Water sensitive fluorescence tuning of V-shaped ESIPT fluorophores: Substituent effect and trace amount water sensing in DMSO

Highly sensitive nature of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) functionality in organic fluorophores made them potential candidates for developing environmental sensors and bioimaging applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of V-shaped Dapsone based Schiff base ESIPT derivatives (1-3) and water sensitive wide fluorescence tuning from blue to red in DMSO. Solid-state structural analysis confirmed the V-shaped molecular structure with intramolecular H-bonding and substituent dependent molecular packing in the crystal lattice. 1 showed strong solid-state fluorescence (λmax = 554 nm, Φf = 21.2 %) whereas methoxy substitution (2 and 3) produced tunable but significantly reduced fluorescence (λmax = 547 (2) and 615 nm (3), Φf = 2.1 (2) and 6.5 % (3)). Interestingly, aggregation induced emission (AIE) studies in DMSO-water mixture revealed water sensitive fluorescence tuning. The trace amount of water (less than 1 %) in DMSO converted the non-emissive 1-3 into highly emissive state due to keto tautomer formation. Further increasing water percentage produced deprotonated state of 1-3 in DMSO and enhanced the fluorescence intensity with red shifting of emission peak. At higher water fraction, 1-3 in DMSO produced aggregates and red shifted the emission with reduction of fluorescence intensity. The concentration dependent fluorescence study revealed the very low detection limit of water in DMSO. The limit of detection (LOD) of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.14, 1.04 and 0.65 % of water in DMSO. Hence, simple Schiff bases of 1-3 showed water concentration dependent keto isomer, deprotonated and aggregated state tunable fluorescence in DMSO. Further, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of 1-3 showed water concentration controlled self-assembly and tunable fluorescence.

Ni-citric acid coordination polymer as a practical catalyst for multicomponent reactions

Coordinative polymers (CP) are a subclass of Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with porous microstructures which have been widely synthesized in recent years and applied in various fields especially in catalysis science. In this work Coordinative polymers (CP) of nickel and citric acid (CA) was prepared as a new catalyst (Ni-CP) and applied in organic multicomponent reactions. The obtained catalyst was characterized by SEM, WDX, EDS, AAS, FT-IR, XRD and BET analysis. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms indicate good BET surface area for Ni-CP; therefore can be employed as an efficient catalyst in multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives. Finally, this catalyst was recovered and reused several consecutive times.

Progress and Perspective of Solid-State Organic Fluorophores for Biomedical Applications

Fluorescent organic dyes have been extensively used as raw materials for the development of versatile imaging tools in the field of biomedicine. Particularly, the development of solid-state organic fluorophores (SSOFs) in the past 20 years has exhibited an upward trend. In recent years, studies on SSOFs have focused on the development of advanced tools, such as optical contrast agents and phototherapy agents, for biomedical applications. However, the practical application of these tools has been hindered owing to several limitations. Thus, in this Perspective, we have provided insights that could aid researchers to further develop these tools and overcome the limitations such as limited aqueous dispersibility, low biocompatibility, and uncontrolled emission. First, we described the inherent photophysical properties and fluorescence mechanisms of conventional, aggregation-induced emissive, and precipitating SSOFs with respect to their biomedical applications. Subsequently, we highlighted the recent development of functionalized SSOFs for bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics. Finally, we elucidated the potential prospects and limitations of current SSOF-based tools associated with biomedical applications.

