Metal ions and protons sensing properties of new fluorescent 4-N-methylpiperazine-1,8-naphthalimide terminated poly(propyleneamine) dendrimer

The synthesis of a new fluorescent poly(propylenamine) dendrimer from second generation, having eight 4-N-methylpiperazine-1,8-naphthalimide units in its periphery is described. The photophysical characteristics of the new dendrimer have been investigated in organic solvents of different polarity. The discussion reveals how different metal cations affect the dendrimer fluorescence. A possible mechanism of the photoinduced electron transfer occurring in the dendrimer molecule as result of the interaction between the ‘host’ dendrimer and the ‘guest’ metal ions has been suggested.