Macrocyclic anthracene-anchored calix[4]arene as a sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for ytterbium ions

ABSTRACT

A novel anthracene anchored cone calix4]arene pyridine amide receptor C4PA was synthesized and characterized by combination of spectroscopic and spectrophotometric techniques. Ion binding properties of C4PA towards a series of metal cations were investigated by UV and fluorescence spectra. A remarkable increase for receptor C4PA in fluorescence intensity in the presence of trace amounts of Yb³⁺ was observed. C4PA showed “turn on” type fluorescence response toward Yb³⁺ with high selectivity and C4PA also retained its selectivity toward Yb³⁺ in the presence of most competing metal ions.