Engineering of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine into multifunctional dual-state emissive (DSE) luminogens for hydrazine sensing and cell-imaging†
Abstract
Dual-state emission (DSE) is a remarkable phenomenon that bridges the gap between aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Luminogens with DSE properties are poised to revolutionize a myriad of applications, ranging from molecular bioimaging to optoelectronic devices. Despite their potential, the development of DSE luminogens (DSEgens) remains challenging due to limited design methodologies. Therefore, devising an effective strategy for constructing novel DSE scaffolds through rational molecular design is highly desirable. This article describes the design of dual-state emissive molecules engineered using the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold. While GBY-12 exhibited an AIE effect, GBY-13, GBY-14, and GBY-15 demonstrated DSE features, showcasing bright emissions in both solution and aggregation states. Among these, GBY-13 showed promise for trace moisture detection in organic solvents with a limit of detection 0.028 vol% (280 ppm), and GBY-15 exhibited exceptional sensitivity for hydrazine sensing, with a detection limit of 0.013 mM. Furthermore, all these luminogens displayed robust emission patterns, making them suitable for live-cell imaging applications.