# A Novel Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine Based Tripodal Ligand: Synthesis and Solution Coordination Studies with Trivalent Iron and Chromium

Authors: Minati Baral; Amit Gupta; Rifat Akbar; Bikram K. Kanungo
Journal: Journal of Applied Chemistry
 (2016)

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## Abstract

A novel tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) based tripodal ligand TRENOL (L) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and UV-VIS, IR,1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods. The coordination behaviour of the ligand with H+ and trivalent metal ions, Fe(III) and Cr(III), was investigated in aqueous medium at 0.1 M KCl at 25±1°C by potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies. Tripodal ligand showed seven protonation constants in the adopted pH range 2–11 and its electronic spectra exhibited three bands at 216, 323, and 423 nm. Ligand formed various metal complex species of the type MLH5, MLH4, MLH3, MLH, and ML with trivalent metal ions. The determined values of the formation constants (for ML species) of the ligand with Fe(III) and Cr(III) were 24.19 and 18.64, respectively. Molecular modeling studies revealed that the metal complexes formed distorted octahedral geometry. Besides, ligand showed fluorescence at 496 nm when excited at 289 nm. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand in the presence of Fe(III) ions showed noticeable quenching in comparison to the other metal ions at physiological pH (7.4). So, as per the outcomes of the present study, TRENOL has the potential to be used as the iron detector in environmental, agricultural, and medical fields.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Multifunctional compounds such as polyphenols are highly abundant in natural products like pine, grape, and witch hazel products. They are broadly beneficial for human health as they are found highly active and protective for red blood cells from free radical induced hemolysis. However, polyphenols serve as double-edged sword due to their both antioxidative and prooxidative properties. They are capable of scavenging free radicals and in other cases can serve as reactive oxygen species [1] and, hence, can be explored either as an effective antioxidant or as a cytotoxic agent in various hyperproliferative diseases. Besides biological studies, polyphenols based Schiff bases can be designed to demonstrate the coordination behaviour of these biological potent agents with metal ions which may further provide additive properties to this class of compounds. Schiff bases are much prevailing compounds in coordination chemistry due to their capability of forming stable complexes with metal ions [2]. They are known for their high selectivity and sensitivity with specific metal ions and so they are useful in potentiometric sensing and heterogeneous catalytic processes [3]. Despite their high significance against potent pathogens only limited data is available in the field of metal complexation. This less investigated area can be studied for better understanding of electronic, molecular, and spectral behaviour of polyphenols based Schiff bases and their metal complexes. Such studies provide a strong ground for the development of novel sensor or agents with wider applications.Iron overload transfusion therapy is generally used to cure such a metal poisoning, which includes administration of iron chelating agents [4]. Potential chelators are biologically available and are featured by lesser toxicity, high selectivity towards iron, and forming stable complex upon binding with it. In these aspects, low molecular weight naturally occurring biomolecules, siderophores, have capability to bind with iron with high affinity and specificity. Nowadays, iron uptake by those biomolecules is serving as a novel platform for various applications, based on iron uptake mechanism such as drug delivery system [5, 6], detection of microorganisms [7, 8], and capture and accumulation of actinide elements [9–11]. In order to put some appropriate solution, synthesis of novel molecules is required which may be considered against intoxication of aforesaid metals in the biological systems and may also be used for developing some sought probes for the detection of these metals in trace quantity if present in the surrounding environment.Moreover, for developing novel chelators, it is necessary to cover the structural aspects of natural occurring molecules such as siderophores. During the worldwide search for potential siderophore mimic chelators, it has been observed that several research groups have developed different strategies for synthesis of such tripodal chelating agents. Much effort has been channeled into the synthesis of catechols [12] and hydroxamates [13–16] with typical examples (model chelators) being enterobactin and desferrioxamine, respectively. The most important work was carried out by the Raymond group who have reported numerous catecholate [17] and hydroxypyridone ligands [18, 19]. A number of synthetic analogues have been prepared which retain the high affinity for iron(III) and with other metal ions, typical of enterobactin, and yet are more stable under biological conditions, for instance, the tripodal molecular Mecam [20]. Mecam is the structural analogue of enterobactin and has three catechol binding units: the catecholamide groups are appended to 1,3,5-triaminomethyl benzene rather than to the tri-L-serine ligand backbone of enterobactin. Many derivatives of Mecam have been reported [12, 21–23]. The thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemical studies along with biological evaluation of these ligands are reported in numerous articles and reviews [24, 25]. Attempts have been made to synthesize lipophilic tripodal hexadentate ligand, where three bidentate moieties are attached to core by stable arms such as carbon chain and ether linkers [26, 27] containing C-pivot, tris(aminomethyl)ethane (tame) as center unit. Another important aspect is the ring strain due to the rigidity of the benzene ring, as it could be expected if the sp2 hybridized atoms of benzene ring are replaced with sp3 hybridized systems like cyclohexane ring, the resulting tripod system would be more flexible and ring strain will be less compared to Mecam and complexes would be thermodynamically more stable [28]; design of such tripodal systems by replacing benzene ring with a cyclohexane ring has been reported [29–33].Though many tripodal siderophore mimics containing phenolate, catecholate, and other binding units have been reported, very few pyrogallol type multidentate chelators have been reported [34] and detailed studies have been reported. Keeping in view of the above, a polyhydroxy tripodal ligand incorporated with azomethine spacer has been synthesized from TREN and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde and its coordination behaviour towards Fe(III) and Cr(III) is studied.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Chemicals and Solvents

Reagents for synthesis purpose of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde, and so forth were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and used without further purification. Analytical grade solvents tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, and others were purchased from Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd. and Fisher Scientific. Before using, solvents were dried over suitable drying reagents. Solvents were freshly distilled over appropriate drying agents following standard procedures.


