Naked eye detection of fluoride and pyrophosphate with an anion receptor utilizing anthracene and nitrophenyl group as signaling group

New chromogenic receptor 2 utilizing anthracene and nitrophenyl group as signaling group was designed and synthesized. The receptor 2 utilizes amide N-H, amine N-H, and 9-anthracenyl hydrogen to bind anions. The receptor 2 binds anions through hydrogen bonds with a selectivity of CH3CO2- > H2PO4- > C6H5CO2- > HSO4- > ClO4- > NO3-. In addition, the receptor 2 proved to be an efficient naked eye detector for fluoride and pyrophosphate.