Supramolecular inclusion-assisted disruption of probe-solvent network

Abstract

The present communication reports the disruption of probe-solvent cluster formed by an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) prone molecular system and solvent water molecules because of the confinement of the probe within the cyclodextrin nano-cavity. The disruption results in a decrease in the fluorescence anisotropy of the probe compared to its value in the aqueous medium. This is absolutely contrasting to the normal increasing trend for the fluorescence anisotropies of other fluorophores in similar constrained environments. This work substantiates the formation of probe-solvent cluster in protic solvent and establishes the commanding role of hydrogen bonding in the solvation of the ESIPT probes.