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

Quinonehydrazone compound , 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.