Exhibiting Excited-state Intramolecular Proton Transfer Research Articles

Functional group induced excited state intramolecular proton transfer process in 4-amino-2-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester: a combined spectroscopic and density functional theory study

The molecule methyl-2-aminonicotinate (2-MAN) does not exhibit excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), but its derivative 4-amino-2-methylsulfanyl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (AMPCE), widely used in the preparation of pyrimidopyrimidines as a protein kinase inhibitor, does exhibit ESIPT. Increasing acidic and basic character at the proton donor and proton acceptor sites by adding functional groups is found to be responsible for the large Stokes shifted ESIPT emission (Δν = 12,706 cm(-1)) in AMPCE. The photophysics of AMPCE have been explored on the basis of steady state and time resolved spectral measurements, quantum yield calculation with variation of polarity, as well as hydrogen bonding ability of solvents. Experimental findings have been correlated with the calculated structure and potential energy surfaces based on the intramolecular proton transfer model obtained by density functional theory (DFT). Properties based on the calculated excited state surfaces generated in vacuo and methanol solvent using time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and time dependent density functional theory polarized continuum model (TDDFT-PCM), respectively, show good agreement with the experimental findings. HOMO and LUMO diagrams also support the favorable ESIPT process in the first excited state potential energy surface.

Two-Color Fluorescent l-Amino Acid Mimic of Tryptophan for Probing Peptide–Nucleic Acid Complexes

Non-natural amino acids are important tools for site-selective probing of peptide properties and interactions. Here, for the first time a fluorescent l-amino acid, exhibiting excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and hydration-sensitive dual emission, was synthesized. It is an analogue of l-tryptophan bearing a slightly larger 2-(2-furyl)-3-hydroxychromone aromatic moiety instead of indole. This new amino acid was incorporated through solid-phase synthesis into NC(11-55), the zinc finger domain of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, that exhibits potent nucleic acid chaperone properties. It was substituted for the Trp37 and Ala30 residues, located in the distal finger motif and the linker between the fingers of NC(11-55), respectively. Though the highly conserved Trp37 residue plays a key role in NC(11-55) structure and activity, its substitution for the new fluorescent analogue preserved the folding, the nucleic acid binding and chaperone activity of the peptide, indicating that the new amino acid can conservatively substitute Trp residues. In the presence of oligonucleotides, the Trp37-substituted peptide, but not the Ala30 variant, showed strong changes of the dual emission corresponding to local dehydration. The results are in line with NMR data, suggesting that the fluorescent amino acid interacts similarly to Trp37 with the nucleobases and is thus screened from water. Due to the exceptional sensitivity of its ESIPT fluorophore to hydration in highly polar environment, the new amino acid appears as a promising tool for substituting Trp residues and site-selectively investigating peptide-nucleic acid complexes.

2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives based fluorescent probes for mercury(II) via an intramolecular proton transfer mechanism

2-(2′,5′-Dihydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (DHPQ), a new fluorescent dye that exhibits excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction and possesses good photophysical properties, is synthesised and used as fluorescent probe for detection of Hg2+. Mercuric ions can be detected and quantitated by measuring the fluorescent intensity decrease of the probe. The decrease of fluorescence intensity of DHPQ upon the addition of Hg2+ was attributed to the blocking of ESIPT reactions of DHPQ and quenching its fluorescence. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Hg2+ probe were investigated. The probe can be applied to the quantification of Hg2+ with a concentration range covering from 8.0 × 10−7 to 2.0 × 10−4 mol L−1, with a working pH range of 5.5–6.5. It shows excellent selectivity for Hg2+ over other transition metal cations. The proposed method was testified for the Hg2+ assay in river water samples with satisfying recoveries.

