Pattern Recognition and Visual Detection of Aldehydes Using a Single ESIPT Dye

The accurate discrimination and quantification of aldehydes is a worthy objective made challenging by their similar chemical reactivities. Considering the nucleophilic reaction mechanism between an aldehyde and a primary amine, it is reasonable to vary the reaction pH to manipulate the reactivity of aldehydes and the stability of the resulting Schiff base for analytical purposes. We have designed and synthesized three benzothiazole-based fluorescent molecules (BS1-BS3) containing an amino group substituted at the ortho-, meta-, and para-positions for aldehyde sensing. It was determined that only BS1 having an amino group at the ortho-position exhibits a significant fluorescence response in the presence of formaldehyde at a particular pH, whereas BS2 and BS3 gave negligible responses, indicating that the ESIPT process in BS1 should be responsible for the changes in its fluorescence. Accordingly, a pH-mediated sensor array BS1SA was constructed by dissolving BS1 in aqueous solvents with different pH values. BS1SA was found to be reliable for the discrimination of seven different aldehydes and identification of unknown aldehyde samples. Moreover, BS1 was successfully applied to prepare a fluorescent test paper for the visual detection of formaldehyde vapor.

Molecular design of amino-type hydrogen-bonding molecules for excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-based fluorescent probe using the TD-DFT approach

A molecular screening of a new series of NH-type molecules for ESIPT-based fluorescent probes has been carried out using time-dependent density. functional theory.

Organic nanoparticles based on Lewis-pair formation: observation of prototropically controlled dual fluorescence

We successfully synthesize fluorescent organic nanoparticles of a Lewis-pair consisting of an amino-type hydrogen-bonding molecule (Lewis base) and a borinate derivative (Lewis acid). 2-(2'-Aminophenyl)benzothiazole (o-ABT) is chosen as the fluorophore. This molecule has a transferable proton in the amino group, but it does not exhibit ESIPT (excited-state intramolecular proton transfer) reaction in solution and thus shows a single normal emission solely from the enamine form. Organic nanoparticles are prepared by the reprecipitation method in which the fluorophore (o-ABT) in conjunction with a Lewis acid (diphenylborinic anhydride; DPBA) dissolved in a good solvent is rapidly injected into water under sonication. Interestingly, the nanoparticles produced exhibit a characteristic dual fluorescence that can be ascribed to the enamine and imine tautomers of o-ABT generated in the ground-state prototropy, which can be revealed by UV-vis absorption and excitation spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and computational approaches. In the o-ABT/DPBA Lewis-pair nanoparticles, highly Stokes-shifted emission from the imine tautomer is enhanced in comparison with that from the molecularly dissolved state, suggesting that the present nanofabrication methodology based on Lewis acid-base chemistry (or N-B bonding interaction) plays a key role in tuning the fluorescence colour for the new type of organic nanoparticle.

Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Physicochemical, Photophysical, Single Crystal X-ray and DFT Studies of Novel Push-Pull Chromophores

Two push-pull chromophores were synthesized by knoevenagel condensation under microwave irradiation. The structure of synthesized chromophores were established by spectroscopic (FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, EI-MS) and elemental analysis. Structure of the chromophores was further conformed by X-ray crystallographic. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements provided that chromophores were good absorbent and fluorescent properties. Fluorescence polarity studies demonstrated that chromophores were sensitive to the polarity of the microenvironment provided by different solvents. Physicochemical parameters, including singlet absorption, extinction coefficient, stokes shift, oscillator strength, dipole moment and flurescence quantum yield were investigated in order to explore the analytical potential of the synthesized chromophores. In addition, the total energy, frontier molecular orbitals, hardness, electron affinity, ionization energy, electrostatic potential map were also studied computationally by using density functional theoretical method.