### 2.2. Physical Measurements

Melting points of the compounds were determined on Microsil apparatus. Elemental analysis (CHN) was performed on Euro EA 3000, 60 Hz-1200 W elemental analyzer. For FT-IR analyses, the sample was carefully mixed in homogenous manner in KBr in 1 : 100 by weight and a fine pellet was prepared under pressure. The FT-IR spectrum of the compound was taken under transmission mode with Perkin-Elmer FT-IR spectrometer in mid-range region (4000–400) cm−1. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the ligand TRENOL were taken in d6 dmso using Bruker Avance II 400 NMR spectrometer. The chemical shifts were quantified in δ values (ppm). Tetramethylsilane was used as an internal reference. To avoid solubility problem, the compound was converted into its hydrochloric salt and dissolved in millipore grade deionized water. Ionic strength of the solution was adjusted with 0.1 M KCl. All the stock solutions were prepared in millipore grade deionized water. For weighing appropriate amount, high precision weighing balance CAS-CAUW220D was used (up to level of four digits). The exact concentration of KOH (0.1 M) was determined potentiometrically using 0.1 M solution of oxalic acid as primary standards and then exact strength of HCl (0.1 N) was determined by the same method using standardized KOH. All the solutions were prepared with millipore grade deionized water immediately before use, which was deoxygenated and flushed continuously with grade I N2 gas to exclude CO2 and O2. All measurements were carried out at 25±1°C maintained by using thermostat.


### 2.3. Synthesis and Characterization

0.146 g (1.0 mmol) of TREN was added gradually to the stirring solution of 0.4673 g (3.0 mmol) 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde dissolved in absolute ethanol (30.0 mL) under nitrogen gas atmosphere for 12 h at room temperature (Figure1). The obtained yellowish-orange precipitates were filtered and subjected to crystallization in methanol/tetrahydrofuran solvent mixture. The yellow colour solid (TRENOL) with yield 80% and melting point 186–188°C was characterized by elementary analysis and different spectroscopic techniques. Elemental analysis of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (N) in percentage was found to be C 57.83, H 5.62, N 10.12; calculated (C27H30N4O9), C 58.54, H 5.52, N 10.14. IR (KBr) νmax/cm−1: 3365 (O-H), 2925 (N-H amide), 1595 (-C=N-), 1352 (oop, C-O-H cm−1); 1H NMR spectra δ (400 MHz, dmso), δ (ppm): 2.7 (t, 6H, J=8.1, -CH2-), 2.9 (t, 6H, J=8.1 -CH2-), 6.0–7.0 (m, 6H, J=8.0, Ar-H), 9.7 (s, 3H, -N=CH-), 7.0 (s, 3H, -OH), 7.9 (s, 3H, -OH), 8.2 (s, 3H, -OH); 13C NMR spectra δ (400 MHz, dmso): δ = 106–158 (18C, -Ar), 164 (3C, -N=CH-), 55 (3C, -CH2), 53 (3C, -CH2).Figure 1
Scheme for synthesis of tripodal Schiff base. (a) TREN; (b) 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde; (c) TRENOL.


### 2.4. Potentiometric Titration

Determination of protonation constants (log⁡K) of the ligand and its formation constants (log⁡β) with two trivalent metal ions, Fe(III) and Cr(III), was done by potentiometry and spectrophotometry methods. The potentiometric titrations were carried out on HACH Sension-2 potentiometer using glass electrode and pH was recorded as -log⁡H+. The standard method was used for electrode calibration in suitable buffers of pH 4 and pH 7 [35]. All the titrations were carried out using auto pipette with least count 10 μM and capacity 1.0 mL. In potentiometric method final concentration 1 × 10−5 M was fixed for both ligands and metal ions. The ligand solution, in the absence and presence of metal ions, was titrated against 0.1 M KOH at μ = 0.1 M KCl at 25±1°C in pH range 2–11 and adequate time was given for the attainment of the equilibrium to give a stable pH reading. Hyperquad 2006 nonlinear least square program was used for the refinement of potentiometric data [36]. During the titration with increasing pH, the species formed were observed using the simulation program HYSS 2009 [37].


### 2.5. Spectrophotometric and Fluorescence Studies

Spectrophotometric titrations were carried out under the same conditions by keeping the final ligand concentration 2 × 10−5 M. During titration after each addition of base KOH, sufficient time was allowed for establishment of the equilibrium and a small aliquot of the solution was taken in to the cuvette (1 cm, path length) to take the spectra. The computer software HypSpec [38] was used for the determination of protonation constants of the ligand and formation constants of the metal complexes with Fe(III) and Cr(III).The fluorescence study of the ligand was conducted on Agilent Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. The emission spectra of the ligand in the absence and presence of metal ions in 1 : 1 M-L stoichiometry were studied withλex = 289 nm in the same method under similar conditions as mentioned for spectrophotometric titrations in pH range 2–9. Also, the effect of increasing concentration of the Fe(III) (2 to 1000 μM) on the fluorescence intensity of the tripodal ligand (20 μM) was investigated at pH 7.4±0.1 using HEPES buffer. In a similar way fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was also studied in the presence of metal ion (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, and Cr3+). Moreover, the detection limit was calculated for the iron on the basis of fluorescence titration at pH 7.4 according to the definition by IUPAC, that is, 3.3∗SD/m, where “SD” is the standard deviation of the fluorescence intensity of the blank (ligand only) and “m” is the slope of the calibration curve constructed between fluorescence intensity of ligand (20 μM) at 490 nm and the concentration of Fe(III) in μM. For determining the SD, the fluorescence emission spectra of the blank were measured 10 times [39].


