Synthesis, fluorescence properties and selective Cr(III) recognition of tetraaryl imidazole derivatives bearing thiazole group

Three tetraaryl imidazole derivatives 5a–5c bearing thiazole groups were synthesized in the presence of [Bmin]Br by one-pot reaction and their structures were fully characterized by the 1 H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis. The results of UV–vis spectra and fluorescent spectra upon metal ions complexation show that compound 5a displays high selectivity and sensitivity for Cr 3+ ions. The complexation ratio of compound 5a and Cr 3+ is 1:1.