Tailoring an HSO4− anion hybrid receptor based on a phenazine derivative

Abstract

A catechol-functionalized phenazine imidazole (PD) was tailored with 2,3-diaminophenazine and 3,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde, and it served as a hybrid acceptor for capturing HSO₄⁻ anions. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PD receptor for anion sensing were studied. It was found that the PD receptor could not only display a preferable sensitivity to HSO₄⁻ ions with a “turn–off” fluorescence response, but also have a strong anti-interference ability toward other common anions, especially basic anions such as CH₃COO⁻, HPO₄²⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻. The anion recognition mechanism of PD towards HSO₄⁻ is based on multiple hydrogen bond interactions. Finally, the strips for anion detection were prepared, which were verified to be a convenient and high-efficiency test kit for detecting HSO₄⁻ ions with the naked eye.