A new fluorescent chemosensor for copper(II) and molecular switch controlled by light

Progress in appended calix[4]arene-based receptors for selective recognition of copper ions

In the past two decades, there has been significant progress in the design and development of synthetic receptors for molecular recognition as they find application in the field of chemical, biological, medical, and environmental sciences. Synthetic receptors based on calix systems appended with fluorogenic and chromogenic groups have gained considerable attention for sensing and recognition of ions and molecules. Copper (Cu2+) is an essential element required in trace amounts in all living organisms to carry out various biological processes. The aim of this review is to summarize advancement in π-conjugated fluorogenic and chromogenic groups appended to calix[4]arene motifs for detection and quantitation of Cu2+ ion. The focus is to present a comprehensive account of extended calix[4]arene systems with different linkers and highlight the unique design and binding characteristics for the recognition and sensing of Cu2+ ions.

An anthraquinone-based highly selective colorimetric and fluorometric sensor for sequential detection of Cu2+ and S2− with intracellular application

An anthraquinone-based highly selective colorimetric and fluorometric probe for sequential detection of Cu²⁺ and S²⁻ with intracellular application is reported.

Amidofluorene-appended lower rim 1,3-diconjugate of calix[4]arene: synthesis, characterization and highly selective sensor for Cu(2.)

Functionalization of calix[4]arene with amidofluorene moieties at the lower rim led to formation of the 1,3-diconjugate of calix[4]arene L as a novel fluorescent chemosensor for Cu²⁺. The receptor molecule L exhibited a pronounced selectivity towards Cu²⁺ over other mono and divalent ions. The formation of the complex between L and Cu²⁺ was evaluated by absorption, fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The sensor L showed a remarkable color change from colorless to purple and a fluorescence quenching only upon interaction with Cu²⁺. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the obtained complex has been determined by Job’s plot. The association constant determined by fluorescence titration was found to be 1.8 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. The sensor showed a linear response toward Cu²⁺ in the concentration range from 1 to 10 µM with a detection limit of 9.6 × 10⁻⁸ M.

Theoretical investigation on ESIPT mechanism of a new fluorescent sensor in different solvents

In the present work, a new phenylbenzimidazole derivatized fluorescent sensor (L) (J. Lumin. 147 (2014) 179), has been investigated on the excited state proton transfer (ESPT) based on the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method. The calculated absorption and fluorescence spectra based on the TDDFT method are in agreement with the experimental results. Two kinds of structures of L chromophore are found in the first excited (S1) state, which may be due to the proton transfer reactive. Hydrogen bond strengthening has been testified in the S1 state based on comparing staple bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bonding between the S0 state and the S1 state. In addition, the calculated infrared spectra at the N-H stretching vibrational region and calculated hydrogen bond energy also declare the phenomenon of hydrogen bond strengthening. The frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) and Mulliken's charge distribution analysis method as well as natural bond orbital (NBO) demonstrate the charge distribution, which provides the tendency of ESIPT reaction. The potential energy surfaces of the S0 and S1 states are constructed to explain the mechanism of the proton transfer in the excited state in detail. In addition, the ESIPT process of sensor L is dependent on different solvents.

Synthesis of novel p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene Schiff bases and their complexes with C60, potential HIV-Protease inhibitors

Some p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene Schiff base crown ethers were synthesized, characterized using (1)H, (13)C-NMR, DEPT 135 and Mass spectrometry. Their complexes with C60 were isolated and characterized. The inhibition effect of these complexes on HIVP was studied and found that complexes of 9 and 10 have comparable Ki values to Pepstatine which is known as HIVP inhibitor and used as a control. The synthesis of the ligands, complexes and the inhibition behavior are discussed in this article.

A selectively fluorescein-based colorimetric probe for detecting copper(II) ion

A novel fluorescein derivative 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde fluorescein hydrazone (BMSFH) has been synthesized by reacting fluorescein hydrazide with 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde and was developed as a new colorimetric probe for detection of Cu(2+). In the presence of Cu(2+) the BMSFH exhibits a rapid color change from colorless to yellow together with an obvious new band appeared at 502nm in the UV-vis absorption spectra. However, other common alkali-, alkaline earth-, transition- and rare earth metal ions induced no or minimal spectral changes. This change is attributed to BMSFH via coordination with Cu(2+) in a 1:1 stoichiometry and this binding to Cu(2+) is reversible, as indicated by the bleaching of the color when the Cu(2+) is extracted with EDTA. Experimental results indicate that the BMSFH can provide a rapid, selective and sensitive response to Cu(2+) with a linear dynamic range 3.0-330μmol/L and can be used as a potential Cu(2+) colorimetric probe in aqueous solution.

