An isoselective and visual inclusion host system using charge-transfer complexes of 3,3′-disubstituted-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol and methylviologen

A charge-transfer (CT) complex, composed of rac-3,3′-dibromo-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol as the electron donor and 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride as the electron acceptor, is formed only by the inclusion of specific guest molecules. The color of this inclusion CT complex is sensitive to the component guest molecules.