Comparing coordination uranyl(vi) complexes with 2-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazin-2-yl)phenol and derivatives

Abstract

Four derivatives of 2-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazin-2-yl)phenol have been synthesized and characterized structurally using X-ray crystallography. Coordination complexes with uranyl (UO₂²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺) were prepared and absorption/emission spectra detailed. We observed increased fluorescence upon uranyl binding, in stark contrast to rapid quenching observed with the addition of copper. These phenomena have been further examined by DFT computational methods.