Fluorescent Anthracene-based Anion Receptors

Abstract

A variety of amide-substituted anthracene derivates have been synthesised and their anion complexation properties studied using ¹H-NMR titration techniques. Additionally, bis-urea functionalised anthracene derivatives have been shown to serve as excellent receptors for oxo-anions and to function as sensors via fluorescence quenching in DMSO-d ₆ /0.5% water and MeCN/DMSO (96.5:3.5 v/v).

Keywords:

• Anion receptors
• Fluorescence
• Urea
• Crystallography

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the EPSRC for a DTA studentship (SJB) and the EPSRC together with Professor Mike Hursthouse for use of the crystallographic facilities at the University of Southampton. We would also like to thank Professor Mike Gore for the use of fluoroscene facilities at the school of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. CC would like to thank Regione Sardegna for a Master & Back grant.