A new fluorescent quinoline derivative toward the acid-responsivity in both solution and solid states

Abstract In this article, an acid-responsive luminescent material, 1,4-di(quinoline-6-yl)buta-1,3-diyne (DQBD) is designed and synthesized. Upon different pH values, gradual changes of fluorescence colors for DQBD in both solution and solid phases are demonstrated due to the protonation effect. Moreover, such responsive characteristics can also be reversible, suggesting DQBD as a promising fluorescent material with great potential for reusable- and accurate-pH sensors in the future.