Vapor phase pH induced fluorescence switching of a dimethylaminostyryl terpyridine derivative in thin films

Abstract

The luminescence of thin film polymer matrices of polystyrene (PS) containing the sensing molecule dimethylaminostyryl terpyridine derivative (MNpvpt) is affected upon exposure to vapors of organic acids and bases. Fluorescence changes are due to protonation and deprotonation of MNpvpt and control of intramolecular charge transfer, leading to a molecular optical switch.