Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2025

Synthesis of pH Dependent Pyrazole, Imidazole, and Isoindolone Dipyrrinone Fluorophores using a Claisen-Schmidt Condensation Approach
Published on: June 10, 2021
An Imidazole-Based Triangular Macrocycle for Visual Detection of Formaldehyde
Min-Ya Yu1, Liang-Huan Xu1, Zhike Zhang2
1Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Highly selective detection of formaldehyde utilizing supramolecules has promising applications in both environmental monitoring and biomonitoring areas. Herein we present a new class of imidazole-based, coordination-driven, self-assembled triangular macrocycles with specific recognition of formaldehyde. The visible fluorescence change to the naked eye from yellow to green-yellow occurs via an unusual reversible hydroxymethylation reaction of imidazole, whereas the corresponding imidazole ligands show no fluorescence change. This study provides a new method for efficient formaldehyde detection by utilizing imidazole-based coordination supramolecules.
Related Concept Videos
Aryldiazonium Salts to Azo Dyes: Diazo Coupling
IR and UV–Vis Spectroscopy of Aldehydes and Ketones

