Design and Synthesis of Some Imidazolyl Derivatives: Photophysical Studies and Application in the Detection of Anions

Abstract

A fluorescent probe based on dicyanovinylphenanthroimidazole (DCPPI) has been designed and synthesized and its potential application to recognize F- and CN- ions via different channels have been tested in different mediums. DCPPI shows intramolecular charge transfer process and exhibit ratiometric response toward F- and CN- ions. The change in physicochemical properties of DCPPI in the presence of cyanide can be attributed to the formation of Michael type adduct, DCPPIA whereas both F- and CN- ions have shown affinities to interact with NH fragment of imidazolyl unit under the condition. The possible mode of interaction has been confirmed by absorption, emission, NMR and ESI-MS spectral data analysis.