A selective and stable vapochromic system constructed by pillar[5]arene-based host–guest interactions

Abstract The development of new strategies for the construction of highly selective and stable vapochromic system is still in great demand. Here, we present a highly selective and stable vapochromic system constructed by pillar[5]arene-based host–guest interactions between a pillar[5]arene (EtP5) and a phenazine derivative. The present material in this work showed specific selective responsiveness to chloroform vapor. The resultant dark orange solid sample was highly stable, which can maintain the color in air for at least two months at room temperature. Moreover, CHCl3 vapor responsive thin film and light-emitting diode (LED) was successfully prepared by coating the EtP5⊃1 complex on a glass sheet and a commercially available UV-LED. This work provided a new approach for the design and construction of selective and stable vapochromic systems with obvious color changes using pillar[5]arene-based host–guest interactions.