Triphenylene to supertriphenylene: New chemodosimeter for fluoride ions

Triphenylene derivative 7 having twelve OTBS groups has been synthesized via a Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling in excellent yield. It undergoes unprecedented irreversible cyclization to supertriphenylene 8 while carrying out the deprotection of OTBS groups using tetrabutylammonium fluoride and hence acts as highly selective chemodosimeter for F− ions. Further, the utility of TLC strip coated with derivative 7 for instant detection of fluoride ions in aqueous media has also been demonstrated.