Benzimidazole-based ratiometric fluorescent receptor for selective recognition of acetate

A novel fluorescent receptor bearing benzimidazole moieties as recognition sites was synthesized. The recognition behaviour of the receptor towards various anions has been evaluated in CH3CN. The receptor showed ratiometric fluorescent changes only with CH3COO−, and it showed no significant response to any of other anions such as Cl−, Br−, I−, HSO4-, NO3-, C6H5COO− and H2PO4-.