A colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for water in acetonitrile based on intramolecular charge transfer: D–(π–A)2-type pyridine–boron trifluoride complex

A D–(π–A)2-type pyridine–boron trifluoride complex composed of a carbazole skeleton and two pyridine–boron trifluoride units was designed and developed as a colorimetric and fluorescent sensor based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) for the detection of water over a wide range from low water content to high water content in solvents.