Chromene and Imidazole Based D-π-A Chemosensor Preparation and Its Anion Responsive Effects

Abstract

We have designed and synthesized the colorimetric chemosensor through the reactions of 2-(4H-chromen-4-yildene)malonitrile and 4-imidazolecarboxaldehyde. Due to its well conjugated D-π-A system and the existence of NH- fragment in structure, we expected that the chemosensor can detect anion using NH- fragment in the imidazole moiety of the structure. In this regard, UV-Vis absorption spectra were measured to investigate sensing properties of the probe toward different anions in DMSO. This chemosensor can detect both fluoride and cyanide ion with absorption change in intensity. In addition, pH sensing property was also investigated upon the addition of hydroxide ion. These properties are related to the deprotonation effect. The ICT system in this molecule was also observed by the computational approach using Material Studio 4.3 package.