A rhodamine–naphthalimide–benzamide trichromophoric system with solid-state and multiple solvent dependent aggregate emissive properties

Abstract

A multiresponsive rhodamine–naphthalimide–benzamide conjugate was synthesised in high yield in three steps. The trichromophoric system formed emissive aggregates in pure DMSO that were remarkably sensitive to traces of water (<1%). High water content (>50%) was also indicated with unique AIE emissive species identified in both the pure DMSO and 1 : 1 DMSO : water solutions. The design of the probe also enabled a unique response to both high and low pH and this pH sensitive AIE behaviour was also evident in the solid state.