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Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) Fluorophore Exhibits a Highly Ratiometric Fluorescent Response to Zn 2+ in vitro and in Human Liver Cancer Cells
Author(s) -
Mehdi Hassan,
Gong Weitao,
Guo Huimin,
Watkinson Michael,
Ma Hua,
Wajahat Ali,
Ning Guiling
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201701948
Subject(s) - fluorophore , fluorescence , quinoline , quantum yield , photochemistry , intramolecular force , aggregation induced emission , moiety , chemistry , stereochemistry , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics
Two novel organic fluorophores, containing bis‐naphthylamide and quinoline motifs, have been designed and synthesized. One of the fluorophores contains an isobutylene unit and exhibits a significant aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and a remarkable highly selective ratiometric fluorescence response towards Zn 2+ in solution as well as in human liver cancer cells. The AIE behavior of this fluorophore was fully verified by fluorescence and UV/Vis spectroscopy, quantum yield calculations, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, which revealed an intricate crystal packing system. Conversely, a fluorophore that lacks the isobutylene moiety did not exhibit any significant fluorescent properties as a result of its more flexible molecular structure that presumably allows free intramolecular rotational processes to occur.