A selectively rhodamine-based colorimetric probe for detecting copper(II) ion

A novel rhodamine derivative 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde rhodamine B hydrazone (BMSRH) has been synthesized by reacting rhodamine B hydrazide with 3-bromo-5-methylsalicylaldehyde and developed as a new colorimetric probe for the selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+. Addition of Cu2+ to the solution of BMSRH results in a rapid color change from colorless to red together with an obvious new band appeared at 552 nm in the UV-vis absorption spectra. This change is attributed to the spirocycle form of BMSRH opened via coordination with Cu2+ in a 1:1 stoichiometry and their association constant is determined as 3.2×10(4) L mol(-1). Experimental results indicate that the BMSRH can provide a rapid, selective and sensitive response to Cu2+ with a linear dynamic range 0.667-240 μmol/L. Common interferent ions do not show any interference on the Cu2+ determination. It is anticipated that BMSRH can be a good candidate probe and has potential application for Cu2+ determination. The proposed probe exhibits the following advantages: a quick, simple and facile synthesis.

A colorimetric chemosensor for Cu²⁺ ion detection based on an iridium(III) complex

We report herein the synthesis and application of a series of novel cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes 1-3 bearing a rhodamine-linked NˆN ligand for the detection of Cu(2+) ions. Under the optimised conditions, the complexes exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Cu(2+) ions over a panel of other metal ions, and showed consistent performance in a pH value range of 6 to 8. Furthermore, the potential application of this system for the monitoring of Cu(2+) ions in tap water or natural river water samples was demonstrated.

A highly selective fluorescent probe for Cu2+ based on rhodamine B derivative

A new fluorescent probe 1 for Cu(2+) based on a rhodamine B derivative was designed and synthesized. Probe 1 displays high sensitivity toward Cu(2+) and about a 37-fold increase in fluorescence emission intensity is observed upon the addition of 10 equiv. Cu(2+) in 50% water/ethanol buffered at pH 7.10. Besides, upon binding Cu(2+) a remarkable color change from colorless to pink was easily observed by the naked eyes. The reversible dual chromo- and fluorogenic response toward Cu(2+) is likely due to the chelation-induced ring-opening of rhodamine spirolactam. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Cu(2+) from 8.0×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-4) mol/L and the detection limit is 3.0×10(-7) mol/L. Except Co(2+), the probe exhibits high selectivity for Cu(2+) over a large number of cations such as alkaline, alkaline earth and transitional metal ions. The accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated by the analysis of the standard reference material, copper in water (1.0 mol/L HNO3). The proposed probe has been used for direct measurement of Cu(2+) content in river water samples and imaging of Cu(2+) in living cells with satisfying results, which further demonstrates its value of practical applications in environmental and biological systems.

A selectively fluorescein-based colorimetric probe for detecting copper(II) ion

A novel fluorescein derivative furfuraldehyde fluorescein hydrazone (FFH) has been synthesized by reacting fluorescein hydrazide with furfuraldehyde and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Addition of Cu(2+) to the solution of FFH results in a rapid color change from colorless to yellow together with an obvious new band appeared at 502 nm in the UV-vis absorption spectra. This change is attributed to the spirocycle form of FFH opened via coordination with Cu(2+) in a 1:1 stoichiometry and their association constant is determined as 6.1×10(4) L mol(-1). Experimental results indicate that the FFH can provide a rapid, selective and sensitive response to Cu(2+) with a linear dynamic range 6.6-330 μmol/L. Common interferent ions do not show any interference on the Cu(2+) determination. It is anticipated that FFH can be a good candidate probe and has potential application for Cu(2+) determination in aqueous solution.

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) in 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole and its naphthalene-fused analogs: a TD-DFT quantum chemical study

The intramolecular proton transfer reactions in 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) and its naphthalene-fused analogs, (HNB1-3) in both S0 and S1 states at the PBE1PBE/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory in the gas phase and water have been investigated to find the effects of extension of aromaticity on the intramolecular proton transfer and photophysical properties. The results show that the ground state intramolecular proton transfer (GSIPT) in the studied species is impossible. Excited states potential energy surface calculations support the existence of ESIPT process. Structural parameters, relative energy of isomers, H-bonding energy, adsorption and emission bands, vertical excitation and emission energies, oscillator strength, fluorescence rate constant, dipole moment, atomic charges and electron density at critical points were calculated. Orbital analysis shows that vertical S0→S1 transition in the studied molecules corresponds essentially to the excitation from HOMO (π) to LUMO (π(*)). The potential of HNB2 molecule as an emissive and electron transport material in designing improved organic white light emitting diodes is predicted in this work. Our calculations are also supported by the experimental observations.

