Tris(triazole) tripodal receptors as selective probes for citrate anion recognition and multichannel transition and heavy metal cation sensing.

The three-armed pyrenyl-triazole receptor 1 behaves as a highly selective fluorescent molecular sensor for citrate anions over similar carboxylates such as malate or tartrate. In addition, this receptor senses Cu(2+) cations through absorption and emission channels even in the presence of Hg(2+) metal cations. The related three-armed ferrocenyl-triazole receptor 2 behaves as a highly selective dual (redox and chromogenic) chemosensor molecule for Pb(2+) metal cations.

Tetrathiafulvalene-based mixed-valence acceptor-donor-acceptor triads: a joint theoretical and experimental approach.

This work presents a joint theoretical and experimental characterisation of the structural and electronic properties of two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-based acceptor-donor-acceptor triads (BQ-TTF-BQ and BTCNQ-TTF-BTCNQ; BQ is naphthoquinone and BTCNQ is benzotetracyano-p-quinodimethane) in their neutral and reduced states. The study is performed with the use of electrochemical, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemical techniques guided by quantum-chemical calculations. Emphasis is placed on the mixed-valence properties of both triads in their radical anion states. The electrochemical and EPR results reveal that both BQ-TTF-BQ and BTCNQ-TTF-BTCNQ triads in their radical anion states behave as class-II mixed-valence compounds with significant electronic communication between the acceptor moieties. Density functional theory calculations (BLYP35/cc-pVTZ), taking into account the solvent effects, predict charge-localised species (BQ(.-)-TTF-BQ and BTCNQ(.-)-TTF-BTCNQ) as the most stable structures for the radical anion states of both triads. A stronger localisation is found both experimentally and theoretically for the BTCNQ-TTF-BTCNQ anion, in accordance with the more electron-withdrawing character of the BTCNQ acceptor. CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations suggest that the low-energy, broad absorption bands observed experimentally for the BQ-TTF-BQ and BTCNQ-TTF-BTCNQ radical anions are associated with the intervalence charge transfer (IV-CT) electronic transition and two nearby donor-to-acceptor CT excitations. The study highlights the molecular efficiency of the electron-donor TTF unit as a molecular wire connecting two acceptor redox centres.

Detection of the early stage of recombinational DNA repair by silicon nanowire transistors.

A silicon nanowire-based biosensor has been designed and applied for label-free and ultrasensitive detection of the early stage of recombinational DNA repair by RecA protein. Silicon nanowires transistors were fabricated by atomic force microscopy nanolithography and integrated into a microfluidic environment. The sensor operates by measuring the changes in the resistance of the nanowire as the biomolecular reactions proceed. We show that the nanoelectronic sensor can detect and differentiate several steps in the binding of RecA to a single-stranded DNA filament taking place on the nanowire-aqueous interface. We report relative changes in the resistance of 3.5% which are related to the interaction of 250 RecA·single-stranded DNA complexes. Spectroscopy data confirm the presence of the protein-DNA complexes on the functionalized silicon surfaces.

Ion pair recognition receptor based on an unsymmetrically 1,1'-disubstituted ferrocene-triazole derivative.

The ferrocene-triazole derivative 4, available from 1,1'-bis(diazido)ferrocene by sequential functionalization through click-type chemistry and the Staudinger reaction, is elaborated as a lab-on-a-molecule for the selective sensing of HP(2)O(7)(3-) and Hg(2+). Receptor 4 behaves as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for HP(2)O(7)(3-) with a good selectivity over other anions, whereas in the presence of Hg(2+) it modifies the fluorescent emission of the pyrene unit, acting as a selective on-off fluorescent sensor for Hg(2+) with a low detection limit. The most salient feature of compound 4 is its behavior as an excellent electrooptical ion pair recognition receptor able to simultaneously recognize Pb(2+) cations in the presence of HP(2)O(7)(3-) anion through multichannel perturbations of the redox potential of the ferrocene unit, the emission spectrum, and a noticeable color change from yellow to green.

Imidazole derivatives: a comprehensive survey of their recognition properties.

Due to its amphoteric nature the imidazole ring can function as selective and effective anion and/or cation and even neutral organic molecules receptor system. As a result, the design of new multichannel imidazole-based receptors capable of recognizing different types of analytes is strongly demanded. This review summarizes the most recent and relevant advances in this area.

A three-state surface-confined molecular switch with multiple channel outputs.

A self-assembled monolayer of a tetrathiafulvalene derivative on indium tin oxide is shown to operate as a ternary redox switch in which the magnetic and optical outputs are employed to provide a readout of the state. This surface-confined molecular switch exhibits excellent reversibility and stability and is thus promising for the development of molecular electronics.

Benzodicarbomethoxytetrathiafulvalene derivatives as soluble organic semiconductors.

