Spontaneous Colorimetric Sensing of the Positional Isomers of Dihydroxynaphthalene in a 1D Organogel Matrix

Abstract

Like a color palette: A naphthalenediimide-based organogel colorimetric sensor allows recognition of the positional isomers of dihydroxynaphthalene in the gel phase with the naked eye. Intercalation of the dihydroxynaphthalene into the gel matrix produces a donor–acceptor interaction, which gives the gel a distinct color that depends on the strength of noncovalent (H-bonding, π-stacking, van der Waals) interactions.