Synthesis and photophysical properties of a novel pyridinium salt based on dipicolinate

• A novel methyl pyridinium salt based on dipicolinate was synthesized.
• The molecule exhibits pronounced negative solvatochromism.
• High spectral sensitivities to water content changes in solvents were observed.
• The molecule possesses high absorption spectral sensitivities to pH variations.
• Enhanced two-photon absorption activity was obtained.

A novel pyridinium salt based on dipicolinate, PM-1 was synthesized from the corresponding neutral chromophore and enhanced two-photon absorption activity was obtained. The two-photon absorption cross section value is 6.8 × 102 GM. PM-1 exhibits pronounced negative solvatochromism and possesses high absorption spectral sensitivities to pH and water content changes. PM-1 could be used as pH probe and to measure the water content, particularly for less than 10%, in common water miscible organic solvents such as THF, 1,4-dioxane, acetone and methanol.

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