Benzimidazole-embedded N-fused aza-indacenes: synthesis and deprotonation-assisted optical detection of carbon dioxide

Abstract

N-fused aza-indacene-based fluorophores 1 and 2 were prepared via a three-component condensation involving benzimidazole-carbinol, trifluoroacetic acid, and either pyrrole or indole, respectively. The N-fused aza-indacenes act as optical-based chemosensors for dissolved carbon dioxide gas following fluoride anion-mediated deprotonation.