Spectral deciphering of the interaction between an intramolecular hydrogen bonded ESIPT drug, 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid, and a model transport protein

The present work demonstrates a detailed characterization of the interaction of a bio-active drug molecule 3,5-dichlorosalicyclic acid (3,5DCSA) with a model transport protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The drug molecule is a potential candidate exhibiting Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) reaction and the modulation of ESIPT photophysics within the bio-environment of the protein has been exploited spectroscopically to monitor the drug-protein binding interaction. Apart from evaluating the binding constant (K (±10%) = 394 M(-1)) the probable location of the neutral drug molecule within the protein cavity (hydrophobic subdomain IIA) is explored by AutoDock-based blind docking simulation. The rotational relaxation dynamics of the drug within the protein has been interpreted on the lexicon of the two-step and wobbling-in-cone model. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy delineates the effect of drug binding on the protein secondary structure in terms of decrease of α-helical content of BSA with increasing drug concentration. Also the esterase activity of the drug:protein conjugate system is found to be reduced in comparison to the native protein.

Effect of biological confinement on the photophysics and dynamics of a proton-transfer phototautomer: an exploration of excitation and emission wavelength-dependent photophysics of the protein-bound drug

The present work demonstrates the effect of biological confinement on the photophysics and dynamics of a bio-active drug molecule viz., 5-chlorosalicylic acid (5ClSA). 5ClSA is a potential candidate exhibiting Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) reaction and thereby generating the phototautomer (i.e. proton transferred keto form) in the excited state. Given the pK(a) of 5ClSA (around 2.64), the anionic form of the drug molecule is expected to be the interacting species with the protein under the experimental conditions (buffered solution of pH 7.40). The ESIPT photophysics of the drug (5ClSA anion) is found to be remarkably modified within the confined bio-environment of a model transport protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in terms of remarkable emission intensity enhancement coupled with a discernible red-shift of the emission maximum wavelength. Such considerable modification of the ESIPT photophysics of the 5ClSA anion has been exploited to determine the drug-protein binding strength (as characterized by the binding constant K (±10%) = 6.11 × 10(2) M(-1)). The present work also delves into evaluation of the probable binding location of the drug within the biomacromolecular assembly of the protein by a blind docking simulation technique, which reveals hydrophobic subdomain IIA to be the probable binding site of the drug. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy delineates the effect of drug binding on the protein secondary structure in terms of decrease of α-helical content of BSA with increasing drug concentration. Apart from this, the excitation-emission matrix fluorescence technique is found to hint at the effect on protein tertiary structure upon binding to the drug. Chaotrope-induced protein denaturation has been explored to complement the findings on the binding interaction process. The modulated dynamics of the proton transfer phototautomer of the 5ClSA anion within the biological confinement is also investigated in this context to explore the slower rate of solvent-relaxation dynamics.

Synthesis, Photophysical, and Electroluminescent Device Properties of Zn(II)‐Chelated Complexes Based on Functionalized Benzothiazole Derivatives

AbstractNew Zn(II)‐chelated complexes based on benzothiazole derivatives, including substituted functional groups such as methyl (MeZn), methoxy (MeOZn), or fluorenyl unit (FuZn), are investigated to produce white‐light emission. 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole derivatives in toluene and DMSO exhibit excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), leading to a large Stokes shift of the fluorescence emission. However, in methanol they exhibit no ESIPT due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole derivative and methanol. Their Zn(II)‐chelated complexes exhibit the absorption band red‐shifted at 500 nm in nonpolar solvent and the absorption band blue‐shifted at about 420 nm in protic solvent. In multilayer electroluminescent devices, methyl‐substituted Zn(II)‐chelated complex (MeZn) exhibits excellent power efficiency and fluorene‐substituted Zn(II)‐chelated complex (FuZn) has a high luminance efficiency (1 cd m−2 at 3.5 V, 10 400 cd m−2 at 14 V). The EL spectra of Zn(II)‐chelated complexes based on benzothiazole derivatives exhibit broad emission bands. In addition, their electron‐transport property for red–green–blue (RGB) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is systematically studied, in comparison with that of Alq3. The results demonstrate the promising potential of MeZn as an electron‐transporting layer (ETL) material in preference to Alq3, which is widely used as an ETL material.

