A naked-eye detection of fluoride with urea/thiourea receptors which have both a benzophenone group and a nitrophenyl group as a signalling group

Abstract

Two new colorimetric anion sensors have been synthesised where both a benzophenone group and a nitrophenyl group were used as signalling units and urea/thiourea moieties as binding sites. The receptors, effectively and selectively, recognised fluoride and carboxylate anions from other anions such as chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, hydrogen sulphate and nitrate in DMSO.