A resorcinarene-based “turn-off” fluorescence sensor for 4-nitrotoluene: Insights from fluorescence and 1H NMR titration with computational approach

Abstract A new Tetra-Methoxy Resorcinarene-N-(2-ethyl) Phthalimide (TMRN2Ph) has been synthesized for the selective and sensitive recognition of 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT) among various nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) by using a spectrofluorimetric method. Strong quenching in the fluorescence intensity of TMRN2Ph was displayed upon the addition of 4-NT in the linear concentration range of 50 µM to 1 mM. The complexation between TMRN2Ph and 4-NT is supported by ESI-MS and 1 H NMR analysis. The complex of TMRN2Ph with 4-NT has been investigated by computational methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics to determine the binding interactions and conformational changes. The detection of 4-NT from a water sample has also been performed successfully.