The synthesis and optical properties of quinoxalines bearing 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

4′-(4-{2-[6,7-Bis-dodecyloxy-3-(2-substituted-phenyl-vinyl)-quinoxalin-2-yl]-vinyl}-phenyl)-[2,2′:6′,2″]terpyridine was prepared by the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction of 4-[2,2′:6′,2″]terpyridin-4′-yl-benzaldehyde with various quinoxaline derivatives. The absorption and fluorescence maxima of the compounds were observed at 398–443 nm and 484–586 nm, respectively; the compounds offer potential as optical sensors for protons and metal ions.