Lithium responsive fluorophores derived from Monoaza-12-crown-4 and coumarin. The influence of a methoxy side-arm on photophysical properties

Abstract The syntheses of fluorescent macrocycles in which monoaza-12-crown-4 is attached through nitrogen to the 7-position of a coumarin are described. Complexation with the lithium ion in MeCN solution results in large hypsochromic shifts in absorption maxima. Li + binding shifts the fluorescence maximum to shorter wavelengths with an enhancement in intensity only if a methoxy side-arm is present.