Fluorescent sensor for α,ω-dicarboxylate anions

Abstract

The synthesis and photophysical behavior of several naphthylurea derivatives used as chemosensors for detecting anionic species is reported. In particular, compound 3 shows a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. The photophysical properties of 3 upon the addition of dicarboxylate anions have been studied. Results show that fluorescence quenching of the naphthyl moiety and appearance of a new emission is induced by the formation of a complex. The obtained fluorescence and ¹H-NMR data indicate that a 1:1 stoichiometry complex is formed between compound 3 and dicarboxylate anions through a hydrogen-bonding interaction. The selectivity of 3 for recognition of different dicarboxylates depends on the chain length of the anionic species.