Synthesis, optical properties and explosive sensing performances of a series of novel π-conjugated aromatic end-capped oligothiophenes

► Four novel π-conjugated aromatic end-capped oligothiophenes were synthesized. ► Fluorescence emissions of them are sensitive to the nitro-containing explosives based on electron transfer. ► A colorimetric detection method has been developed. ► Detection limits of 4 to PA and PYX were 6.21 × 10−7 and 8.95 × 10−7 mol/L, respectively.