Physicochemical and Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of Cationic (CATB) and Anionic (SDS) Surfactants with Environmentally Benign Blue Emitting TTQC Dye

4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-8-methoxy-2-oxo-1,2,5,6 tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile (TTQC) dye has synthesized by one-pot multicomponent reactions (MCRs) of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyd, ethyl cyanoacetate, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalin-1-one and ammonium acetate under microwave irradiation. The structures of the synthesized compound was established by spectroscopic (FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, EI-MS) and elemental analyses. In addition, spectroscopic and physicochemical parameters, including electronic absorption, excitation coefficient, Stokes shift, oscillator strength, transition dipole moment and fluorescence quantum yield were investigated in order to explore the analytical potential of synthesized compound. TTQC dye undergoes solubilization in different micelles and may be used as a probe to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of CTAB and SDS.

One-Pot Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Physicochemical Studies of Quinoline Based Blue Emitting Donor-Acceptor Chromophores with Their Biological Application

Blue emitting cyano substituted isoquinoline dyes were synthesized by one-pot multicomponent reactions (MCRs) of aldehydes, malononitrile, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalin-1-one and ammonium acetate. Results obtained from spectroscopic (FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, EI-MS) and elemental analysis of synthesized compounds was in good agreement with their chemical structures. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements proved that all compounds are good absorbent and fluorescent. Fluorescence polarity study demonstrated that these compounds were sensitive to the polarity of the microenvironment provided by different solvents. In addition, spectroscopic and physicochemical parameters, including electronic absorption, excitation coefficient, stokes shift, oscillator strength, transition dipole moment and fluorescence quantum yield were investigated in order to explore the analytical potential of synthesized compounds. The anti-bacterial activity of these compounds were first studied in vitro by the disk diffusion assay against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined with the reference of standard drug chloramphenicol. The results displayed that compound 3 was better inhibitors of both types of the bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) than chloramphenicol. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Microwave assisted synthesis, spectroscopic studies and non linear optical properties of bis-chromophores

Bis chromophores were synthesized by the terephthalaldehyde with (4-nitrophenyl) acetonitrile/(4-flurophenyl) acetonitrile under microwave irradiation. Bis-chromophores were obtained in good to excellent yields. The structures of bis-chromophores were established by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, EI-MS and elemental analyses. Physical chemical properties such as singlet absorption, extinction coefficient, stokes shift, oscillator strength and dipole moment, were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. Further we also measured the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficients of these compounds using the single beam z-scan technique with a cw argon ion laser at 514.5 nm at different concentrations in DMSO solvent. The third order nonlinear susceptibility was estimated from these measurements and it shows high nonlinearity. The high negative refractive index makes these compounds suitable for optical limiting application.

Optical and theoretical studies on Fe3O4–imidazole nanocomposite and clusters

The larger surface curvature of nanocrystals reduces steric hindrance between surface binding molecules and provides a larger number of unsaturated dangling bonds on the nanocrystal surface.

A comparative study between para-aminophenyl and ortho-aminophenyl benzothiazoles using NMR and DFT calculations

Ortho-substituted and para-substituted aminophenyl benzothiazoles were synthesised and characterised using NMR spectroscopy. A comparison of the proton chemical shift values reveals significant differences in the observed chemical shift values for the NH protons indicating the presence of a hydrogen bond in all ortho-substituted compounds as compared to the para compounds. The presence of intramolecular hydrogen bond in the ortho amino substituted aminophenyl benzothiazole forces the molecule to be planar which may be an additional advantage in developing these compounds as Alzheimer's imaging agent because the binding to amyloid fibrils prefers planar compounds. The splitting pattern of the methylene proton next to the amino group also showed significant coupling to the amino proton consistent with the notion of the existence of slow exchange and hydrogen bond in the ortho-substituted compounds. This is further verified by density functional theory calculations which yielded a near planar low energy conformer for all the o-aminophenyl benzothiazoles and displayed a hydrogen bond from the amine proton to the nitrogen of the thiazole ring. A detailed analysis of the (1)H, (13)C and (15)N NMR chemical shifts and density functional theory calculated structures of the compounds are described.

