A pyrene-functionalized triazole-linked hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene as a fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ ions

A new pyrenyl appended hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene L featuring 1,2,3-triazole linkers was synthesized as a fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ in mixed aqueous media. It exhibited high affinity toward Zn2+, and the monomer and excimer emission of the pyrene moieties could be adjusted. The binding stoichiometry of the L·Zn2+ complex was determined to be 1:1, and the association constant (Ka) was found to be 7.05 × 104 M−1. The binding behavior with Zn2+ has been confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis.