Luminescent Dansyl-Calix[5]arene for the Recognition of Biogenic Amines

A luminescent calix[5]arene with a covalently linked dansyl chromophore substituent has been successfully used, both in solution and in the gas phase (ESI-MS), for the recognition of biogenic amines that contain linear alkylammonium structural unit. Binding constant values, determined by fluorescence spectroscopy, revealed a greater affinity for cadaverine, spermidine, and L-lysine, in which the terminal ammonium group allows for additional stabilizing interactions with the dansyl moiety.