Turn-on fluorescence sensor based on the aggregation of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-based coumarin chromophores induced by Hg

We developed a new fluorescent sensor (PPC-S) for Hg²⁺ based on the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-based coumarin chromophore (PPC-O). Given the desulfurization reaction with Hg²⁺, AIE inactive PPC-S can be transformed into PPC-O with AIE activity, which can be employed for the fluorescence turn-on detection of Hg²⁺ with satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity in aqueous solutions.     

A triphenylamine based multi-analyte chemosensor for Hg and Cu ions in MeCN/H2O

A novel triphenylamine based oxidative chemosensor TOC was synthesized. The chromogenic and fluorogenic behaviors of TOC towards Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions in a binary mixture of MeCN/H₂O (9/1) were dramatically different. TOC displays colorimetric ‘naked eye’ recognition of Hg²⁺ and fluorogenic ‘turn on’ response towards Cu²⁺ via a unique cyclization reaction using two different detection modes. Moreover, TOCAZOL obtained from the oxidative cyclization reaction of TOC with Cu(ClO₄)₂ can be used as a selective fluorescent sensor toward Hg²⁺ ion.     

A two-photon excited luminescence of water-soluble rhodamine-platinum(II) complex: fluorescent probe specific for Hg2+ detection in live cell

The first example of cyclometalated platinum(II)-containing rhodamine probe (1) with two-photon induced luminescent properties was synthesized and investigated for mercury detection. A highly selective color change of 1, from light yellow to pink, is observed only in the presence of Hg²⁺ due to the formation of 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring in 2. This selectivity of Hg²⁺ with color changes can be observed easily by the naked-eye. Meanwhile, a remarkable turn-on and selective 20-fold fluorescent enhancement of 1 upon binding with Hg²⁺ over the other tested metal ions was observed. The water-soluble probe 1 was successfully applied in the visualizing of the site of Hg²⁺ accumulation as well as estimating of trace amounts of mercury ions in live HeLa cells by two-photon microscopy.     

Rhodamine based derivative and its zinc complex: synthesis and recognition behavior toward Hg(II)

A simple fluorescent probe, which contains rhodamine and aminoquinoline moieties, was designed and prepared for selective detection of Hg²⁺ in acetonitrile. RbQ exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg²⁺ over other common metal ions. The recognition of RbQ toward Hg²⁺ can be detected by fluorescence spectra, absorption spectra, and even by naked eyes. The binding ratio of the RbQ–Hg²⁺ complex was found to be 1:1 according to Job plot experiment, and the limit of detection was 1.05×10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, the prepared complex RbQ–Zn²⁺ (RbQZ) could detect Hg²⁺ in a ratiometric way and showed lower limit of detection (2.95×10⁻⁸ M) than RbQ in the same condition. Finally, we also demonstrated that the aminoquinoline–zinc complex could be served as a new and effective FRET donor for rhodamine derivatives.     

Luminophore-immobilized mesoporous silica for selective Hg sensing

Novel mesoporous silica-immobilized rhodamine (MSIR) and silica particle-immobilized rhodamine (SPIR) anchored by a tren (N(CH₂CH₂NH₂)₃) were synthesized. The binding and adsorption abilities of both MSIR and SPIR for metal cations were investigated with fluorophotometry and ion chromatography, respectively. Both MSIR and SPIR show selectivity for Hg²⁺ ion over other metal cations because the Hg²⁺ ion selectively induces a ring opening of the rhodamine fluorophores. The sensitivity of the MSIR for Hg²⁺ ion is greater than that of the SPIR and the MSIR adsorbs 70% of Hg²⁺ ion while the SPIR does only 40%. The MSIR can be also easily recovered by treatment of a solution of TBA⁺OH⁻. For the application of Hg²⁺ detection in the environmental field, the MSIR-coated glass plate is also developed and exhibits an excellent function in visual and fluorescence changes with Hg²⁺ ion.     

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.     