An Extended Conical Intersection Seam Associated with a Manifold of Decay Paths: Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer in O-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

O-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (OHBA) is a prototypical photoprotector exhibiting excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Here we report how its photostability depends on an extended conical intersection seam associated with a manifold of decay paths. Thus, the photoreactivity of OHBA derives from a flat excited-state potential energy surface with barriers of only tenths of electronvolts between the reactant and several conical intersection structures that lead to different products: two isomers of a hydrogen-bonded intersection (HBI) that lead back to the enol reactant or to the tautomerized keto form in its Z conformation; an intersection (ZEI) that mediates the Z-E isomerization of the keto tautomer; and a twisted-pyramidalized one (TPI) that leads to an oxetene adduct. The intersection structures are connected to each other, forming a continuous seam, and the competition between the products depends on where the seam is accessed after the initial excitation. The overall picture must be also valid for the methyl salicylate and salicylic acid analogues of OHBA since it reflects the characteristics reported previously for MS and SA.

Fluorescent Biomembrane Probe for Ratiometric Detection of Apoptosis

Herein, we developed the first ratiometric fluorescent probe for apoptosis detection. This probe incorporates selectively into the outer leaflet of the cell plasma membrane and senses the loss of the plasma membrane asymmetry occurring during the early steps of apoptosis. The high specificity to the plasma membranes was achieved by introduction into the probe of a membrane anchor, composed of a zwitterionic group and a long (dodecyl) hydrophobic tail. The fluorescence reporter of this probe is 4'-(diethylamino)-3-hydroxyflavone, which exhibits excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), resulting in two-band emission highly sensitive to the lipid composition of the biomembranes. Fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and microscopy measurements show that the ratio of the two emission bands of the probe changes dramatically in response to apoptosis. This response reflects the changes in the lipid composition of the outer leaflet of the cell plasma membrane because of the exposure of the anionic phospholipids from the inner leaflet at the early steps of apoptosis. Being ratiometric, the response of the new probe can be easily quantified on an absolute scale. This allows monitoring by laser scanning confocal microscopy the degree and spatial distribution of the apoptotic changes at the cell plasma membranes, a feature that can be hardly achieved with the commonly used fluorescently labeled annexin V assay.

Temperature-Dependent Ratiometric Fluorescence from an Organic Aggregates System

The aggregates of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO), a typical molecule exhibiting excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), were prepared and the photophysical properties of the aqueous dispersion of aggregates were investigated. It is found that the aggregates and the solvated enols coexist in the aqueous dispersion system. Furthermore, the aggregates undergo ESIPT to give rise to keto for green emission, while the solvated enols give rise to blue emission. The temperature effects on the aqueous dispersion of the HBO aggregates system were also explored. It shows a fluorescent ratiometric change in a range of temperature from 15 to 60 degrees C. A mechanism of a temperature-dependent equilibrium between the aggregates and the solvated enols is proposed for the fluorescence change. The reversibility and robustness as well as the stability of the aqueous dispersion of aggregates show very good performances, which may be useful in the applications of molecular fluorescent temperature sensors or molecular thermometers.

A fluorescent chemical sensor for Fe 3+ based on blocking of intramolecular proton transfer of a quinazolinone derivative

In this paper, 2-(2′-hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (HPQ), a typical compound that exhibits excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction and possesses good photophysical properties, is synthesized and used as fluoroionophore for Fe 3+ sensitive optochemical sensor. The decrease of fluorescence intensity of HPQ membrane upon the addition of Fe 3+ was attributed to the blocking of ESIPT reactions of HPQ and quenching its fluorescence. The effect of the composition of the sensing membrane was studied, and experimental conditions were optimized. The sensor shows a linear response toward Fe 3+ in the concentration range of 7.1 × 10 −7 M to 1.4 × 10 −4 M with a limit of detection of 8.0 × 10 −8 M, and a working pH range from 2.5 to 4.5. It shows excellent selectivity for Fe 3+ over a large number of cations such as alkali, alkaline earth and transitional metal ions. The proposed sensor is applied to the determination of the content of iron ions in pharmaceutical preparations samples with satisfactory results.

