Pyrene azide 1

Pyrene is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon with strong short-wavelength fluorescence. Unlike other fluorescent dyes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons are fluorescent probes with strong sensitivity to microenvironment. Thus, its fluorescence is different in polar, and nonpolar environments. Other effects can also be observed. When two pyrenes are in close proximity, they form excimers. Excimer formation can be easily observed, and quantitatively estimated using fluorescent spectra. Pyrene azide is a reagent for easy pyrene Click Chemistry labeling of any alkyne-bearing molecule. It enables the turning of any molecule into pyrene-bearing probe. This azide contains hydrophilic triethyleneglycol linker to mitigate intrinsic pyrene hydrophobicity, and facilitate attachment to biomolecules in aqueous solutions.