A series of new tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives bearing dimethoxycarbonyl and phenyl or phthalimidyl groups fused to the TTF core (6 and 15-18) has been synthesized as potential soluble semiconductor materials for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The electron-withdrawing substituents lower the energy of the HOMO and LUMO levels and increase the solubility and stability of the semiconducting material. Crystal structures of all new TTF derivatives are also described, and theoretical DFT calculations were carried out to study the potential of the crystals to be used in OFET. In the experimental study, the best performing device exhibited a hole mobility up to 7.5 × 10(-3) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)).

Selective metal-cation recognition by [2.2]ferrocenophanes: the cases of zinc- and lithium-sensing.

The synthesis, electrochemical, optical, and cation-sensing properties of [2.2]ferrocenophanes, in which the two ferrocene subunits are linked through two aldiminic or iminophosphorane moieties, are reported. The new compounds show remarkably selective cation-sensing properties due to the presence of redox-active units (ferrocene) and aza-unsaturated functionalities that are able to act as putative cation-binding sites. In this structural motif, the aldimine groups act as a highly selective binding site for Zn(2+) cations, whereas the iminophosphorane bridges display an unusually strong binding affinity towards Li(+) cations, which could be explained by an additional LiFe interaction. The X-ray structure of the complex 4Li(+) as well as detailed NMR spectroscopic studies, both in solution and in the solid state, support this assessment. Experimental data and conclusions about the cation-sensing capabilities of this family of compounds are supported by DFT calculations.

Conformationally modulated intramolecular electron transfer process in a diaza[2,2]ferrocenophane.

A novel conformationally modulated Intramolecular Electron Transfer (IET) phenomenon has been observed due to the cyclic structure of the diaza[2.2]ferrocenophane 3. The corresponding mixed-valence compound of 3, prepared by electrochemical or chemical partial oxidation, interestingly shows the appearance of two absorption bands in the near infrared (NIR) spectral region. These bands are attributable to two intervalence charge-transfer transitions associated to two atropoisomers exhibiting different energy for the IET process. A solvent and temperature control over the atropoisomeric equilibrium have also been observed. The experimental data and conclusions about both the conformational and the electronic properties of compound 3 are also supported by density functional theory calculations.

Mononuclear ferrocenophane structural motifs with two thiourea arms acting as a dual binding site for anions and cations.

The synthesis of a new type of mononuclear ferrocenophane-based thiourea, in which the ferrocene moiety is simultaneously attached to two thiourea groups directly from 1,1'-bis(isothiocyanato)ferrocene, is reported. These nitrogen-rich structural motifs show remarkable ion-sensing properties because of the presence of the redox active ferrocene unit and the thiourea bridges, which unexpectedly act as a dual binding site for anions and metal ions. They display a selective downfield shift of the thiourea protons and a remarkable cathodic shift of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple with F(-), AcO(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), and HP(2)O(7)(3-) anions, whereas the selective recognition of Hg(2+) metal cations is achieved either by electrochemical or by spectral measurements. The preferred binding modes are proposed for the most representative complexes by means of density functional theory based theoretical calculations showing the Janus-like faces of the receptor.

Synthesis and biological activity of a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl ester analogue of epicatechin-3-gallate.

Despite presenting bioavailability problems, tea catechins have emerged as promising chemopreventive agents because of their observed efficacy in various animal models. To improve the stability and cellular absorption of tea polyphenols, we developed a new catechin-derived compound, 3- O-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-(-)-epicatechin (TMECG), which has shown significant antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines, especially melanoma. The presence of methoxy groups in its ester-bound gallyl moiety drastically decreased its antioxidant and prooxidant properties without affecting its cell-antiproliferative effects, and the data indicated that the 3-gallyl moiety was essential for its biological activity. As regards its action mechanism, we demonstrated that TMECG binds efficiently to human dihydrofolate reductase and down-regulates folate cycle gene expression in melanoma cells. Disruption of the folate cycle by TMECG is a plausible explanation for its observed biological effects and suggests that, like other antifolate compounds, TMECG could be of clinical value in cancer therapy.

A bis-guanidine-based multisignaling sensor molecule that displays redox-ratiometric behavior or fluorescence enhancement in the presence of anions and cations.

[structure: see text]The guanidine bridge in the new structural motif [3,3]ferrocenophane acts as a dual binding site for anions and metal ions. Sensing of anions (Cl(-), F(-), NO(3)(-), HSO(4)(-), and H(2)PO(4)(-)) takes place by redox-ratiometric measurements, whereas metal ion (Zn(2+), Ni(2+), and Cd(2+)) recognition is achieved by fluorescence measurements.

A new fluoride selective electrochemical and fluorescent chemosensor based on a ferrocene-naphthalene dyad.

