Two dansyl fluorophores bearing amino acid for monitoring Hg in aqueous solution and live cells

A series of compounds (1-4) bearing one or two dansyl fluorophore(s) based on a Lys amino acid were synthesized in solid phase synthesis. Among them, two dansyl labeled Lys amino acid 3 detected Hg²⁺ in a 100% aqueous solution with high sensitivity (K_d=4.3 nM) via a turn-on response. Compound 3 was applied for monitoring Hg²⁺ in environmental and biological fields. 3 showed a hypersensitive response to Hg²⁺ without interferences from other metal ions and satisfied the requirements for monitoring the maximum allowable level (2 ppb) of mercury ions in drinking water demanded by EPA. In addition, 3 penetrated living HeLa cells and detected intracellular Hg²⁺. The organic spectroscopic data revealed the two sulfonamide and amide groups of 3 played a key role in stabilizing the 3-Hg²⁺ complex.     

Highly emissive triphenylamine based fluorophores for detection of picric acid

Triphenylamine based, dumbbell shaped, highly fluorescent compound 1 was designed and synthesized. Compound 1 showed blue emission with quantum efficiency as high as 0.78 in benzene solution. Compound 1 showed turn-off sensitivity to picric acid, which is a common constituent of many powerful explosives and unavoidable environmental threats. The turn-off sensitivity to picric acid is attributed to the excited state charge transfer from compound 1 to picric acid. Compound 1 selectively senses picric acid with a detection limit of ∼400 ppb.     

Ratiometric fluorescence probe for two-photon bioimaging of Cr in living cells

We presented a ratiometric fluorescent probe dansylamide–rhodamine dyad (DANS–RB) for selectively detecting Cr³⁺ in semi-aqueous solution. The detection mechanism relies on the fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from the dansylamide (energy donor) to the rhodamine (energy acceptor) after the addition of Cr³⁺. The cell-permeability of DANS–RB was confirmed by the two-photon fluorescence microscopy experiments, which demonstrated DANS–RB was a good candidate for monitoring the intracellular Cr³⁺ level with the ratiometric fluorescent method. Combining the excellent selectivity, the ratiometric quantitative detection, and the cell-permeability, DANS–RB may find a broad application in the investigation on biologically relevant species in living cells.     

Ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu based on 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide and sensing cyanide via Cu displacement approach

Two 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized as ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu²⁺, respectively. In 100% aqueous solutions of 1, the presence of Cu²⁺ induces a strong and increasing fluorescent emission centered at 478 nm at the expense of the fluorescent emission of 1 centered at 534 nm. Compound 2 senses Cu²⁺ by means of a colorimetric (primrose yellow to pink) method with a thorough quench in emission attributed to the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to the naphthalimide fluorophore. 1-Cu²⁺ and 2-Cu²⁺ sense cyanide in ratiometric way via colorimetric and fluorescent changes.     

A new Fe fluorescent chemosensor based on aggregation-induced emission

A new tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based sensor M1 bearing double 2-methylpyridyl-2-methylthiophenylamino units linked with triazole moieties was reported. Both UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic studies demonstrated that M1 was highly sensitive and selective toward Fe³⁺ over other metal ions in THF/H₂O solution based on the aggregation-induced emission quenching mechanism. The lowest detection limit of M1 for Fe³⁺ is 0.7 μM. The detailed fluorescent titration study suggested that the binding stoichiometry of the M1–Fe³⁺ complex was 1:2, and the structure between M1 and the Fe³⁺ complex was confirmed by the ¹H NMR titration.     

A simple click generated probe for highly selective sequential recognition of Cu(II) and pyrophosphate

A click generated quinoline derivative (1) has been synthesized and used as a fluorescent probe for sequential recognition of Cu²⁺ and pyrophosphate (PPi) in DMSO/H₂O (1:1, v/v, HEPES 20 mM, pH = 7.4) solution. Probe 1 displays high selectivity to Cu²⁺ ions, and the in-situ prepared probe 1-Cu²⁺ exhibits high selectivity toward pyrophosphate (PPi) with emission recovery of probe 1. Therefore, 1-Cu²⁺ complex can be applied as a fluorescence turn-on probe for PPi with high selectivity and sensitivity.     

