Trans-4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium Iodide@Hemimethylcucurbit[6]uril Fluorescent Probe for Anion Recognition

In the present work, a host–guest system of a hemimethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril derived from 3α-methyl-glycoluril (HMeQ[6]) and a hemicyanine dye, trans-4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide (t-DSMI) showing strong fluorescence emission has been evaluated as a fluorescent probe. The results of a preliminary systematic study on the detection of a series of inorganic anions have revealed that this Q[n]-based host–guest fluorescent probe shows clear responses to BF4− and H2PO4− anions through distinct fluorescence quenching. Application of this Q[n]-based host–guest interaction system in anion recognition or detection opens a new avenue in Q[n] chemistry.