A phosphorescent fluoride probe based on Eu(III)-DO3A clicked with a 2,5-di(thien-2-yl)pyrrole scaffold

The design, synthesis and physicochemical properties of a new phosphorescent fluoride probe 1 are described. The probe consists of a stable Eu(III) complex of a DO3A macrocycle on one side and a 2,5-di(thien-2-yl)pyrrole (SNS) scaffold on the other. They were linked together with a 1,2,3-triazole ring as a reliable connection unit, which was formed by Huisgen type copper-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition between the corresponding azide and alkyne. This novel material can be used as a turn-on phosphorescent fluoride probe. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the combination of an SNS unit with a clicked Eu(III) complex of DO3A scaffold, which can induce a prominent luminogenic response to fluoride ions among other anions. Finally, its behavior as a two-input OR logic gate was also demonstrated using OH- and OAc- anions.