Unparalleled fluorescence of a polyazomethine prepared from the self-condensation of an automer and its potential use as a fluorimetric sensor for explosive detection

A novel fluorescent monomer consisting of complementary amino and aldehyde functional groups was prepared via the Buchwald-Hartwig coupling protocol. The monomer self-condensed to yield a pi-conjugated regioregular polyazomethine that fluoresced in 48% in solution. The value measured by absolute methods is the highest reported fluorescence quantum yield for conjugated polyazomethines. The polymer was used a fluorimetric sensor for explosive analytes.