Exploiting Tautomerism for Switching and Signaling

Abstract

Good form: Attaching a flexible piperidine unit to 4-(phenyldiazenyl)naphthalen-1-ol allows construction of a tautomeric switch, where directed shift of the tautomeric equilibrium can be achieved through protonation and deprotonation (see picture). The developed molecular switch shows acceptable complexation with small alkali- and alkaline-earth-metal ions and forms a promising base for further development of effective molecular sensors. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.