A charge transfer-type fluorescent molecular sensor that “lights up” in the visible upon hydrogen bond-assisted complexation of anions

Abstract

A charge transfer-type fluorescent molecular sensor consisting of a bisamidopyridine receptor and two styryl base chromophores shows H(2)PO(4)(-) and acetate-enhanced fluorescence due to the conversion of weak intramolecular hydrogen bonds into strong ones in the host-guest ensemble.