An Imidazole-Based Triangular Macrocycle for Visual Detection of Formaldehyde

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.