Small and macromolecule based synthetic probes for cations anions and nitroaromatic explosives

Abstract

The dissertation entitled Small and macromolecule-based synthetic probes for cations, anions and nitroaromatic explosives embodies in details the design and synthesis of molecular probes of different architectures for recognition of biologically relevant metal ions, anions and nitroaromatics especially picric acid. Review of the literature and the new findings on the concerned topic have been highlighted in different chapters sequentially. newlineDeveloping sensors/probes for the effective and rapid detection of analytes comprised of cations, anions, neutral molecules, continues to be an interesting topic in supramolecular and biological chemistry. This is due to their indispensible role in biology, environment, agriculture, medicine and health sciences. By broad definition, molecular probes or chemosensors are basically chemical compounds that can convert chemical stimuli into some form of easily detectable response. Essentially, in the presence of specific target analyte, a sensor generates signal through changes in optical, electrochemical, mass and a variety of other properties. However, among the various types of sensing methods, optical (colorimetric and fluorescent) chemosensors or probes have attracted attention due to their simplicity, easy handling, high sensitivity and fast response time. In recent years, there are numerous reports on colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors developed for their applications in environmental detection, catalysis and biological fluorescence imaging etc. newlineIn addition to the sensing of analytes in solution phase, naked-eye detection by low molecular weight supramolecular gelators is worthwhile in supramolecular chemistry. Numerous reports along this direction are available in the literature. Development of such gelators and their stimuli responsive nature is strongly dependant on the functional groups present in the gelators backbone. Their response towards a selective analyte is linked with the phase changes (sol-to-gel or vice-versa).