Fluorescent Anthracene-based Anion Receptors

A variety of amide-substituted anthracene derivates have been synthesised and their anion complexation properties studied using 1H-NMR titration techniques. Additionally, bis-urea functionalised anthracene derivatives have been shown to serve as excellent receptors for oxo-anions and to function as sensors via fluorescence quenching in DMSO-d 6 /0.5% water and MeCN/DMSO (96.5:3.5 v/v).