Deciphering the proficiency of aliphatic/aromatic functionality on
heteroatom embedded planar polycyclic core: towards an advanced onsite
detection of Tetracycline and Oxytetracycline
Abstract
The development of planar luminogens with isoelectronic B-N moiety and
replacing the conventional C=C bonds is an unusual approach to tune the
optical properties of organic materials in solution and condensed phase.
Herein, three boron congeners and their analogous carbon congeners are
developed via engineering the aliphatic / aromatic functionality
unveiling the role of each functionality on intermolecular packing and
luminogenic behavior. The boron-fused molecules exhibited slip-stack
packing orientation governed by B-π interactions and showed aggregation
induced emission in the condensed state unlike the carbon analogs which
had a typical aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) phenomena. Notably, the
offset dimeric arrangement in octyl chain substituted boron congener
offers highly emissive nano-assemblies and solid-state luminescence
which was utilized for fluorescence-based rapid detection of broadly
used tetracycline and oxytetracycline antibiotics. This detection was
further translated into a prototype technique using a smartphone-based
platform for easy, onsite detection. Examining the structure-property
relationship could lead to the development of highly emissive unusual
luminogens by restricting the detrimental π-π stacking via insertion of
BN moiety into cyclic hydrocarbon framework. This promising strategy
provides access to potential planar luminogens while generating unusual
photophysical properties for advanced applications.