### 2.6. Molecular Modeling and Computational Methods

All computational simulations were done on a Pentium Dual-Core 3.20 GHz machine in Windows XP environment. The initial structures of the ligand and their metal complexes for optimization were manually drawn using Symyx Draw. The initial geometry optimization of the ligands, its protonated and deprotonated species obtained in solution, and its metal complexes leading to minimum strain energy was achieved through molecular mechanics calculation using MM+ force field by software HyperChem version 7.5 [40]. The obtained structure of the ligand was reoptimized semiempirically using PM3, self-consistent fields (SCF) method [41]. The steepest descent method followed by Polak-Ribiere method with convergence limit of 0.0001 Kcal/mol and RMS gradient of 0.001 Kcal/mol was used to get geometry optimizations.


## 2.1. Chemicals and Solvents

Reagents for synthesis purpose of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde, and so forth were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and used without further purification. Analytical grade solvents tetrahydrofuran, ethanol, and others were purchased from Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd. and Fisher Scientific. Before using, solvents were dried over suitable drying reagents. Solvents were freshly distilled over appropriate drying agents following standard procedures.


## 2.2. Physical Measurements

Melting points of the compounds were determined on Microsil apparatus. Elemental analysis (CHN) was performed on Euro EA 3000, 60 Hz-1200 W elemental analyzer. For FT-IR analyses, the sample was carefully mixed in homogenous manner in KBr in 1 : 100 by weight and a fine pellet was prepared under pressure. The FT-IR spectrum of the compound was taken under transmission mode with Perkin-Elmer FT-IR spectrometer in mid-range region (4000–400) cm−1. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the ligand TRENOL were taken in d6 dmso using Bruker Avance II 400 NMR spectrometer. The chemical shifts were quantified in δ values (ppm). Tetramethylsilane was used as an internal reference. To avoid solubility problem, the compound was converted into its hydrochloric salt and dissolved in millipore grade deionized water. Ionic strength of the solution was adjusted with 0.1 M KCl. All the stock solutions were prepared in millipore grade deionized water. For weighing appropriate amount, high precision weighing balance CAS-CAUW220D was used (up to level of four digits). The exact concentration of KOH (0.1 M) was determined potentiometrically using 0.1 M solution of oxalic acid as primary standards and then exact strength of HCl (0.1 N) was determined by the same method using standardized KOH. All the solutions were prepared with millipore grade deionized water immediately before use, which was deoxygenated and flushed continuously with grade I N2 gas to exclude CO2 and O2. All measurements were carried out at 25±1°C maintained by using thermostat.


## 2.3. Synthesis and Characterization

0.146 g (1.0 mmol) of TREN was added gradually to the stirring solution of 0.4673 g (3.0 mmol) 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde dissolved in absolute ethanol (30.0 mL) under nitrogen gas atmosphere for 12 h at room temperature (Figure1). The obtained yellowish-orange precipitates were filtered and subjected to crystallization in methanol/tetrahydrofuran solvent mixture. The yellow colour solid (TRENOL) with yield 80% and melting point 186–188°C was characterized by elementary analysis and different spectroscopic techniques. Elemental analysis of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (N) in percentage was found to be C 57.83, H 5.62, N 10.12; calculated (C27H30N4O9), C 58.54, H 5.52, N 10.14. IR (KBr) νmax/cm−1: 3365 (O-H), 2925 (N-H amide), 1595 (-C=N-), 1352 (oop, C-O-H cm−1); 1H NMR spectra δ (400 MHz, dmso), δ (ppm): 2.7 (t, 6H, J=8.1, -CH2-), 2.9 (t, 6H, J=8.1 -CH2-), 6.0–7.0 (m, 6H, J=8.0, Ar-H), 9.7 (s, 3H, -N=CH-), 7.0 (s, 3H, -OH), 7.9 (s, 3H, -OH), 8.2 (s, 3H, -OH); 13C NMR spectra δ (400 MHz, dmso): δ = 106–158 (18C, -Ar), 164 (3C, -N=CH-), 55 (3C, -CH2), 53 (3C, -CH2).Figure 1
Scheme for synthesis of tripodal Schiff base. (a) TREN; (b) 2,3,4-trihydroxy-benzaldehyde; (c) TRENOL.


## 2.4. Potentiometric Titration

Determination of protonation constants (log⁡K) of the ligand and its formation constants (log⁡β) with two trivalent metal ions, Fe(III) and Cr(III), was done by potentiometry and spectrophotometry methods. The potentiometric titrations were carried out on HACH Sension-2 potentiometer using glass electrode and pH was recorded as -log⁡H+. The standard method was used for electrode calibration in suitable buffers of pH 4 and pH 7 [35]. All the titrations were carried out using auto pipette with least count 10 μM and capacity 1.0 mL. In potentiometric method final concentration 1 × 10−5 M was fixed for both ligands and metal ions. The ligand solution, in the absence and presence of metal ions, was titrated against 0.1 M KOH at μ = 0.1 M KCl at 25±1°C in pH range 2–11 and adequate time was given for the attainment of the equilibrium to give a stable pH reading. Hyperquad 2006 nonlinear least square program was used for the refinement of potentiometric data [36]. During the titration with increasing pH, the species formed were observed using the simulation program HYSS 2009 [37].


