Evaluation of a new calix[4]arene based molecular receptor for sensitive and selective recognition of F− and Cu2+ ions

Design and evaluation of a single molecular receptor for multiple analytes reveal that calix[4]arene based molecular receptor 4 shows a highly selective response towards Cu2+ and F− ions with detection limits of 0.5 µM and 0.7 µM respectively when examined through UV-vis, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Simultaneous binding studies on 4 towards metal ion and fluoride reveal that it exhibits a negative allosteric effect towards Cu2+/F−.