10.1002/ejoc.200900823
This research investigates the solid-state fluorescence enhancement behavior of phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-type fluorescent hosts upon inclusion of various carboxylic acids. Phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole refers to a specific type of fluorescent host compound, namely 2-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (1). This compound is characterized by its unique structural features and photophysical properties. The phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole core is a polycyclic aromatic system that provides a rigid and planar structure, which is beneficial for p–p stacking interactions. The presence of the diethylamino group attached to the phenyl ring introduces electron-donating effects, influencing the electronic properties of the molecule. The imidazole ring, another key functional group in this compound, can undergo protonation when interacting with carboxylic acids, as demonstrated in the study. This protonation significantly impacts the photophysical behavior of the host, leading to changes in fluorescence intensity and emission wavelength. The combination of these structural elements makes phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole an effective host for forming fluorescent clathrate compounds with various carboxylic acids, exhibiting guest-dependent fluorescence enhancement and redshift in emission maxima.