Chromogenic and fluorescent recognition of iodide with a benzimidazole-based tripodal receptor

A novel 1,3,5-substituted triethylbenzene derivative with a 2-aminobenzimidazole moiety as a binding and signaling subunit was synthesized. The sensor was tested in a buffered CH(3)CN/H(2)O (99:1, v/v) solution and found to be selective for iodide as demonstrated by the photophysical properties obtained through UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses.