NMR Titration Studies Research Articles

A coumarin containing hemicyanine-based probe for dual channel detection of cyanide ion

Cyanide(CN−) is known as one of the most toxic inorganic anions and is harmful to the environment and human health. Its wide use and severe toxicity have led to the development of highly selective cyanide detection, and quantification is desirable. A coumarin-containing hemicyanine-based probe has been developed for highly selective colorimetric and fluorometric detection of cyanide in acetonitrile and aqueous medium. The probe was characterized by 1D NMR (1H and 13C) and HRMS Spectroscopy, and the sensing properties have been studied in colorimetric and fluorometric methods. The high selectivity of the probe for CN− was established by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in the presence of other competing anions. The probe can detect cyanide as low as 0.7 μM within 90 s. A remarkable change in spectroscopic properties has been observed upon adding cyanide ion. The weakly luminescent probe emitted strongly upon the reaction with CN− which is due to the inhibition of internal charge transfer (ICT) from coumarin to indolinium moiety. Furthermore, the colour change from yellow to colourless and the appearance of a blue luminescence, which can be observed by the naked eye, provides a simple real-time method for cyanide detection, also supported by 1H NMR titration and theoretical study. Furthermore, a paper strip kit loaded with probe has been constructed for a real-time application of CN detection without any interference from other competitive analytes.

BODIPY- imine based fluorescence “turn on” chemosensor for selective sensing of Hg2+

The detection of mercury has gained considerable attention due to its both environmental and biological impacts. In this study, a BODIPY- imine chemosensor (3) having an imine molecule at the meso position of the BODIPY core was synthesized, and its structure was characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods as well as single crystal XRD. Chemosensor 3 showed a poor emission band in the DMSO/H2O (9:1 v/v) solvent system (ΦFl < 0.01). Upon the addition of Hg2+, the fluorescence intensity of 3 increased notably with a 0.031 ΦFl value, and the limit of detection for Hg2+ was calculated as 0.90 μM. The sensing mechanism of 3 was investigated 1H NMR titration studies and Hg2+ ion induced hydrolysis of the imine double bond and thus activating the PET OFF proccess. The BODIPY- imine compound (3) can be used as reaction-based fluorescence probe for the sensing of Hg2+ ion.

Meglumine-based Sustainable Three-component Deep Eutectic Solvent Applicable for the Synthesis of Pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline-3-carboxylates as a Sensing Probe for Cu2+ Ions.

An unprecedented meglumine-based three-component deep eutectic solvent (3c-DES) (MegPAc) was synthesized using meglumine, p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), and acetic acid as a renewable, and non-toxic solvent. The exploitation of the MegPAc as an eco-friendly reaction media to construct a selective and sensitive small organic molecular sensing probe, namely, pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline-3-carboxylates (PQCs) was executed. Captivatingly, the MegPAc served the dual role of solvent and catalyst, and it delivered the title components with 69-94 % yields within 67-150 minutes. Furthermore, a UV-visible study unfolds the selective detection of Cu2+ ions with our synthetic probe 4 ba and resulted in hypsochromic shift due to electrostatic interactions. Additionally, 1H NMR titration study and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to attest the binding mechanism of sensing probe 4 ba and Cu2+ ions. Worthy of mention, this protocol unveils the efficacy of meglumine-based 3c-DES for the first time as a bio-renewable system to synthesize the PQCs.

