Cucurbit[8]uril-based host–guest complexation enhancing afterglow of a naphthalimide derivative for anti-counterfeiting printing

Abstract

The water-soluble bromophenoxy-substituted naphthalimide derivative 1 and its copolymer P1 with acrylamide were synthesized and the photophysical properties of their host–guest complexes with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) were studied. Notably, the host–guest complex CB[8]·1 showed long-lived RTP on filter paper and demonstrated a humidity response, making it suitable for use as an encryption ink. Furthermore, the solid powder of the host–guest complex between P1 and CB[8] exhibited a 4 s afterglow emission.