Mercapto thiadiazole-based sensor with colorimetric specific selectivity for AcO− in aqueous solution

► We explored the interaction of 3 and AcO− by UV-vis spectroscopic methods and 1H NMR titration experiments. ► UV-vis spectrum revealed that receptor 3 is a single sensor in the recognition to AcO− anion selectively. ► The recognition was carried out in aqueous solution (H2O/DMSO, 5:5, v/v). ► The chromogenic single recognition to AcO− was realized in aqueous system.