A novel solution-processable amino-group-substituted oligopyrene: Synthesis, electropolymerization, properties, and application in fluorescent chemosensor

•1-Aminopyrene was synthesized in relatively high yield.•The electropolymerization of 1-aminopyrene was reported.•Water-soluble oligo(1-aminopyrene) was electrosynthesized.•Oligo(1-aminopyrene) showed good redox activity and excellent fluorescence.•Oligo(1-aminopyrene) exhibited pronounced sensitivity to Fe(III).

Novel solution-processable fluorescent oligo(1-aminopyrene) was readily electrosynthesized by direct anodic oxidation of its momomer 1-aminopyrene in neutral medium CH2Cl2–Bu4NPF6 (0.1 mol L−1). FT-IR spectrum demonstrated that the polymerization of 1-aminopyrene probably occurred at C3 and C8 positions. In addition, the resulting oligo(1-aminopyrene) film showed good redox activity, water-solubility and enhanced fluorescence property in comparison with its monomer, indicating potential application as fluorescent materials. Oligo(1-aminopyrene) was also employed as fluorescent chemosensor to sense Fe(III) and Pd(II) in aqueous solution, and it showed pronounced sensitivity and fast response.

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