Thiourea based novel chromogenic sensor for selective detection of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic and aqueous media

Novel chromogenic thiourea based sensors 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl ether 1 and 4,4′-bis-[3-(4-nitrophenyl) thiourea] diphenyl methane 2 having nitrophenyl group as signaling unit have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. The both sensors show visual detection, UV–vis and NMR spectral changes in presence of fluoride and cyanide anions in organic solvent as well as in aqueous medium. The absorption spectra indicated the formation of complex between host and guest is in 1:2 stoichiometric ratios.