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Colors and Magnetism

Colors and Magnetism

Color in Coordination Complexes
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.

Complexometric Titration: Ligands

Complexometric Titration: Ligands

Different monodentate and polydentate ligands are used as complexing agents in complexometric titration reactions. The formation of complexes by mono- and bidentate ligands involves two or more intermediate steps, limiting their use as complexing agents. In comparison, polydentate ligands can form complexes with metal ions in a single-step process, facilitating sharper end points. This means polydentate ligands, such as amino carboxylic acid derivatives, are most commonly employed in...

Metal-Ligand Bonds

Metal-Ligand Bonds

The hemoglobin in the blood, the chlorophyll in green plants, vitamin B-12, and the catalyst used in the manufacture of polyethylene all contain coordination compounds. Ions of the metals, especially the transition metals, are likely to form complexes.
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...

Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory

Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Metal ions can be separated from one another by complexation with organic ligands–the chelating agent– to form uncharged chelates. Here, the chelating agent must contain hydrophobic groups and behave as a weak acid, losing a proton to bind with the metal. Since most organic ligands used in this process are insoluble or undergo oxidation in the aqueous phase, the chelating agent is initially added to the organic phase and extracted into the aqueous phase. The metal-ligand complex is formed in...

Coordination Number and Geometry

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

An Aptamer-based Sensor for Unchelated Gadolinium(III)

An Aptamer-based Sensor for Unchelated Gadolinium(III)

Published on: January 9, 2017

An efficient sensor for Zn2+ and Cu2+ based on different binding modes.

Jie Jiang¹, Huie Jiang, Xiaoliang Tang

¹Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metals Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.

Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)

|May 17, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A novel sensor efficiently detects zinc (Zn2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions. It utilizes distinct binding mechanisms, providing ratiometric signals for Zn2+ and dual-mode selectivity for Cu2+.

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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

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Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

Published on: June 2, 2023

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Materials Science
Chemical Sensing

Background:

Accurate detection of metal ions like zinc (Zn2+) and copper (Cu2+) is crucial in environmental and biological monitoring.
Developing selective and sensitive chemical sensors is an ongoing challenge in analytical chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

To design and develop an efficient sensor capable of detecting both Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions.
To investigate the distinct binding modes and signaling mechanisms for selective ion recognition.

Main Methods:

Design of a novel sensor molecule with specific binding sites.
Utilizing spectroscopic techniques to monitor sensor response.
Investigating ion-triggered chemical transformations like tautomerization and deprotonation.

Main Results:

The sensor demonstrated efficient and selective detection of Zn(2+) ions.
Zn(2+) detection was achieved through a ratiometric signaling mechanism triggered by amide tautomerization.
The sensor exhibited dual-mode selective behavior for Cu(2+) ions, attributed to amide tautomer deprotonation.

Conclusions:

The developed sensor offers an efficient platform for the simultaneous or sequential detection of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+).
The distinct binding and signaling mechanisms provide a basis for highly selective metal ion sensing applications.