A chromogenic diarylethene-based probe for the detection of Cu2+ in aqueous medium in Drosophila for early diagnosis of Alzheimer

A diarylethene-based probe (Z)-N'-((2-amino-5-chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methylene)-2-hydroxy benzohydrazide (KBH) has been proficiently developed and its structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. It displays a selective and sensitive colorimetric sensing of Cu2+ ions in aqueous medium with a naked eye colour change from colourless to yellow. It exhibits a significantly low limit of detection as 1.5 nM. A plausible binding mechanism has been proposed using Job's plot, FT-IR, 1H NMR titration, HRMS and DFT studies. The chemosensor is effectively reversible and reusable with EDTA. Test strip kit and real water sample analysis have been shown to establish its practical applicability. Further, the potential of KBH for the early diagnosis of Cu2+ ion-induced amyloid toxicity has been investigated in eye imaginal disc of Alzheimer's disease model of Drosophila 3rd instar larvae. The in-vivo interaction of KBH with Cu2+ in gut tissues of Drosophila larvae establishes its sensing capability in biological system. Interestingly, the in-vivo detection of Cu2+ has been done using bright field imaging which eliminates the necessity of a fluorescent label, hence making the method highly economical.

A novel ratiometric tanshinone IIA-based fluorescent probe for sensitive and reversible detection of BF3 in solution and gaseous phase

Boron trifluoride (BF3) is extensively used in multiple industrial fields including semiconductor, battery and chemical industries. However, BF3 is also an extremely poisonous and caustic substance causing potential risk to environmental safety and human health. In this work, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe (TBS) for sensing BF3 was designed and synthesized based on the natural phenanthraquinone tanshinone IIA. TBS exhibited a significant ratiometric fluorescence response toward BF3 with low detection limit (98 nM), short response time (1 min), prominent selectivity, anti-interference ability and reversibility. In addition, the sensing mechanism of TBS was investigated through 1H NMR titration, HRMS and DFT study. Furthermore, TBS was successfully utilized in quantitatively detecting BF3 concentrations of the commercially available BF3 reagent solutions as well as visually tracking gaseous BF3 through the TBS-loaded paper test strips.

Ammonium halide selective ion pair recognition and extraction with a chalcogen bonding heteroditopic receptor.

The first example of a heteroditopic receptor capable of cooperative recognition and extraction of ammonium salt (NH4X) ion-pairs is described. Consisting of a bidentate 3,5-bis-tellurotriazole chalcogen bond donor binding cleft, the appendage of benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) substituents to the tellurium centres facilitates binding of the ammonium cation via a co-facial bis-B15C5 sandwich complex, which serves to switch on chalcogen bonding-mediated anion binding potency. Extensive quantitative ion-pair recognition 1H NMR titration studies in CD3CN/CDCl3 (1 : 1, v/v) solvent media reveal impressive ion-pair binding affinities towards a variety of ammonium halide, nitrate and thiocyanate salts, with the heteroditopic receptor displaying notable ammonium halide salt selectivity. The prodigious solution phase NH4X recognition also translates to efficient solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction capabilities.

Lithium chloride selective ion-pair recognition by heteroditopic [2]rotaxanes.

The first heteroditopic [2]rotaxane host systems capable of strong and selective binding of lithium chloride ion-pair species are described. Importantly, a cooperative 'switch on' mechanism was found to operate, in which complexation of a lithium metal cation enhances the halide anion affinity of the rotaxanes via a combination of favourable proximal electrostatic and preorganised allosteric effects. The mechanically bonded rotaxane host design features a macrocycle component possessing a 2,6-dialkoxy pyridyl cation binding motif and an isophthalamide anion binding group, as well as an axle component functionalised with either a halogen bonding (XB) iodotriazole or hydrogen bonding (HB) prototriazole moiety. Extensive quantitative 1H NMR titration studies in CD3CN/CDCl3 solvent mixtures determined enhanced ion-pair binding affinities for lithium halides over the corresponding sodium or potassium halide salts, with the axle prototriazole-containing HB rotaxane in particular demonstrating a marked selectivity for lithium chloride. Solid-state X-ray crystallographic studies and computational DFT investigations provide evidence for a [2]rotaxane host axle-separated ion-pair binding mode, in which complementary cation and anion binding motifs from both the macrocycle and axle components act convergently to recognise each of the charged guest species.

A Photoswitchable Macrocycle Controls Anion-Templated Pseudorotaxane Formation and Axle Relocalization.

