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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Electrophysiology of Scorpion Peg Sensilla
Published on: April 13, 2011
Controllable Intramolecular Motions That Generate Fluorescent Signals for a Metal Scorpionate Complex
Luigi Fabbrizzi1, Maurizio Licchelli1, Piersandro Pallavicini1
1Dipartimento di Chimica Generale, Università di Pavia, via Taramelli 12, I-27100 Pavia (Italy), Fax: (+39) 382-528-544.
Abstract:
Simply by changing the pH value, the side chain of complex 1 can be reversibly moved between two positions. Coordination to the metal center through the nitrogen atom of the side chain at moderate pH values is accompanied by a decrease in fluorescence intensity (from IF =100% to IF =60%). A further decrease is observed upon deprotonation of the bound water molecule at higher pH (IF ≤2%). Therefore, 1 can be seen as a molecular three-position switch.
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