Simple and sensitive colorimetric sensors for the selective detection of Cu2+ in aqueous buffer

Simple chromogenic sensor for the selective detection of Cu(2+) was described. With the addition of Cu(2+), a bathochromic shift about 82 nm was observed in the UV-VIS spectra, with the color change from colorless to bright yellow. This suggested that the coordination between receptor and Cu(2+) was formed, and the strong push-pull system occurred. The followed IR spectra indicated that Cu(2+) coordinated to the two phenolic oxygen atoms and one of two azomethines in the receptor.

A Novel Fluorescent Sensor for Fe3+ and Cr3+ based on a calix[4]arene bearing two coumarin units

A novel turn-on fluorescent sensor based on a calix[4]arene with two coumarin units as fluorophores and iminogroups as ionophores on the upper rim has been synthesised. Its recognition properties towards heavy and transition metal ions have been studied by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry. The compound showed an enhanced fluorescent intensity in the presence of Fe3+ or Cr3+ ion, a high selectivity to Fe3+ or Cr3+ ions and a complexation ratio towards Fe3+ or Cr3+ of 1:1. The association constant for Fe3+ was 5.37×105 M−1 and for Cr3+ was 9.18×105 M−1.

TD-DFT study of the excited-state potential energy surfaces of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole and its amino derivatives

In this study, we used TD-PBE0 calculations to investigate the first singlet excited state (S(1)) behavior of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (HBI) and its amino derivatives. We employed the potential energy surfaces (PESs) at the S(1) state covering the normal syn, tautomeric (S(1)-T(syn)), and intramolecular charge-transfer (S(1)-T(ICT)) states in ethanol and cyclohexane to investigate the reaction mechanisms, including excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) processes. Two new S(1)-T(ICT) states, stable in ethanol and cyclohexane, were found for HBI and its amino derivatives; they are twisted and pyramidalized. The flat PES of the ICT process makes the S(1)-T(ICT) states accessible. The S(1)-T(ICT) state is effective for radiationless relaxation, which is responsible for quenching the fluorescence of the S(1)-T(syn) state. In contrast to the situation encountered conventionally, the S(1)-T(ICT) state does not possess a critically larger dipole moment than its precursor, S(1)-T(syn) state; hence, it is not particularly stable in polar solvents. On the basis of the detailed PESs, we rationalize various experimental observations complementing previous studies and provide insight to understand the excited-state reaction mechanisms of HBI and its amino derivatives.

Selective chemosensor for copper ions based on fluorescence quenching of a Schiff-base fluorophore

A Schiff base-based fluorescent chemosensor has been studied for divalent copper detection. The formation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde benzoylhydrazone-Cu(2+) complex induced a fluorescence quenching of this compound in a medium of water/ethanol (53% v/v) and 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The continuous variations and mole-ratio plots of absorbance suggested a complex formation with a 1:1 metal-ligand stoichiometry. The conditional stability constant for the complex was evaluated to be 6 x 10(6) M(-1). A modified Stern-Volmer relationship was employed to obtain a linear calibration plot, obtaining a dynamic working range up to 157.4 microM. The detection limit of this system was found to be 5.6 microM and the relative standard deviation for five measurements of 78.7 microM concentration was 5.2%. This fluorescent chemosensor also showed a high selectivity for copper ions over other metal ions, such as Al(3+), Ca(2+), Cd(2+), Fe(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Na(+), Pb(2+), or Zn(2+). The results of this investigation show a simple, rapid, low-cost, and selective method that can operate in neutral solutions and is useful for biological and environmental applications.

A Cu2+ ion-selective fluoroionophore with dual off/on switches

A new malonamide fluoroionophore possessing two pyrene moieties was synthesized. This bispyrene exhibited the fluorescence of the pyrene monomer (lambda(em) = 395 nm) and intramolecular excimer (lambda(em) = 467 nm) emissions. The designed derivative showed the excellent ion sensing ability to Cu2+. The "on-off-off" and "off-on-off" fluorescence responses were demonstrated by the addition of the variable Cu2+ concentration. The utilization of the dual off/on responses could apply to the estimation of the rough Cu2+ concentration.