Molecular fluorescent pH-probes based on 8-hydroxyquinoline†
Stefan Kappaun,Tanja Sović,Franz Stelzer,Alexander Pogantsch,Christian Slugovc
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date : 03/14/2006 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/B600912C
Abstract

Three 5,7-π-extended 8-benzyloxyquinolines, namely 5,7-diphenyl-, 5,7-bis(biphenyl-4-yl)- and 5,7-bis(4-dibenzothiophenyl)-8-benzyloxyquinoline were prepared and investigated as fluorescent pH-probes in nonaqueous solution. Absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the introduced compounds also including the starting material 8-benzyloxy-5,7-dibromoquinoline as well as their N-protonated counterparts were recorded and the results were rationalized by quantum-chemical calculations. A pronounced red shift of the emission occurred upon protonation of the non halogenated derivatives, while the dibromo-derivative is hardly emissive and is virtually not protonated under the conditions used. The diphenyl- and the bis(biphenyl)-derivative especially show promising photoluminescence quantum yields both in the parent and the protonated state making them candidates for the active component in pH sensing applications.

Graphical abstract: Molecular fluorescent pH-probes based on 8-hydroxyquinoline