π–π-Driven aggregation-induced emissive aza-thiazole: a selective fluorescent sensor for anionic surfactants

Abstract

A novel aza-thiazole hybrid tetraphenylethylene conjugate has been designed and synthesized as a donor–acceptor (D–A) hybrid exhibiting strong aggregation-induced emission (AIE), and thermofluorochromism. The compound 4-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)thiazol-2-amine (TTHI-3) forms bright fluorescent nanoaggregates in aqueous media and selectively interacts with anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) via π–π-driven self-assembly. This unique mechanism produced a pronounced fluorescence enhancement, enabling micromolar-level SDS detection (LOD = 2.73 × 10⁻⁴ M). Its practical utility was demonstrated using low-cost fluorescent test strips for the rapid detection of SDS in home-care products. These results establish TTHI-3 as a promising π–π-driven sensor for environmental and analytical applications.