A novel tripodal colorimetric and fluorescence “turn on” chemosensor for AcO− and F− anions in CH3CN

•A novel colorimetric and fluorescent sensor including Schiff base an L was synthesized.•L were characterized by using 1H, 13C, APT, COSY, FT-IR, elemental, Fluorescence and UV–vis data.•L showed highly selective and sensitive recognition toward AcO− and F− anions.

A novel chemosensor, 3′,3‴,3‴″-(((nitrilotris(ethane-2,1-diyl))tris(azanylylidene))tris(methanylylidene))tris(4-hydroxy-4′-biphenylcarbonitrile) (L) was synthesized and characterized by the combination of 1H,13C, APT, COSY NMR, FT-IR, and elemental analysis. The behavior of the receptor (L) toward different anions was investigated using UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The receptor (L) indicated an efficient colorimetric “naked-eye” and “turn on” fluorescent response for fluoride and acetate in CH3CN, respectively.

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