Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Preparation and Use of Carbonyl-decorated Carbenes in the Activation of White Phosphorus
Published on: October 3, 2014
Synthesis, fluorescence, and two-photon absorption of bidentate phosphane oxide derivatives: complexation with pb(2+)
Minh-Huong Ha-Thi1, Maël Penhoat, Delphine Drouin
1Laboratoire de Photophysique et Photochimie, Supramoléculaires et Macromoléculaires (CNRS UMR 8531), ENS-Cachan, 61 avenue du Président Wilson, 94235 Cachan Cedex (France).
Abstract:
A series of fluorescent phosphane oxide derivatives based on diphenylphosphanoethane (DPPE) and diphenylphosphanomethane (DPPM) skeletons has been prepared by means of Grignard reactions and Sonogashira cross-couplings. The photophysical properties and the linear and nonlinear spectra of these compounds have been investigated. An edge-to-face conformation resulting in the formation of an excimer was confirmed by fluorescence lifetime measurements of these multichromophoric derivatives. Upon complexation with heavy metal ions such as Pb2+ and Cd2+, a red shift of the one- and two-photon excitation spectra was observed in the absorption and emission spectra. Furthermore, enhancement of the electron-withdrawing character of the phosphane oxide resulted in a significant enhancement of the two-photon absorption cross-section, leading to the first biphotonic Cd2+ sensors combining high affinity for Cd2+, large two-photon absorption cross-sections, and significant enhancement of the two-photon excited fluorescence in the presence of the cation. Such derivatives are highly promising for incorporation into devices for the detection of heavy metal ions in water and effluents.
Related Concept Videos
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Photoluminescence: Applications
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
