Supramolecular cyclodextrin-dye complex exhibiting selective and efficient quenching by lead ions

In this article, we describe a supramolecular complex made of cyclodextrin and a chromophoric dye, in which anistropy occurred by the formation of the hexagonal packing of cylindrical cyclodextrin channels. The obtained complex exhibited effective fluorescence quenching in the presence of lead ions based on supramolecular wire assembly and dissociation. Selective and effective fluorescence quenching of the complex is attributed to the break-ups of the supramolecular wire and the unthreading of included dye molecules by lead ions. Though we are not yet sure about the origin of such a high selectivity, a topic that will be elaborated in subsequent investigations, these CD-templated supramolecular properties will be useful in analytical applications as a novel platform for metal ion sensing.

► We prepare an anisotropic supramolecule made of a cyclodextrin-dye inclusion complex.
► Anisotropy occurs from hexagonal packing of the cyclodextrin channel structure.
► The complex exhibits selective and effective fluorescence quenching by Pb2+.
► Lead ion breaks up supramolecular wire and excludes dye molecules.