A novel acetate selective chromogenic chemosensor based on phenanthroline

► The synthesis process of 1 (1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarbonyl-p-nitrophenylhydrazine) is simple and easy. Thus, it made 1 in practical use possible. ► Compared with previous literature, chemosensor 1 containing chromophore, which made 'naked-eye' detection accessible. ► Chemosensor 1 can recognize acetate is of great importance, because acetate is an important biological molecule.