Novel salicylic acid-oriented thiourea-type receptors as colorimetric chemosensor: Synthesis, characterizations and selective naked-eye recognition properties

Based on the salicylic acid backbone, three highly sensitive and selective colorimetric chemosensors with an acylthiourea binding unit have been designed, synthesized and characterized. These chemosensors have been utilized for selective recognition of fluoride anions in dry DMSO solution by typical spectroscopic titration techniques. Furthermore, the obtained chemosensors AR1–3 have shown naked-eye sensitivity for detection of biologically important fluoride ion over other anions in solution.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Receptors AR1–3 can be utilized as a colorimetric chemosensor for detection of F− anion.
► Receptors AR1–3 are novel salicylic acid-oriented thiourea-type receptors.
► Receptors AR1–3 showed excellent selectivity toward F− over the other competitive anions.