Synthesis, Structure and Anion Sensing Properties of a Dicationic Bis(imidazolium)-Based Cyclophane

Abstract

The preparation and sensing properties of a tetracyclic cyclophane receptor containing two imidazolium rings as anion binding sites and two fluorene rings as fluorescent signaling units, are reported. The receptor behaves as a selective fluorescent chemosensor molecule for inorganic phosphates. H-NMR spectroscopical data clearly indicate the simultaneous occurrence of charge-assisted aromatic and aliphatic C−H noncovalent interactions. PCM/DFT calculations have been carried out to predict the structures of the complexes formed with one and two molecules of PF , HPO and HPO .