Abstract: This work bridges cutting-edge aggregation-induced emission (AIE) research with undergraduate education by developing an 8-hour comprehensive chemistry experiment. The laboratory exercise encompasses the synthesis and characterization of quinazoline derivatives 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (HPQ) and 2-(2-(acetyl)phenyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (APQ), examination of HPQ’s AIE characteristics, and evaluation of APQ’s fluorescence response to amine vapors. The practical applications extend to invisible ink development and meat freshness detection. By demonstrating observable phenomena and real-world applications, this experiment effectively engages students’ research interests while systematically developing their synthetic skills, characterization techniques, and scientific reasoning abilities, thereby enhancing both professional competency and innovative capacity.

Key words: Aggregation-induced emission, Fluorescent probe, Amine vapor, Quinazoline derivative, Fluorescent sensing