## 2.5. Spectrophotometric and Fluorescence Studies

Spectrophotometric titrations were carried out under the same conditions by keeping the final ligand concentration 2 × 10−5 M. During titration after each addition of base KOH, sufficient time was allowed for establishment of the equilibrium and a small aliquot of the solution was taken in to the cuvette (1 cm, path length) to take the spectra. The computer software HypSpec [38] was used for the determination of protonation constants of the ligand and formation constants of the metal complexes with Fe(III) and Cr(III).The fluorescence study of the ligand was conducted on Agilent Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. The emission spectra of the ligand in the absence and presence of metal ions in 1 : 1 M-L stoichiometry were studied withλex = 289 nm in the same method under similar conditions as mentioned for spectrophotometric titrations in pH range 2–9. Also, the effect of increasing concentration of the Fe(III) (2 to 1000 μM) on the fluorescence intensity of the tripodal ligand (20 μM) was investigated at pH 7.4±0.1 using HEPES buffer. In a similar way fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was also studied in the presence of metal ion (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, and Cr3+). Moreover, the detection limit was calculated for the iron on the basis of fluorescence titration at pH 7.4 according to the definition by IUPAC, that is, 3.3∗SD/m, where “SD” is the standard deviation of the fluorescence intensity of the blank (ligand only) and “m” is the slope of the calibration curve constructed between fluorescence intensity of ligand (20 μM) at 490 nm and the concentration of Fe(III) in μM. For determining the SD, the fluorescence emission spectra of the blank were measured 10 times [39].


## 2.6. Molecular Modeling and Computational Methods

All computational simulations were done on a Pentium Dual-Core 3.20 GHz machine in Windows XP environment. The initial structures of the ligand and their metal complexes for optimization were manually drawn using Symyx Draw. The initial geometry optimization of the ligands, its protonated and deprotonated species obtained in solution, and its metal complexes leading to minimum strain energy was achieved through molecular mechanics calculation using MM+ force field by software HyperChem version 7.5 [40]. The obtained structure of the ligand was reoptimized semiempirically using PM3, self-consistent fields (SCF) method [41]. The steepest descent method followed by Polak-Ribiere method with convergence limit of 0.0001 Kcal/mol and RMS gradient of 0.001 Kcal/mol was used to get geometry optimizations.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Synthesis and Characterization of TRENOL

A yellowish-orange colour product (TRENOL) with reasonable yield (80%) obtained from single condensation of TREN and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde is stable to air and has melting point 186–188°C. The compound was completely soluble in dmso and partially soluble in ethanol but highly insoluble in dichloromethane, ether, acetonitrile, and so forth. Structural characterization of the tripodal ligand was done through FT-IR,1H, 13C NMR, and CHN analysis. The FT-IR spectrum of the ligand showing a sharp peak at 1595 cm−1 is due to ν(-C=N-) that ensured amine-aldehyde condensation and formation of the Schiff base. The strong band near 3365 cm−1 was obtained due to stretching vibration of the -OH group, that is, ν(-OH). Another peak obtained at 2925 cm−1 was assigned to the ν(-NH) of the amide linkage. Theoretical IR values were calculated by using semiempirical/PM6 parameters which showed pattern of the peaks similar to that of the experimental IR. The 1H NMR spectra of the ligand showed peaks at 2.7 ppm and 2.9 ppm which correspond to the methylene group (-CH2) present in the vicinity of bridgehead nitrogen and imine groups, respectively. The signal that appeared at 9.7 ppm was assigned to the -HC= group and presence of aromatic ring was confirmed from a multiplet found in the range 6.0–7.0 ppm. Singlets obtained between 7.0 and 8.2 ppm correspond to the -OH groups of the aromatic ring [42]. In 13C NMR spectra, the peak obtained at 164 ppm confirmed the presence of imine group in the ligand and signals near 53 and 55 ppm ensured the presence of methylene groups. The aromatic ring C –atoms appeared in the range 106–158 ppm.


