A simple thiourea based colorimetric sensor for cyanide anion

A simple and easily synthesized colorimetric anion sensor, based on a thiourea moiety as a binding subunit on a 1,2-cyclohexane backbone and a p-nitrophenyl group as a signaling unit, has been synthesized in a one step procedure. The selective sensing of anions, particularly cyanide, has been investigated in DMSO by UV-vis titration, ¹H NMR titration techniques and through ‘naked eye’ observation experiments.     

Fluoride-selective colorimetric sensor based on thiourea binding site and anthraquinone reporter

A structurally simple colorimetric sensor, N-4-nitrobenzene-N'-1'-anthraquinone-thiourea (1), for anions was synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, ESI mass and IR methods. In acetonitrile, the addition of F(-) changed 1 solution from colorless to yellow. In the presence of other anions such as CH(3)CO(2)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), HSO(4)(-) and Cl(-), however, the absorption spectrum of 1 was slightly red shifted with no obvious color changes observed. The association constants of anionic complexes followed the order of F(-)>CH(3)CO(2)(-)>H(2)PO(4)(-)>HSO(4)(-)>Cl(-)>Br(-), which was different from the order of anion basicity. AM1 calculation results indicated that the most stable configuration of 1 existed in the Z-E-conformation with a six-membered ring via intramolecular hydrogen bond. This made thiourea moiety of 1 in an unfavorable conformation to bond with oxygen-anionic substrates such as CH(3)CO(2)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-), thus leading to a high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of F(-).     

A C3-symmetric colorimetric anion sensor bearing hydrazone groups as binding sites

Tris-hydrazone (1) functioned as a colorimetric chemosensor for a variety of anions such as F(-), AcO(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-). The anion binding could be easily detected by naked-eye according to color changes. The high binding ability of the receptor 1 to anions was further investigated by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy in DMSO. The results of job plot of the receptor 1 with different anions demonstrated that the stoichiometry of the complex between 1 and F(-) was 1:1 (1:anion) and the stoichiometry of the other complexes studied was 1:3 (1:anion).     

A simple yet highly selective colorimetric sensor for cyanide anion in an aqueous environment

The nucleophilic nature of cyanide is used to create a simple, sensitive, and highly effective sensor, 2-(trifluoroacetylamino)anthraquinone (2-TFAQ), for the easy "naked-eye" detection of very low concentrations of cyanide in an aqueous environment.     

Fluoride anion sensing using colorimetric reagents containing binaphthyl moiety and urea binding site

Four 1,1′-binaphthalene based bis-urea derivatives bearing aryl groups at end-on nitrogen atoms IIIa–d were synthesized as potential sensor molecules. These receptors show characteristic UV-VIS spectral changes on complexation with anions and they exhibit selective recognition of F⁻ over other halide anions. Interaction of a fluoride anion with urea NH groups was confirmed by ¹H NMR data. The presence of an electron-withdrawing nitro group in N′-aryls (receptors IIIa and IIIb) appeared to be necessary for naked-eye colorimetric detection. These receptors show dramatic color change from light-yellow to orange (IIIa) or to orange-red (IIIb) in the presence of guest fluoride anions already at concentrations of 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³ of the receptor and host.     

Efficient and simple colorimetric fluoride ion sensor based on receptors having urea and thiourea binding sites

[structure: see text] Novel colorimetric receptors for selective fluoride ion sensing containing anthraquinone as chromogenic signaling subunit and urea (N,N' '-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-dioxo-1,2-anthracenediyl)bis[N'-phenyl])/thiourea (N,N' '-(9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dioxo-1,2-antrhacenediyl)bis[N-phenyl]) binding sites have been reported. These receptors have shown no affinity for other halide ions (Cl-, Br-, and I- ions). Well-defined color change in the visible region of the spectrum was observed upon addition of fluoride ion in DMSO/CH3CN solution of the receptors 1 and 2.     

Anion binding vs. deprotonation in colorimetric pyrrolylamidothiourea based anion sensors

A pyrrolylamidothiourea deprotonates in the presence of one equivalent of not only fluoride, but also acetate, benzoate or dihydrogen phosphate in DMSO solution with structural studies using synchrotron radiation confirming thiourea deprotonation in the solid state.     

A selective colorimetric anion sensor based on an amide group containing macrocycle

A new colorimetric anion sensor 4 allows for selective 'naked-eye' differentiation of F-, AcO- and H2PO4- with similar basicity.     

A simple and efficient colorimetric anion sensor based on a thiourea group in DMSO and DMSO-water and its real-life application

An efficient colorimetric sensor with a thiourea moiety as binding sites and p-nitrophenylhydrazine as a signaling unit has been synthesized by only one single-step procedure. Selectivity for anions with the distinct geometry (tetrahedral, trigonal planar and spherical) has been investigated in dry DMSO and even in DMSO/H(2)O (95:5, v/v) solutions through the naked-eye experiment, UV-vis titration and (1)H NMR titration techniques. In particular, the fluoride of toothpaste can be detected qualitatively by the sensor 1.     

A colorimetric tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole anion sensor

The interaction and colorimetric sensing properties of a tetrathiafulvalene substituted calix[4]pyrrole sensor with anions were investigated using ¹H NMR and absorption spectroscopic techniques. Visual color changes were observed upon addition of different anions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, CN⁻, and AcO⁻) to a solution of the sensor.     

