Fluorescence solvato and vapochromism of a dimethylaminostyryl terpyridine derivative

The luminescence of dimethylaminostyryl terpyridine derivative (MNpvpt) is highly solvatochromic, ranging from blue emission in hexane (λem = 450 nm) to red emission in DMSO (λem = 630 nm). When the molecule is incorporated as a guest in polymer host (polystyrene or PMMA) matrices, it exhibits rapid and reversible changes in the luminescence maximum upon exposure to vapors of a variety of solvents.