### 3.2. Determination of Protonation Constants

The protonation constants of the ligand were determined by potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies. Due to solubility limitation of the ligand in aqueous medium its hydrochloric salt was prepared prior to investigation. The neutral form of the ligand is considered as LH3 and the fully protonated form is considered as (LH7)4+. The obtained values in the pH range 2–11 are defined by the following equations:(1)LHn-1+H⇌LHn,K1n=LHnLHn-1H.Analysis of the curve (Figure 2) using Hyperquad offered seven protonation constants (log⁡K) as shown in Table 1.Table 1
Stepwise protonation constants (log⁡K) of the TRENOL (L), at 25±1°C and μ = 0.1 M KCl.
Reaction log ⁡ K Protonation sites L + H ⇌ L H 10.02 ± 0.04 -O− (aromatic) L H + H ⇌ L H 2 8.21 ± 0.05 -O− (aromatic) L H 2 + H ⇌ L H 3 7.83 ± 0.03 -O− (aromatic) L H 3 + H ⇌ L H 4 7.45 ± 0.06 -N (apical) L H 4 + H ⇌ L H 5 2.51 ± 0.03 -N (imine) L H 5 + H ⇌ L H 6 1.82 ± 0.04 -N (imine) L H 6 + H ⇌ L H 7 1.24 ± 0.05 -N (imine) L ⇌ L H - 1 + H + - 8.36 ± 0.05 — L ⇌ L H - 2 + 2 H + - 8.77 ± 0.03 — L ⇌ L H - 3 + 3 H + - 9.39 ± 0.06 — L ⇌ L H - 4 + 4 H + - 10.80 ± 0.04 — L ⇌ L H - 5 + 5 H + - 11.00 ± 0.03 — L ⇌ L H - 6 + 6 H + - 11.16 ± 0.03 —Figure 2
Potentiometric titration curves between pH and “a” (moles of base added per mole of the ligand) in the presence of metal ions, Fe(III), and Cr(III) in 1 : 1 molar ratio; [M] = [L] = 1 × 10−5 M at μ = 0.1 M KCl and T=25±1°C.Although ligand TRENOL has thirteen dissociable protons, only seven protons could be deprotonated in the adopted experimental pH range 2–11. The first three protonation constants were attributed to the ortho -OH groups of the aromatic ring. However, deprotonation of meta and para -OH groups could not be obtained due to the presence of intramolecular H-bonding and enhanced electron density in the ring which triggers after deprotonation of ortho hydroxy groups. The fourth protonation constant pertained to the apical nitrogen and the remaining three belong to azomethine groups. The obtained protonation constants for -OH groups (aromatic ring), apical “N,” and -C=N- groups were in good agreement with the existing literature [42, 43]. The experimental curve did not give complete match with the theoretical curve at higher pH (i.e., >8.5) by only considering seven protonation constants, but by inclusion of six hydrolyzed species, namely, LH−1, LH−2, LH−3, LH−4, LH−5, and LH−6 in the model, the refinement process gave best fit to the experimental curve.Also, as evident from the literature, Schiff bases are less stable in an alkaline medium and undergo hydrolysis [44]. The existence of various deprotonated and hydrolyzed species was pH dependent and formation of such species at different pH is evident from the species distribution diagram (Figure 3).Figure 3
pH dependent species distribution curve of the ligand (TRENOL).Protonation constants of the ligand were also obtained from the spectrophotometric technique. Analysis of spectrophotometric data obtained in pH range 2–9 also confirmed the seven protonation constants of the ligand and all were found in good agreement with the potentiometric data (Figure4). Appearance of new absorption band and enhancement in the intensity implicate the deprotonation of the chromophoric groups. The electronic spectra of the ligand showed three bands at 216, 289, and 423 nm at low pH ~2 and were assigned to π→π∗ (former two) and n→π∗ (latter one) transitions.Figure 4
Electronic spectra of ligand as a function of pH (2.0–9.0) during spectrophotometric titration; [L] = 2 × 10−5 M and T=25±1°C.No significant change was found in the spectra of the ligand in the pH range 2–6, but pH beyond this causes shifting of bands from 289 to 323 nm corresponding to deprotonation of the aromatic ortho -OH groups. The shifting of bands towards longer wavelength is justified by the fact that on deprotonation the stabilization ofπ∗ state by charge delocalization occurs which reduces the energy of transition and also influences the absorption intensity at 423 nm due to the presence of conjugation between azomethine group and aromatic ring.


### 3.3. Metal Complexation Studies

The complexation behaviour of the ligand with Fe(III) was investigated in a pH range 2–9 using equimolar solution of ligand and metal ions and also with another trivalent metal ion Cr(III) for comparative studies. The metal-ligand potentiometric titration curves show the deviation from the ligand only at the lower pH region which implicates complexation of the ligand with the metal ions (Figure2). Several models were considered to get the best fit through the refinement process. The complete agreement of the experimental and theoretical curves was obtained by considering the model as given in Table 2.Table 2
Formation constants (log⁡β) of M-L complexes, where M = Fe(III) and Cr(III), A = potentiometry, and B = spectrophotometry.
Fe(III) Cr(III) A B A B M L M L 24.01 ± 0.03 24.21 ± 0.04 18.64 ± 0.07 18.75 ± 0.06 M L H M L H 30.01 ± 0.05 30.56 ± 0.04 26.52 ± 0.03 26.69 ± 0.02 M L H 3 M L H 3 39.56 ± 0.04 39.88 ± 0.03 36.75 ± 0.04 36.91 ± 0.05 M L H 4 M L H 4 43.56 ± 0.06 43.75 ± 0.06 40.79 ± 0.06 40.98 ± 0.04 M L H 5 M L H 5 45.43 ± 0.06 45.75 ± 0.05 44.10 ± 0.03 44.45 ± 0.02In Fe(III)-L metal complex, no major shift in the absorption bands was obtained in the pH range from 2.0 to 4.0, which supported the deprotonation of nonchromophoric groups of the ligand (i.e., azomethine groups). On increasing the pH beyond the aforesaid range, one of the absorption bands (π→π∗) for aromatic ring at 289 nm experienced red shift (317 nm) with concomitant rise in absorption intensity implicating the deprotonation of -OH groups on aromatic ring while appearance of a low intensity band at 423 nm in comparison to the ligand shows the complexation of the ligand with the metal ions. Similarity in spectral changes with Cr(III) indicates similar mode of complexation of the chelator. Electronic spectra of the ligand with Fe(III) and Cr(III) were recorded between 200 and 600 nm as shown in Figure 5.Figure 5
Electronic spectra of L as a function of pH during spectrophotometric titration with [M] = 2 × 10−5 M where M = (a) Fe(III) and (b) Cr(III); [L] = 2 × 10−5 M at μ = 0.1 M KCl and T=25±1°C.
(a) (b)Analysis of the species distribution diagram of metal-ligand complexes as a function of pH showed that Fe(III) and Cr(III) coordinated to the ligand at low pH (~2.0) through imine group with the formation of MLH5 type species (Figure 6). Coordination of weakly basic imine groups with metal ions at low pH is well supported by literature [11]. In the pH range 2–4 the deprotonated species, MLH4, was 88% for Fe(III) and 50% for Cr(III). With subsequent increase in the pH (4 to 8) the iron complexes MLH3 (60%), MLH (78%), and ML (100%) were found in the solution due to the deprotonation of aromatic hydroxy groups of the ligand. Similarly, in pH range 4–8, Cr(III) formed MLH3 (80%), MLH (91%), and ML (92%) species in the solution. The deprotonation of the ligand in the presence of metal ions at lower pH range (4 to 6 for Fe(III) and 4.2 to 7.2 for Cr(III)) in comparison to the ligand alone (pH 6 to 8) was justified by the higher preference of the metal ions for the donor atoms of the ligand (O and N) when compared to protons. However, the potentiometric data of the ligand showed that, in pH range 4–6, deprotonation of the apical nitrogen occurred which might be overlapped by the deprotonation of chromophoric group in the presence of metal ions. The prediction was also well supported through the analysis of electronic absorption spectra of the metal complexes in the same region. Such deviation in the deprotonation behaviour of the apical nitrogen has also been discussed in the literature with several different concepts according to their ligand structures [45].Figure 6
pH dependent distribution curves of the species of metal-ligand complexes (a) Fe(III)-L and (b) Cr(III)-L.
(a) (b)In order to depict the coordination mode of the ligand with metal ions, molecular modeling studies were carried out for all the formed species of metal-ligand complexes (MLH5, MLH4, MLH3, MLH, and ML) using molecular mechanics with MM+ force field [39] followed by optimization by semiempirical PM3 parameters [40]. Among these species, M-L type species was found to be the most stable species based on the least strain minimum energy structures (Figure 7). Moreover, bond length and bond angles for the M-L type complexes were calculated and it was found that the metal complexes possessed distorted octahedral geometry.Figure 7
Lowest energy structures of M-L complexes (a) Fe(III)-L and (b) Cr(III)-L.
(a) (b)