Important biological processes, such as signaling and transport, are regulated by dynamic binding events. The development of artificial supramolecular systems in which binding between different components is controlled could help emulate such processes. Herein, we describe stiff-stilbene-containing macrocycles that can be switched between (Z)- and (E)-isomers by light, as demonstrated by UV/Vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The (Z)-isomers can be effectively threaded by pyridinium halide axles to give pseudorotaxane complexes, as confirmed by 1 H NMR titration studies and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The overall stability of these complexes can be tuned by varying the templating counteranion. However, upon light-induced isomerization to the (E)-isomer, the threading capability is drastically reduced. The axle component, in addition, can form a heterodimeric complex with a secondary isophthalamide host. Therefore, when all components are combined, light irradiation triggers axle exchange between the macrocycle and this secondary host, which has been monitored by 1 H NMR spectroscopy and simulated computationally.

A Photoswitchable Macrocycle Controls Anion‐Templated Pseudorotaxane Formation and Axle Relocalization

AbstractImportant biological processes, such as signaling and transport, are regulated by dynamic binding events. The development of artificial supramolecular systems in which binding between different components is controlled could help emulate such processes. Herein, we describe stiff‐stilbene‐containing macrocycles that can be switched between (Z)‐ and (E)‐isomers by light, as demonstrated by UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The (Z)‐isomers can be effectively threaded by pyridinium halide axles to give pseudorotaxane complexes, as confirmed by 1H NMR titration studies and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The overall stability of these complexes can be tuned by varying the templating counteranion. However, upon light‐induced isomerization to the (E)‐isomer, the threading capability is drastically reduced. The axle component, in addition, can form a heterodimeric complex with a secondary isophthalamide host. Therefore, when all components are combined, light irradiation triggers axle exchange between the macrocycle and this secondary host, which has been monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy and simulated computationally.

Synthesis and molecular recognition characteristics of a tetrapodal benzene cage

In this contribution, we describe the preparation and recognition characteristics of a novel tetrapodal benzene cage (1). The cage can express a wide recognition range without losing selectivity for the object of appropriate size and functional groups. The key to obtaining the desired structural isomer of 1 is the synthesis and isolation of the o-bis(bromomethyl)benzene precursor (5). Three distinct guests, F− (extremely small size), d-lactate (appropriate size) and l-Asp (branched shape), were selected as examples to demonstrate the recognition characteristics of 1. By NMR titration studies, they all expressed good binding affinity (K > 105 L/mol) in competitive medium (10% DMSO/THF), indicating that 1 has a wide recognition scope. The highest binding constant was observed for d-lactate, revealing that 1 has good selectivity for d-lactate versus F− and l-Asp. Moreover, the NMR titration study of F− in DMSO indicates 1 can achieve different binding modes (1:1 and 2:1 guest-host) for small-sized guests, which allows for the further development of binary binding properties and thereafter applications in the field of catalysis.

Sequence-Specific Relay Recognition of Multiple Anions: An Interplay between Proton Donors and Acceptors.

Ratiometric detection of analyte is highly deserving since the technique is free from background correction. This work reports the design and synthesis of a pyridine-end oligo p-phenylenevinylene (OPV) derivative, 1 and its application in ratiometric dual-mode (both colorimetric and fluorogenic) recognition of dual anions, bisulfate (LOD=12.5 ppb) followed by fluoride (LOD=18.2 ppb) by sequence-specific relay (SPR) technique. The colorless probe turns brown with addition of bisulfate and again becomes colorless with the sequential addition of fluoride ion. In addition to such naked-eye color change, interestingly the ratiometric spectroscopic signals are reversible and evidently, the probe is reusable for several cycles. Besides, in presence of bisulfate, the protonated probe molecules, owing to their larger amphiphilic characteristics, formed self-assembled nanostructures. In addition to colorimetric and fluorescent changes, 1 H NMR titration and systematic DFT study evidently establish the underneath proton transfer mechanisms. Such reusable OPV-based chemosensor particularly with the capability of naked-eye recognition of dual anions using the SPR technique is seminal and possibly the first report in the literature.

