Efficient synthesis and anion recognition of a colorimetric preorganized tripodal thiourea compound

A preorganized colorimetric tripodal thiourea receptor was synthesized in high yield utilizing a thiol-ene reaction as a primary step. The interaction of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride anions was investigated using UV–vis. and ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration techniques. The binding stoichiometry of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate and acetate was found to be 1:2, and 1:1 with chloride and fluoride. The binding constants for the receptor and dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride were determined using HypNMR2008 and HypSpec.