### 3.4. Studies of Photophysical Properties

The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was investigated in the wavelength range 350–700 nm under similar conditions as done in spectrophotometric method. The ligand exhibited fluorescence at 496 nm with slit width 20 nm andλex = 289 nm. Presence of transition metal ions in the vicinity of fluorophore changes its photophysical properties through modulated oxidation potential of the donor group leading to fluorescence enhancement or quenching [46, 47]. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was initially studied in the presence of Fe(III) with variation in pH, given in Figure 8(a). TRENOL exhibited maximum quenching between pH 7 and pH 8 after which precipitation occurred. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was also studied at different concentrations of Fe(III) at physiological pH (Figure 8(b)). The detection limit of the Fe(III) was found to be around 1.4 × 10−5 M.Figure 8
(a) pH dependent fluorescence intensities with standard deviations of ligand (L) and Fe(III)-L. (b) Fluorescence spectra of the ligand with increasing concentration of Fe(III), where [L] = 20μM and [Fe(III)] = 2 to 1000 μM (from top to bottom) at pH = 7.4, λex = 289 nm, and λem = 496 nm.
(a) (b)To explore more on the ligand’s selectivity in fluorescence sensing, different metal ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, and Cr3+ were taken for the study. Figure 9 shows fluorescence quenching in the ligand with Fe(III) as compared to other metal ions used. The quenching is maximum (9-fold compared to ligand alone) with [Fe(III)] = 1000 μM at physiological pH, whereas none of the above-mentioned metals showed any significant effect. However, the ligand shows little quenching (~1.5-fold) in presence of Cu(II) and negligible quenching (~0.5-fold) with Pb(II) and Cr(III).Figure 9
Fluorescence spectra of TRENOL in presence of different metal ions: [L] = 20μM, [M] = 1000 μM at λex = 289 nm, and pH = 7.4.


## 3.1. Synthesis and Characterization of TRENOL

A yellowish-orange colour product (TRENOL) with reasonable yield (80%) obtained from single condensation of TREN and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde is stable to air and has melting point 186–188°C. The compound was completely soluble in dmso and partially soluble in ethanol but highly insoluble in dichloromethane, ether, acetonitrile, and so forth. Structural characterization of the tripodal ligand was done through FT-IR,1H, 13C NMR, and CHN analysis. The FT-IR spectrum of the ligand showing a sharp peak at 1595 cm−1 is due to ν(-C=N-) that ensured amine-aldehyde condensation and formation of the Schiff base. The strong band near 3365 cm−1 was obtained due to stretching vibration of the -OH group, that is, ν(-OH). Another peak obtained at 2925 cm−1 was assigned to the ν(-NH) of the amide linkage. Theoretical IR values were calculated by using semiempirical/PM6 parameters which showed pattern of the peaks similar to that of the experimental IR. The 1H NMR spectra of the ligand showed peaks at 2.7 ppm and 2.9 ppm which correspond to the methylene group (-CH2) present in the vicinity of bridgehead nitrogen and imine groups, respectively. The signal that appeared at 9.7 ppm was assigned to the -HC= group and presence of aromatic ring was confirmed from a multiplet found in the range 6.0–7.0 ppm. Singlets obtained between 7.0 and 8.2 ppm correspond to the -OH groups of the aromatic ring [42]. In 13C NMR spectra, the peak obtained at 164 ppm confirmed the presence of imine group in the ligand and signals near 53 and 55 ppm ensured the presence of methylene groups. The aromatic ring C –atoms appeared in the range 106–158 ppm.