A Straight Green Fluorescent N,N‐Dimethylbenzamine ‐ Carbazole Probe for Recognition of Explosive Picric Acid

AbstractThe sensor 4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethylbenzenamine, CNDMA a green fluorescent ligand developed for selective sensing of picric acid in DMSO/H2O (1 : 9) over different other nitroaromatic compounds. The sensing mechanism involves emission quenching significantly in the presence of picric acid with a color change from green to non‐fluorescent yellow. The sensing process drives through electrostatic and Hydrogen bonding interaction with formation of an Electron Donor‐Acceptor complex. In addition, inner filter effect also play role on the fluorescence quenching. The fluorescence quenching is a mixed‐type of both static and dynamic quenching process. The binding nature was figured out using the 1H NMR and FTIR titration studies. In addition the sensor showed good quenching efficiency and quenching constant with a lowest detection limit (LOD) of 5.09×10−8 M (R=0.99964) at 358 nm. Test strip experiment is demonstrated to understand the practical feasibility of the sensor.

Influence of metal on coordination geometry and solution dynamics in complexes of cis-ethylenebis(diphenylphosphine oxide) and Ln(OTf)3 (Ln = La, Sm, Lu) X-ray crystal structures and NMR titration studies

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of complexes containing the relatively rigid bisphosphine oxide ligand cis-ethylenebis(diphenylphosphine oxide) with three lanthanide (Ln) triflate salts (Ln = La3+, Sm3+, Lu3+). The complexes were characterized in the solid state by IR and X-Ray crystallography and show bidentate binding of the ligand to each metal center. The complexes were also studied at various Ln-ligand stoichiometries in solutions of CDCl3 using 1H and 31P NMR. These studies revealed that for the complexes where Ln = La3+ and Sm3+ ligand exchange is fast on the 1H and 31P NMR time scales when there are less than four equivalents of ligand in solution but slows when more than four equivalents are present. For the solution studies of complexes with Lu3+, ligand exchange is fast on the 1H NMR but slow on the 31P NMR time scale for all Lu-ligand stoichiometries.

Multi-channel sensing of trivalent metal ions using a simple ferrocenyl Schiff base probe with AIE property

A simple ferrocene-based Schiff base (probe L) exhibiting aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect has been synthesized and investigated. The probe L showed selective detection for trivalent metal ions (Al3+, Cr3+and Fe3+) over a range of monovalent and divalent metal ions in methanol via multi-channel of detection using colorimetry, fluorescence and electrochemistry. Upon binding with trivalent metal ions, color change from faint yellow to pink for Al3+, Cr3+and Fe3+ was observed by the naked-eye, which was consistent with the change of UV–Vis absorption spectra. In addition, probe L showed a dramatic off-on fluorescence emission along with a large Stocks-shift of about 33 nm in the emission wavelength. The fluorescence enhancement with a blue shift may be attributed to the combined effect of rotation inhibition and an extended intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. Moreover, electrochemical detection demonstrated that the oxidation potential difference between probe L and probe l-metal complexes was 0.028 V (Al3+), 0.044 V (Cr3+) and 0.015 V (Fe3+), respectively, indicating that trivalent metal ions induced charge transfer from the ligand to the metal (LMCT) and reduced the electron density of ferrocene moiety. Therefore, Al3+, Cr3+and Fe3+ can be selectively detected using multi-channel of detection techniques. Finally, 1H NMR titration study confirmed that two molecules of probe L bind with one metal ion through the nitrogen atom and oxygen atom of the probe L.

Characterization and In Vivo Antiangiogenic Activity Evaluation of Morin-Based Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes.

