Affiliation:
1. School of Chemistry University of Bristol Cantock's Close Bristol BS8 1TS UK
2. Department of Chemistry University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL UK
Abstract
AbstractThe reversible coordination of anions to an N,N’‐disubstituted 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylurea located at a terminus of a linear chain of ethylene‐bridged hydrogen‐bonded ureas triggers a cascade of conformational changes. A series of hydrogen‐bond polarity reversals propagates along the oligomer, leading to a global switch of its hydrogen‐bond directionality. The induced polarity switch, transmitted through four reversible urea groups, results in a change in emission and excitation wavelengths of a fluorophore located at the opposite terminus of the oligomer. The molecule thus behaves as a chemical sensor with a relayed remote spectroscopic response to variations in anion concentration. The polarity switch induced by anion concentration constitutes an artificial communication mechanism for conveying information through oligomeric structures.
Funder
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
European Research Council
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
Subject
General Chemistry,Catalysis,Organic Chemistry