A Pyrene-Based Fluorescent Sensor for Zn²⁺ Ions: A Molecular 'Butterfly'

Erendra Manandhar, University of Southern Mississippi
J. Hugh Broome, University of Southern Mississippi
Jalin Myrick, University of Southern Mississippi
Whitney Lagrone, University of Southern Mississippi
Peter J. Cragg, University of Brighton
Karl J. Wallace, University of Southern Mississippi

Abstract

A simple pyrene-based triazole receptor has been synthesised and shown to self-assemble in the presence of ZnCl2 in an exclusively 2 : 1 ratio, whereas a mixture of 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 ratios are observed for other Zn2+ salts. The pyrene units are syn in orientation; this is supported by a strong excimer signal observed at 410 nm in the presence of ZnCl2 in acetonitrile. DFT calculations and 2D NMR support the proposed structure.