Synthesis, characterization of conjugated oligo-phenylene-ethynylenes and their supramolecular interaction with β-cyclodextrin for salicylaldehyde detection

► Four new conjugated oligo-phenylene-ethynylenes derivatives were synthesized. ► The FL of 2, 3 was notably increased in the presence of b-CD aqueous. ► Spectra analysis suggests the enhancement was due to formation of inclusion complex. ► The supramolecular interaction was investigated in detail. ► The supramolecular complex was applied for salicylaldehyde detection.