Zn2+, the fluorescence intensity was enhanced 110 folds, with a concomitant color change from black to yellow-green. Moreover, based on the properties of 1O, we designed a logic circuit, and that also can be used for water sample testing.

A New Fluorescent Chemosensor for Cobalt(II) Ions in Living Cells Based on 1,8-Naphthalimide

In this work, a highly selective fluorescent chemosensor N-(2-(2-butyl-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-6-yl)hydrazine-1-carbonothioyl)benzamide (L) was prepared and characterized. An assay to detect the presence of cobalt(II) ions was developed by utilizing turn-on fluorescence enhancement with visual colorimetric response. Upon treatment with Co²⁺, a remarkable fluorescence enhancement located at 450 nm was visible to naked eyes accompanied with a distinct color change (from pink to colorless) in a CH₃CN/HEPES (4/1, v/v, pH = 7.4) solution due to the formation of a 1:1 complex at room temperature. In addition, the linear concentration range for Co²⁺ was 0–25 µM with the limit of detection down to 0.26 µM. Thus, a highly sensitive fluorescent method based on chelation-assisted fluorescence enhancement was developed for the trace-level detection of Co²⁺. The sensor was found to be highly selective toward Co²⁺ ions with a large number of coexisting ions. Furthermore, the L probe can serve as a fluorescent sensor for Co²⁺ detecting in biological environments, demonstrating its low toxic properties to organisms and good cell permeability in live cell imaging.

Facile ultrasonic synthesized NH2-carbon quantum dots for ultrasensitive Co2+ ion detection and cell imaging

The amine decorated carbon quantum dots (NH₂-CQDs) were synthesized through ultrasonic method from graphite rods derived CQDs and ammonia hydroxide and utilized as the sensing probes for cobalt (II) ions and nucleic acids. The sensing technique was investigated to be the fluorescence quenching effect, which demonstrated linear relationship between cobalt (II) ions concentration and the emission intensity deviation ratio in the concentration range of 50 nM to 40 μM with the detection limit of 12 nM. In brief, this sensitive and selective detection method was confirmed to demonstrate high potential in cobalt (II) ions detection in real samples and nucleic acid sensing in biological cells.

Effect of charge transfer and structural rigidity on divergent luminescence response of a metal organic framework towards different metal ions: luminescence lifetime decay experiments and DFT calculations

We have thoroughly studied the luminescence behaviour of a cadmium based MOF, [Cd(C12N2H8)(C7N1O4H3)] {C12N2H8 = 1,10-phenanthroline, C7N1O4H3 = 2,5-pyridine dicarboxylate}, 1. Both steady-state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopic experiments were performed to understand the dissimilar responses of compound 1 towards different metal ions in aqueous medium. Upon excitation at 280 nm, compound 1 showed a luminescence spectrum centered at 365 nm, which exhibited a three-fold turn-on in the presence of a trace amount of Zn2+ in aqueous solution, whereas in the presence of Co2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, Fe2+ and Cu2+ the luminescence of compound 1 got largely quenched. Compound 1 did not show any response in the presence of other common metal ions such as K+, Mg2+, Na+, Mn2+, and Cr3+. By analysing all the experimental results, we successfully explained the versatile luminescence behaviour of compound 1. The turn-on of luminescence in the presence of Zn2+ ions was due to coordination bond formation and enhancement of the rigidity of compound 1 which resulted in the reduction of non-radiative decay processes to a large extent. The quenching of luminescence in the presence of transition metal ions was found to be static in nature, and was due to the possibility of ligand to metal charge transfer using the vacant d-orbital of the metal ions. In the case of Hg2+ which is a closed cell heavy metal ion, the quenching of luminescence was also static in nature and was due to a two-way charge transfer mechanism. We have also performed density functional theory calculations and obtained supportive results for the proposed mechanisms of luminescence turn-on and quenching. Moreover, compound 1 could be established as a selective and efficient sensor of Zn2+ in aqueous solution even in the presence of Cd2+ and other metal ions.

An ESIPT based chromogenic and fluorescent ratiometric probe for Zn2+ with imaging in live cells and tissues

A benzothiazole based fluorescent probe for selective and efficient detection of Zn²⁺ showing potential application in human breast cancer cells.

Benzothiazole integrated into a cryptand for ESIPT-based selective chemosensor for Zn2+ ions

A novel 2(2′-hydroxyphenyl) benzothiazole-based cryptand (L) exhibits high fluorescence intensity in the presence of Zn²⁺ ions by stopping the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process with a detection limit of 0.20 μM.

A visible chemosensor based on carbohydrazide for Fe(ii), Co(ii) and Cu(ii) in aqueous solution

A colorless sensor with pyridyl and carbohydrazide components shows a unique photoresponse when exposed to Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Co²⁺. The sensor's colorimetric response is unique to these metal ions and is stable around neutral pH.