Fluorescent conjugated polymers (FCPs) have received intense research interest for fabricating chemosensors to screen various metal cations, and more recently to differentiate anions. Fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes (FCPEs) are a new approach to build highly emissive, water-soluble sensory materials. Facile structural adjustment of the receptors attached to the conjugated backbones can be made for specific sensing requirements. This research outlines the design and synthesis of novel FCPEs to detect fluoride anion. To achieve this aim, urea groups that are capable of sensing fluoride have been incorporated as the receptors into the polyelectrolyte systems via Sonogashira coupling reaction (Scheme 1). Two polyelectrolytes with different alkyl pendent chains were obtained with more than 60% yield, and their structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Molecular weight and distribution were determined through Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Photophysical characterization including UV-vis absorption, time resolved fluorescence emission, quantum yield determination, and Stern-Volmer analysis have been investigated to evaluate the newly constructed chemosensory molecules.

Design and synthesis of fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes for sensing fluoride ions

251st National Meeting (2016)

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