A single chemosensor for multiple target anions: The simultaneous detection of CN− and OAc− in aqueous media

• An easy-to-make colorimetric and fluorescent sensor 1 for OAc− and CN− in aqueous solution was designed and synthesized.
• OAc− and CN− resulted in an instant color change of 1 from yellow to orange and colorless, respectively.
• The sensor has a good fluorescent selectivity to CN− in the presence of other anions.
• The detection limit of 1 for CN− is far below the WHO guidelines of drinking water.

A multifunctional fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor 1 (Z)-1-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol for the detection of both CN− and OAc− in aqueous solution has been developed. This sensor could simultaneously detect two anions through fluorogenic (CN−) and chromogenic (CN− and OAc−) methods. The sensor could function as a “turn-on” fluorescence receptor only to CN−. In addition, the sensor displayed an obvious color change from yellow to colorless upon selective binding with CN− through a nucleophilic addition mechanism. Moreover, the sensor also showed color change from yellow to orange upon deprotonation with OAc−. This is the first report that sensor 1 is able to detect simultaneously both CN− and OAc− by two different detection modes.

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