Pyrophosphate selective recognition by a Zn2+ complex of a 2,2′-binaphthalene derivative bearing di(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl groups in aqueous solution

Abstract

We have synthesized a 2,2′-binaphthalene derivative 1 bearing di(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl groups at 8- and 8′-positions. The receptor 1 formed a dinuclear Zn²⁺ complex in aqueous solution. The complex 1·2Zn²⁺ can selectively recognize the biologically important pyrophosphate anion and characteristic responses in both UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies were observed.