A de novo strategy to develop NIR precipitating fluorochrome for long-term in situ cell membrane bioimaging

Cell membrane-targeted bioimaging is a prerequisite for studying the roles of membrane-associated biomolecules in various physiological and pathological processes. However, long-term in situ bioimaging on the cell membrane with conventional fluorescent probes leads to diffusion into cells from the membrane surface. Therefore, we herein proposed a de novo strategy to construct an antidiffusion probe by integrating a fluorochrome characterized by strong hydrophobicity and low lipophilicity, with an enzyme substrate to meet this challenge. This precipitating fluorochrome HYPQ was designed by conjugating the traditionally strong hydrophobic solid-state fluorochrome 6-chloro-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (HPQ) with a 2-(2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-ylidene) malononitrile group to obtain closer stacking to lower lipophilicity and elongate emission to the far-red to near-infrared wavelength. As proof-of-concept, the membrane-associated enzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) was selected as a model enzyme to design the antidiffusion probe HYPQG. Then, benefiting from the precipitating and stable signal properties of HYPQ, in situ imaging of GGT on the membrane was successfully realized. Moreover, after HYPQG was activated by GGT, the fluorescence signal on the cell membrane remained unchanged, with incubation time even extending to 6 h, which is significant for in situ monitoring of enzymatic activity. In vivo testing subsequently showed that the tumor region could be accurately defined by this probe after long-term in situ imaging of tumor-bearing mice. The excellent performance of HYPQ indicates that it may be an ideal alternative for constructing universal antidiffusion fluorescent probes, potentially providing an efficient tool for accurate imaging-guided surgery in the future.

A Highly Luminescent Nitrogen-Doped Nanographene as an Acid- and Metal-Sensitive Fluorophore for Optical Imaging

Dibenzo[hi,st]ovalene (DBOV) has excellent photophysical properties, including strong fluorescence and high ambient stability. Moreover, the optical blinking properties of DBOV have enabled optical super-resolution single-molecule localization microscopy with an imaging resolution beyond the diffraction limit. Various organic and inorganic fluorescent probes have been developed for super-resolution imaging, but those sensitive to pH and/or metal ions have remained elusive. Here, we report a diaza-derivative of DBOV (N-DBOV), synthesized in eight steps with a total yield of 15%. Nitrogen (N)-bearing zigzag edges were formed through oxidative cyclization of amino groups in the last step. UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy of N-DBOV revealed its promising optical properties comparable to those of the parent DBOV, while cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations highlighted its lower orbital energy levels and potential n-type semiconductor character. Notably, in contrast to that of the parent DBOV, the strong luminescence of N-DBOV is dependent on pH and the presence of heavy metal ions, indicating the potential of N-DBOV in sensing applications. N-DBOV also exhibited pH-responsive blinking, which enables pH-sensitive super-resolution imaging. Therefore, N-DBOV appears to be a highly promising candidate for fluorescence sensing in biology and environmental analytics.

Substituted 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-ones and their difluoroboron complexes: Synthesis and photophysical properties

2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-ones with diverse substituents at phenol ring and their six-membered difluoroboron complexes have been synthesized via few-stage approach. The photophysical properties of target compounds have been investigated in two solvents as well as in the solid state. The nature of substituents and substitution point in the phenol moiety of ligands and resulting BF₂-complexes on the photophysical properties of dyes have been explored. The complex bearing two t-Bu groups proved to be the most emissive in solid state, whereas its 5-methoxy and 4-diethylamino counterparts possess strong emission in toluene solution. The dyes exhibited large Stokes shifts which was attributed to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Additionally, fluorescence of quinazolinones in the mixture of THF/water was studied. All ligands demonstrated emission enhancement with increase of water fraction which was due to aggregation induced emission.

Recent advances in quinazolinones as an emerging molecular platform for luminescent materials and bioimaging

This review summarized recent advances relating to the luminescence properties of quinazolinones and their applications in fluorescent probes, biological imaging and luminescent materials. Their future outlook is also included.

Symmetrical and unsymmetrical thiazole-based ESIPT derivatives: the highly selective fluorescence sensing of Cu2+ and structure-controlled reversible mechanofluorochromism

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process-based organic fluorophores provide an opportunity to develop large Stokes-shifted multifunctional fluorescence systems for light emitting, chemosensing and bioimaging applications.

