Studying the photophysical properties of a polymerizable 1,8‐naphthalimide dye and its copolymer with styrene as potential fluorescent sensors for metal cations

Abstract

AbstractThe photophysical characteristics of a polymerizable 1,8‐naphthalimide dye and its copolymer with styrene have been investigated. The functional properties of both low and high molecular weight fluorophores in the presence of different metal cations have been discussed with regard to their potential application as fluorosensors for the metal cations and protons. In acetonitrile solution the monomeric 1,8‐naphthalimide enhances its fluorescence emission in the presence of metal cations (Zn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Mn2+). In aqueous media the poly(St‐co‐MD) exhibits a selective response to Fe3+ cations. The monomeric and polymeric fluorophores also exhibit a considerable increase in their fluorescence intensity at acidic pH values (pH < 6) which suggest that they could be used as ON–OFF probes in analytical devices for signaling the presence of protons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.