A Cu2+-selective colorimetric-fluorometric sensor based on an anthracenyl-modified oxacalix[4]arene

Abstract

By integrating four anthracenyls onto an oxacalix[4]arene framework, a new type of colorimetric and “turn-on” fluorometric sensor AO has been designed and synthesized. The 1,3-alternate conformation of oxacalix[4]arene and four imine bonds form a tunable coordination pocket, which makes AO exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cu²⁺.