Electron rich triphenylamine derivatives (D-π-D) for selective sensing of picric acid in aqueous media

Abstract A series of dimethyl substituted triphenylamine derivatives (D-π-D) having linear, V-shaped and star-like molecules have been synthesised by Wittig-Horner reaction. All the molecules exhibit blue light emission and shows fluorescent nano-aggregates in aqueous media due to its aggregation induced emission enhancement property. The three chemosensors undergo highly selective fluorescence quenching with picric acid and also all the fluorescent aggregates serve as potent chemosensors for electron deficient nitro aromatics.