Density functional theory study on a fluorescent chemosensor device of aza‐crown ether

Three derivatives of alkyl anthracene covalently bonded to aza‐18‐crown‐6 at the nitrogen position, anthracene(CH₂)_n, (n = 1–3) which act as an on–off fluorogenic photoswitch have been theoretically studied using a computational strategy based on density functional theory at B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) method. The fully optimized geometries have been performed with real frequencies which indicate the minima states. The binding energies, enthalpies and Gibbs free energies have been calculated for aza‐18‐crown‐6 ( L ) and their metal complexes. The natural bond orbital analysis is used to explore the interaction of host–guest molecules. The absorption spectra differences between L and their metal ligands, the excitation energies and absorption wavelength for their excited states have been studied by time‐dependent density functional theory with the basis set 6‐31 + G(d,p). These fluorescent sensors and switchers based on photoinduced electron transfer mechanism have been investigated. The PET process from aza‐crown ether to fluorophore can be suppressed or completely blocked by the entry of alkali metal cations into the aza‐crown ether‐based receptor. Such a suppression of the PET process means that fluorescence intensity is enhanced. The binding selectivity studies of the aza‐crown ether part of L indicate that the presence of the alkali metal cations Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ play an important role in determining the internal charge transfer and the fluorescence properties of the complexes. In addition, the solvent effect has been investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.