Synthesis, characterization and (11) C-radiolabeling of aminophenyl benzothiazoles: structural effects on the alkylation of amino group

Several aminophenyl benzothiazoles were prepared with a view to using them as amyloid binding agents for imaging β-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease. These precursors were radiolabeled with (11) C-positron-emitting radioisotope using an automated synthesizer and selected radiolabeled compounds were further purified by HPLC. Our results demonstrate that changes in structure have a major influence on the radioactive yield and the ease with which the radiolabel can be introduced. Aminophenyl benzothiazoles with an attached isopropyl group resisted dialkylation perhaps due to steric hindrance caused by this group. Straight chain attachment of methyl, ethyl, butyl, and crotyl groups in the structure decreased the radiochemical yield. Notably, the o-aminophenyl benzothiazole derivatives were difficult to alkylate despite stringent experimental conditions. This reactivity difference is attributed to the hydrogen bonding characteristics of the o-amino group with the nitrogen atom of the thiazole ring.

Nano rutile TiO2 catalysed synthesis of (E)-4-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)vinyl)-N,N-dimethylaniline and its interaction with super paramagnetic nanoparticles

The synthesis of (E)-4-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)vinyl)-N,N-dimethylaniline (CPPIVI) has been carried out using TiO₂ (R) as catalyst under solvent free conditions and characterized by NMR spectral studies.

2-[(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-benzoic acid methyl ester: crystal structure, DFT calculations and biological activity evaluation

In the present study, structural properties of 2-[(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-benzoic acid methyl ester have been studied extensively by spectral methods and X-ray crystallography. Quantum mechanical calculations of energies, geometries, vibrational wavenumbers, NMR and electronic transitions were carried out by DFT using B3LYP functional combined with 6-31G(d) basis set. Natural bond orbitals (NBO) analysis and frontier molecular orbitals were performed at the same level of theory. DFT calculations showed good agreement between the theoretical and experimental values of optimized and X-ray structure as well as between the vibrational and NMR spectroscopy. The title compound was screened for its antibacterial activity referring to Tetracycline as standard antibacterial agent.

Photosensitive polymeric materials for two-photon 3D WORM optical data storage systems

We report the photochemistry and development of a fluorescence readout-based, nonlinear absorption, three-dimensional optical data storage system. In this system, writing was achieved by acid generation upon two-photon absorption (2PA) of a photoacid generator (PAG; at 710 or 730 nm). Readout was then performed by interrogating two-photon-absorbing dyes, after protonation, at 860 nm. Linear and nonlinear photophysical characterization of 2PA PAGs and acid-sensitive fluorescent dyes demonstrates good spectral resolution between the PAG and protonated 2PA dye and relatively high two-photon absorptivity. Solution spectroscopic studies confirm photoacid generation and dye protonation. Two-photon recording and readout of voxels were demonstrated in five and eight consecutive, crosstalk-free layers within a polymer matrix, generating a data storage capacity of up to 1.8 x 10(13) bits/cm(3).

Valence topological charge-transfer indices for reflecting polarity: correction for heteromolecules

Valence topological charge-transfer (CT) indices are applied to the calculation of dipole moments μ. The μ calculated by algebraic and vector semisums of the CT indices are defined. The model is generalized for molecules with heteroatoms and corrected for sp³-heteromolecules. The ability of the indices for the description of the molecular charge distribution is established by comparing them with μ of the valence-isoelectronic series of cyclopentadiene, benzene and styrene. Two CT indices, μ_vec (vector semisum of vertex-pair μ) and μ_vec^V (valence μ_vec) are proposed. The μ_vec^V behaviour is intermediate between μ_vec and μ_experiment. The correction is produced in the correct direction. The best results are obtained for the greatest group. Inclusion of the heteroatom in the π-electron system is beneficial for the description of μ, owing to either the role of additional p and/or d orbitals provided by the heteroatom or the role of steric factors in the π-electron conjugation. The steric effect is almost constant along the series and the dominating effect is electronic. Inclusion of the heteroatom enhances μ, which can improve the solubility of the molecule. For heteroatoms in the same group, the ring size and the degree of ring flattering are inversely proportional to their electronegativity.

