A highly specific colorimetric and fluorometric sensor for ClO− and Fe3+ based on a pyrene derivative.

[Display omitted] • A pyrene-based amphiphilic molecule (Pmvb) was designed and synthesized. • Pmvb could self-assemble into rod-like aggregates in aqueous solution. • Pmvb can be used as highly specific colorimetric and fluorimetric sensors for ClO− and Fe3+. In this study, a pyrene-based amphiphilic molecule (Pmvb) was designed and synthesized, which could self-assemble into rod-like aggregates in aqueous solution. The modification of luminescence and the sensing capabilities of Pmvb can be accomplished by ClO− and Fe3+ in water and DMSO, respectively, through self-assembly and disassembly process. In the aqueous solution, ClO− has the potential to engage in electrostatic interactions with the positively charged methylpyridine groups of Pmvb, which leads to a notable enhancement in fluorescence emission and a discernible alteration in color, transitioning from dark yellow to bright orange. Interestingly, in DMSO solution, the luminescence suppression of Pmvb in the presence of Fe3+ was observed, accompanied with change of the fluorescence emission color from bright yellow to dark orange, caused by the cation-π interactions between Fe3+ and the pyrene unit of Pmvb. Thus, the specific colorimetric and fluorometric sensor of pyrene derivatives could be achieved by ClO− and Fe3+ in different solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]