A fluorescent acrylamide-type monomer bearing an environment-sensitive methoxybenzocoumarin structure for the development of functional polymeric sensors

A new fluorescent acrylamide-type monomer bearing a hydrogen bonding- and polarity-sensitive benzocoumarin fluorophore was synthesized. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime of a model compound were measured in ten solvents with different hydrogen-bonding abilities and polarities to investigate the sensitivity of the fluorophore to the surrounding environment. These spectroscopic studies demonstrated that the fluorophore emits stronger fluorescence in more protic, polar environments. A fluorescent polymeric thermometer was prepared from N -isopropylacrylamide and the new fluorescent monomer, and it showed good functionality in aqueous solution ( e.g. , high sensitivity to temperature changes and high chemical stability), indicating the applicability of the herein developed fluorescent monomer for use in functional sensors. A new fluorescent acrylamide-type monomer bearing a hydrogen bonding- and polarity-sensitive benzocoumarin fluorophore was synthesized and applied for developing a fluorescent polymeric thermometer.