New iridium complexes with two pre-organized urea groups and thiourea groups as phosphorescent chemosensors for H2PO4− and chiral carboxylates

•As a versitle platform for phosphorescent chemosensors, bis (benzylic amine) derivative 6 was synthesized.•A phosphorescent chemosensor 1 displayed a selective phosphorescence enhancement with H2PO4−.•A new iridium complex 2 is reported as a first chiral phosphorescent chemosensor for amino acids.

As a versatile platform for phosphorescent chemosensors, bis(benzylic amine) derivative 6 was synthesized. Two urea groups could be readily introduced for phosphorescent chemosensor 1. A preorganized binding pocket could induce a selective phosphorescence enhancement with H2PO4−. A new iridium complex 2 bearing two thiourea groups as well as glucopyranosyl chiral barriers is reported as a first chiral phosphorescent chemosensor for amino acids.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide