A naked eye detection of fluoride with urea receptors which have both an azo group and a nitrophenyl group as a signaling group

Abstract

Anion recognition via hydrogen-bonding interactions could be monitored with changes in UV-vis absorption spectra and in some cases easily monitored with naked eye. Urea receptors 1 and 2 connected with both an azo group and a nitrophenyl group as a signaling group for color change proved to be an efficient naked eye receptor for the fluoride ion. The anion recognition phenomena of the receptors 1 and 2 via hydrogen-bonding interactions were investigated through UV-vis absorption and 1H NMR spectra.