A logic gate-based fluorogenic probe for Hg detection and its applications in cellular imaging

A new colorimetric and fluorogenic probe (RN₃) based on rhodamine-B has been successfully designed and synthesized. It displays a selective response to Hg²⁺ in the aqueous buffer solution over the other competing metals. Upon addition of Hg²⁺, the solution of RN₃ exhibits a ‘naked eye’ observable color change from colorless to red and an intensive fluorescence with about 105-fold enhancement. The changes in the color and fluorescence are ascribed to the ring-opening of spirolactam in rhodamine fluorophore, which is induced by a binding of the constructed receptor to Hg²⁺ with the association and dissociation constants of 0.22 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and 25.2 μM, respectively. The Job's plot experiment determines a 1:1 binding stoichiometry between RN₃ and Hg²⁺. The resultant “turn-on” fluorescence in buffer solution, allows the application of a method to determine Hg²⁺ levels in the range of 4.0–15.0 μM, with the limit of detection (LOD) calculated at 60.7 nM (3σ/slope). In addition, the fluorescence ‘turn-off’ and color ‘fading-out’ happen to the mixture of RN₃-Hg²⁺ by further addition of I⁻ or S²⁻. The reversible switching cycles of fluorescence intensity upon alternate additions of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ demonstrate that RN₃ can perform as an INHIBIT logic gate. Furthermore, the potential of RN₃ as a fluorescent probe has been demonstrated for cellular imaging.     

A novel small molecule fluorescent sensor for Zn2+ based on pyridine-pyridone scaffold

The development of a water-soluble and small molecular weight fluorescent probe, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfanyl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2(1H)-one (3), for detecting Zn²⁺ based on pyridine-pyridone skeleton is reported. We observed a clear chelation enhanced fluorescence effect of 3 in the presence of Zn²⁺. Other fluorescent properties of 3 are discussed.     

Hydrogen-bonded networks from η-semiquinone complexes of manganese tricarbonyl

The cationic manganese tricarbonyl complexes containing η⁶-2-methylhydroquinone (2a), η⁶-2,3-dimethylhydroquinone (3a), η⁶-2-t-butylhydroquinone (4a), η⁶-tetramethylhydroquinone (5a) and η⁶-4,4′-biphenol (6a) are readily deprotonated to the corresponding neutral (η⁵-semiquinone)Mn(CO)₃ (2b-6b) and anionic (η⁴-quinone)Mn(CO)₃⁻ (2c-5c) complexes. The X-ray structures of 2b-6b feature strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions that result in the formation of supramolecular organometallic networks. Significantly, the substitution pattern at the semiquinone ring affects the stereochemistry of the hydrogen bonding interactions. NMR spectra of 2b, 3b and 5b reveal dynamic hydrogen bonding in solution.     

Unexpected highly selective fluorescence ‘turn-on’ and ratiometric detection of Hg based on fluorescein platform

Methylated fluorescein 1 was explored for fluorescence ‘turn-on’ and ratiometric detection of Hg²⁺ in THF and CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (v/v=9:1), respectively, with unexpected high selectivity. In the presence of Hg²⁺, characteristic structured absorption band of 1 diminished and a new sharp band appeared at 445 nm. Meanwhile a blue shifted and enhanced emission was observed. The ratio of the fluorescence intensity at 559 and 478 nm increased linearly with [Hg²⁺], and solution color changing from yellow to cyan under irradiation at 365 nm in CH₂Cl₂/MeOH. Job plot indicated a 1:1 stoichiometry for 1-Hg²⁺ complex in solution. ¹H NMR titration and IR spectra suggested the coordination of carbonyl group in xanthene moiety to Hg²⁺, affording its spectral behavior. Compound 2 bearing two triazolyl amino esters in place of methyl group showed quite similar behavior to Hg²⁺, which indicated that substituents did not interfere with the specific binding behavior of fluorescein platform. Our work presents a new way to explore xanthene dyes as new chemosensors by modulating electron density on the xanthene ring through non-covalent interactions with carbonyl group.     