Morin (MRN) is a natural compound with antiangiogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. However, it shows a very low water solubility (28 μg/mL) that reduces its oral absorption, making bioavailability low and unpredictable. To improve MRN solubility and positively affect its biological activity, particularly its antiangiogenic activity, in this work, we prepared the inclusion complexes of MNR with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The inclusion complexes obtained by the freeze-drying method were extensively characterized in solution (phase-solubility studies, UV-Vis titration, and NMR spectroscopy) and in the solid state (TGA, DSC, and WAXD analysis). The complexation significantly increased the water solubility by about 100 times for MRN/HP-β-CD and 115 times for MRN/SBE-β-CD. Furthermore, quantitative dissolution of the complexes was observed within 60 min, whilst 1% of the free drug dissolved in the same experimental time. 1H NMR and UV-Vis titration studies demonstrated both CDs well include the benzoyl moiety of the drug. Additionally, SBE-β-CD could interact with the cinnamoyl moiety of MRN too. The complexes are stable in solution, showing a high value of association constant, that is, 3380 M-1 for MRN/HP-β-CD and 2870 M-1 for MRN/SBE-β-CD. In vivo biological studies on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and zebrafish embryo models demonstrated the high biocompatibility of the inclusion complexes and the effective increase in antiangiogenic activity of complexed MRN with respect to the free drug.

Rationally designed novel phenazine based chemosensor with real time Hg2+ sensing application

Phenazine derivatives have been explored in the selective detection of ions due to their binding ability with analytes. In this context, C-6 sulfenylated benzo[a]phenazine-5-ols (3a-d)have been synthesied and explored in sensing application. Initially, the molecules were designed by utilizing benzo[a]phenazin-5-ol as a core structure variably substituted with electronically diverse aryl thiols to investigate the substituent effect on their electrostatic properties. The ground state geometry of all the designed molecules was optimized with DFT using B3LYP/6-311G+(d,p) level of theory. Energy gap between FMOs was observed to be minimum and maximum for electron rich and deficient frameworks, respectively. The LUMO electron density in all the designed molecules except for compound bearing nitro group (3c) lies on the phenazine unit. This exceptional behavior enthusiased us to explore their photophysical properties. The compounds were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, NMR and mass spectrometric techniques. In an attempt to examine their spectral behavior in different solvents, their absorption and emission spectra were recorded. The compounds exhibited absorptions maxima ranging between 475-514 nm, which shifted to longer wavelength while changing solvent polarity from CHCl3 to DMSO thus depicting positive solvatochromism. Similarly, the emission maxima was observed in a range of 570–685 nm with a maximum stokes shift of 6454 cm−1 for 3c. The compound 3c was further explored in the sensing application using DMSO:Water (60:40, v/v) mixture. A blue shift of 30 nm with nearly 7 fold increase in the emission intensity was observed upon addition of Hg2+ into 3c solution. Moreover, LOD of 21.9 nM and binding stoichiometry of 2:1 as determined by Benesi–Hildebrand and Job's plot establish the robust response of developed probe towards Hg2+ ion. The mechanism of complex formation was predicted by 1H NMR titration and DFT studies. Finally, the developed probe has been successfully utilized for sensing Hg2+ in real water samples.

Living/Controlled Anionic Polymerization of Glycolide in Fluoroalcohols: Toward Sustainable Bioplastics.

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is a promising approach to accessing well-defined polyesters with superior (bio)degradability and recyclability. However, the living/controlled polymerization of glycolide (GL), a well-known sustainable monomer derived from carbon monoxide/dioxide, has never been reported due to the extremely low solubility of its polymer in common solvents. Herein, we report the first living/controlled anionic ROP of GL in strong protic fluoroalcohols (FAs), which are conventionally considered incompatible with anionic polymerization. Well-defined polyglycolide (PGA, Đ < 1.15, Mn up to 55.4 kg mol-1) and various PGA-based macromolecules are obtained at room temperature for the first time. NMR titration and computational studies revealed that FAs simultaneously activate the chain end and monomer without being involved in initiation. Low-boiling-point FAs and PGA can be recycled through simple distillation and sublimation at 220 °C in vacuo, respectively, providing a promising sustainable alternative for tackling plastic pollution problems.

