Fluorescent Arylethynyl Hamilton Receptors for Barbiturate Sensing.

Barbiturates are common targets for molecular recognition in preorganized receptors due to complementary hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor interactions. Although many such receptors exhibit high selectivity and affinity for barbiturate guests, relatively few of these systems have desirable photophysical properties for sensing applications. Here, we report the synthesis, optoelectronic properties, and binding affinities of a suite of fluorescent arylethynyl Hamilton receptors. We also provide insights into the design principles required for efficient fluorogenic design of these systems to function as fluorescent barbiturate sensors.