Synfacts 2010(9): 1003-1003  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1257924
Synthesis of Materials and Unnatural Products
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

A Cation Sensor: All Saddled Up

Contributor(s):Timothy M. Swager, Joel Batson
M. Shao, P. Dongare, L. N. Dawe, D. W. Thompson, Y. Zhao*
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
Biscrown-Annulated TTFAQ-Dianthracene Hybrid: Synthesis, Structure, and Metal Ion Sensing
Org. Lett.  2010,  12:  3050-3053  
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 August 2010 (online)


Significance

Anthraquinodimethane-type extended tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFAQs) are known for having a rigid, non-planar, saddle-like structure in the neutral state. Here the authors demonstrate the ability of this class of extended tetrathiafulvalenes to act as selective metal cation sensors, in particular Ba²+.

Comment

Uncomplexed 1 shows a quenched fluorescence due to electron transfer between the electron-donating, thiafulvalene-containing unit, and the electron-accepting anthracenes. The reduced electron-donating capabilities experienced upon crown ether-cation binding, suppresses the electron transfer, ‘turning on’ fluorescence.