Alkali Metal Halide Ion-Pair Binding in Conformationally Dynamic Halogen Bonding Heteroditopic [2]Rotaxanes.

A series of heteroditopic halogen bonding (XB) [2]rotaxanes were prepared via a combination of passive and active metal template-directed strategies. The ability of the [2]rotaxanes to bind alkali metal halide ion-pairs was investigated by extensive 1H NMR titration studies, wherein detailed analysis of cation, anion and ion-pair affinity measurements indicate dramatic positive cooperative enhancements in halide anion association upon either Na+ or K+ pre-complexation. We demonstrate that careful consideration of multiple, parallel and competing binding equilibria is essential when interpreting observed 1H NMR spectral changes in ion-pair receptor systems, especially those which exhibit dynamic behaviour. Importantly, in comparison to XB [2]catenane analogues, these neutral XB heteroditopic [2]rotaxane host systems demonstrated that despite their relatively weaker cation and anion binding abilities, they exhibit a notably higher level of positive cooperativity for alkali metal halide ion-pair binding, highlighting the role of greater co-conformational adaptive behaviour in mechanically-bonded hosts for the purposes of charged species recognition.

Highly sensitive fluorescent probes for selective detection of hypochlorite: Applications in blood serum and cell imaging.

Being one of the vital reactive oxygen species (ROS), abnormal level of hypochlorite ion (ClO-) may pose detrimental threats to living organisms. Therefore, highly selective, and rapid monitoring of ClO- in living system is of prime importance to protect living organisms from its harmful effects. In this regard, design of synthetic fluorescent probes for ClO- has garnered considerable attention. However less fluorescence emission in aggregated state and less photostability of several existing probes for ClO- inspired us to design aggregation induced emission (AIE) active fluorescent probes SH1 and SH2. Probes were rationally designed by introducing thiourea moiety that selectively reacted through desulfurization reaction and resulted in highly selective detection of ClO-. Hypochlorite induced desulfurization reaction was validated through 1H NMR titration and DFT studies. Fine tuning of probes SH1 and SH2 prompted highly sensitive nanoscale (55nM and 77nM) and rapid (15 and 35 sec) detection of ClO-. Probe SH1 displayed less cytotoxic effect to live cells before it was successfully applied for bioimaging of ClO- in live MCF-7 cells. Moreover, probes displayed excellent sensing potential for ClO- in blood serum and real water samples. Advantageously, probe coated portable fluorescent films were fabricated for the easy and fast monitoring of ClO-. Of note, this work offers excellent design strategy for highly selective detection of ClO- that may lead to clinical trials.

Dynamic Metalloporphyrin-Based [2]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttles Stimulated by Neutral Lewis Base and Anion Coordination.

A series of dynamic metalloporphyrin [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles comprising of bis-functionalised Zn(II) porphyrin axle and pyridyl functionalised macrocycle components are prepared in high yield via active metal template synthetic methodology. Extensive variable temperature 1 H NMR and quantitative UV-Vis spectroscopic titration studies demonstrate dynamic macrocycle translocation is governed by an inter-component co-ordination interaction between the macrocycle pyridyl and axle Zn(II) metalloporphyrin, which serves to bias a 'resting state' co-conformation. The dynamic shuttling behaviour of the interlocked structures is dramatically inhibited by the addition of a neutral Lewis base such as pyridine, but can also be tuned via post-synthetic rotaxane demetallation of the porphyrin axle core to give free-base, or upon subsequent metallation, Ni(II) [2]rotaxane analogues. Importantly, the Lewis acidic Zn(II) porphyrin axle component is also capable of coordinating anions which induces mechanical bond shuttling behaviour resulting in a novel optical sensing response.