A novel three-coordinate organoboron derivative: synthesis, photophysical property and ion recognization

A new push–pull type compound trans-4-dimesitylboryl-4′-(1,4,7,10-tetraoxa-13-aza-cyclopentadecyl) stilbene (DBTS) with aza-15-crown-5 as a donor and a three-coordinate organoboron as an acceptor was designed and synthesized. DBTS shows intense fluorescence in a wide spectra range in different solvents. Furthermore, DBTS can recognize fluoride anions with a high selectivity for the special Lewis acid–base interaction between a trivalent boron atom and a fluoride anion. As a typical alkaline earth cations receptor, DBTS also showed spectral changes upon their addition.