Mechanochemical Syntheses of Isostructural Luminescent Cocrystals of 9-Anthracenecarboxylic Acid with two Dipyridines Coformers

Tuning and controlling the solid-state photophysical properties of organic luminophore are very important to develop next-generation organic luminescent materials. With the aim of discovering new functional luminescent materials, new cocrystals of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (ACA) were prepared with two different dipyridine coformers: 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane. The cocrystals were successfully obtained by both mechanochemical approaches and conventional solvent crystallization. The newly obtained crystalline solids were characterized thoroughly using a combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Structural analysis revealed that the cocrystals are isostructural, exhibiting two-fold interpenetrated hydrogen bonded networks. While the O–H···N hydrogen bonds adopts a primary role in the stabilization of the cocrystal phases, the C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions appear to play a significant role in guiding the three-dimensional assembly. Both π···π and C–H···π interactions assist in stabilizing the interpenetrated structure. The photoluminescence properties of both the starting materials and cocrystals were examined in their solid states. All the cocrystals display tunable photophysical properties as compared to pure ACA. Density functional theory simulations suggest that the modified optical properties result from charge transfers between the ACA and coformer molecules in each case. This study demonstrates the potential of crystal engineering to design solid-state luminescence switching materials through cocrystallization.

Strain-Sensitive Fluorescence from Two-Dimensional Organic Crystal

Strain-sensitive fluorescence materials have great potential in sensing applications owing to their low cost, intuitive signal, and user friendliness. Organic crystals are one of the most developed fluorescence materials. However, modulation of the fluorescence by strain is still a challenge. Here, for the first time, we investigate the strain-sensitive fluorescence of the two-dimensional (2D) organic crystal. Without interlayer interactions, the molecular arrangement in a 2D crystal can be easily tuned, which results in photoluminescence transformation between monomer emission and excimer emission. The 2D organic crystal has higher sensitivity under strain, compared with bulk organic crystals, showing great potential in practical applications such as tactile monitors, chameleon bionic skin, and visible leakage alarms.

Switching of Fluorescent Zn/Cd Selectivity in N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(6-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine by One Asymmetric Carbon Atom Inversion

A quinoline-based hexadentate ligand, (S,S)-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(6-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine ((S,S)-6-MeOTQPh₂EN), exhibits fluorescence enhancement at 498 nm upon addition of 1 equiv of Zn²⁺ (I_Zn/I₀ = 12, φ_Zn = 0.047) in aqueous DMF solution (DMF/H₂O = 2:1). Addition of 1 equiv of Cd²⁺ affords a much smaller fluorescence increase at the same wavelength (I_Cd/I₀ = 2.5, I_Cd/I_Zn = 21%). The trivalent metal ions such as Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, and Fe³⁺ also exhibit fluorescence enhancement at 395 nm (I_Al/I₀ = 22, I_Cr/I₀ = 6 and I_Fe3+/I₀ = 13). In contrast, meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN exhibits a Cd²⁺-selective fluorescence increase at 405 nm in the presence of 1 equiv of metal ion (I_Cd/I₀ = 11.5, φ_Cd = 0.022), while Zn²⁺ induces a smaller fluorescent response under the same experimental conditions (I_Zn/I₀ = 3.3, I_Zn/I_Cd = 29%). In this case, the fluorescence intensities of meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN in the presence of a large amount of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ become similar. This diastereomer-dependent, fluorescent metal ion specificity is derived from the Zn²⁺-specific intramolecular excimer formation in (S,S)-6-MeOTQPh₂EN-Zn²⁺ complex and higher binding affinity of meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN with Cd²⁺ in comparison to Zn²⁺. The more conformationally restricted diastereomeric pair, namely, cis- and trans-TQDACHs (cis- and trans-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexanes), both exhibit Zn²⁺-specific fluorescence enhancement because of the high metal binding affinity and intramolecular excimer forming property derived from the rigid DACH backbone.

