Colorimetric and luminescent sensing of F− anion through strong anion–π interaction inside the π-acidic cavity of a pyridyl-triazine bridged trinuclear Re(i)–tricarbonyl diimine complex

Abstract

A trinuclear star-shaped organometallic host with a pi-acidic interior cavity has been synthesized and this shows a strong anion-pi interaction with PF6-, as demonstrated in the crystal structure and colorimetric and luminescent responses with F- anion in solution.