Design and synthesis of luminescent bis(isocyanoborato) rhenate(I) complexes as a selective sensor for cyanide anion

Involved Member: Dr. Vincent Chi Chiu KO

A series of luminescent bis(isocyanoborato) rhenate-(I) phenanthroline complexes with the general formula of cis,trans-[Re(CO)2(CNBR3)2(phen)]K(R=C6F5 and C6H5) have been designed and synthesized. The solutions of these complexes exhibit MLCT phosphorescence. Detailed anion titration study showed that the emission intensity of bis(isocyanotriphenylborato) complex in CH3CN/H2O solution would be significantly decreased in the presence of cyanide anion, while such a change would not be observed in the presence of other anions including F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OH−, AcO−, N3−, ClO4−, H2PO4−, HSO4−, NO3−, NO2−, IO3−, and SCN−.

This represents the first example demonstrating the application of isocyanoborate ligand for selective chemosensing purpose. It is anticipated that it would initiate a new design strategy for selective cyanide sensors from the borane adducts other luminescent transition metal complex systems.

Reference:

Xiao, Y.L., Chu, W.K., Ng, C.O., Cheng, S.C., Tse, M.K., Yiu, S.M. and Ko, C.C. (2020). Design and synthesis of luminescent bis(isocyanoborato) rhenate(I) complexes as a selective sensor for cyanide anion. Organometallics, 39(11), 2135-2141.

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Design and synthesis of luminescent bis(isocyanoborato) rhenate(I) complexes as a selective sensor for cyanide anion