A specific and ratiometric chemosensor for Hg based on triazole coupled ortho-methoxyphenylazocalix[4]arene

Calix[4]arene 3, which contains two distal triazole groups on the lower rim and two distal o-methoxyphenylazo groups on the upper rim, was synthesized and found to be a specific and ratiometric sensor for Hg²⁺ in a polar protic solvent. A series of o-methoxyphenylazo derivatives (3, 4, 5, 7, and 9) were synthesized, which proved that the lower-rim triazoles and the hydroxyl azophenol(s) were the major ligands for metal ion binding. Though analogues 4 and 10 showed some sensitivity for Hg²⁺, compound 3 was the only ratiometric chemosensor for Hg²⁺ among the series of azocalix[4]arenes synthesized in this work. The formation of 3·Hg²⁺ complex was supported by UV/vis and NMR titration studies and Mass spectrometry. Based on the symmetrical features of NMR spectra of 3·Hg²⁺, the complex is believed to be symmetrical with respect to the calix[4]arene cavity. Furthermore, the complex was determined to be 1:1 binding stoichiometry by Job’s plot, and the association constant was determined to be 4.02×10³ M⁻¹ using Benesi-Hildebrand plot.     

A reversible fluorescent–colorimetric Schiff base sensor for Hg ion

A simple (R)-(−)-2-phenylglycinol functionalized Schiff base L1 and its characterization as a fluorescent–colorimetric sensor for Hg²⁺ ion are described. The UV–vis and fluorescence analysis in methanol and aqueous solution show complex formation between L1 and Hg²⁺ ion with a micromolar association constant. Competition experiments performed for the acetate salts of Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Ba²⁺ revealed that compound L1 exhibits high selectivity toward Hg²⁺ displaying a color change easily detectable by naked-eye and a turn-off fluorescent effect due to a chelation-enhanced quenching (CHEQ) mechanism. Moreover, addition of EDTA to L1–Hg²⁺ recovers the fluorescence and color offering receptor L1 as a reversible sensor for real-time applications.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a novel pyrenyl-appended triazole-based thiacalix[4]arene as a fluorescent sensor for Ag ion

New fluorescent chemosensors 1,3-alternate-1 and 2 with pyrenyl-appended triazole-based on thiacalix[4]arene were synthesized. The fluorescence spectra changes suggested that chemosensors 1 and 2 are highly selective for Ag⁺ over other metal ions by enhancing the monomer emission of pyrene in neutral solution. However, other heavy metal ions, such as Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ quench both the monomer and excimer emission of pyrene acutely. The ¹H NMR results indicated that Ag⁺ can be selectively recognized by the triazole moieties on the receptors 1 and 2 together with the ionophoricity cavity formed by the two inverted benzene rings and sulfur atoms of the thiacalix[4]arene.     

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.     

Novel versatile imine—enamine chemosensor based on 6-nitro-4-oxo-4H-chromene for ion detection in solution, solid and gas-phase: synthesis, emission, computational and MALDI-TOF-MS studies

A new versatile emissive molecular probe (3) derived from 1,5-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-3-oxopenthane bearing two units of 6-nitro-4-oxo-4H-chromene- has been prepared by a Schiff-base condensation method using conventional and green, ultrasound-aided, methods. The dry yellow powder was characterized as the imine species (3). These imine species, however, where found to rapidly convert to their enamine form (4) in solution, under the presence of water traces. This reaction was computationally studied through Density Functional Theory (DFT) in order to investigate the relative stability of the molecular pair 3/4. The sensing properties of the enamine (4) towards various metal ions were investigated via absorption and fluorometric titrations in solution in dichloromethane, acetonitrile and DMSO. The compound shows a fluorescent turn-off response in the presence of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ over the other metal ions studied, such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺, being stronger for Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The gas phase chemosensing abilities of (3) were also explored suggesting (3) as new active MALDI-TOF-MS matrix by two dry methods showing a strong selectivity towards Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺. Our preliminary results show promising uses of (3) supported in PPMA films as metal ion solid chemosensor.     

New photochromic chemosensors for Hg and F

Two new chemosensors (1a and 1b) based on photochromic dithienylcyclopentene were designed and synthesized, and their spectral behaviors toward various metal ions and anions were investigated in detail. Compounds show excellent optical properties and distinguish Hg²⁺ and F⁻ in CH₃CN. Job’s plot reveals that the presence of Hg²⁺ induces the formation of a 1:1 complex between 1a or 1b and Hg²⁺. From the spectral responses and ¹H NMR analysis, the deprotonation of the thioamide protons is proposed to explain the sensing mechanism for 1a and 1b toward F⁻. It is found that 1a and 1b exhibit ring-opening and ring-closing photoisomerization with UV-vis light irradiation. Furthermore, their photochromic properties can be modulated by Hg²⁺ and F⁻ ions. Moreover, 1a and 1b in photostationary states become promising sensors for Hg²⁺ and F⁻ with high selectivity.     

