Conformation induced discrimination between picric acid and nitro derivatives/anions with a Cu-pyrene array: the first decision making photonic device

Abstract

A new pyrene based copper complex 3 is designed and synthesized. The fluorescence behaviour of the complex was studied in the presence of different nitro aromatics and anions. It was observed that the copper complex showed the maximum affinity for picric acid marked by changes in the conformation of pyrene in its excited state. Applying the principles of electronics, a decision making photonic device is proposed, which selectively determines the presence of picric acid.