Simple molecule-based fluorescent sensors for vapor detection of TNT

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.