Auto-reusable receptors for selective colorimetric recognition of fluoride

Abstract

Two new aliphatic oximes featuring additional pyridyl functionality are reported as highly selective colorimetric receptors for fluoride ion recognition. H-bonding mediated binding of fluoride ion to both the receptors are reasonably labile and the fluoride free receptor species are automatically regenerated after a short interval. This allows reuse of both the receptors for colorimetric fluoride recognition upto three cycles without any need for reactivation.