Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
ammine, hydroxyl groups, flurescence, chemosensors, diaza-crown
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Diaza-crown ethers have the ability to bind many metal cations. When certain side arms are attached, a fluorescence increase can be observed when the metal binds to the crown.1,2,3,4 Via this increase in fluorescence, presence of metal cations can be detected. For industrial purposes, these molecules may be important in the determination of toxic metal levels in waste streams. The use of different side arms effects the initial fluorescence observed. A side arm similar to 1 is not fluorescent. It is believed that transfer of the hydrogen atom on the hydroxyl group to the pyridine nitrogen quenches fluorescence. When a metal binds to the side arm, the metal interferes with proton transfer and thus allows fluorescence and detection of the metal. It is believed that the ammine on 1 will similarly quench fluorescence through single electron transfer of one of it’s electrons to the ð system.
Recommended Citation
Fredrickson, Scott H. and Savage, Dr. Paul
(2014)
"Effects of Ammine and Hydroxyl Groups on the Fluorescence of Chemosensors,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 1140.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1140