Pillar[5]arene and Azine Derivative Assembly Improved Dual‐Channel Detection of CN^–

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryThe cyanide anion (CN–) is known to be one of the most toxic anions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a reliable, sensitive, selective, rapid and effective method for the detection of CN–. Here, a self‐assembly strategy based on pillar[5]arene P5 and azine derivative AZ was used to construct supramolecular sensors, and it was found that the detection effect of CN– was significantly improved by the assembly strategy. The sensitivity of the assembled sensor P5‐AZ to CN– is more than 10 times higher than that of AZ. The detect mechanism was further investigated by theoretical calculations and 1H NMR. The results showed that AZ detects CN– by a deprotonation process with fluorescence enhancement, while P5‐AZ improves the sensitivity of CN– recognition through hydrogen bonding, anion‐π and anion‐dipole interactions, as well as the strong bonding ability of the assembly. Supramolecular assembly P5‐AZ has the advantages of low toxicity, high sensitivity, and more importantly, it provides a method to detect CN– sensitivity in the aqueous phase and organisms by host‐guest assembly.