Malachite green/polyphosphate gel hybrid materials: Synthesis and optical properties

In this work were describe the synthesis of a new supramolecular hybrid material based on the incorporation of the dye malachite green in an aluminum polyphosphate gel network and theoretical calculations on the optical properties of the organic guest molecule based in semi-empirical (PM3, PM5 and INDO/S-CI) methods. The dye is incorporated in its unprotonated form within the host matrix, leading to greenish-blue transparent free-standing films. The optical properties of the entrapped dye are sensitive to chemical changes within the matrix caused either by gel aging or an external stimulus such as exposition to ammonia vapors that can percolate through the gel.