Fluorescent chemosensors based on cyclohexane: selective sensing of succinate and malonate versus their longer or shorter homologues

The sensing properties towards α,ω-dicarboxylates of four receptors based on cyclohexane are described. The ligands containing naphthalene can be used as fluorescent sensors by forming intra- or intermolecular excimers in the presence of some dicarboxylates. Selective sensing of succinate and malonate versus their longer or shorter homologues has been observed.