Essential structure of co-pigment for blue sepal-color development of hydrangea

Blue sepal-color of Hydrangea macrophylla might be due to a supramolecular metal-complex pigment consisting of delphinidin 3-glucoside (1), co-pigments (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (2), and/or 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid (3)) and Al³⁺ in an aqueous solution around pH 4.0. To clarify the mechanism of blue sepal-color development of hydrangea, we tried to reproduce the blue color in vitro by mixing 1 with designed synthetic co-pigments in the presence of Al³⁺ at pH 4.0. We at first succeeded in clarifying the essential functional structure in the co-pigment that could form the stable blue solution. Here, we present the structure of the blue pigment caused by an Al-complex coordinating of 1 at ortho-dihydroxyl groups of the B-ring, 1-hydroxy, 1-carboxylic acid, and the carbonyl residue in the ester at 5-position of 2 and/or 3. The hydrophobic interaction between the aromatic acyl residue at 5-position and the nucleus of 1 may also contribute to stabilize the complex.     

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescein-based chemodosimeter for Hg2+ ions in aqueous media

A new fluorescein-based chemodosimeter (II) for Hg²⁺ ion was designed and synthesized, and it displayed excellent selective and sensitive toward Hg²⁺ ion over other commonly metal ions in aqueous media. II was a colorless, non-fluorescent compound. Upon addition of Hg²⁺ to the solution of II, the thiosemicarbazide moiety of II would undergo an irreversible desulfurization reaction to form its corresponding oxadiazole (IV), a colorful and fluorescent product. During this process, the spirocyclic ring of II was opened, causing instantaneous development of visible color and strong fluorescence emission in the range of 500-600 nm. Based on the above mechanism, a fluorogenic Hg²⁺-selective chemodosimeter was developed. The fluorescence increase is linearly with Hg²⁺ concentration up to 1.0 μmol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 8.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ (3σ). Compared with the rhodamine-type chemodosimeter, II is more stable in aqueous media and exhibits higher sensitivity toward Hg²⁺. The findings suggest that II will serve as a practical chemodosimeter for rapid detection of Hg²⁺ concentrations in realistic media.     

Branched supramolecular polymers formed by bifunctional cyclodextrin derivatives

Branched supramolecular polymers have been prepared from the mixture of 3-cinnamamide-α-CD (1) and 3-N^α-cinnamamidehexancarbonyl-N^?-cinnamamide-lysinamide-α-CD (3) and from the mixture of 3-cinnamamidehexanamide-α-CD (2) and 3. Compounds 1 and 2 formed a linear supramolecular polymer, whereas compound 3 having two guest moieties formed a hyperbranched supramolecular polymer. Physical properties of these supramolecular polymers were studied by viscosity measurements in aqueous solutions. When compound 3 was added to the solution of compound 2, the η_sp/C value of the mixture of 2 and 3 was found to be much higher than that of compound 2. These results indicate that compound 3 functions as a branching moiety to increase the viscosity. Supramolecular polymers consisting of compound 2 or 3 did not show the viscosity increase, whereas the mixture of 2 and 3 gave highly viscous solutions and formed fibers from the concentrated aqueous solutions. It is caused by the branching of linear supramolecular polymers with compound 3 and hydrophobic and/or hydrogen bonding interactions between supramolecular polymers.     

Dimethylthallium(III) complexes with picolinic acid and its hydroxyl derivatives

The reaction of dimethylthallium(III) hydroxide with picolinic acid (Hpic), 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (H₂3hpic) and 6-hydroxypicolinic acid (H₂6hpic) in an aqueous/methanol mixture afforded the complexes [TlMe₂(pic)] (1), [TlMe₂(H3hpic)] (2) and [TlMe₂(H6hpic)] (3), respectively. Complex 3′, [NaTlMe₂(6hpic)₂]_n, was obtained as a minor product from a methanolic solution of 3. Compounds 1–3 were characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy and, in the cases of 1, 2 and 3′, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 3′ is the first example of an H6hpic⁻ heterobimetallic compound to be isolated. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of 1 and 2 are also discussed.     

Rhodamine-based chemosensing monolayers on glass as a facile fluorescent “turn-on” sensing film for selective detection of Pb

Rhodamine-based chemosensors 1 and 2 were synthesized and self-assembled onto glass surfaces for the selective fluorescent sensing of Pb²⁺. The immobilized chemosensors showed fluorescent responses that were turned-on with Pb²⁺ in CH₃CN, selectively over various metal ions. The Pb²⁺-selective fluorescent switch of the immobilized chemosensors was also reversible, allowing for repeated use for Pb²⁺ detection.     