Synthesis of Strongly Fluorescent Imidazole Derivatives: Structure Property Studies, Halochromism and Fluorescent Photoswitching

New series of methoxy and hydroxyl group substituted triphenylamine (TPA)-imidazole fluorescent molecules (5-(diphenylamino)-2-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenol (1), 5-(diphenylamino)-2-(1-phenyl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenol (2), 5-(diphenylamino)-2-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenol (3), 5-(diphenylamino)-2-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenol (4), N-(3-methoxy-4-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)-N-phenylbenzenamine (5), N-(3-methoxy-4-(1-phenyl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)-N-phenylbenzene amine (6), and N-(3-methoxy-4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl)-N-phenylbenzenamine (7)) have been synthesized that exhibited strong solution fluorescence and molecular structure and conformation controlled fluorescence photoswitching, solid state fluorescence and halochromism. Hydroxyl substituted molecules (1-4) showed moderate to strong fluorescence in solution depend on solvent polarity and very weak solid state fluorescence. Methoxy substituted molecules (5-7) displayed strong fluorescence both in solution and solid state. Solid state structural studies revealed strong intramolecular H-bonding in the crystal lattice. Interestingly, highly twisted structure (6) showed rare light induced reversible fluorescence switching in CHCl₃. The observation of isobestic point in time dependent fluorescence photoswitching studies indicated structural isomer conversion. Further, acid sensitive imidazole nitrogen has been made use to demonstrate solid state fluorescence switching via halochromism. Thus the present studies attempted to develop new fluorescent molecules and establish structure-property relationship for designing fluorescence switching materials. Graphical Abstract Molecular structure controlled solid state fluorescence, halochromism and a rare fluorescence photoswitching in chloroform have been observed with triphenylamine-imidazole derivatives.

Deciphering the Mechanism of Aggregation-Induced Emission of a Quinazolinone Derivative Displaying Excited-State Intramolecular Proton-Transfer Properties: A QM, QM/MM, and MD Study

A combination of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) has opened new opportunities to develop color-tunable luminescent materials with high quantum yield. Understanding the emission mechanism of these luminophores is essential for the molecular design and construction of a functional system. Herein, we report QM (MS-CASPT2//TD-DFT, MS-CASPT2//CASSCF) and ONIOM (QM/MM) studies on the fluorescence quenching and AIE mechanisms of 2-(2-hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone with typical characteristics of AIE and ESIPT as an example. The computational results indicate that in the tetrahydrofuran solution, once being excited to the S₁ state, the molecule tends to undergo an ultrafast, barrierless ESIPT from enol to keto tautomer and then accesses a S₁/S₀ conical intersection in the vicinity of a C═C bond twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) intermediate, leading to a nonradiative decay from the excited to ground state. Hence, the TICT-induced nonadiabatic transition, which has been further confirmed by the on-the-fly trajectory surface hopping dynamics simulations, accounts for the fluorescence quenching in solution. In contrast, in the solid state, the nonradiative relaxation pathway via the C═C bond rotation is suppressed due to environmental hindrance, leaving the ESIPT-induced enol-keto tautomerization as the only excited-decay channel, thus the fluorescence is observably enhanced in the crystal.

Theoretical insights into excited-state intramolecular and multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds in 2-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone

The photophysical properties and photochemistry reactions of 2-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (HPQ) system in different solutions are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. Our theoretical investigation explores that an ultrafast barrier-free excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process occurs and the configuration twisting is found in the electronic excited state. In the polar protic methanol solution, the hydrogen-bonded complex composed by HPQ and two methanol molecules (HPQ-2M) could exist stably in the ground state. Upon photoexcitation the isolated HPQ is initially excited to the first excited state, while the HPQ-2M system is firstly excited to the S₃ state and undergoes internal conversion (IC) to the S₁ state. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds are strengthened in the excited state. The simulated electronic spectra agree well with the experimental results. The strengthening of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds is also confirmed by the calculated vibrational spectra. In addition, the intramolecular charge transfer happens in both HPQ and HPQ-2M systems from the frontier molecular orbital analysis.

