Synthesis and photophysical properties of a novel terephthalic PH sensor based on internal charge transfer

A novel fluorescence sensing derivative of 2-aminodimethylterephthalate configured as a "fluorophore-receptor" system was synthesized and investigated. Due to the internal charge transfer, the designed fluorophore was able to act as a pH-probe via an "off-on" fluorescence sensing mechanism. The sensor activity toward protons as cations and hydroxide as anions in DMF was studied by monitoring the changes of the fluorescence intensity. Keywords: 2-aminoterephthalic derivative, ICT (internal charge transfer), pH sensor.