A novel heteroacene, 2-(2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazine as a multi-response sensor for F- detection

A novel heteroacene, 2-(2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazine has been successfully synthesized. The heteroacene can selectively detect F- over Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3-, HSO4-, ClO4-, and BF4- in organic solvents through colorimetric and fluorescent responses. The interaction between the heteroacene and F- was investigated through UV-Vis, fluorescence, and H-1 NMR titration experiments, which suggested that the effects might occur via a combined process including hydrogen bond, deprotonation, and anion-pi interactions between the sensor and F-. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.