Green silver-nanoparticle-based dual sensor for toxic Hg(II) ions

The present study focuses on the utilization of green silver nanoparticles, as they are preferred for sensing applications due to their environmentally friendly nature. We have examined the optical and electrochemical sensing behavior of silver nanoparticles from Agaricus bisporus (AgNP-AB) towards Hg(II) ions. The AgNP-AB was prepared by microwave reactor. The synthesized AgNP was used for the sensing of Hg(II) ions without the use of modifiers or further sophisticated instrumentation. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized by different techniques. AgNP-AB leads to aggregation with the addition of Hg(II) ions in aqueous medium, and develops a color change from brown to black which leads to the formation of AgNP-AB-Hg(II) complex. Moreover, the metal sensing ability of AgNP has been explored using electrochemical studies. AgNP-AB modified platinum electrode (AgNP-AB/PE) was developed for the fast sensing of toxic Hg(II) ions. The sensor exhibits a good limit of detection at 2.1 × 10^-6 M. The sensitivity of AgNP-AB/PE towards Hg(II) ions was analyzed with various metal ions. The sensing skill of the developed system was successfully checked with real water samples from Vembanade Lake, Kumarakom, Kerala. AgNP from A. bisporus is highly versatile and promising for different environmental applications.

Triphenylamine based reactive coloro/fluorimetric chemosensors: Structural isomerism and solvent dependent sensitivity and selectivity

Triphenyl amine based chemosensors, (2-(((2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)imino)methyl)-5-(diphenylamino)phenol (ortho-CPDP) and 2-(((4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)imino)methyl)-5-(diphenylamino)phenol (para-CPDP), showed solvent and isomerism dependent selective coloro/fluorometric sensing of multiple metal ions (Fe³⁺, Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺) with distinguishable responses. In CH₃CN, ortho and para-CPDP selectively produced yellow color upon addition of Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ that was slowly disappeared. The yellow color of ortho and para-CPDP in DMF was decolourised selectively by adding Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺. Both ortho and para-CPDP in CH₃CN showed nearly similar rate of decolourization for Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺. However, the rate of decolourization of ortho and para-CPDP in DMF was different for Fe³⁺ (10μM, 8min) and Al³⁺ (5×10^-4M, 40min) ions. The limit of detection of para-CPDP for Fe3+ is 10μM and Al³⁺ 500μM. The mechanistic studies revealed the imine hydrolysis of ortho and para-CPDP in presence of Lewis acidic Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺. The reactivity based sensing lead to high selectivity for Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. Further, para-CPDP exhibited selective fluorescence turn-on for Zn²⁺ in DMF (λ_max=513nm) and detection limit of 6.0μM. Thus, reactive chemosensors, ortho and para-CPDP, exhibited selective and distinguishable colorimetric sensing of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions and isomerism and solvent dependent fluorescence sensing of Zn²⁺.

A dual-responsive colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor based on diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative for naked-eye detection of Fe3+ and its practical application

A novel dual-responsive colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor L based on diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative for Fe³⁺ detection was designed and synthesized. In presence of Fe³⁺, sensor L displayed strong colorimetric response as amaranth to rose pink and significant fluorescence enhancement and chromogenic change, which served as a naked-eye indicator by an obvious color change from purple to red. The binding constant for L-Fe³⁺ complex was found as 2.4×10⁴ with the lower detection limit of 14.3nM. The sensing mechanism was investigated in detail by fluorescence measurements, IR and ¹H NMR spectra. Sensor L for Fe³⁺ detection also exhibited high anti-interference performance, good reversibility, wide pH response range and instantaneous response time. Furthermore, the sensor L has been used to quantify Fe³⁺ ions in practical water samples with good recovery.

Synthesis of tunable, red fluorescent aggregation-enhanced emissive organic fluorophores: stimuli-responsive high contrast off–on fluorescence switching

Molecular conformation controlled tunable and stimuli-responsive off–on fluorescence switching.

Self-reversible thermofluorochromism of D–A–D triphenylamine derivatives and the effect of molecular conformation and packing

Triphenylamine based donor–acceptor–donor compounds exhibited conformation and packing dependent solid state fluorescence and self-reversible thermofluorochromism.