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole in AOT/n-heptane/water reverse micelles

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole (DMAPPI) have been studied in AOT/n-heptane/water reverse micelles at w0 > or = 0. Absorption, fluorescence excitation and fluorescence spectra have revealed that the monocation (MC) of DMAPPI, protonated at the imidazole nitrogen (MC2) (Scheme 2) is present in the S0 state at w0 = 0, along with the MC, protonated at pyridine nitrogen (MC3) and only normal emission is observed from both MC2 and MC3. With increase in w0 (water amount), the equilibrium is shifted towards the MC, protonated at -NMe2 group (MC1) and MC3 in the S0 state. Biprotonic phototautomerism is observed in MC1 to generate MC2 in the S1 state. The twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) emission replaces the normal emission in MC3. All the MCs are present near the anionic polar head group of AOT in the bound water region.

Antitumour benzothiazoles. Part 15: The synthesis and physico-chemical properties of 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazole sulfamate salt derivatives

A series of sulfamate salt derivatives of the potent and selective 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazole antitumour agents has been prepared and their evaluation as potential prodrugs for parenteral administration carried out. The salts were sparingly soluble under aqueous conditions (pH 4-9), and degradation to the active free amine was shown to occur under strongly acidic conditions. The salts were found to be markedly less active than their parent amines against sensitive human tumour cell lines in vitro.

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer in 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-naphth-[2,3-d]-imidazole: effects of solvents and pH

The solvent dependent study of absorption, fluorescence, and fluorescence excitation spectra of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-naphth-[2,3-d]-imidazole (HPNI) have indicated the presence of different rotamers and tautomers in the So and S1 states. Similarity of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of HPNI in protic solvents with those of 2-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1H-naphth-[2,3-d]-imidazole (MPNI) suggests that the normal emission is observed from the rotamers 2 and 4, whereas the tautomer emission is observed from the tautomer 3, formed by the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in the rotamer 1 (Scheme 1). Ground state geometries of rotamers 1, 2, and the tautomer 3 were optimized using AM1 method. The results show that the rotamer 2 is the most stable and its stability further increases in polar and protic solvents due to the dipolar solvation interaction. The increase in the fluorescence quantum yield of the normal band when methanol or water is added to dioxane is due to: (i) the formation of rotamer 4, where ESIPT is not possible and (ii) the decrease in the rate of non-radiative decay process. Very large red shifted fluorescence bands of the monocations of HPNI and MPNI in different solvents have been assigned to the charge transfer band.Key words: 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-naphth-[2,3-d]-imidazole, ESIPT, prototropic reactions, fluorescence, 2-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1H-naphth-[2,3-d]-imidazole.

Spectral Characteristics of the Various Prototropic Species of 2-(4'-N,N-Dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole

Spectral characteristics of 2-(4'-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pyrido[3,4-d]imidazole (DMAPPI) have been studied in two different solvents and H(0)/pH/H(-) range of -10 to +16. Combining the results observed in the absorption, fluorescence, and fluorescence excitation spectra, it is found that (i) only one kind of monoanion (deprotonation of >N-H group) and one kind of trication, (ii) two kinds of monocations (MC1 and MC3) in the ground state and (MC2 and MC3) in the excited singlet state, and (iii) three kinds of dications (DC1, DC2, and DC3) are observed. Semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations (AM1) have been carried out on all kinds of ionic species and their resonating structures. The spectral characteristics have been assigned to various prototropic species combining the experimental and theoretical results.