A new difunctionalized receptor based on an aza-ferrocenophane structure shows electrochemical and fluorescent responses to fluoride anion.

Synthesis and properties of a new class of nitrogen-rich multinuclear[m.n] ferrocenophanes.

The synthesis of the first tetraaza[3,3]ferrocenophane, from the previously unreported 1,1'-bis(triphenylphosphoranylidenamino)ferrocene and its conversion into a nitrogen-rich [2,2]bis[3,3]ferrocenophane is described. The electronic behaviour of these multinuclear ferrocenophanes indicates a strong electronic coupling between the iron centers.

A densely decorated disubstituted ferrocene as an ion-pair recognition receptor.

A functionalized 1,1'-disubstituted ferrocene acts as an electro-optical ion-pair receptor for Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cd(2+), and Zn(2+) cations in the presence of a co-bound H2PO4(-) anion, through perturbation of the redox potential of the ferrocene unit, enhancement of the fluorescence and a noticeable colour change.

Electrochemical and chemical tuning of the surface wettability of tetrathiafulvalene self-assembled monolayers.

The tuning of the surface wettability of self-assembled monolayers of two novel tetrathiafulvalenes has been achieved by electrochemical and chemical means.

Mono- and dinuclear osmium N,N'-di- and tetraphenylbipyridyls and extended bipyridyls. Synthesis, structure and electrochemistry.

The efficient synthesis of mono- and dinuclear Os(IV) bipyridyl complexes is reported. These compounds show a two-step oxidation process leading to notable structural changes, which are reflected in their emission properties. During the second oxidation process a tetracation with a hydride-dihydrogen structure (instead of a trihydride) is formed. This results in a significant bathochromic shift of the emission band, accompanied by a moderate increase in intensity.

Aldimines generated from aza-Wittig reaction between bis(iminophosphoranes) derived from 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehydes: electrochemical and optical behaviour towards metal cations.

Aldimine 4 bearing a 2-quinolyl group was prepared by aza-Wittig reaction between the triphenyliminophosphorane derived from the 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and 2-formylquinoline. However, aldimine 5, bearing a pyrene ring, was prepared using the most reactive tributyliminophosphorane derivative and the corresponding 1-formylpyrene. On the other hand, formation of aldimine 8 involves a tandem process, Staudinger reaction/intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction, by using directly 1,1'-diazidoferrocene and 2-(diphenylphosphonyl)benzaldehyde. Aldimine 4 behaves as chemosensor molecule for Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) cations through two different channels: electrochemical (ΔE(1/2) = 222-361 mV) and chromogenic (Δλ = 122-153 nm), which can be used for the "naked eye" detection of these metal cations. Aldimine 5 behaves as a highly selective redox (in CH(3)CN) and fluorescent (in CH(3)Cl-DMF) probe for Hg(2+) metal cations even in the presence of a large excess of the other metal cations tested. Aldimine 8 displays electrochemical affinity (ΔE(1/2) = 60-288 mV) to Li(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) metal cations, with the phosphorus oxide functionality as a binding site. From the (1)H NMR titration data as well as DFT calculations, different tentative binding modes have been established, for these structurally related ferrocenyl derivatives.

[3.3]Ferrocenophanes with guanidine bridging units as multisignalling receptor molecules for selective recognition of anions, cations, and amino acids.

The synthesis, electrochemical, and optical properties of a new [3.3]ferrocenophane framework in which two ferrocene subunits, with similar electronic environments, are linked through two substituted guanidine moieties, are reported. The receptors 4-7 have been prepared in good yields by the reaction of bis(carbodiimide) 3 with primary amines. This architecture is exceptionally "tunable" because a variety of "legs" may be appended to the basic [3.3]ferrocenophane scaffold to give a wide range of signaling units. These receptors show remarkable ion-sensing properties, due to the presence of a redox active unit (ferrocene), and an amphoteric binding site (guanidine). In this nitrogen-rich structural motif the guanidine bridges act as multipoint binding sites for anions, cations, and amino acids. Sensing of anions takes place both by unprecedented redox-ratiometric measurements (F-, Cl-, AcO-, NO3-, HSO4-, H2PO4-, and HP2O7(3-)), and colorimetric change (F-, AcO-, H2PO4-, and HP2O7(3-)). Sensing and discrimination of amino acids takes place by redox-ratiometric measurements, whereas the recognition of metal cations (Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+) is achieved either by electrochemical or fluorescence measurements. Moreover, the reported receptors display splitting of the oxidation wave of the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple, and form the mixed-valence species 4+* -7+* by electrochemical partial oxidation which, interestingly, show intervalence charge-transfer transitions associated to the appearance of absorption bands in the near infrared spectral region.