Cu(II) complex of an abiotic receptor as highly selective fluorescent sensor for acetate

Copper complex of a flexible receptor has been synthesized which selectively binds OAc− over a series of other anions studied (F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OAc−, dl-malate, l-mandelate, benzoate, isophthalate, H2PO4-, NO3- and HSO4-) in CH3CN and in CH3CN-H2O (95:5 v/v).