Two new naphthalimide derivatives (hosts), bearing one or two ethanolamine arms, respectively, were synthesized and tested as fluorescent probes for the detection of a chemical warfare agent simulant (guest). The resulting host−guest hydrogen bonds allowed a recognition mechanism based on supramolecular interactions. The sensor with two ethanolamine groups showed excellent sensibility and selectivity in a turn-on fluorescent response.

Sensing of chemical warfare agents is today an important target, mainly due to the international scenario. Here a new approach, based on supramolecular multi-topic recognition of dimethyl methylphosphonate, a simulant of chemical warfare agents, is reported. These receptors, based on metal-salen complexes, combine their abilities to establish Lewis acid-base interactions and hydrogen bonds and pave the way for the realization of a new class of supramolecular sensors for the non-covalent recognition of chemical warfare agent simulants.

The first supramolecular receptor for phosphocholine, able to detect ppb levels of the guest with high efficiency (K up to 107 M−1) and selectivity, is reported here.

The first nanocatalyst, obtained via “step-by-step” functionalization of CNPs, for enantioselective epoxidation of non-functionalized alkenes is reported here.

Highly efficient enantiomeric discrimination of chiral amines by fluorescent Zn–salen receptors is reported for the first time.