The development of
anion sensors for selective detection of a specific
anion is a crucial research topic. We previously reported a selective
photo-induced colorimetric reaction of 1-methyl-3-(N-(1,8-naphthalimidyl)ethyl)imidazolium (MNEI) having a cationic receptor
in the presence of molecules having multiple carboxy groups, such
as succinate, citrate, and polyacrylate. However, the mechanism underlying
this reaction was not clarified. Here, we investigate the photo-induced
colorimetric reaction of N-[2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]-1,8-naphthalimide
(TENI), which has a different cationic receptor from MNEI and undergoes
the photo-induced colorimetric reaction, and its analogues to clarify
the reaction mechanism. The TENI analogues having substituents on
the naphthalene ring provide important evidence, suggesting that the
colorimetric chemical species were radical anions generated via photo-induced
electron transfer from carboxylate to the naphthalimide derivative.
The generation of the naphthalimide-based radical anion is verified
by 1H NMR and cyclic voltammetry analyses, and photo-reduction
of methylene blue is mediated by TENI. In addition, the role of the
cationic receptor for the photo-induced colorimetric reaction is investigated
with TENI analogues having different hydrophilic groups instead of
the trimethylammonium group. Interestingly, the photo-induced colorimetric
reaction is observed in a nonionic analogue having a polyethylene
glycol group, indicating that the colorimetric reaction does not require
a cationic receptor. On the other hand, we reveal that the trimethylammonium
group stabilizes the radical anion species. These generation and stabilization
phenomena of naphthalimide-based radical anion species will contribute
to the development of sophisticated detection systems specific for
carboxylate.