Size-Selective Detection of Picric Acid by Fluorescent Palladium Macrocycles

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of two palladium-based fluorescent macrocycles offering hydrogen-bonding cavities of contrasting dimensions. Both palladium macrocycles function as chemosensors for the detection of nitroaromatics, whereas the larger macrocycle not only illustrates nanomolar detection of picric acid but also transports its significant amount from an aqueous to an organic phase.