Fluoride-responsive gelator and colorimetric sensor based on simple and easy-to-prepare cyano-substituted amide

A new and easy-to-prepare gelator based on cyano-substituted amide (BPNIA) was designed and synthesized. BPNIA could form thermoreversible gel in DMSO-H(2)O (v/v, 9?:?1) and ultrasound-stimulated gel in DMSO. FT-IR, UV-vis and XRD spectra indicated that the gelator molecules self-assemble into a fibrous network resulting from the cooperation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking and cyano interactions. BPNIA can act as a highly selective colorimetric sensor for fluoride in DMSO, overcoming the interference of H(2)PO(4)(-), AcO(-) and other halide anions. The deprotonation of the NH groups is responsible for the dramatic color change from colorless to yellow. Interestingly, the organogel of BPNIA could allow a two channel fluoride response by proton controlled reversible sol-gel transition and color changes.     

Efficient colorimetric fluoride anion chemosensors based-on simple naphthodipyrrolidone dyes

Two novel lactam-containing compounds based on simple naphthodipyrrolidones have been developed as colorimetric sensors for fluoride anion with high selectivity and sensitivity. The two compounds can selectively act with fluoride anion and exhibit the naked-eye visible color change from purple to blue, and the detection limit could reach the concentration as low as 3.0 × 10^?6 M. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance titrations reveal the happen of intermolecular proton transfer between the hydrogen atom on the lactam N and the fluoride anion. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the deprotonation can alleviate the distorted degree between the peripheral phenyl and the naphthodipyrrolidone core, and raise the frontier molecular orbital energy levels and decrease the band gap, rendering the protonated molecules a new more batho-chromic absorption band.     

A novel fluorescent and colorimetric anion sensor based on thiourea derivative in competitive media

A novel and simple fluorescent receptor bearing thiourea moiety as recognition site was described. The recognition behavior of the receptor toward different anions was investigated in DMSO/H(2)O (95:5 v/v) and dry DMSO through two various channels: the colorless-yellow color change and a remarkable enhancement of the fluorescence. And the enhancement of the fluorescence was attributed to an anion-induced increase of the rigidity of the host molecule.     

A high selective anion colorimetric sensor based on salicylaldehyde for fluoride in aqueous media

A new and simple salicylaldehyde-based sensor 1 designed for fluoride sensing has been investigated in DMSO and even in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O (v/v) mixtures. The affinity constants of receptor 1 for anionic species in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O (v/v) reveal that it is sensitive to F. Also, the color changes induced by anions can provide a way of detection by ‘naked-eye’. These result can be substantiated by the spectrum changes upon the addition of 25 equiv. anions to 1 in the 9/1 DMSO/H₂O solution. The further insights to the nature of interactions between the sensor 1 and F⁻ were investigated by ¹H NMR titration experiments in 9/1 DMSO-d₆/H₂O (v/v). In addition, the proposed binding mode between 1 and F⁻ was suggested.     

A simple naphthalene-based colorimetric sensor selective for acetate

A new naphthalene based receptor (L) has been designed and synthesized which shows a remarkable color change from colorless to pink on selective binding with acetate. The anion recognition property of the receptor via hydrogen bonding interactions is monitored by UV-vis, fluorescence, and ¹H NMR titrations. It is observed that in each case, the receptor shows a specific selectivity toward the acetate ion over other interfering anions. Thus, a significant bathochromic shift in UV-vis spectrum with a sharp pink color in ‘naked-eye’ makes the receptor suitable for the detection of the acetate ion.     

A novel colorimetric and fluorometric anion sensor based on BODIPY-calix[4]pyrrole conjugate

A novel fluorescent anion sensor 1 based on boradiazaindacenes (BODIPY) derivative was synthesized and its absorption and fluorescence properties were investigated in various solvents. 1 exhibited a red shift of absorption spectrum and fluorescence quenching in varying degree in the presence of F^?, AcO^?, H₂PO₄ ^? and Cl^? due to multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between these anions and calix[4]pyrrole receptor. As an anion sensor in the visible region, 1 displayed the similar selectivity and sensitivity toward anions compared to the parent calix[4]pyrrole. However, 1 can be used as an effective dual responsive optical sensor for F^? via chromogenical and fluorogenical signals.     

A colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor for pyrophosphate anion based on a dicyanomethylene-4H-chromene framework

A new red fluorescent sensor DCCP-Cu2+ based on dicyanomethylene-4H-chromene shows turn-on fluorescence with high selectivity for pyrophosphate over other anions.     

Ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric sensing of anion utilizing simple Schiff base derivatives

Two ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric anion sensors were designed and synthesized according to simple Schiff base reaction. Two compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by ESI–MS, elemental analyses and ¹H NMR. The sensors could give fast and visible color changes from yellow to red upon presence of the strong basic anions such as acetate ion. In particular, two compounds exhibited marked blue shifts (about 136 nm) in their emission spectra, when interacting with anions. Accordingly, the compounds 1 and 2 could act as real-time ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric sensors for anions.     

A simple colorimetric sensor for biologically important anions based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)

A sensitive colorimetric sensor (1) based on 4,5-dinitrobenzene-1,2-diamine was designed and synthesized. Binding of anions such as AcO⁻, F⁻ and results in a notable change in the visible region of spectrum (an approximately 90 nm red shift), which can be detected by the ‘naked-eye’. Furthermore, the binding ability was evaluated by UV–vis titration experiments as following: AcO⁻ > F⁻ >   Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻. The nature of the color change of 1 induced by AcO⁻ was due to the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) which was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure and ¹H NMR titration spectra.     

Fluorene-based Cu(II)-MOF: a visual colorimetric anion sensor and separator based on an anion-exchange approach

A new 2D Cu(II)-MOF generated from a fluorene-based ligand and Cu(NO(3))(2) was reported. It is an interesting visual colorimetric anion sensor. In addition, it can completely separate Cl(-)/Br(-), Br(-)/I(-) and SCN(-)/N(3)(-) anions under ambient conditions.