Acetate recognition by 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine

2,6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine, bbp, a simple tridentate ligand, is employed as a receptor for the recognition of anions. The binding of anionic guest species with bbp can be studied in short duration using UV/vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and 1H NMR techniques at very low concentrations. The results obtained from the above spectroscopic techniques indicate that 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine is an efficient anion receptor providing chemical shift and optical modification based signals for the detection of acetate ions.

2,6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine is shown to recognise different anions by UV–Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and 1H NMR techniques. Anion binding studies using 1H NMR revealed that this receptor exhibits high selectivity for acetate over bisulfate, perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
• 2,6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine, a simple tridentate ligand is utilized for selective recognition of acetate anion.
• The calculated association constant value is highest for acetate ion.
• Detection is performed at very low concentrations, rapidly and with high accuracy.
• Used simple techniques for binding studies like UV/vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy.