A selective chromogenic molecular sensor for acetate anions in a mixed acetonitrile–water medium

Abstract

Quinonehydrazone compound 2, as a new chromogenic anion sensor, can selectively detect AcO⁻ over F⁻ and other anions in mixed acetonitrile–water media. The deprotonation of the N–H proton of the sensor is responsible for the drastic color change. An acidic C–H group in the receptor, probably acting as an accessorial binding site, is essential to the selectivity and affinity for sensing the acetate anions.