A multi-channel sensor based on 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate for probing Hg(II) ion

A new sensing molecule 8-hydroxyquinoline ferrocenoate (Fc-Q) which combines ferrocene and 8-hydroxyquinoline moieties was synthesized and applied as a multi-channel sensor for the detection of Hg²⁺ ion. Fc-Q can coordinate with Hg²⁺ to give colorimetric, fluorescent and electrochemical responses. Upon complexation with Hg²⁺ ion, the characteristic absorption peak is red-shifted (Δλ = 45 nm), the fluorescent intensity is quenched at 303 nm, and the oxidation peak is cathodic shifted (ΔE_1/2 = −149 mV). Quantitatively analyzed Hg²⁺ ions at the range of ppb level could be achieved by electrochemical response. For the practical application of sensing Hg²⁺ in real world water, Fc-Q modified screen-printed carbon electrodes were obtained for facile, sensitive, and on-site analysis of Hg²⁺.     

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 selective detection of Hg ion by push–pull-type purine nucleoside-based fluorescent sensor

Highly selective detection of Hg²⁺ ion has been achieved using the push–pull-type purine nucleoside-based fluorescent sensor L1. The sensor L1 incorporating aza-18-crown-6 at C6 position of purine nucleoside, is highly sensitive and selective toward Hg²⁺ ion in CH₃CN–H₂O mixture (92/8, v/v). The detection limit for the fluorescent sensor L1 toward Hg²⁺ ion is 7.8 × 10⁻⁸.     

A selective fluorogenic chemodosimeter for Hg based on the dimerization of desulfurized product

A simple Hg²⁺-selective chemodosimetric system based on thiosemicarbazone was investigated. The transformation of thiosemicarbazone into semicarbazone selectively exerted by Hg²⁺ ions and the dimerization of semicarbazone resulted in a pronounced OFF–ON-type fluorescent signaling behavior. The coexistent metal ions, such as Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Fe²⁺, had no obvious interference with the detection of Hg²⁺. In addition, S₁₂–Hg²⁺ plays a high sensitivity for basic anions to form an ‘OFF–ON–OFF’ type signaling behavior, with the Hg²⁺-induced emission spectra can be quenched. Moreover, test strips based on S₁₂ exhibited a good selectivity to Hg²⁺. We believe the test strips could act as a convenient and efficient Hg²⁺ test kit.     

New acridine derivatives bearing immobilized azacrown or azathiacrown ligand as fluorescent chemosensors for Hg and Cd

Two new acridine derivatives bearing azacrown or azathiacrown ligand were synthesized as fluorescent chemosensors for Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in aqueous solution. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed selective CHEF (chelation enhanced fluorescence) effects with Hg²⁺ or Cd²⁺ among the metal ions examined. The practical use of these probes was demonstrated by their applications to the detection of Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions in mammalian cells.     

Cholic acid-based fluorescent sensor for mercuric and methyl mercuric ion in aqueous solutions

Cholic acid-based fluorescent PET sensor probe 1, bearing a pair of dithiocarbamate pendants as the receptive site and anthracene moiety as the signal displaying unit, was designed and synthesized. The sensor probe not only shows high selectivity and sensitivity to Hg²⁺ in aqueous acetonitrile solution, but also responds moderately to MeHg⁺. A distinctive OFF-ON type signaling of up to 10-fold enhancement was observed for this new sensor probe toward Hg²⁺.     

Rhodamine urea derivatives as fluorescent chemosensors for Hg

New rhodamine derivatives bearing urea group have been synthesized for the detection of metal ions. Especially, the dimeric system 2 displayed a selective fluorescent enhancement and colorimetric change upon the addition of Hg²⁺, in which the spirolactam (nonfluorescent) to ring opened amide (fluorescent) process was utilized. The association constant of 2 with Hg²⁺ was calculated as 3.2 × 10⁵ M⁻¹.     

8-Methoxyquinoline based turn-on metal fluoroionophores

Novel turn-on fluoroionophores 2 and 3 based on highly fluorescent 8-methoxyquinoline were developed in which a sequential singlet-singlet energy transfer, ISC, and triplet-triplet energy transfer occurred leading to a fluorescence ‘off’ state. They showed substantially enhanced fluorescence in the presence of transition metal ions such as Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and an extremely high selectivity toward Zn²⁺ by 3.