Abstract:
Structure of noble organic molecular scaffolds for recognition and sensing of
environmentally and biologically important ions with high sensitivity and selectivity are
constantly important for practical research in different fields of science. In current years
there has been developed for constructing chemical sensors for on time, fast and costoperative
monitoring of environmental samples. Associated with the traditional analysis
instruments, chemical sensors are convenient, modest to use, in-situ and minuscule in
size. These topographies are perfect for real-time on field measurements, hence the
inaccuracies instigated by the sample transference and storage can be generally
condensed. Over current years the progress of a plethora of potential chemosensors has
concerned substantial consideration in supramolecular chemistry. The most appropriate
properties for development of chromogenic and fluorogenic sensors is the capability to
react to useful perturbation in a highly selective and sensitive method by dramatic
variations in color and emission intensity due to simplicity, convenience, low-cost,
sensitivity, immediate response, and naked-eye visualization.
The present thesis entitled “SYNTHESIS OF SOME NOVEL CHEMICAL SENSOR
FOR CYANIDE ION SENSING VIA DIFFERENT MECHANISM”, describes the
design, synthesis and photophysical properties of some receptors based on
salicylaldehyde, azo-dye, coumarin and napthylamine systems. The molecules were
characterized by FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, and APCI-MS data. The photophysical behaviors
of these receptors were observed through UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The
receptors were developed for studying the interaction with cyanide ions.
The thesis has been divided into five chapters, the first chapter deals with “General
Introduction”, which defines numerous aspects comprising cyanide sources and lethal
effects, brief discussion of electrochemical sensors (cyclic voltammetry) and optical
sensor, principle of optical chemosensors, some common photophysical mechanisms like
charge transfer (CT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), intramolecular charge
transfer (ICT), energy transfer (ET), excimer/exciplex, excited state intramolecular proton
transfer (ESIPT), Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)/Aggregation-caused quenching
(ACQ) and C=N isomerization, principles and general approach for CN¯ sensing and
molecular logic gates.
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Second chapter presents; “Hydrogen Bonding Based Cyanide Sensor”, describes four
Nobel azo linked [(3-methylpyridin-2-yl) iminomethyl-((4nitrophenyl) diazenyl) phenol
(B1), (furan-2-yl methyl) iminomethyl-4-((4nitrophenyl) diazenyl) phenol (B2) and
Enone based ((6-Fluoro-4-Oxo-4H-cromen-3-yl)methylene) isonicotinohydrazide (B3),
and N-((4-oxo-4H-cromen-3yl)methylene)isonicotinohydrazide (B4)] anion receptors
synthesis and characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Ligands B1-B4 displays large
extent of selectivity toward CN¯ resulting instant color change expressions witnessed in
10% aq. medium. Job’s plot displays 1:1 stoichiometry along with all ligands. The limit
of detection diagnosed for CN¯ ion is down to 0.48 (B1), 1.66 μM, (B2) 0.76 μM (B3)
and 0.68 μM (B4) that is below the WHO level. The anion binding property of the
receptors (via deprotonation mechanism) was monitored by FTIR, 1H NMR & hydroxyl
titration and DFT calculation. The coated paper test strip was served as a mini
colorimetric device for finding of CN¯ in aqueous solution. It can be practiced for
quantitative assurance of CN¯ concentrations in water samples. The reversible behavior
of B-CN complex with H+ also applied as a logic gate (in case of B3).
Third chapter presents; “Metal Complexation Based Cyanide Sensor”,
describes the synthesis of a novel effectual molecular receptor 2a [4hydroxy-6-methyl-3-
(1-(-3methylpyridin-2-ylimine) ethyl)-2H-chromene-2-one] and characterized by
spectroscopic techniques like, CHNS, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and APCI-MS. Ligand
2a was the selective fluorescence turn-off sensor for the recognition of Co2+ via Photoinduced
electron transfer quenching. Job's Plot analysis reveals the 2:1 stoichiometry
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between the ligand-Co2+ complex. The resultant matallo-supramolecular complex of 2a-
Co2+ exhibits the change in optical properties with CN¯ (0.12 μM LOD) over
complexation method in 1:2 stoichiometry. The possible binding mode was confirmed by
FTIR, NMR and mass spectroscopic studies. Further, CN¯ binding sturdily perturbs the
redox properties of 2a-Co2+ complex. The ‘On-Off-On’ emission variation outlines the
working principle of IMPLICATION logic gate. Besides, ligand 2a and 2a-Co2+ complex
also exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram negative bacteria P. diminuta and Gram
positive bacteria: S. aureus, B. brevis using disc diffusion method.