## 3.2. Determination of Protonation Constants

The protonation constants of the ligand were determined by potentiometric and spectrophotometric studies. Due to solubility limitation of the ligand in aqueous medium its hydrochloric salt was prepared prior to investigation. The neutral form of the ligand is considered as LH3 and the fully protonated form is considered as (LH7)4+. The obtained values in the pH range 2–11 are defined by the following equations:(1)LHn-1+H⇌LHn,K1n=LHnLHn-1H.Analysis of the curve (Figure 2) using Hyperquad offered seven protonation constants (log⁡K) as shown in Table 1.Table 1
Stepwise protonation constants (log⁡K) of the TRENOL (L), at 25±1°C and μ = 0.1 M KCl.
Reaction log ⁡ K Protonation sites L + H ⇌ L H 10.02 ± 0.04 -O− (aromatic) L H + H ⇌ L H 2 8.21 ± 0.05 -O− (aromatic) L H 2 + H ⇌ L H 3 7.83 ± 0.03 -O− (aromatic) L H 3 + H ⇌ L H 4 7.45 ± 0.06 -N (apical) L H 4 + H ⇌ L H 5 2.51 ± 0.03 -N (imine) L H 5 + H ⇌ L H 6 1.82 ± 0.04 -N (imine) L H 6 + H ⇌ L H 7 1.24 ± 0.05 -N (imine) L ⇌ L H - 1 + H + - 8.36 ± 0.05 — L ⇌ L H - 2 + 2 H + - 8.77 ± 0.03 — L ⇌ L H - 3 + 3 H + - 9.39 ± 0.06 — L ⇌ L H - 4 + 4 H + - 10.80 ± 0.04 — L ⇌ L H - 5 + 5 H + - 11.00 ± 0.03 — L ⇌ L H - 6 + 6 H + - 11.16 ± 0.03 —Figure 2
Potentiometric titration curves between pH and “a” (moles of base added per mole of the ligand) in the presence of metal ions, Fe(III), and Cr(III) in 1 : 1 molar ratio; [M] = [L] = 1 × 10−5 M at μ = 0.1 M KCl and T=25±1°C.Although ligand TRENOL has thirteen dissociable protons, only seven protons could be deprotonated in the adopted experimental pH range 2–11. The first three protonation constants were attributed to the ortho -OH groups of the aromatic ring. However, deprotonation of meta and para -OH groups could not be obtained due to the presence of intramolecular H-bonding and enhanced electron density in the ring which triggers after deprotonation of ortho hydroxy groups. The fourth protonation constant pertained to the apical nitrogen and the remaining three belong to azomethine groups. The obtained protonation constants for -OH groups (aromatic ring), apical “N,” and -C=N- groups were in good agreement with the existing literature [42, 43]. The experimental curve did not give complete match with the theoretical curve at higher pH (i.e., >8.5) by only considering seven protonation constants, but by inclusion of six hydrolyzed species, namely, LH−1, LH−2, LH−3, LH−4, LH−5, and LH−6 in the model, the refinement process gave best fit to the experimental curve.Also, as evident from the literature, Schiff bases are less stable in an alkaline medium and undergo hydrolysis [44]. The existence of various deprotonated and hydrolyzed species was pH dependent and formation of such species at different pH is evident from the species distribution diagram (Figure 3).Figure 3
pH dependent species distribution curve of the ligand (TRENOL).Protonation constants of the ligand were also obtained from the spectrophotometric technique. Analysis of spectrophotometric data obtained in pH range 2–9 also confirmed the seven protonation constants of the ligand and all were found in good agreement with the potentiometric data (Figure4). Appearance of new absorption band and enhancement in the intensity implicate the deprotonation of the chromophoric groups. The electronic spectra of the ligand showed three bands at 216, 289, and 423 nm at low pH ~2 and were assigned to π→π∗ (former two) and n→π∗ (latter one) transitions.Figure 4
Electronic spectra of ligand as a function of pH (2.0–9.0) during spectrophotometric titration; [L] = 2 × 10−5 M and T=25±1°C.No significant change was found in the spectra of the ligand in the pH range 2–6, but pH beyond this causes shifting of bands from 289 to 323 nm corresponding to deprotonation of the aromatic ortho -OH groups. The shifting of bands towards longer wavelength is justified by the fact that on deprotonation the stabilization ofπ∗ state by charge delocalization occurs which reduces the energy of transition and also influences the absorption intensity at 423 nm due to the presence of conjugation between azomethine group and aromatic ring.


