ICT-based Cu(II)-sensing 9,10-anthraquinonecalix[4]crown

A series of calix4]arene-based chromogenic sensors bearing the 9,10-anthraquinone moiety have been synthesized and examined for their abilities to recognize various cations such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, and Cu²⁺ by UV-vis spectroscopy. In acetonitrile, the presence of Cu²⁺ induces the formation of the 1:1 ligand/metal complex, which exhibits a new absorption band centered at 450 nm, and leads to an obvious color change from yellow to red.