Monosulfonicpillar[5]arene: Synthesis, Characterization, and Complexation with Tetraphenylethene for Aggregation-Induced Emission

A pillar[5]arene derivative with a hydrophilic sulfonic group, i.e., monosulfonicpillar[5]arene (MSP5), has been successfully synthesized for the first time, which exhibited strong binding affinity towards alcohol analogs. Significantly, fluorescent supramolecular ensemble was fabricated from the supramolecular complexation of MSP5 and a neutral guest with tetraphenylethene core. Enhanced fluorescent emission of this system can be detected both in dilute solution and the solid state, and its temperature and competitive guest multi-responsive properties suggest its promising application as a chemical sensor towards alcohol analogs, ethylenediamine, and temperature variations.