Fourth chapter presents; “Nucleophilic Addition Based Cyanide Sensor”, describes
synthesis of doubly activated Michael type receptors 2-((2-methoxynaphthalene-1-yl)
methylene) -2H-indene-1-3dione (L1), 2-cyano-3-(2-methoxynaphthalene-1-yl) acrylic
acid (L2) and indolium based spiropyran type receptors 1,3,3-trimethylspiro[indoline-
2,2’-pyrano[3,2-c]chromen]-6-ium (L3), 9’fluoro-1,3,3-trimethylspiro[indoline-2,2’-
pyrano[3,2-c]chromen]-6-ium (L4). In case of L1-L2 the donor-acceptor molecular
arrangement was interrupted by Michael addition of CN¯ on electron-deficient
alkene bridge, which blocks intramolecular charge transfer and showed
colorimetric blue shift and fluorescence enhancement. On the other hand, in case of
receptors L3-L4 emerging red shift in absorption and emission enhancement is a
consequence ring opening with conversion of enolate chromophore as merocyanine
forms with CN¯. The 1 : 1 stoichiometry of L-CN- complex was proved by Job’s
plot and pseudo first-order rate constant were calculated found to be 0.025 s-1 (L1),
0.029 s-1 (L2) and 0.022 S-1 (L4). The detection limit analysed for CN¯ is 1.2 nm
(L1), 1.15 nm and 57.9 nM (L4) that is very below the WHO level. The FTIR,
NMR, mass spectroscopy and DFT (Density functional theory) further supported
the suggested mechanism of interaction between receptors and CN¯. Cyclic
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Voltammetry studies were also confirmed the recognition of CN¯ with all lignds
L1-L4. Thus, ligands for the spectroscopic identification of CN¯ can principal to
the practical application as in paper strips and biological activities (antifungal,
antibacterial).
Fifth chapter presents; “Metal Displacement Based Cyanide Sensor (Indirect
Approach)”, describes synthesis of excited state intramolecular proton transfer
(ESIPT) based four Nobel receptors S1- (2-ethoxy-3-((p-nitrophenyl-1-
ylimino)methyl) -2H-chromen-4-ol) S2- (2-methoxy-3-((p-nitrophenyl-1-
ylimino)methyl) -2H-chromen-4-ol), S3- (2-methoxy-3-((naphthalen-1-ylimino)
methyl) -2H-chromen-4-ol) and S4- 2-ethoxy-3-((naphthalen-1-ylimino) methyl) -
2H-chromen-4-ol), which are shown the remarkable aggregation-induced emission
enhancement (AIEE) in aqueous medium. ON basis of this phenomenon further
developed fluorescent organic nanoparticles of S3. All receptors express good
water solubility and subsequent in-situ sensing of Cu2+ and CN‾ in aqueous and
biological settings. Cu2+ displayed a blue shift in absorption wavelength and
efficiently quenches the emission intensity. Under the optimised conditions, the
fluorescence intensity change established the feasibility for quantifiable analysis of
ultra-trace concentrations of Cu2+ as inferred from an absolutely low detection limit
1.69 μM, 12.3 nM with S1 and S3-FONs respectively. Standardized exercise
revealed the in-situ formed S-Cu2+ assembly acted as a secondary sensor for CN‾
via regeneration of fluorescence intensity with a limit of detection 0.168 μM, 21.4
nM with S1-Cu2+ and S3-FONs-Cu2+ respectively. Additionally the receptors were
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mimic as the function of a sequential logic circuit at molecular level based on “On–
Off–On” sensing behavior by the inputs of Cu2+ and CN¯. The recovery analysis
executed by spiking the known concentrations of Cu2+ and CN‾ in deionised water,
tap water and river water samples. Further, S1 and S1-Cu2+ complex shows the
antimicrobial activities against fungi: Bipolaris oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani
using the agar well diffusion method. Similarly S3-FONs express promising
applications in intracellular recognition of Cu2+ and CN‾ via cellular imaging in
HeLa cells.