Highly selective fluorescent calix[4]arene chemosensor for acidic amino acids in pure aqueous media

A fluorescent chemosensor based on a calix[4]arene derivative conjugated with four thiophene-cyanoarylic acid groups at the upper rim displays high selectivity toward acidic amino acids in pure aqueous media through multiple H-bond interactions. The interactions of Asp/Glu with the chemosensor have been investigated by fluorescence and UV-Vis titrations, ESI-MS assay, 1H NMR spectra, and molecular modeling method.