Fluorescent Hydroxyflavone–Zeolite Nanoparticles: Ship‐in‐a‐Bottle Synthesis and Photophysical Properties

3-Hydroxyflavone (3-OHF) was incorporated in zeolite micropores by ship-in-a-bottle synthesis. This strategy consists of constructing the molecule by reaction of small precursors within the cavity. 3-OHF molecules exhibit excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and a tautomeric equilibrium between the 3-OHF-excited structures N* and T*exists. This equilibrium is strongly affected by the protic nature and polarity of the surrounding medium. The textural and spectroscopic characterization of the dye-loaded zeolite colloids enabled the study of the correlation between the optical properties of the dye and the zeolite micropore environment.

Blue organic light-emitting diodes based on an oxadiazole-containing organic molecule exhibiting excited state intramolecular proton transfer

A blue organic light-emitting device based on an emissive layer of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (HOXD), which exhibits excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), was presented. The device had a luminance efficiency of 0.8 cd/A and a maximum brightness of 870 cd/m 2 . Our studies indicate that some EL may originate from the triplet excitation state of the enol form of HOXD.

Blue organic light-emitting devices with an oxadiazole-containing emitting layer exhibiting excited state intramolecular proton transfer

We report a blue organic light-emitting device having an emissive layer of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (HOXD), that exhibits excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The device had a luminance efficiency of 0.8 cd/A and a maximum brightness of 870 cd/ m 2 . Electroluminescence spectra revealed a dominating peak at 450 nm and two additional peaks at 480 and 515 nm with a full width at half maximum of 50 nm. Our studies indicate that some EL may originate from the triplet excitation state of the enol form of HOXD.

Hydrogen bonding effects in the photophysics of a drug, Piroxicam, in homogeneous media and dioxane–water mixtures

The fluorescence emission of Piroxicam, an anti-inflammatory drug exhibiting excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), was studied in pure solvents and in dioxane–water mixtures. The solvent proticity was seen to play a key role in the ground-state promoting the existence of different conformers (open and closed form), and in the excited-state where it is responsible for a pronounced quenching of the tautomer emission in the aforementioned mixtures. A derived Stern–Volmer relation shows the diffusive control of the process (kq≈4.3×109 M-1 s-1). The values of polarity (π*), proticity (α) and ET(30) of dioxane–water mixtures assessed by the solvatochromism of this molecule, are in agreement with a “critical’' concentration ≈22 M above which water presents the characteristics of the free solvent. Below that concentration, Piroxicam adopts a closed conformation through an intramolecular hydrogen bond in a six-membered ring, which is very stable and thus insensitive to microenvironmental changes.

Flavonols and Crown-Flavonols as Metal Cation Chelators. The Different Nature of Ba2+and Mg2+Complexes

The derivatives of 3-hydroxyflavone exhibit excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction with significant (60−80 nm) shifts of fluorescence spectra between normal and phototautomer forms. This fact makes these compounds attractive as fluorescence probes in analytical chemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. Different flavonol derivatives, including 4‘-(monoaza-15-crown-5)flavonol, were synthesized, and their absorption and fluorescent spectra were studied in acetonitrile in the presence of different concentrations of Mg2+ and Ba2+ ions. It was shown that the general feature of flavonols is the ability to form two types of complexes with alkaline-earth cations: the low-stability “external” and high-stability chelating complexes. On the formation of the complexes, parent flavonols and their 4‘-dialkylamino derivatives undergo different perturbations of their electronic structures. 4‘-(Monoaza-15-crown-5)flavonol forms two types of complexes with both Mg2+ and Ba2+ ions; the sequence of steps in formation of Ba2+ and Mg2+ complexes is different.

Radiationless decay via ESIPT of the first excited singlet of the hemiporphyrazine

Abstract It is proposed that free base hemiporphyrazine, a phthalocyanine analogue where two opposite isoindoles are replaced by pyridines, should exhibit excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). This conjecture is based on MNDO/CI computations, according to which the most stable positions of the two inner hydrogens are inverted upon excitation to the first excited singlet. The computed barriers for hydrogen migration are large both for the synchronous and the asynchronous path, but they are in line with those previously computed by the same method for the ground state migration of the inner hydrogens of free base porphines, a process which is known by NMR measurements to be fast at room temperature.