Tuning the solid-state fluorescence of chalcone crystals via molecular coplanarity and J-aggregate formation

Eleven crystals of chalcone were obtained. Polymorphism and their solid-state fluorescent properties mainly affected by molecular coplanarity and J-aggregate formation are investigated.

Polymorphism and benzene solvent controlled stimuli responsive reversible fluorescence switching in triphenylphosphoniumfluorenylide crystals

Triphenylphosphoniumfluorenylide (TPPFY), a fluorescent fluorene attached molecule, showed polymorphism, benzene solvent induced aggregation enhanced emission (AEE) and external stimuli responsive on–off fluorescence switching.

Excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT)-inspired solid state emitters

Solid state emitters based on excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) have been attracting considerable interest since the past few years in the field of optoelectronic devices because of their desirable unique photophysical properties. The photophysical properties of the solid state ESIPT fluorophores determine their possible applicability in functional materials. Less fluorescence quantum efficiencies and short fluorescence lifetime in the solid state are the shortcomings of the existing ESIPT solid state emitters. Designing of ESIPT chromophores with high fluorescence quantum efficiencies and a long fluorescence lifetime in the solid state is a challenging issue because of the unclear mechanism of the solid state emitters in the excited state. Reported design strategies, detailed photophysical properties, and their applications will help in assisting researchers to overcome existing challenges in designing novel solid state ESIPT fluorophores for promising applications. This review highlights recently developed solid state ESIPT emitters with focus on molecular design strategies and their photophysical properties, reported in the last five years.

Synthesis of new colori/fluorimetric chemosensor for selective sensing of biologically important Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ metal ions

New Schiff base chemosensors (1 and 2) based on aryl ether amine were synthesized and demonstrated positional isomer and functional group dependent colori/fluorimetric sensing of Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) at ppm level. Methoxy salicylaldehyde based chemosensor 1 exhibited selective colorimetric sensing of Fe(3+) whereas 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde based chemosensor 2 showed selective disappearance of yellow color for Cu(2+) ions. Interestingly, both 1 and 2 exhibited a highly selective strong turn-on fluorescence for Zn(2+). The significance of COOH group in 1 and 2 for Zn(2+) turn-on fluorescence sensing has been confirmed by structure-property studies. Concentration dependent studies of 1 and 2 indicate that Fe(3+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) can be detected up to 10 μM. The formation of 1:1 Zn(2+) and chemosensor (1 and 2) confirmed by NMR studies. High selectivity of 1 and 2 was demonstrated by interference studies in presence of different metal ions.

Substitutional group dependent colori/fluorimetric sensing of Mn(2+), Fe(3+) and Zn(2+) ions by simple Schiff base chemosensor

Schiff base is one of the easiest synthesizable chemosensor and exhibit strong coordination with metal ions; the property that has been vastly exploited for metal ions sensing. Simple Schiff base chemosensors (1a-d and 2a-d) were synthesized and demonstrated substitutional group dependent colorimetric sensing of metal ions. Chemosensor without (1a, 2a) and OCH3 substitution (1b, 2b) did not show any significant colour change for metal ions. However, a highly selective colorimetric change (colourless to pink) for Mn(2+) ions (10(-6)M) was observed with diethylamine substituted 1c, 2c. Hydroxyl substitution (1d, 2d) leads to selective colorimetric sensing (colourless to orange) of Fe(3+) ions (10(-6)M). PVA thin films of 2c/2d were fabricated and demonstrated selective colorimetric sensing of Mn(2+) and Fe(3+) ions. The practical applicability of the synthesized chemosensors were also demonstrated by performing selective colorimetric sensing of Mn(2+) and Fe(3+) ions in real samples such as tap, ground, pond and river water. Effect of substitution on the fluorescence selectivity of Zn(2+) has also been investigated.

Stimuli responsive reversible high contrast off–on fluorescence switching of simple aryl-ether amine based aggregation-induced enhanced emission materials

Aryl-ether amine based simple Schiff base molecules showed rare stimuli responsive off–on fluorescence switching with high contrast.