Synthesis and characterization of some novel cadmium(II) complexes with 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (3-OHpicH): Crystal and molecular structures of [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H2O)]2, [Cd(3-OHpic)2(H2O)2] and [Cd(3-OHpic)2]n

Cadmium(II) complexes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, namely [CdI(3-OHpic)(3-OHpicH)(H₂O)]₂ (1), [Cd(3-OHpic)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) and [Cd(3-OHpic)₂]_n (3) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR) and their molecular and crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Complexes 1 and 2 were prepared in similar reaction conditions using different cadmium(II) salts: cadmium(II) iodide and cadmium(II) acetate dihydrate, respectively, while 3 was prepared by recrystallization of 2 from N,N-dimethylformamide solution. Various coordination modes of 3-OHpicH in 1–3 were established in the solid state: bidentate N,O-chelated mode in 1 and 2, monodentate mode through the carboxylate O atom from zwitterionic ligand in 1 and bidentate N,O-chelated and bridging mode in 3. In the DMF solution of all prepared complexes, only monodentate mode of 3-OHpicH binding to cadmium(II) through the carboxylate O atom was established by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopy.     

A highly selective and sensitive turn-on catalytic chemodosimeter for Cu in aqueous solution

We report herein the first diaminocyclopent-2-enone-based catalytic chemodosimeter (3) for naked-eye and turn-on fluorescent detections of Cu²⁺ in pure aqueous solution. Compound 3 easily made available from furan-2-carbaldehyde and 2-aminobenzoic acid was found to show a highly selective and sensitive response toward Cu²⁺ by way of Cu²⁺-coordination promoted formation of Stenhouse salt and subsequent decomposition to highly fluorescent 2-aminobenzoate.     

Linear Schiff-base fluorescence probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for Al detection and its application in live cell imaging

A simple Schiff-base derivative with salicylaldehyde moieties as fluorescent probe 1 was reported by aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characterization for the detection of metal ions. Spectral analysis revealed that probe 1 was highly selective and sensitive to Al³⁺. The probe 1 was also subject to minimal interference from other common competitive metal ions. The detection limit of Al³⁺ was 0.4 μM, which is considerably lower than the World Health Organization standard (7.41 μM), and the acceptable level of Al³⁺ (1.85 μM) in drinking water. The Job's plot and the results of ¹H-NMR and FT-IR analyses indicated that the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe 1 to Al³⁺ was 1:2. Probe 1 demonstrated a fluorescence-enhanced response upon binding with Al³⁺ based on AIE characterization. This response was due to the restricted molecular rotation and increased rigidity of the molecular assembly. Probe 1 exhibited good biocompatibility, and Al³⁺ was detected in live cells. Therefore, probe 1 is a promising fluorescence probe for Al³⁺ detection in the environment.     

Exploiting the deprotonation mechanism for the design of ratiometric and colorimetric Zn fluorescent chemosensor with a large red-shift in emission

The design, synthesis, and photophysical evaluation of a new naphthalimide-based fluorescent chemosensor, N-butyl-4-[di-(2-picolyl)amino]-5-(2-picolyl)amino-1,8-naphthalimide (1), were described for the detection of Zn²⁺ in aqueous acetonitrile solution at pH 7.0. Probe 1 showed absorption at 451 nm and a strong fluorescence emission at 537 nm (Φ_F=0.33). The capture of Zn²⁺ by the receptor resulted in the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to 1,8-naphthalimide so that the electron-donating ability of the N atom would be greatly enhanced; thus probe 1 showed a 56 nm red-shift in absorption (507 nm) and fluorescence spectra (593 nm, Φ_F=0.14), respectively, from which one could sense Zn²⁺ ratiometrically and colorimetrically. The deprotonated complex, [(1-H)/Zn]⁺, was calculated at m/z 619.1800 and measured at m/z 618.9890. In contrast to these results, the emission of 1 was thoroughly quenched by Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺. The addition of other metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, and Pb²⁺ produced a nominal change in the optical properties of 1 due to their low affinity to probe 1. This means that probe 1 has a very high fluorescent imaging selectivity to Zn²⁺ among metal ions.