Triazole-modified calix[4]crown as a novel fluorescent on-off switchable chemosensor.

A novel fluorescent on-off switchable chemosensor 1 with two different types of cationic binding sites is synthesized, which is composed of a triazole-modified calix[4]crown in the 1,3-alternate conformation. Among 15 metal ions examined, the fluorescence of 1 was strongly quenched by Hg2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+; however, the revival of emission from the strongly quenched 1.Pb2+ complex was achievable by the addition of K+, Ba2+, or Zn2+ ions. Thus, metal ion exchange can trigger an on-off switchable fluorescent chemosensor.