A light-modulated chemosensor for methanol with ratiometry and colorimetry

A light-modulated chemosensor for methanol has been developed by using a photochromic spirophenanthoxazine as an indicator. In such a sensor, methanol can be detected easily by colorimetric recognition with high selectivity and anti-interference. Moreover, the concentration of indicator can be modulated and manipulated by light, which provides a simple way for the detection of methanol in a wide range of detectable limit that would be useful in different detection cases.