## 3.3. Metal Complexation Studies

The complexation behaviour of the ligand with Fe(III) was investigated in a pH range 2–9 using equimolar solution of ligand and metal ions and also with another trivalent metal ion Cr(III) for comparative studies. The metal-ligand potentiometric titration curves show the deviation from the ligand only at the lower pH region which implicates complexation of the ligand with the metal ions (Figure2). Several models were considered to get the best fit through the refinement process. The complete agreement of the experimental and theoretical curves was obtained by considering the model as given in Table 2.Table 2
Formation constants (log⁡β) of M-L complexes, where M = Fe(III) and Cr(III), A = potentiometry, and B = spectrophotometry.
Fe(III) Cr(III) A B A B M L M L 24.01 ± 0.03 24.21 ± 0.04 18.64 ± 0.07 18.75 ± 0.06 M L H M L H 30.01 ± 0.05 30.56 ± 0.04 26.52 ± 0.03 26.69 ± 0.02 M L H 3 M L H 3 39.56 ± 0.04 39.88 ± 0.03 36.75 ± 0.04 36.91 ± 0.05 M L H 4 M L H 4 43.56 ± 0.06 43.75 ± 0.06 40.79 ± 0.06 40.98 ± 0.04 M L H 5 M L H 5 45.43 ± 0.06 45.75 ± 0.05 44.10 ± 0.03 44.45 ± 0.02In Fe(III)-L metal complex, no major shift in the absorption bands was obtained in the pH range from 2.0 to 4.0, which supported the deprotonation of nonchromophoric groups of the ligand (i.e., azomethine groups). On increasing the pH beyond the aforesaid range, one of the absorption bands (π→π∗) for aromatic ring at 289 nm experienced red shift (317 nm) with concomitant rise in absorption intensity implicating the deprotonation of -OH groups on aromatic ring while appearance of a low intensity band at 423 nm in comparison to the ligand shows the complexation of the ligand with the metal ions. Similarity in spectral changes with Cr(III) indicates similar mode of complexation of the chelator. Electronic spectra of the ligand with Fe(III) and Cr(III) were recorded between 200 and 600 nm as shown in Figure 5.Figure 5
Electronic spectra of L as a function of pH during spectrophotometric titration with [M] = 2 × 10−5 M where M = (a) Fe(III) and (b) Cr(III); [L] = 2 × 10−5 M at μ = 0.1 M KCl and T=25±1°C.
(a) (b)Analysis of the species distribution diagram of metal-ligand complexes as a function of pH showed that Fe(III) and Cr(III) coordinated to the ligand at low pH (~2.0) through imine group with the formation of MLH5 type species (Figure 6). Coordination of weakly basic imine groups with metal ions at low pH is well supported by literature [11]. In the pH range 2–4 the deprotonated species, MLH4, was 88% for Fe(III) and 50% for Cr(III). With subsequent increase in the pH (4 to 8) the iron complexes MLH3 (60%), MLH (78%), and ML (100%) were found in the solution due to the deprotonation of aromatic hydroxy groups of the ligand. Similarly, in pH range 4–8, Cr(III) formed MLH3 (80%), MLH (91%), and ML (92%) species in the solution. The deprotonation of the ligand in the presence of metal ions at lower pH range (4 to 6 for Fe(III) and 4.2 to 7.2 for Cr(III)) in comparison to the ligand alone (pH 6 to 8) was justified by the higher preference of the metal ions for the donor atoms of the ligand (O and N) when compared to protons. However, the potentiometric data of the ligand showed that, in pH range 4–6, deprotonation of the apical nitrogen occurred which might be overlapped by the deprotonation of chromophoric group in the presence of metal ions. The prediction was also well supported through the analysis of electronic absorption spectra of the metal complexes in the same region. Such deviation in the deprotonation behaviour of the apical nitrogen has also been discussed in the literature with several different concepts according to their ligand structures [45].Figure 6
pH dependent distribution curves of the species of metal-ligand complexes (a) Fe(III)-L and (b) Cr(III)-L.
(a) (b)In order to depict the coordination mode of the ligand with metal ions, molecular modeling studies were carried out for all the formed species of metal-ligand complexes (MLH5, MLH4, MLH3, MLH, and ML) using molecular mechanics with MM+ force field [39] followed by optimization by semiempirical PM3 parameters [40]. Among these species, M-L type species was found to be the most stable species based on the least strain minimum energy structures (Figure 7). Moreover, bond length and bond angles for the M-L type complexes were calculated and it was found that the metal complexes possessed distorted octahedral geometry.Figure 7
Lowest energy structures of M-L complexes (a) Fe(III)-L and (b) Cr(III)-L.
(a) (b)


## 3.4. Studies of Photophysical Properties

The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was investigated in the wavelength range 350–700 nm under similar conditions as done in spectrophotometric method. The ligand exhibited fluorescence at 496 nm with slit width 20 nm andλex = 289 nm. Presence of transition metal ions in the vicinity of fluorophore changes its photophysical properties through modulated oxidation potential of the donor group leading to fluorescence enhancement or quenching [46, 47]. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was initially studied in the presence of Fe(III) with variation in pH, given in Figure 8(a). TRENOL exhibited maximum quenching between pH 7 and pH 8 after which precipitation occurred. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand was also studied at different concentrations of Fe(III) at physiological pH (Figure 8(b)). The detection limit of the Fe(III) was found to be around 1.4 × 10−5 M.Figure 8
(a) pH dependent fluorescence intensities with standard deviations of ligand (L) and Fe(III)-L. (b) Fluorescence spectra of the ligand with increasing concentration of Fe(III), where [L] = 20μM and [Fe(III)] = 2 to 1000 μM (from top to bottom) at pH = 7.4, λex = 289 nm, and λem = 496 nm.
(a) (b)To explore more on the ligand’s selectivity in fluorescence sensing, different metal ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Al3+, and Cr3+ were taken for the study. Figure 9 shows fluorescence quenching in the ligand with Fe(III) as compared to other metal ions used. The quenching is maximum (9-fold compared to ligand alone) with [Fe(III)] = 1000 μM at physiological pH, whereas none of the above-mentioned metals showed any significant effect. However, the ligand shows little quenching (~1.5-fold) in presence of Cu(II) and negligible quenching (~0.5-fold) with Pb(II) and Cr(III).Figure 9
Fluorescence spectra of TRENOL in presence of different metal ions: [L] = 20μM, [M] = 1000 μM at λex = 289 nm, and pH = 7.4.


## 4. Conclusions

In summary a novel tris(2-aminoethyl)amine based tripodal ligand, TRENOL with seven protonation constants in pH range 2–11, was developed that served as a potential Fe(III) binding chelator. The preorganized structure of the ligand offered a favorable environment for a strong encapsulation of Fe(III) with high binding constant value (ML,log⁡β=24.01) as compared to Cr(III). Moreover, the tripodal chelator showed fluorescence through assisted ESIPT mechanism at 490 nm. The fluorescence behaviour of the ligand exhibited maximum quenching in the presence of Fe(III) metal ions at physiological pH in comparison to other biological relevant metal ions and limit of detection for the Fe(III) was found to be 1.4 × 10−5 M. Therefore, the ligand (L) may be cited as an alternate for the detection of iron for further modification to develop a better potent fluorescence sensor.



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