Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ions are identified as highly emissive and water-soluble fluorophores accessed by an efficient three-component coupling reaction. Synthetic modifications of groups conjugated to the polyheterocyclic core are shown to profoundly impact the emission properties of these molecules. Notably, two structural isomers of functionalized imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ions were found to exhibit distinct de-excitation pathways, which are responsible for either a fluorescence turn-on or ratiometric response to pH change.

Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ions show potential as pH-sensors with dual emission pathways, enabling fluorescence turn-on or ratiometric response to pH changes.

Paper

Fluorescence switching of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ions: pH-sensors with dual emission pathways.

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