(E)-3-(meso-Octamethylcalix[4]pyrrol-2-yl)propenal: a versatile precursor for calix[4]pyrrole-based chromogenic anion sensors

The synthesis of (E)-3-(meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrol-2-yl)propenal and its use in Knoevenagel reactions are described. The resulting compounds display sharp changes in color in the presence of fluoride, acetate, and dihydrogen phosphate anions.