Metallacycle-cored fluorescent supramolecular polymer networks for the detection of acidic environments

Despite the challenges, supramolecular polymers (SPs) have received significant attention. In this study, pH-responsive fluorescent SPs were prepared by a bottom-up strategy. The rhombohedral metallacycle-cored supramolecular coordination complex (SCC) was first prepared by metal-ligand coordination between the 120° pyridinedione boron difluoride and the 60° crown ether-based platinum, which then interacted with ammonium salt-containing covalent polymers to form SP networks. These networks can potentially be used for the detection of organic acid solutions and inorganic acid vapours.