Generation of new fluorophore by Click chemistry: synthesis and properties of β-cyclodextrin substituted by 2-pyridyl triazole

2-Pyridyl triazole substituted β-cyclodextrins, formed by a Huisgen [2+3] cycloaddition reaction between per-(6-azido)-β-cyclodextrins and 2-ethynylpyridine, exhibited interesting solvent-polarity dependent fluorescence properties and acted as Zn2+-sensitive fluorogenic chelating agents with a significant fluorescence enhancement and a large red-shift in emissions. No fluorescent emission was observed with phenyl or hydroxymethyl triazole conjugated sugar derivatives.