Reversible supramolecular self-assembly via a deprotonation-protonation strategy

Abstract

A sulphonamide-based boranil probe (BS-1) is rationally designed and synthesized to demonstrate the formation of a reversible supramolecular self-assembly via a deprotonation-protonation strategy. Upon the formation of this self-assembly in the presence of sodium hypochlorite in DMSO, the probe exhibits a significant redshift in the UV absorption (406 to 422 nm) and emission (472 to 592 nm) spectra. BS-1 demonstrates a high sensitivity (LOD = 110 nM), rapid response (< 10 s), and fluorescence switching. The SEM observations collectively demonstrate a clear morphological transformation of BS-1 from linear microsheets to cubic J-aggregates, driven by deprotonation-induced self-assembly through charge-assisted hydrogen bonding.