title: Simple molecule-based fluorescent sensors for vapor detection of TNT.
abstract: 1,4-Diarylpentiptycenes (1a-e) were synthesized from 1,4-dichloro- or 1,4-difluoro-2,5-diarylbenzene derivatives by double base-promoted dehydrohalogenation to give corresponding arynes, which in the presence of anthracene undergo cycloaddition providing 1,4-diarylpentiptycenes in moderate overall yields. The resulting 1,4-diarylpentiptycenes show fluorescence modulated by the 1,4-aryl residues. The fluorescence is quenched in the presence of vapors of nitroaromatic compounds suggesting potential application in sensing of explosives.
authors.affiliation: Center for Photochemical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA.
authors.forename: Grigory V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Zyryanov
authors.forename: Manuel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Palacios
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anzenbacher