Novel emissive phenylurea-based macrocyclic chemosensor: Synthesis, fluorescent and complexation studies

► A new emissive macrocycle ligand bearing three phenylurea groups (L1) has been synthesized and characterised. ► The interaction with some metal ions and anions was explored in solution by UV-Vis and emission spectroscopy. ► For comparative purposes, the coordination ability of two chemosensors containing nitrophenylurea pendant-arms were studied.